The upper legislative chamber has successfully passed the South West Development Bill for a third reading, following a report presented by Kaka Shehu Lawan, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Special Duties.
He said, “If the commission is established through presidential assent, it will like other development-driven commissions receive funds from the federation account, donations from development partners, etc, to address infrastructural deficits and tackle ecological problems in the region”.
The bill, which was read for the second time in February 2024, will oversee the management of funds allocated by the Federal Government for capital projects in the South West region.
Additionally, it is tasked with receiving and managing funds designated for the construction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of roads, houses, and other infrastructure affected by damage in the region.
The commission will also address ecological issues and other related environmental or developmental challenges to promote the socioeconomic development of the South West states.