Bill To Establish South-South Development Commission Passess second reading

A Bill for an Act to establish the South-South Development Commission, 2024, (SB 358) on Thursday passed Second Reading at the Nigerian Senate.

Debating on the Bill sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong representing Cross River South Senatorial District, senators agreed that there is the need for the creation of South-South Development Commission instead of the existence of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

During the debate, Senator Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District argued that the NDDC is a resource-based commission which also caters for states like Abia, Imo and Ondo states that are not part of the South-South region.

Also, other senators who spoke in favour of the Bill, agreed with the argument of Senator Dickson, hence, the Bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Special Duties.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jubrin Barau, further argued that the name of the NDDC be changed and its act revisited to allow for the integration of other oil producing states across the country including Kogi, Gombe, Ogun and Lagos states.