The House of Representatives has commenced moves to amend the South-South Development Commission (Establishment) Act 2025, to strengthen the Commission’s financial base and enhance its capacity to discharge its developmental mandate across the South-South region effectively.
This is as the House held a one day public hearing with stakeholders on a bill seeking to amend the act establishing the commission, in Abuja.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Mr. Tajudeen Abbas said that “the Bill before the House seeks to strengthen the financial framework of the South-South Development Commission by introducing additional statutory sources of funding to support the Commission in the effective discharge of its mandate.”
“The objective is to provide the Commission with a funding structure comparable to those of other regional development commissions, thereby enhancing its capacity to address the developmental priorities of the South-South region,” Mr. Abbas said.
He noted that the establishment of the South-South Development Commission marked an important legislative milestone.
The Speaker said; “It reflected our collective recognition of the strategic importance of the South-South geopolitical zone to Nigeria’s economic prosperity and national development. The region has, for decades, remained the backbone of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, contributing immensely to national revenue and economic growth. Yet, it continues to grapple with significant environmental degradation, infrastructure deficits, ecological challenges, youth unemployment, and other socio-economic concerns that demand coordinated and sustained intervention.
“Institutions established to address these challenges cannot succeed without adequate capacity and sustainable funding. It is therefore understandable that proposals aimed at strengthening the Commission’s financial base continue to generate considerable public interest. Nevertheless, every proposal that imposes new financial obligations or alters existing statutory arrangements must be subjected to rigorous legislative scrutiny to ensure that it is equitable, fiscally responsible, transparent, sustainable, and ultimately in the best interest of the Nigerian people.”
The Chairman, House Of Representatives Committee On South-south Development Commission, Mr. Julius Gbabojor Pondi said that the engagement is convened pursuant to the constitutional mandate of the House of Representatives to make laws for the peace, order, and good governance of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Mr Pondi said; “This Hearing also underscores the National Assembly’s commitment to a legislative process that is transparent, participatory, and responsive to the aspirations and concerns of the Nigerian people. Public Hearings such as this provide a valuable platform for stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to the formulation of laws and public policies that affect their interests and to the development of our country.”
He also contended that while the South-South region contributes a substantial proportion of the resources accruing to the Federation, the Commission presently operates within a comparatively limited funding structure.
The lawmaker advised that the Public Hearing is not intended to endorse predetermined conclusions but designed to provide an open, objective, and constructive forum for dialogue.
“The Committee is particularly interested in receiving informed perspectives on the necessity of the proposed amendment, the sustainability of the proposed funding framework, and any recommendations that may further strengthen the objectives of the Bill.
” I therefore urge all participants to approach today’s proceedings with candour, patriotism, and a shared commitment to advancing the South-South region and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I assure you that every submission made before this Committee, whether oral or written, will be accorded the attention and consideration it deserves in the course of our deliberations and in the formulation of our recommendations to the House,” he added.
Stakeholders at the meeting made submissions and commended the House on the move.
