On Thursday, the House of Representatives successfully passed a bill to establish the South West Development Commission.
This development was announced in a statement issued by the Southwest Caucus of the House of Representatives, which highlighted that the bill aims to tackle critical infrastructural, ecological, and developmental challenges in the Southwest region of Nigeria.
The next step for the bill is to be transmitted to the Senate for concurrence.
The Southwest Caucus expressed its pleasure over the successful passage of the “Bill for an Act to Establish the South West Development Commission (HB.283)” by the House of Representatives on June 6, 2024.
The bill is designed to address the pressing infrastructural, ecological, and developmental issues in the Southwest, and it will now proceed to the Senate for further approval.
James Faleke, Chairman of the Southwest Caucus, expressed his gratitude to his colleagues for their overwhelming support of the bill.
He noted that the bill represents a collective and multipartisan effort by all House members from the Southwest states, underscoring their shared commitment to addressing the region’s unique challenges and ensuring sustainable development.
The statement also included comments from Hon. Taofeek Ajilesoro, Secretary of the Southwest Caucus, who highlighted the broad support the bill received during deliberations.
He praised the House for recognizing the urgent need to reconstruct and rehabilitate infrastructural damages and address various environmental and developmental issues in the Southwest.
Rt. Hon. Dr. Adewummi Oriyomi Onanuga, Deputy Chief Whip and Leader of the Southwest Caucus, added that establishing the South West Development Commission is a crucial step toward equitable development.
She emphasized that the commission will provide the necessary framework to address the infrastructural deficits and environmental challenges that have long impeded the region’s progress.
The statement detailed that the bill underwent thorough examination and robust debate.
All 33 clauses of the bill were voted on and approved, reflecting the House’s commitment to addressing the unique needs of the Southwest region.
The passage of this bill represents a significant step towards equitable development across Nigeria.
The Southwest Caucus remains hopeful for a swift concurrence by the Senate, enabling the bill to be enacted into law and allowing the commission to commence its vital work in transforming the Southwest region.
