While the NDDC addresses the Niger Delta oil producing region in a broad sense, the South-South Development Commission will hone in on the specific developmental, economic, and ecological challenges facing the South South.
The senate has passed for second reading, a bill seeking to establish the South-South Development Commission.
The commission, when established, will be saddled with the responsibility to receive and manage funds from the federation account allocation and other sources, donations, grants, aids for the integration, development, resolution of infrastructural deficits, mini, communal crisis as well as tackle ecological, environmental problems
OrderPaper recalls that the bill was previously suspended in July on grounds that the bill is a duplication of the functions of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) which already takes care of the objectives of the proposed piece of legislation.
The bill was however reintroduced during Thursday’s plenary and co-sponsored by all senators from the south-south region which includes – Senators Godswill Akpabio, Ekong Sampson, Aniekan Bassey, Benson Agadaga, Benson Konbowei, Seriake Dickson, Agom Jarigbe, Eteng Jonah, Ede Dafinone, Joel Onowakpo, Chinedu Nwoko, Neda Imasuen, Monday Okpebholo, Adams Oshiomhole, Allwell Onyesoh, Harry Banigo, Barinada Mpigi.
Leading the debate on the general principles of the bill, Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South) noted that the commission will be charged with the responsibility to receive and manage funds that will be channelled towards addressing the critical issues facing the south-south, a body specifically designed to cater to the peculiar needs, challenges and aspirations of the states within the geopolitical zone comprising Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers states.
According to him some of the needs include, “Resolving infrastructural deficits that have plagued our region for decades, hindering development and economic growth.
“Combating militancy and communal crises, which have not only destabilised local economies but also tarnished the image of our region nationally and internationally.
“Addressing ecological and environmental degradation caused by decades of oil exploration, leaving our lands desolate, our waters polluted, and our people suffering from adverse health effects.
“Promoting economic integration and creating a blueprint for sustainable development across the region.”
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He stressed that the bill is a lifeline for the millions of people in the south-south who, despite living in one of the most resource-rich regions of the nation, continue to face persistent underdevelopment, poverty, and environmental disasters.
He said: “Now, some may ask, isn’t the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) already fulfilling these functions? Mr. President, Distinguished colleagues, I will provide some explanations for why the proposed South-South Development Commission is distinct and necessary.
“The NDDC is a multi regional body that includes states such as Abia and Imo from the South-East region, and Ondo State from the South-West region. However, both of these regions now have their own dedicated development commissions, the South-East Development Commission which includes Abia and Imo, and the South-West Development Commission which includes Ondo.
“This arrangement has diluted the focus and resources of the NDDC, making it less effective in addressing the peculiar challenges of the south-south. We need a commission that is exclusively dedicated to our region, that understands our unique issues, and can craft tailored solutions for them.
“Another distinction lies in the way funds are allocated. The NDDC allocates resources to member states based on the quantum of oil production in each state. While oil production remains crucial, it has led to unequal development, where states with higher oil output rightly receive a disproportionate share of resources, leaving others behind,” he added.
Asuquo noted that the proposed commission will be funded on the principle of equality among the member states, ensuring that every state whether a top oil producer or not receives its fair share of resources for development.
He said the new funding structure will focus on regional development, not just oil revenue, and will include other streams of funding such as federal allocations, international grants, and developmental partnerships.
In his contribution, Sen. Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West) said the south-south needs their own commission because crude oil, a mainstay of Nigeria’s economy, is obtained from there. “South-south they work on the altar and they must be fed at the altar. I fully support this bill,” Karimi said.
On his part, the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin suggested that the name NDDC be altered to include other states that produce oil like Bauchi and Kogi.
He also argued that since all geo-political zones are having their own commission, it is only right the south-south has. “I support this bill because I believe what is good for the goose is good for the gander. The Niger Delta area has the NDDC. It was created to try to mitigate environmental challenges and it is not restricted to the south-south alone. When this is passed, we will have to look at NDDC to change its name to oil producing states or something.”
The bill passed second reading after the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio put it to a voice vote.
The bill was thereafter referred to the committee on special duties to report back within one week.
