The Senate has passed a bill for a second reading that proposes the establishment of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), reversing an earlier rejection from several months ago. Previously, federal lawmakers had contested the bill, arguing that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) already addresses many of the SSDC’s intended functions.

Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC Cross River South), the bill’s sponsor, along with Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP Bayelsa West), successfully persuaded their colleagues during the debate. Dickson clarified that the NDDC is primarily a resource-based commission focused on combating environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in oil-producing states, rather than a zonal development commission like the SSDC is designed to be.

He further elaborated that the NDDC serves states across the South-South, South-East, and South-West regions, whereas the SSDC would specifically concentrate on the South-South geopolitical zone. In light of the widespread support from senators, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Special Duties, asking for a report within one week.

Additionally, during the same session, the Senate passed amendments for a second reading concerning the North-West and South-East Development Commission Acts. Senate leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele noted that these amendments aim to ensure geopolitical representation on the governing boards of the commissions and to prevent the chairman and managing director from being appointed from the same state. The proposed changes will also require Senate confirmation for appointments, in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution.

Senate President Akpabio underscored the importance of these amendments for the effective functioning of the commissions across different geopolitical zones.