Senator Austin Akobundu, representing Abia Central at the National Assembly, lent his support to the creation of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) bill during the plenary session’s third order of the day. The bill aims to address the environmental and health challenges caused by over six decades of oil exploration and exploitation, which have severely impacted the soil, air quality, and ecosystem of the southern region.
The SSDC, once established, will be responsible for managing funds from the Federation Account Allocation, along with other sources such as donations, grants, and aid. Its primary mandate will include the integration and development of the region, addressing infrastructure deficits, resolving communal crises, combating militancy, and tackling ecological and environmental issues.
During the debate on the bill, Senator Akobundu highlighted that the proposed commission is crucial to the developmental goals of the South-South region. He added that despite being one of Nigeria’s most resource-rich areas, the region continues to suffer from persistent poverty, underdevelopment, and environmental degradation.
With the South-East and South-West having their dedicated development commissions, the Senator noted that this arrangement has diluted the focus and resources of the NDDC, making it less effective in addressing peculiar challenges of the South-South.
While speaking, the Distinguished Lawmaker said,
“In the Army, I recall some years back as a Major, I was in charge of Project Implementation and Monitoring in Rivers State and I came face to face with the huge challenges of development, especially in the infrastructural sector that the region faced, and still faces. One key aspect of it is the cost of construction. It is very expensive to construct roads and other projects. This is where the NDDC comes in, as many states do not benefit from the commission. Based on the facts, I stand wholeheartedly to support this bill, which will deepen development and spread it equitably.”
The bill successfully passed its first reading and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Special Duties, which is expected to provide its report within one week.