The Nigerian Senate has resumed discussions on the bill to establish the South-South Development Commission, which was previously suspended in July 2024 after a majority of senators voted against it.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South, seeks to create a commission focused on the development of the South-South region.
Initially, many lawmakers opposed the bill, arguing that it would duplicate the functions of the Niger Delta Development Commission, which already serves similar objectives.
However, during Thursday’s session, the phrase “What is good for the goose is good for the gander” became the theme as lawmakers began to push for the bill’s reconsideration. They argued that each region of the country deserves its own commission, just like other zones.
Senator Ekpenyong defended the bill, stating that the proposed commission would focus on development rather than being resource-based like the NDDC. His position has now gained support from nearly 10 senators, who believe that the commission could bring much-needed progress to the South-South region.
On the other hand, Senator Karimi, representing Kogi West, raised concerns that Kogi State, which also produces oil, should be included as part of the NDDC. He argued that if the NDDC covers oil-producing states, Kogi deserves to be part of it.
The Deputy Senate President suggested that the name of the NDDC could be changed to include other oil-producing states like Bauchi and Kogi. This proposal is also gaining traction among some lawmakers.
The bill has now been referred to the Senate Committee on Special Duties, which has been tasked with reviewing it and reporting back within one week.
