Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has called for urgent and coordinated action to address the pressing issues of insecurity, poverty, and infrastructural decay in the North-West region of Nigeria.
Speaking at the inauguration of the House Committee on the North-West Development Commission at the National Assembly, Abbas emphasized the need for decisive intervention to prevent further deterioration in the region.
“For too long, the North-West has faced systemic neglect, worsening insecurity, and economic decline. This Commission must be the catalyst for real, measurable change,” he said.
Abbas urged the NWDC to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment and develop a 10-year strategic plan supported by innovative financing mechanisms, including public-private partnerships and development bonds, to ensure sustainability. He lamented the devastating impact of insecurity, particularly on industries such as the textile sector in Kaduna and Kano, which have nearly collapsed due to violence and policy failures.
“Banditry and rural violence have crippled agricultural production, displaced thousands, and forced children out of school. These are existential threats to the region’s survival,” he warned.
The Speaker commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing regional development through initiatives such as the National Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy and the National Livestock Transformation Plan. He noted that these efforts have increased livestock production by 5% annually over the past two years, benefiting over 1.5 million households. Abbas also praised the President’s commitment to decentralization, citing local government autonomy and electricity distribution reforms as essential steps toward empowering communities.
“The establishment of a Ministry for Regional Development and the President’s swift assent to the Regional Development Bills show his resolve. Now, it is time for this Commission to translate policy into action,” he stated.
Abbas called on the newly inaugurated House Committee to ensure the NWDC delivers on its mandate without political interference or mismanagement, emphasizing that the region’s development is a national imperative.
“A prosperous North-West means a stronger Nigeria. This is a call to action for all stakeholders—state governments, traditional rulers, civil society, and the private sector. We must act now,” he urged.
Chairman of the House Committee on the NWDC, Hon. Gumi, pledged a transparent and results-driven approach to tackling the region’s insecurity, economic stagnation, and infrastructure deficit.
“This is not just the inauguration of a committee; it is a day filled with hope and renewed determination. Our people have endured hardship for too long, but today marks a new chapter,” he said.
Gumi outlined the Committee’s broad mandate, which includes monitoring NWDC activities, engaging with development partners, and collaborating with the private sector to drive rehabilitation, resettlement, and growth across the seven states of the North-West—Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara. He emphasized that security is at the core of the Commission’s mandate, noting that sustainable development cannot be achieved in a region plagued by banditry, kidnapping, and economic downturns.
“We bear a duty to ensure that this Commission does not become another failed intervention but a model of efficiency, accountability, and impact,” he said.
Gumi vowed to ensure NWDC initiatives are people-driven, inclusive, and transparent. “The success of the NWDC depends on appointing leaders of integrity, competence, and innovation,” he stressed. To achieve this, he pledged robust oversight visits to NWDC projects, budgetary alignment with regional priorities, partnerships with international organizations and private sector stakeholders, and a quarterly review mechanism to monitor progress and recalibrate strategies. He also emphasized learning from other regional development commissions to avoid inefficiencies and policy missteps.
Unveiling a proposed work plan, Gumi highlighted key focus areas, including youth empowerment, infrastructural development, security improvement, and leveraging the region’s agricultural and commercial potential for sustainable growth.
“It is not enough to have policies on paper; we must ensure they translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives,” he said.
Gumi called on federal and state governments, traditional leaders, civil society, and the private sector to collaborate in ensuring the NWDC fulfills its mandate.
“With unity, dedication, and shared purpose, we will address challenges, seize opportunities, and create lasting change. Together, we will lay the foundation for a prosperous and thriving North-West,” he concluded.
Gumi further elaborated on the Committee’s vision, stressing the importance of inclusivity and community engagement in the NWDC’s operations. He emphasized that the success of the Commission would depend on its ability to listen to the voices of the people it serves, particularly those in rural and marginalized communities.
“We must ensure that every stakeholder, from the farmer in Zamfara to the trader in Kano, feels represented and heard. Development cannot be imposed from above; it must be built from the ground up,” he said.
To this end, Gumi announced plans to hold town hall meetings across the seven states of the North-West to gather input from local communities. These consultations, he explained, would help shape the Commission’s priorities and ensure that its projects address the most pressing needs of the people.
“The NWDC must be a people-centered institution. We will not only build roads and schools but also empower communities to take ownership of their development,” he added.
Gumi also highlighted the importance of leveraging technology and innovation to drive the region’s growth. He proposed the establishment of innovation hubs and vocational training centers to equip young people with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing economy.
“The North-West is rich in human capital, but we must invest in our youth to unlock their potential. By providing them with education, skills, and opportunities, we can transform the region into a hub of innovation and productivity,” he said.
The Chairman reiterated the Committee’s commitment to transparency and accountability, promising regular updates on the NWDC’s activities and progress. He announced the creation of a dedicated website and social media platforms where citizens can track projects, report issues, and provide feedback.
“We will not operate in secrecy. The people of the North-West deserve to know how their resources are being used and what results are being achieved. Transparency will be the cornerstone of our work,” he declared.
Gumi also called for stronger collaboration between the federal and state governments, noting that the challenges facing the North-West require a unified approach. He urged state governors to align their development agendas with the NWDC’s strategic plan and to provide the necessary support for its implementation.
“This is not a federal project alone; it is a collective effort. State governments must play their part by creating an enabling environment for the Commission’s initiatives to succeed,” he said.
In his closing remarks, Gumi expressed optimism about the future of the North-West, stating that the region’s challenges, while daunting, are not insurmountable. He called on all stakeholders to remain steadfast in their commitment to the region’s development.
“The road ahead will not be easy, but with determination, unity, and a shared vision, we can overcome any obstacle. Let us work together to build a North-West that is secure, prosperous, and inclusive—a region that future generations will be proud to call home,” he concluded.
The event concluded with a sense of renewed hope and determination among attendees, who pledged their support for the NWDC’s mission. As the Committee begins its work, the people of the North-West await the tangible changes that this new initiative promises to bring to their lives and communities.
