The Nigerian Senate on Thursday resumed discussions on the South-South Development Commission Bill, which had previously been suspended in July. The bill successfully passed its second reading during the plenary session.
South-South lawmakers argued for the bill’s reconsideration, citing the principle of fairness, and highlighted its potential to focus on regional development rather than resource management, differentiating it from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and a lawmaker from Kogi State suggested that other oil-producing states could be included in the NDDC, proposing a name change to accommodate more states.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the bill to a voice vote, with the majority of senators expressing their support. The bill has now been referred to the Committee on Special Duties, which is expected to report back within one week.
In addition, the Senate passed for second reading a bill to establish the Police Service Commission Training Institute. The institute would serve as a center for the administration and management of the commission’s training programs, focusing on improving the oversight functions of the Nigerian Police. This bill was sponsored by Senator Abdulhamid Malam-Madari Ahmad, representing Jigawa East Senatorial District.
REPORTER: MARIAM ZAKARI, ADBN NEWS
