The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has called for immediate and coordinated efforts to tackle insecurity and poverty in Nigeria’s North-West region. Speaking at the inauguration of the House Committee on the North-West Development Commission (NWDC) at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, Abbas stressed that the region had long suffered from systemic neglect, worsening insecurity, and economic decline.
“For too long, the North-West has faced systemic neglect, worsening insecurity, and economic decline. The time for half-measures is over. This commission must be the catalyst for real, measurable change,” he said.
He lamented the impact of banditry and rural violence on agriculture, displacement, and education in the region. “Banditry and rural violence have crippled agricultural production, driven thousands from their homes, and forced children out of school. These are not abstract problems—they are existential threats to the region’s survival,” he added.
Abbas commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritizing regional development through policies such as the National Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy and the National Livestock Transformation Plan. He noted that the establishment of a Ministry for Regional Development and the President’s swift assent to the Regional Development Bills demonstrated Tinubu’s commitment to addressing these challenges.
“The establishment of a Ministry for Regional Development and the President’s swift assent to the Regional Development Bills are clear indications of his resolve to address these challenges. Now, it is time for this Commission to translate policy into action,” he said.
He urged the newly inaugurated committee to ensure that the NWDC delivers on its mandate, warning against political interference and mismanagement.
“A prosperous North-West means a stronger Nigeria. This is a call to action, not just for the Commission but for all stakeholders—state governments, traditional rulers, civil society, and the private sector. We must act now, before the situation worsens,” Abbas stressed.
The Chairman of the House Committee on the North-West Development Commission, Sulaiman Gumi, assured that the committee is committed to addressing the region’s challenges.
“This is not just the inauguration of a committee; it is a day filled with hope and renewed determination,” Gumi said.
He emphasized the need for action, stating, “For too long, our people have endured hardship, yet remained resilient. Today marks the beginning of a new chapter—one where we take decisive action to transform the North-West.”
Gumi outlined the committee’s priorities, which include monitoring and coordinating the NWDC’s activities, engaging with development partners, and collaborating with the private sector to drive rehabilitation and resettlement efforts in the region.
“The establishment of the NWDC is a monumental step toward addressing the underlying causes of insecurity and socio-economic challenges in the North-West,” he said.
He vowed that the commission would not become another failed intervention, saying, “We bear a sacred duty to ensure that this commission does not become another failed intervention but rather a model of efficiency, accountability, and impact.”
Gumi also stressed the importance of leadership integrity in achieving the commission’s objectives.
“The success of the NWDC depends on appointing leaders of integrity, competence, and innovation to steer its activities,” he added.
To ensure the commission’s effectiveness, Gumi said the committee would conduct oversight visits to NWDC projects and ensure that its budget aligns with regional development goals.
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