The Senate has reopened discussions on the bill to establish the South-South Development Commission, after previously suspending it in July due to opposition from a majority of senators. However, during a recent session, lawmakers argued that every region deserves its own commission, citing the saying, “What is good for the goose is good for the gander.”
Sponsored by Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South), the bill faced resistance earlier for duplicating the functions of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). However, support is now growing among senators who argue that the proposed commission would focus on development rather than being resource-based like the NDDC.
Some lawmakers, including Sen. Karimi from Kogi West, proposed that oil-producing states like Kogi should be included under the NDDC’s jurisdiction. The deputy Senate President even suggested changing the NDDC’s name to cover additional oil-producing states like Bauchi and Kogi.
The bill has been sent to the Senate Committee on Special Duties for further review, with a report expected within a week.
