Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has directed the newly established North West Development Commission (NWDC) to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment of the region as it begins operations.
Speaking at the inauguration of the House Committee on North West Development Commission on Wednesday, at the National Assembly, Speaker Abbas emphasized the need for the NWDC to explore multiple funding sources to effectively fulfill its mandate.
“As someone from the North-West and a legislator privileged to champion the House version of the bill, that led to the establishment of the NWDC, this occasion holds deep personal significance,” he stated.
He described the moment as a significant milestone in efforts to address the region’s unique challenges and maximize its potential.
Speaker Abbas highlighted the economic and social importance of the North-West, which is home to over 47 million Nigerians and has historically been a center for agriculture and industry.
However, he lamented that the region has suffered from insecurity, environmental degradation, and neglect, leading to the decline of key industries like Kaduna and Kano’s textile sector, which once employed over 500,000 workers, but now has fewer than 20,000.
He called on the NWDC to develop a 10-year strategic plan with measurable goals and actionable strategies to attract investment, mobilize resources, and ensure accountability.
“The NWDC is tasked with a mission of monumental importance,” Abbas said. “A comprehensive needs assessment must be conducted to identify priority areas for intervention.”
To ensure effective interventions, Abbas urged the commission to adopt a multi-stakeholder approach, engage state governments, traditional institutions, civil society, and the private sector.
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He also called for innovative financing models, such as public-private partnerships and development bonds, to supplement government funding.
“This is a time for bold ideas and decisive action,” he added.
Speaker Abbas praised President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to regional development, citing his approval of a Ministry of Regional Development and the signing of key regional development bills.
He also commended the administration’s reforms, including granting local government autonomy and amending the Electricity Act to empower regions.
The newly inaugurated House Committee on NWDC, chaired by Rep. Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi, will oversee the commission’s operations.
