Abuja, FCT | Tuesday, July 22, 2025 – The House of Representatives has inaugurated its Standing Committees on the South-South, South-West, and North-Central Development Commissions, completing the oversight framework for all six geo-political Regional Development Commissions across the country.
The inauguration, held at the National Assembly Complex and presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, CFR, on behalf of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, marks a major milestone in the 10th Assembly’s drive to advance equitable development through robust regional oversight.
Speaker Abbas affirmed that the Commissions are not symbolic but are established to serve as direct links between local realities and national policy. He called on the Committees to maintain strong oversight, champion responsive legislation, and ensure accountability by implementing agencies.
“Let me begin by reaffirming that the 10th House stands ready to provide full backing to all regional development commissions across the six geopolitical zones. These Commissions were not created for decoration and they are expected to function as active bridges between local realities and national policy.
The inauguration we are witnessing today signals the beginning of serious work that must translate into practical gains. We expect these Committees to maintain strong oversight, propose responsive legislation, and hold the implementing agencies accountable for results,” he added.
Rep. Julius Pondi, Chair of the South-South Development Commission Committee, described the inauguration as a renewed commitment to transparency, accountability, and progress for the region.
“We are resolute in our mandate to provide vigorous legislative oversight, ensure transparency and accountability, and champion the strategic visioning necessary to actualise the Commission’s mission. We shall scrutinise budgets, evaluate policies, track project implementation, and facilitate meaningful collaboration across all levels of government, private stakeholders, and development partners,” he declared.
In separate remarks, Rep. Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi and Rep. Raheem Tunji Olawuyi, Chairmen of the South-West and North-Central Committees, pledged to justify the confidence of the House and ensure that development initiatives are efficient, inclusive, and impactful.
“We will establish mechanisms to track project implementation, ensuring that funds allocated for development initiatives are used judiciously and impactfully,” Rep. Adeyemi remarked.
Rep. Olawuyi added, “Though our mandates may be region-specific, our goals are nationally aligned: to build a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria where every zone can thrive.”
Tuesday’s inauguration ceremony was well attended by Principal Officers of the House of Representatives led by Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, CON, Honourable Members of the House from all zones and political affiliations, signaling broad bipartisan support for this strategic legislative framework, Representatives of the Governors of Delta and Akwa Ibom States, Chairpersons and Management of the various Development Commissions, Members of Civil Society and the Media and other guests.
The North-East Development Commission was established in 2017. However, the North-West, North-Central, South-East, South-South, and South-West Commissions were established during the current 10th Assembly, working closely with the Executive under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who assented to each enabling bill.
With today’s inauguration, all six oversight Committees are now fully operational. The Regional Development Commissions aim to address the unique socio-economic, environmental, and infrastructural challenges of each zone, ensuring development is locally informed and nationally aligned.
The bipartisan turnout at the event reflects the House’s shared commitment to strengthening regional equity and advancing a more inclusive national development strategy.
Signed:
Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr.
Spokesman, House of Representatives
