— Additional Executive Directors to be Appointed for Regional Commissions
The Nigerian Senate has successfully amended the Acts establishing the South South, South West, and North Central Development Commissions, paving the way for the appointment of additional Executive Directors to bolster administrative efficiency within the regional bodies.
The amendments, sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), were presented as three separate bills:
A Bill for an Act to Amend the South South Development Commission Act, 2025 (SB. 781)
A Bill for an Act to Amend the North Central Development Commission Act, 2025 (SB. 782)
A Bill for an Act to Amend the South West Development Commission Act, 2025 (SB. 783)
The bills underwent first, second, and third readings before being passed on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.
Bridging Administrative Gaps
Senator Bamidele explained that the amendments are aimed at resolving administrative gaps within the Acts, particularly concerning the appointment of Executive Directors. He noted that the existing structure lacked uniformity when compared to other regional bodies like the North West and South East Development Commissions.
“The Bills seek to amend the respective provisions to reconcile the lacuna that exists in the Act relating to the appointments of the Executive Directors of the respective Commissions to ensure uniformity,” Bamidele stated.
He further emphasized that the initial versions of the Acts were passed earlier this year, assented to by President Bola Tinubu, and had entered into law. However, upon implementation, it became evident that additional Executive Directors were necessary to head various departments within the commissions to meet their developmental mandates effectively.
“With the benefit of hindsight, it was observed that there is a need to make provision for more Executive Directors to head the various Departments of the Commission,” Bamidele added.
The Senate’s decision marks a significant step towards enhancing the administrative capabilities of the regional development bodies, aimed at improving governance and accelerating regional development across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
