The Senate on Thursday passed the North West Development Commission (NWDC) bill to address the challenges facing the seven states in the geopolitical zone.
This followed the consideration and adoption of the report of the Committee on Special Duties.
The bill to establish the commission was sponsored by the Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, and 20 others from the seven states in the North-West geopolitical zone.
Chairman of the committee, Senator Shehu Kaka (APC, Borno Central) moved the motion for the presentation and consideration of the report, while Senator Ireti Kingibe (LP, FCT) seconded it.
Presenting the committee's report, Senator Kaka said the intent and purpose of the bill are well structured and strategically streamlined for the socio-economic development of the North West geopolitical zone of the country.
He added that the commission's establishment would bring the federal government closer to the North Western states and meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people.
He, therefore, urged the Senate to pass the bill.
When the bill was put to vote by Senator Jibrin, who presided over the plenary, the senators unanimously supported it.
In his remarks, the Deputy Senate President commended his colleagues for supporting the bill's passage.
When established, he said the commission would address the challenges facing the geopolitical zone and, by extension, the country.
Describing the North West as the food basket of the country, he said the commission, when established, will work towards the restoration of infrastructure destroyed by Boko Haram insurgents and bandits in the region.
