By Chukwudi Obasi, Abuja
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has called for urgent and coordinated action to address the challenges of insecurity, poverty, and infrastructural decay ravaging the country’s North-West region.
The Speaker said this at the inauguration of the House Committee on the North-West Development Commission (NWDC) at the National Assembly.
He emphasised that the region’s developmental crisis must be tackled head-on to prevent further deterioration.
“For too long, the North-West has faced systemic neglect, worsening insecurity, and economic decline. The time for half-measures is over. This Commission must catalyse real, measurable change,” Abbas said.
The Speaker urged the NWDC to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment across the zone and develop a 10-year strategic plan to guide its interventions.
To ensure sustainability, he emphasised that innovative financing mechanisms, including public-private partnerships and development bonds must back the plan.
“This Commission must not become another bureaucratic institution riddled with inefficiencies. It must be a driver of meaningful change, mobilizing resources, engaging stakeholders, and implementing projects that directly improve the lives of our people,” he said.
The Speaker lamented the devastating impact of insecurity on the region’s economy, noting that once-booming industries, such as the textile sector in Kaduna and Kano, have nearly collapsed due to violence and policy failures.
“Banditry and rural violence have crippled agricultural production, driven thousands from their homes, and forced children out of school. These are not abstract problems—they are existential threats to the region’s survival,” he warned.
Abbas commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritising regional development through policies such as the National Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy and the National Livestock Transformation Plan.
These plans have resulted in a five percent annual increase in livestock production over the past two years, benefiting over 1.5 million households.
He also praised the President’s commitment to decentralization, citing initiatives like local government autonomy and reforms in electricity distribution as essential steps toward empowering communities.
“Establishing a Ministry for Regional Development and the President’s swift assent to the Regional Development Bills indicate his resolve to address these challenges. It is time for this Commission to translate policy into action,” Abbas stated.
He called on the newly inaugurated House Committee to exercise robust oversight and ensure that the NWDC delivers on its mandate without political interference or mismanagement.
Abbas stressed that the development of the North-West is not just a regional necessity but a national imperative.
“A prosperous North-West means a stronger Nigeria. This is a call to action for the Commission and all stakeholders—state governments, traditional rulers, civil society, and the private sector. We must act now before the situation worsens,” he said.
Chairman of the House Committee on the North-West Development Commission (NWDC), Hon Gumi, pledged to lead a transparent and results-driven approach to addressing the socio-economic and security challenges in the region.
Gumi also called for urgent action to tackle the region’s worsening insecurity, economic stagnation, and infrastructure deficit.
“This is not just the inauguration of a committee; it is a day filled with hope and renewed determination.
“Our people have endured hardship for too long yet remained resilient. Today marks the beginning of a new chapter—one where we take decisive action to transform the North-West,” he said.
Gumi said the Committee will focus on a broad mandate, including monitoring and coordinating NWDC activities, engaging with development partners, and collaborating with the private sector to drive rehabilitation, resettlement, and regional growth across the seven states of the North-West—Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
He emphasised that security remains at the core of the Commission’s mandate, stressing that sustainable development cannot be achieved in a region plagued by banditry, kidnapping, and economic downturns.
“Establishing the NWDC is a monumental step toward addressing the underlying causes of insecurity and socio-economic challenges in the North-West.
“We bear a sacred duty to ensure that this Commission does not become another failed intervention but rather a model of efficiency, accountability, and impact,” he said.
Gumi outlined his vision for the Committee, vowing to ensure that all NWDC initiatives are people-driven, inclusive, and anchored on transparency and accountability.
“The success of the NWDC depends on appointing leaders of integrity, competence, and innovation to steer its activities.
“Our oversight will be rigorous, ensuring that every naira allocated translates into real benefits for our people,” he stressed.
To achieve this, he pledged that the Committee would conduct robust oversight visits to NWDC projects across the seven states, ensure budgetary alignment with regional development priorities, foster partnerships with international development organisations and private sector stakeholders, and implement a quarterly review mechanism to monitor progress, evaluate challenges, and recalibrate strategies.
Gumi also emphasised leveraging lessons from other regional development commissions to avoid inefficiencies and policy missteps.
The Chairman unveiled a proposed work plan, which he described as a blueprint for immediate action.
He said key areas of focus include youth empowerment, infrastructural development, improved security, and leveraging the region’s agricultural and commercial potential to drive sustainable economic growth.
“The work plan emphasizes transparency, inclusivity, and measurable impact,” he noted. “It is not enough to have policies on paper; we must ensure they translate into tangible improvements in the people’s lives,” he said.
Gumi concluded with a rallying call for all stakeholders—federal and state governments, traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and the private sector—to collaborate in ensuring that the NWDC fulfils its mandate.
“With unity, dedication, and shared purpose, we will address the challenges, seize the opportunities, and create lasting change for future generations. Together, we will lay the foundation for a prosperous, inclusive, and thriving North-West,” he said.
