By Nathaniel Zaccheaus, Abuja
In a decisive step toward deepening regional development across Nigeria, the Senate yesterday confirmed the leadership teams for three newly established development commissions: the South West Development Commission (SWDC), South-South Development Commission (SSDC), and North Central Development Commission (NCDC).
The appointments were ratified following the presentation and adoption of reports by the relevant Senate Committees during plenary.
For the South West Development Commission, the Senate confirmed Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi as Chairman, with Dr. Charles Akindiji Akinola appointed as Managing Director.
Other Executive Directors include Mr. Olusegun Joshua Olufehinti (Projects), Mr. Tele Ogunjobi (Finance), Rt. Hon. Barr. Funmilayo Tejuosho (Corporate Services), Mr. Fatai Ibikunle (Commercial & Environmental Development), and Alhaji Lateef Oladimeji Ajijola (Social & Human Capital Development).
Board members also include representatives from various states within the region and other geopolitical zones, such as Hon. Bolaji Idris Ariyo (Lagos), Hon. Scholastic Olanike Omoworare (Osun), and Rear Admiral Abdul Biu Adamu (North East).
In the South-South Development Commission, Hon. Chibudom Nwuche was confirmed as Chairman, while Mr. Usoro Offiong Akpabio will serve as Managing Director.
The Executive Directors confirmed include Hon. Marcus Nle Eji, Engr. Aganaba Preye Steven, Dr. Timi Alari Ayibatonye, Hon. Joseph Ugheoke, and Ambassador Sony Abang.
Representatives from all six states in the South-South zone, as well as nominees from other regions, such as Rt. Hon. Larry Odey (Cross River) and Barr. Femi Osie (Edo), were also confirmed.
For the North Central Development Commission, the Senate approved the appointments of Cosmas T. Akighir as Chairman and Tsenyil Cyril Yiltsen as Managing Director.
Other Executive Directors include James Abel Uloko, Princess Atika Ajanah, Hajia Bilqis Jimoke Sanni, Hajia Aishatu Rujui Ibrahim, and Muhammad Bashar.
The board also features representatives from all six North Central states alongside nominees from other regions.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the session, described the confirmations as “a bold and strategic move to ensure equitable development across all regions of the country.”
He emphasized that the commissions are expected to spearhead critical infrastructure projects, economic empowerment initiatives, and human capacity development within their respective regions.
The creation of the three commissions follows the legislative model of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and is part of ongoing efforts by the National Assembly to address regional imbalances and promote inclusive national growth.
