Bill to establish south west development commission divides senate
It seems like you're referring to a recent development in the Nigerian Senate. Here's a summary of the situation:
The Senate has been divided over a bill to establish the South West Development Commission (SWDC). The bill, sponsored by Senator Teslim Folarin (APC-Oyo), seeks to create a development agency for the South West region, comprising six states: Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo.
The debate on the bill has been contentious, with some senators arguing that it is a duplication of existing development agencies, while others see it as a necessary step to address the region's developmental challenges.
Some of the key concerns raised by senators include:
- Overlapping responsibilities: Some senators argue that the proposed commission would duplicate the functions of existing development agencies, such as the National Planning Commission and the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.
- Lack of clear mandate: Others argue that the bill does not clearly define the commission's mandate, making it difficult to determine its role and responsibilities.
- Regional imbalance: Some senators have expressed concerns that the creation of a South West Development Commission could lead to regional imbalance, as other regions may feel left out or marginalized.
On the other hand, proponents of the bill argue that it is necessary to address the region's developmental challenges, including:
- Infrastructure development: The commission would focus on developing infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and public transportation systems, to improve connectivity and economic growth in the region.
- Job creation: The commission would create jobs and stimulate economic growth by promoting entrepreneurship, small and medium-scale enterprises, and industrial development.
- Regional integration: The commission would promote regional integration by fostering cooperation and collaboration among the six states in the South West region.
The debate on the bill is ongoing, and it remains to be seen whether it will be passed into law.