The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has lamented the security and socio-economic challenges plaguing Nigeria’s North-West, describing the region as the worst hit by insurgency, banditry, and other crises.
Speaking when the board of the newly established North West Development Commission (NWDC) paid him a courtesy visit on Wednesday, Abbas said the commission’s intervention was coming at a critical time, given the severity of the challenges facing the region.
“Never ever in the history of Nigeria and the North West have we found ourselves in this current situation. The zone is bedevilled with many challenges: from insurgency to banditry to unemployment to drug-related issues and many others. If you look at the statistics, you find out that the North West is the worst hit,” the Speaker said.
He assured the NWDC board of the full support of the National Assembly, emphasizing the legislature’s high expectations for the commission’s success.
“We will be putting a keen eye to see how you people are faring,” he said, adding that the House would do “everything humanly possible to ensure that the commission succeeds.”
Abbas stressed that the choice of the pioneer board and management was deliberate, expressing confidence in their ability to lay a strong foundation for the commission’s operations.
“It is because you are all qualified, and North West and Nigeria in general are eagerly awaiting you for a solid foundation. Whatever you sow today will be what the agency will become tomorrow and beyond.
“So, it’s imperative to implore you all to please give your very best. Sow a solid foundation that subsequent boards will take over a commission that is truly interventionist in nature. That is the role that we expect you to play—to intervene and identify critical gaps,” he added.
He reiterated that the National Assembly would remain committed to supporting the NWDC, stating, “These agencies are creations of the National Assembly, not only by way of parliamentary bills but also by the initiative to create them. It’s our baby, and as our creation, we will do everything humanly possible to ensure that it succeeds.
“You have our support and prayers,” he assured.
Earlier, the Chairman of the NWDC board, Alhaji Lawal Samaila Yakawada, said the visit was to thank the Speaker for his role in the establishment of the commission and ensuring its smooth takeoff.
“We are here to assure you that we are not going to disappoint you. We also want to assure you that we will meet the demands and expectations for the creation of the commission.
“We assure you that we will be accountable and transparent, and we will achieve the target set for us. Lastly, it’s to assure you that intermittently, we will request that you give us audience for deep discussions and advice,” he said.
Yakawada was accompanied by the Managing Director of the Commission, Prof. Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji, and other board members representing the seven states of the North-West and the six geopolitical zones.
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