Speaker Abbas lauds Tinubu’s commitment to devolution of powers

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, on Wednesday, applauded President Bola Tinubu’s steadfast commitment to the devolution of powers and decentralization of government.

He commended the establishment of the Ministry for Regional Development and the timely assent to various Regional Development Bills.

Speaking during the formal inauguration of the North West Development Commission (NWDC), chaired by Hon. Suleiman Abubakar Gumi (APC-Zamfara), Speaker Abbas asserted that President Tinubu’s leadership exemplifies a bold vision for a more united and prosperous Nigeria.

He also extolled the President’s transformative actions, including granting local government autonomy, decongesting the exclusive legislative list, and signing into law the Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024—measures aimed at empowering regions and fostering grassroots development.

He stated,”The Tinubu-led administration has also taken decisive steps to address the structural challenges facing our nation.

Policies such as the National Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy and the establishment of the National Senior Citizens Centre reflect a government attuned to the needs of its people.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the National Livestock Transformation Plan has resulted in a 5% annual growth in livestock production over the past two years, benefiting over 1.5 million households.

“Similarly, the Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy has mobilized over ₦300 billion in micro-credit facilities for rural farmers and entrepreneurs, empowering communities and spurring economic growth.

“The North-West region holds a pivotal place in Nigeria’s economic and social landscape. Historically, it has been the cradle of agricultural excellence, producing staple crops such as millet, sorghum, and groundnuts in unmatched quantities.

 

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Data from the NBS reveals that the region contributes approximately 22% of Nigeria’s agricultural GDP, underscoring its strategic importance.

“Home to over 47 million Nigerians, the North-West is not just a demographic powerhouse but also a reservoir of cultural and economic potential. Yet, this promise remains constrained by daunting challenges.

“The NBS’s 2023 report indicates that the North-West accounts for 40% of Nigeria’s out-of-school children and records one of the highest maternal mortality rates, with 1,025 deaths per 100,000 live births—far above the national average of 814. Furthermore, infrastructure remains a critical gap, with less than 35% of rural communities having access to all-season roads.

“Over the past two decades, the region has been plagued by insecurity, environmental degradation, and systemic neglect.

” The once-flourishing textile industry in Kaduna and Kano, which employed over 500,000 workers in the 1980s, now engages fewer than 20,000 due to policy inertia and rising insecurity. These setbacks have stifled economic growth and diminished livelihoods.

“However, we must view these challenges not as insurmountable obstacles but as calls to action—calls that the North West Development Commission is uniquely positioned to answer.”

Speaker Abbas emphasized that the NWDC’s mission is of monumental importance. He urged the Commission to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment across the zone to identify priority areas for intervention. He recommended the development of a robust 10-year strategic plan, serving as a blueprint with measurable goals and actionable strategies.

“Such a plan will not only serve as a roadmap but also as a vital tool for attracting partners, mobilizing resources, and ensuring accountability.

“I urge the Commission to embrace a multi-stakeholder approach, engaging state governments, traditional institutions, civil society, and the private sector. Collaboration is key to ensuring that interventions are sustainable and impactful.

“Furthermore, innovative financing models such as public-private partnerships and development bonds must be explored to supplement government funding. This is a time for bold ideas and decisive action.”

Speaking earlier, Chairman of the North West Development Commission, Hon. Suleiman Abubakar Gumi, described the establishment of the NWDC as “a monumental step toward addressing the underlying causes of insecurity and socio-economic challenges in the North-West.”

He stated:
“Today’s gathering marks a significant moment as we embark on the noble task of transforming the North-West geopolitical zone. This first interaction between the House Leadership and the Members of the Committee provides us with an opportunity to strengthen our collaborative efforts, ensuring excellence in the Commission’s operations and encouraging maximum cooperation for achieving impactful results.

“The challenges before us demand our collective efforts to foster economic growth, reduce poverty, promote peace, and enhance social cohesion across the region.”**

According to him, the Committee’s mandate includes, but is not limited to:

Coordinating and monitoring the activities of development partners to ensure effective transformation of the zone;
Engaging with agencies, departments, multilateral organizations, and NGOs to facilitate rehabilitation, reconstruction, recovery, resettlement, and development in the North-Western states, including Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
The Committee is also empowered to:

Collaborate with private sector initiatives to promote regional development;
Harmonize government initiatives aimed at rehabilitation and sustainable growth;
Review and approve annual budget estimates;
Perform any other duties as assigned by the House Leadership.

Hon. Gumi further emphasised the need for integrity and competence in the NWDC’s leadership, stating:

“The establishment of the NWDC is a monumental step toward addressing the underlying causes of insecurity and socio-economic challenges in the North-West. As members of this Committee, we bear a sacred duty to the people we represent.

“In our efforts to achieve these goals, we must demonstrate steadfast dedication to principled governance. Through vigorous discussions, embracing diverse viewpoints, and meticulous supervision, we can ensure that our initiatives are both efficient and attuned to the desires of our citizens.

“It is imperative that we unveil a comprehensive development plan for the North-West—one that is 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.

“With our oversight and legislative tools, we will ensure that the Commission fulfills its mandate to the fullest, Insha-Allah. The Committee will prioritize the adoption of best practices in governing the Commission’s affairs. By leveraging the experiences of other development commissions, it aims to implement effective strategies and apply lessons learned from past challenges.”**

Committee’s Work Plan
Providing details of the Committee’s proposed work plan, Hon. Gumi stated:

“In line with our mandate, I am pleased to present a proposed work plan for the Committee, which has been distributed to all members for their input and immediate adoption.

“This work plan outlines key areas of focus, including robust oversight visits to NWDC projects across the seven states, ensuring budgetary alignment with regional priorities, and fostering partnerships with international development organizations and private sector stakeholders.

“Furthermore, we propose a quarterly review mechanism to monitor progress, evaluate challenges, and recalibrate strategies as needed.

“The work plan emphasizes transparency, inclusivity, and measurable impact, with a strong focus on youth empowerment, infrastructural development, and enhanced security. It aligns with the goal of leveraging the region’s agricultural potential and improving transportation and commercial activities to drive sustainable growth.

“Your invaluable contributions will shape this work plan into a comprehensive roadmap for achieving sustainable development in the North-West.”