By Joy Yesufu
Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West, has backed the creation of the South South Development Commission.
The outspoken and articulate Senator spoke while contributing to a bill sponsored by the Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong representing Cross River South.
Speaking on behalf of the South-South senators in support of the bill co-sponsored by all senators from the region, Dickson highlighted the need for a balanced approach to resource management and regional development in the country.
In his speech, Senator Dickson explained that while the NDDC was established to address the developmental challenges faced by oil-producing communities, it was not intended to serve as a geopolitical commission limited to the South-South.
He stressed that the rebate states outside the South South geopolitical zone which are part of the NDDC such as Ondo State in the South West and Imo and Abia States in the South East.
It is the contention of the South South Senators that Ondo, Imo and Abia States already in NDDC are factored into regional development under the various regional development commissions.
In addition, not all the states in South South are oil producing which makes the NDDC arrangement to exclude Cross River State.
Already all the geopolitical zones except the South South have regional development commissions,
These are the South West Development Commission; the North East Development Commission; the North West Development Commission; the South East Development Commission and the North Central Development Commission.
Dickson said, “The NDDC is a resource-based commission. It was created to manage the challenges arising from oil production, and its membership extends beyond the South-South to include states like Ondo in the South-West, Imo and Abia in the South-East,” he said.
He further noted that in the past, Nigeria established the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) to manage the resources of states contributing to the nation’s energy production through water bodies.
“This was another example of a resource-based commission, but one that was specific to certain states with natural resources.” He said
Senator Dickson argued that Nigeria is now at a point where the establishment of geopolitical development commissions has become essential to ensure that all regions benefit equally from national resources.
“What we are advocating for is the creation of development commissions that are based on geopolitical zones, ensuring that each region has the tools and resources necessary for its own development,” he said.
He appealed to his colleagues in the Senate to support the bill, noting that “what is good for one region should be good for all.”
He concluded by urging the Senate to give favorable consideration to the bill, emphasizing that every region should have its own development commission to address its unique challenges.
“If we are to truly promote equality and fairness, every geopolitical zone must be given the opportunity to manage its resources and develop its region accordingly,” he stated.
This push for regional development commissions aims to ensure balanced growth across Nigeria’s diverse geopolitical zones, fostering unity and improving the quality of life for all Nigerians.
