Editor
By Fatima Saka
The Distinguished Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial district in the 10th National Assembly, Senator Ede Dafinone has underscored that the South-South Development Commission Bill aims to enhance development within the region.
Senator Dafinone emphasized that there are other development commissions recently approved to enable targeted development in those regions.
While addressing journalists on Thursday in Abuja regarding the South-South Development Commission Bill, which passed its second reading in the Red Chamber and was sponsored by Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong, the Senator representing the constituents of Delta Central articulated that a crucial point of discussion in the chamber was the differentiation between the South-South Development Commission and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
He elucidated that the NDDC concentrates on OMPADEC and oil-producing regions within the area, noting that non-oil producing areas within the states comprising the Niger Delta do not benefit from the NDDC. “The administrative structures in place where states support the NDDC mean that resource allocation to the states is contingent on the oil production output of each, with projects being directed to oil-producing regions, in alignment with the NDDC’s mandate.”
Senator Dafinone addressed the issue of funding, highlighting that the government’s financial resources are finite.
He further reassured that when establishing new institutions, funding considerations are paramount to ensure their viability. Failure to allocate adequate funding would render these institutions dormant despite their approval.
Speaking on corrupt practices, the Senator emphasized that the establishment of new commissions is aimed at promoting equitable development and ensuring transparent operations to direct funds to areas most in need.
Drawing from the experiences of OMPADEC and NDDC, Senator Dafinone underscored the importance of applying these lessons to combat corruption effectively. As the government intensifies its efforts to curb corruption.
He expressed hope that these endeavors would lead to a reduction in corrupt practices.
