The Nigerian Senate, under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has officially confirmed the nominees for the Governing Boards of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) and the North West Development Commission (NWDC). The confirmation process, which took place on Tuesday, also saw Mark Okoye and Professor Abdullahi Shehu Ma'aji appointed as the Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers of the respective commissions.
The confirmation followed the presentation of a report by the Senate’s Ad-Hoc Committee on Regional Development Commissions, led by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia-North). During the screening, Senator Kalu expressed confidence in the capabilities of the nominees, asserting that they demonstrated the necessary skills to manage the commissions effectively and drive regional development.
While the confirmation process was largely smooth, a brief disruption occurred when some senators attempted to invoke Order 1b to delay the confirmation for further consultations. However, the motion was unsuccessful, and the Senate proceeded to approve the report after a voice vote and dissolved into the Committee of the Whole to finalize the decision.
For the NWDC, the confirmed nominees include Alhaji Lawal Samai’la Abdullahi as Chairman, alongside Professor Abdullahi Shehu Ma'aji as Managing Director/CEO. Other members of the commission include Dr. Yahaya Umar Namahe, Hon. Aminu Suleiman, Ja’afar Abubakar Sadeeq, and several others, all appointed to help foster development in the North West region.
Similarly, for the SEDC, Dr. Emeka Nworgu was confirmed as Chairman, with Hon. Mark Okoye as the Managing Director/CEO. The board also comprises a range of professionals and experts, including Barr. Ugochukwu H. Agballah, Hon. Okey Izenwa, and Chief Hyacinth Ikpor, among others.
The confirmation follows a submission by President Bola Tinubu of a revised list of nominees for both commissions four weeks ago. During the screening process, Senator Kalu underscored the importance of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in their new roles. He also emphasized that the Senate would continue to closely monitor the activities of the commissions, with a clear message that any unethical practices would not be tolerated.
The confirmation of these nominees is seen as a vital step toward operationalizing the two regional commissions, which are expected to play a significant role in driving economic growth and development within their regions. The SEDC will focus on the South East, while the NWDC will address the developmental needs of the North West, ultimately contributing to the broader national development agenda.
