Speaker Abbas urges NWDC to conduct needs assessment
By Kunle Sanni
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has tasked the newly established North West Development Commission (NWDC) with conducting a comprehensive needs assessment to identify priority intervention areas as the commission begins operations.
Speaking at the inauguration of the House Committee on North West Development Commission on Wednesday at the National Assembly, Speaker Abbas emphasized the need for the commission to explore multiple funding sources to effectively fulfill its mandate.
“As someone from the North-West and a legislator privileged to champion the bill that led to the establishment of the NWDC, this occasion holds deep personal significance for me,” Abbas stated.
“It reaffirms our obligation to promote the growth and development of our region and improve the well-being of its people.”
Abbas noted that the North-West region plays a pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic and social landscape as a major agricultural hub producing millet, sorghum, and groundnuts.
With over 47 million residents, he described the zone as a demographic and economic powerhouse constrained by insecurity, environmental degradation, and systemic neglect.
He highlighted the decline of the textile industry in Kaduna and Kano, which once employed over 500,000 workers in the 1980s but now has fewer than 20,000 due to policy failures and security challenges.
“These setbacks have stifled economic growth and diminished livelihoods,” he said. “However, we must view these challenges as calls to action—calls that the NWDC is uniquely positioned to answer.”
To ensure the commission’s success, Speaker Abbas called for a 10-year strategic plan, guided by the findings of the needs assessment. He explained that this plan would provide a clear roadmap with measurable goals, helping to attract development partners, mobilize resources, and ensure accountability.
He urged the NWDC to embrace a multi-stakeholder approach by working closely with state governments, traditional leaders, civil society, and the private sector to ensure sustainable and impactful interventions.
“Furthermore, innovative financing models, such as public-private partnerships and development bonds, must be explored to supplement government funding,” Abbas added. “This is a time for bold ideas and decisive action.”
Speaker Abbas praised President Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership in establishing the Ministry of Regional Development and approving regional development commissions.
He highlighted the President’s commitment to devolution and decentralization, citing key reforms such as:
- Granting local government autonomy
- Decongesting the exclusive legislative list
- Signing the Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024
“These transformative actions exemplify a bold vision for a more united and prosperous Nigeria,” he stated.
