The House of Representatives on Wednesday commenced a public hearing on a bill seeking to amend the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) Establishment Act, 2025, to expand the commission’s statutory funding base and strengthen its capacity to address developmental challenges in the oil-producing region.

The hearing, organised by the House Committee on the South-South Development Commission at the National Assembly, attracted governors, ministers, heads of government agencies, industry stakeholders, civil society organisations and other interested parties.

Speaking at the event, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, said the proposed amendment seeks to strengthen the commission’s financial framework by introducing additional statutory sources of funding similar to those available to other regional development commissions.

Abbas said the 10th House remains committed to building a “People’s House” that promotes active citizen participation through transparent and inclusive legislative processes.

He noted that public hearings are not merely constitutional requirements but practical expressions of participatory democracy, accountability and inclusive governance.

“The bill before us seeks to strengthen the financial framework of the South-South Development Commission by introducing additional statutory sources of funding to support the commission in the effective discharge of its mandate,” Abbas said.

He observed that while the establishment of the commission recognised the strategic importance of the South-South as Nigeria’s oil and gas hub, the region continues to grapple with environmental degradation, ecological challenges, inadequate infrastructure, youth unemployment and other socio-economic problems.

The Speaker, however, stressed that any proposal imposing new financial obligations or altering existing statutory revenue arrangements must undergo thorough legislative scrutiny to ensure it is equitable, fiscally responsible, transparent and sustainable.

He urged stakeholders to make evidence-based submissions that would assist lawmakers in producing balanced legislation capable of driving meaningful development in the region.

Abbas also disclosed that the House would soon host an “Open Week” aimed at deepening public engagement with Parliament, promoting greater understanding of the legislative process and strengthening citizens’ confidence in democratic institutions.

Earlier, Chairman of the House Committee on the South-South Development Commission, Hon. Julius Gbabojor Pondi, said the amendment bill is designed to place the commission on a stronger financial footing by broadening its revenue sources.

According to him, the proposal provides for contributions from extractive industries, agricultural processing companies, allocations from the Ecological Fund, a share of Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue and other statutory funding sources.

Pondi said that despite the South-South’s enormous contribution to Nigeria’s economy through oil and gas production, maritime activities and industrial development, the region continues to face significant developmental challenges resulting from decades of intensive resource extraction.

He noted that the commission currently operates with a relatively limited funding structure, making it necessary to review its financing framework to enable it effectively discharge its statutory responsibilities.

“The central argument underpinning the proposed amendment is the need to bring the South-South Development Commission substantially at par with other regional development commissions established by the Federal Government,” Pondi said.

He added that while the region contributes significantly to the nation’s economy, the commission requires a more sustainable funding structure to meet the developmental aspirations of the people.

The committeee chairman assured stakeholders that the public hearing was intended to provide an open platform for constructive dialogue rather than endorse predetermined positions.

He pledged that all memoranda and submissions received during the hearing would be objectively considered before the committee submits its recommendations to the House for legislative action. (Vanguard)

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