Senators Divided Over Funding For Development Commissions

Following the creation of the Ministry of Regional Development by President Bola Tinubu, a slight ruckus ensued on the floor of the Senate on Thursday over the source of funding recommended for regional commissions.

This came during a clause-by-clause consideration of the South-South Development Commission Establishment Bill 2024.

The Senate Committee on Special Duties had in its report recommended that 15 per cent of statutory allocations accruing to member states in each of the geopolitical zones be used to fund the commissions.

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Some Senators, however, raised observations on the recommendation.

This clause attracted a bit of ruckus as some senators like Yahaya Abdullahi sought proper clarification, cautioning that the provision would lead to litigation by the state government against the Federal Government over ‘tampering’ with its statutory allocation in the process of funding a zonal development commission.

After several explanations, the section put to a voice vote was approved.

The upper chamber also struck out some provisions of section 23 of their establishment bills, conferring operational immunity on the boards and executives of the commissions.