Immediate past Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) bill into law, describing it as a significant step toward the region’s accelerated growth.
Omo-Agege praised Tinubu for his commitment to fairness and equity, especially amid debates that sought to equate the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) with other regional development agencies.
“In truth, I am not surprised President Tinubu ignored the campaign from some quarters to ignore the SSDC bill. Knowing Mr. President as a man that always seeks equity and fairness, his decision reinforces his respect for and commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region,” he said.
The SSDC bill was signed into law on March 25, 2025, alongside the South West Development Commission (SWDC) bill. Omo-Agege emphasized that the SSDC will complement the NDDC’s efforts, particularly since the NDDC focuses primarily on oil-producing communities across multiple states, while the new commission ensures that non-oil-producing areas within the South-South are also included in the federal government’s development agenda.
“The fascinating thing is that with all the zones now having their own development commissions, all of them have been put on an even keel, and I am sure the ensuing competitive spirit will engender innovation among the geopolitical zones,” Omo-Agege added.
He expressed confidence that the establishment of regional development commissions will drive national progress, as each zone will strive to maximize its resources and efficiency.
Omo-Agege played a key role in the 9th Senate in the passage of the North East Development Commission bill, which was aimed at rebuilding communities affected by Boko Haram insurgency. He later championed similar initiatives for other regions, including the SSDC.
With the creation of commissions for all six geopolitical zones—including the North West, North Central, and South East—the lawmaker believes Nigeria is poised for balanced development across regions.
Signed
Sunny Areh
Media Adviser to Senator Ovie Omo-Agege