The Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, Wednesday, took the helm in the Senate, leading the debate for the second reading of the Bill for an Act to Establish the South West Development Commission, 2023 (SB. 68). This important bill, co-sponsored by all Southwest Senators and spearheaded by Senate leader Opeyemi Bamidele, marks a significant step towards addressing the region’s pressing developmental needs.
Initiated on August 1st, 2023, the South West Development Commission Bill responds to the demographic shifts and infrastructural challenges facing the region. With 21% of Nigeria’s current population residing in the Southwest, projections indicate that by 2050, the region will host close to 50% of the nation’s populace due to migration patterns. This anticipated population surge underscores the urgent need for strategic development initiatives to alleviate pressure on existing infrastructure.
The proposed South West Development Commission (SWDC) adopts a forward-thinking approach to bridge critical gaps in key sectors, thereby catalyzing progress and fostering sustainable development. Among its core objectives are initiatives to facilitate affordable land acquisition for agricultural purposes, enhance transportation networks through road and rail connectivity, address environmental concerns, and expand avenues for socio-economic advancement.
Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel emphasized the imperative of the SWDC in propelling collective prosperity and ensuring the region’s competitiveness on the national stage. As a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE) and a Fellow of the Academy of Engineering (FAEng), Senator Daniel brings a wealth of expertise to the forefront of this legislative endeavor.
The debate underscores a unified commitment among Southwest Senators to prioritize the region’s development agenda and chart a course towards a more prosperous and resilient future for all residents. With the stage set for further deliberations, the South West Development Commission Bill holds promise as a transformative mechanism for unlocking the region’s full potential and fostering inclusive growth.
The bill was referred to Senate committee on Special Duties to report back in 4 weeks.
