The establishment of the Ministry of Regional Development by President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has led to a heated discussion in the Senate regarding the funding sources for regional commissions. This debate unfolded during the clause-by-clause consideration of the South-South Development Commission Establishment Bill 2024 on Thursday.
The Senate Committee on Special Duties proposed that 15 percent of statutory allocations from member states in each geopolitical zone be allocated to fund these commissions. However, this recommendation raised concerns among some senators.
Senator Yahaya Abdullahi voiced strong objections, warning that this funding approach could provoke legal disputes between state governments and the Federal Government over the alteration of statutory allocations for zonal development.
Despite the pushback, the Senate ultimately approved the funding clause after several clarifications. Additionally, the upper chamber removed provisions from section 23 of the establishment bills that would have granted operational immunity to the boards and executives of the commissions.
