House of Reps Passes Bill for Rural Development Commission

On Wednesday, during a plenary session, the House of Representatives passed a bill through its Second Reading to establish the National Commission for Rural Infrastructure and Development (NCRID). The private member bill was sponsored by Hon. Saidu Abdullahi (Rep, Bida/Gbako/Katcha), the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Finance.

He emphasized that rural development is a strategic economic priority for Nigeria, stating that sustainable economic growth cannot be achieved while millions of rural residents lack basic infrastructure and economic opportunities. The proposed NCRID will serve as a coordinating and intervention agency, supported by a National Rural Development Fund for financing rural infrastructure projects.

Hon. Abdullahi noted that despite significant public investment, rural communities still face severe infrastructure deficits. The commission is designed to complement existing Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) without duplicating their functions.

It will focus on financing, coordination, and oversight, with project implementation handled by State Rural Infrastructure and Development Boards under a counterpart funding arrangement.