Reps Propose Amendment for South-South Development Funding

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives Committee on the South-South Development Commission held a public hearing in Abuja to discuss a proposed amendment to the South-South Development Commission (Establishment) Act, 2025. The amendment aims to strengthen the Commission's funding framework to accelerate development in the South-South region.

Committee Chairman Rep. Julius Pondi noted that the hearing was reconvened after key stakeholders missed the initial session on July 8 due to their participation in the Nigerian Oil and Gas (NOG) Conference. The committee aims to ensure that the legislation incorporates broad-based input from various stakeholders, including government agencies and oil industry operators.

The proposed amendment seeks to expand funding sources for the Commission to address severe developmental challenges in the region, such as infrastructural deficits and environmental degradation. Rep. Pondi assured participants that all contributions would be reviewed to produce balanced and equitable legislation that aligns with the developmental aspirations of the South-South.