House of Reps Moves to Amend SSDC Act for Funding

The House of Representatives is currently engaged in amending the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) Act to broaden the funding sources available to the agency. Julius Pondi, the chairman of the House Committee on SSDC, provided explanations during a public hearing in Abuja regarding the proposed amendments.

The amendments aim to introduce additional funding sources, which include contributions from the extractive industries and agricultural companies. Furthermore, the proposed changes suggest allocating ecological funds and sharing tax revenues among states.

These measures are designed to strengthen the financial sustainability of the commission. Earlier in the session, House Speaker Abba Tajudeen objected to the provision of funds to the commission, comparing its funding structure to that of regional development commissions.