North-West Development Commission Faces Financial Scrutiny

The North-West Development Commission is under scrutiny following a report that approximately $943 million, or 79% of its $1.19 billion budget, has been spent without clear evidence of development in the region. The commission, which covers states including Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara, has been criticized for its lack of an executive director and inadequate management structure since its inauguration in February 2025.

The Senate has raised questions regarding the legitimacy of the expenditures, as the commission has reportedly failed to produce visible improvements in the lives of the people it serves. The board has held seven meetings and adopted 63 resolutions, yet it struggles with basic operational issues, including staffing and office accommodations.

The commission's inability to effectively utilize public funds has been highlighted, particularly in a region where 65% of the population is multidimensionally poor, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.