A Bill to establish a South East Development Commission (SEDC) and for other related matters has passed second reading in Senate.
Leading the debate on the Bill at the plenary session of Wednesday, 5 June 2017, the sponsor of the Bill, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu (PDP: Imo) stated that the establishment of the Commission would tackle infrastructural deficit and engage the youth in the South East region with productive ventures. He also submitted that the function of the Commission would include:
- Releasing policies and guidelines for the development of the SE; and
- Developing a master plan that would reduce unemployment and create schemes for infrastructural development such as the establishment of health facilities,water supply etc.
Furthermore, he noted that the establishment of the Commission would have no financial effect on the Federal Government as its operation would be funded by 15% of the Federal Allocation from States within the region which includes Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States.
Elaborating on the highlights of the Bill, he mentioned that the Bill seeks to:
- Create a Commission for the South-East geo-political zone for rehabilitation and construction of structures destroyed by the devastating effect of environmental degradation in the region;
- Identify and promote programmes that will enhance the development of entrepreneurial capacities, technical skills and managerial competences for economic advancement; and
- Offer the necessary support to harness the abundant economic resources capable of transforming the Nigerian economy.
Lastly, he explained that the passage of the Bill will be critical in addressing the South East’s agitations and complaints of marginalization through an integrated development plan that will promote and strengthen the sense of nationalism. The Bill has been referred to the Committee on Establishment for further legislative input.
It would be recalled that a similar Bill before the House of Representatives failed to pass second reading in the House on 1st of June 2017, and thereby led to criticisms and expressions of disappointment by Members from the South East Zone. In a show of solidarity, the South East Members attended the Senate’s plenary session to observe the 2nd reading of the Bill and its committal to a Committee, from the gallery of the Senate Chamber.
