Senators are at odds over the allocation of funds for development commissions, highlighting contrasting opinions on priorities and governance. Stay informed on the latest developments in this political debate.
After President Bola Tinubu established the Ministry of Regional Development, a minor commotion erupted in the Senate on Thursday regarding the proposed funding sources for regional commissions.
This occurred during a detailed review of the South-South Development Commission Establishment Bill 2024, examining each clause individually.
The report from the Senate Committee on Special Duties suggested that 15 percent of statutory allocations received by member states in each geopolitical zone should be allocated to fund the commissions.
However, some Senators expressed their opinions on the recommendation.
This clause stirred up some controversy, with senators such as Yahaya Abdullahi seeking clarification and warning that it could result in the state government suing the Federal Government for ‘tampering’ with its statutory allocation while funding a zonal development commission.
After multiple clarifications, the section subjected to a voice vote was approved.
The upper chamber also removed certain elements of section 23 from their establishment bills, which had granted operational immunity to the boards and executives of the commissions.
