The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has sounded the alarm on the dire situation in the North-West geo-political zone, calling for immediate and coordinated efforts to tackle insecurity and poverty in the region.
Speaking at the inauguration of the House Committee on the North-West Development Commission, Abbas emphasized that the region has faced systemic neglect, worsening insecurity, and economic decline for far too long. He stressed that the time for half-measures is over and that the commission must be the catalyst for real, measurable change.
Abbas also highlighted the devastating impact of banditry and rural violence on agriculture, displacement, and education in the region. He noted that these issues are not abstract problems, but existential threats to the region’s survival.
The Speaker commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritizing regional development through policies such as the National Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy and the National Livestock Transformation Plan. He urged the newly inaugurated committee to ensure the NWDC delivers on its mandate, warning against political interference and mismanagement.
Chairman of the House Committee on the North-West Development Commission, Sulaiman Gumi, pledged commitment to addressing the region’s challenges. He emphasized the need for action, stating that the establishment of the NWDC is a monumental step toward addressing the underlying causes of insecurity and socio-economic challenges in the North-West.
Gumi outlined the committee’s priorities, including monitoring and coordinating NWDC activities, engaging with development partners, and collaborating with the private sector to drive rehabilitation and resettlement across the region. He vowed that the commission would not become another failed intervention, but rather a model of efficiency, accountability, and impact.
