He also emphasised the importance of exploring multiple funding sources beyond government allocations to ensure the commission’s success.
By Deborah Hassan, Abuja
365Daily – Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has called for urgent action to revive economic activities in the North-West, while emphasising the need for strategic interventions to address the region’s developmental challenges.
Speaking at the inauguration of the House Committee on the North-West Development Commission (NWDC) at the National Assembly on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, Speaker Abbas urged the newly established commission to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to identify key priority areas for development.
He also emphasised the importance of exploring multiple funding sources beyond government allocations to ensure the commission’s success.
A Personal Commitment to Regional Growth
As a legislator from the North-West who played a pivotal role in championing the bill that established the NWDC, Speaker Abbas described the moment as deeply personal and significant.
“This occasion reaffirms our collective responsibility to foster growth, unlock economic potential, and improve the well-being of our people,” he stated. “It is not just the culmination of a legislative process but the beginning of a new era of transformation for the North-West.”
Speaker Abbas highlighted the North-West’s historical role as Nigeria’s agricultural powerhouse, producing key crops such as millet, sorghum, and groundnuts. He added that with a population of over 47 million, the region has significant economic potential, yet its progress has been hindered by insecurity, environmental challenges, and policy neglect.
“The textile industry in Kaduna and Kano, which once employed over 500,000 workers in the 1980s, now struggles with fewer than 20,000 due to insecurity and lack of policy support,” he lamented. “These challenges should not discourage us; rather, they should inspire bold action.”
To ensure targeted and effective interventions, Speaker Abbas stressed the importance of a well-structured 10-year strategic plan, detailing measurable goals and clear implementation strategies. He called for a multi-stakeholder approach, involving state governments, traditional institutions, civil society oorganisations and private sector investors.
“Innovative financing options such as public-private partnerships and development bonds must be explored to supplement government funding,” he added. “This is the time for bold ideas and decisive action.”
Speaker Abbas commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to regional development and economic revitalization. He praised the administration’s establishment of the Ministry of Regional Development, the signing of regional development bills, and significant reforms such as granting local government autonomy and decongesting the exclusive legislative list.
“These initiatives reflect a clear vision for a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria,” he stated.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the House Committee on the NWDC, Hon. Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi, reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to ensuring effective oversight and accountability.
“This inauguration marks the beginning of a critical mission to transform the North-West,” he said. “Our committee will collaborate with stakeholders to ensure the NWDC achieves its objectives and delivers meaningful development.”