Modupe Olalere
The Nigerian Senate approved the South West Development Commission (SWDC) bill on Thursday, October 12, 2024. This was a significant step in addressing the nation’s historical regional disparities.Similar initiatives to establish Regional Development Commissions (RDCs) for the North West, North Central, and South East zones follow this legislative milestone.
These commissions, which aim to advance national unity, balanced development, and lower poverty, address the particular socio economic issues that several parts of Nigeria deal with. Although the measure calls for presidential assent, it is relevant given the possible advantages these commissions could offer for Nigeria’s development path.
Tackling Regional Disparities with Tailored ApproachesNigerian regions differ in culture, language, economic opportunity, and development. Variety can cause uneven growth over time. While some have lagged and struggled with poverty, crime, and neglect, others have profited from fast industrialisation and infrastructure investment.
RDCs focus on regional issues and opportunities, making them a good way to address these inequities.The idea of regional development organisations is not new historically in Nigeria. Initially established in 1960 in response to the Willink Commission Report of 1958, the Niger Delta Development Board (NDDB) was a first effort at remedial environmental damage and economic neglect of the oil-rich Niger Delta region. This project established a benchmark for applying professional agencies to carry out focused development projects reflecting the particular needs of a region.
This generation of RDCs honours that past, even though they have a bigger job. Within its seven states and 23% of Nigeria’s total land area, the North West Development Commission (NWDC), the South East Development Commission (SEDC), and the newly formed South West Development Commission (SWDC) are all working to improve the areas that need it the most.
Dr Lemmy Ughegbe, Executive Director of Make A Difference Initiative, emphasised the importance of these commissions in fostering social cohesion: “The commissions are anticipated to foster social cohesion and facilitate partnerships with national and international stakeholders, contributing to equitable growth and regional stability.”
By aligning development efforts with local realities, RDCs can ensure that interventions are more relevant, effective, and sustainable.
One of the most significant benefits of RDCs is that they have the potential to increase human capital and local economic growth in their specific regions. The NWDC, for instance, explicitly aims to reduce poverty and improve the well-being of millions of people by intentional investments in industry, education, infrastructure, and agriculture.
Agriculture continues to be the mainstay of the Nigerian economy, especially in the North West, which is a leading cereal producer, including sorghum, millet, and maize. Meanwhile, many farmers face challenges like poor output, limited access to markets, and subpar processing facilities.
By providing training, enhancing the value chain, and establishing small processing enterprises, the NWDC seeks to empower farmers, particularly women and young people. These programs can increase profits, reduce post-harvest losses, and create jobs.Still, another critical area of focus is education. Years of neglect and insecurity damaging their educational facilities have plagued several North West communities.
The NWDC plans to rebuild buildings and establish an Endowment Fund to provide scholarships to poor children. This initiative aims to “give children from the region a right to education” and rebuild the human capital needed for steady development. Among the infrastructure projects with the highest priority are roads and health facilities since they directly affect economic activities and improve the quality of living. By supporting industrial and commercial development, RDCs can strengthen nearby companies, generate income, and inspire entrepreneurship.
Prof. Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji, Managing Director of the NWDC, highlighted the commission’s commitment: “There is no gainsaying that the people of the region will benefit maximally from this Commission vis-à-vis its mandate.”
The SEDC and SWDC also reflect similar aspirations since they are supposed to customise their initiatives to the particular requirements of respective zones, encouraging balanced national development.
Enhancing National Unity and Decentralizing GovernanceBeyond only social and financial gains, RDCs can help to enhance national unity in Nigeria by tackling marginalisation issues and advancing inclusion. Competition for resources and political power has frequently taxed Nigeria’s federal system, occasionally aggravating regional conflicts. RDCs give areas a forum to express their development aspirations and engage actively in nation-building.
RDCs can encourage cooperative development instead of encouraging competitiveness. A university researcher observed, “rather than see the establishment as competition for resources, the commissions will promote development rather than negative competition.” By allowing localities to set their own development goals, RDCs help distribute authority and increase government responsiveness and accountability to local people.
RDCS can also help prevent conflict by addressing fundamental causes of discontent, such as poverty, unemployment, and a lack of social services. In a nation as diverse as Nigeria, this decentralisation is absolutely vital. Regions that influence the distribution of resources and the execution of projects are more likely to support national policy and help create stability and peace.
The Niger Delta and North East regions, for example, have experienced prolonged conflict associated with resource control and insurgency. RDCs can contribute to reducing tensions and promoting peace by providing alternative livelihoods and improving social infrastructure.
Dr Ughegbe states, “Improved policies will address the local demand for social services; the establishment of regional development commissions is anticipated to improve security by offering alternative livelihoods.”
RDCs may provide substantial benefits; however, their efficacy is contingent upon their proper operation, adequate funding, and robust political support.
Historically, similar institutions have failed due to their bureaucratic excess, corruption, or lack of cooperation with state administrations. To prevent these issues, RDCS must maintain transparency regarding their operations and collaborate closely with existing local and state entities.
It is imperative to engage individuals from the business sector, civil society, and the community to guarantee that projects meet genuine requirements and garner the support of a wide range of individuals.
Furthermore, the exaggeration of the federal government’s responsibility in controlling and ensuring timely financial distribution is challenging. If the commissions are to maintain their concentration on their development goals, they also have to be free from excessive political involvement.
Apart from building other RDCs, enacting the South West Growth Commission law on October 12, 2024, marks a hopeful turning point in the annals of Nigerian growth. These commissions can serve to establish distinctive regional opportunities and problems as well as national unity, enhance human capital, and further economic growth.
Correct implementation of RDCs can assist in closing regional inequalities, generating jobs, and raising living standards for millions of Nigerian individuals. They mark a change towards a more inclusive, dispersed government that honours the variety of the nation as a strength instead of a cause of conflict.
Nigeria is in a challenging situation, waiting for the president to authorise and for these committees to start running. Perhaps the new deal Nigeria seeks is regional development communities (RDCs). They give the country the tools it needs to grow sustainably, promoting stability and wealth in all spheres of life.
