The Nigerian Senate has approved a 15% allocation from the Consolidated Revenue Fund to finance the newly established zonal development commissions.
This decision was made after considering the Senate Committee on Special Duties’ report on the bills creating these commissions.
The approval process was not without controversy, as some lawmakers expressed concerns about the funding model. Yahaya Abdullahi (PDP, Kebbi North), Wasiu Eshinlokun (APC, Lagos East), and Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) were among those who voiced their reservations. Abdullahi warned that the provision could lead to legal challenges from state governments, as no state would willingly allow its statutory allocation to be reduced.
However, Deputy President of the Senate Barau Jibrin clarified that the 15% allocation would not involve a direct deduction from states’ funds.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also intervened, citing Section 162(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which grants the National Assembly the authority to appropriate funds from either the Consolidated Revenue Fund or the Federation Account.
The approved bills include the South-South Development Commission Establishment Bill 2024, the North West Development Commission Act (Amendment) Bill 2024, and the South-East Development Commission Act (Amendment) Bill 2024. The South West Development Commission Establishment Bill 2024 and North Central Development Commission Establishment Bill 2024 were previously passed.
These commissions are expected to provide a foundation for the newly created Ministry of Regional Development, aiming to promote socio-economic growth and advance legal reforms in Nigeria.
