Analysts commend National Assembly for creating development commissions in six geopolitical zones.

From Cyril Mbah, Abuja.

Two prominent scholars have dispassionately analysed the creation of development commissions for the six geo-political zones of the country and commended the nation’s law makers for embracing a regional development framework that will most likely accelerate even growth throughout the nation.

Recall that the Senate on Thursday passed a bill establishing the Southeast Development Commission. The upper chamber passed the bill after considering the report of its Committee on Special Duties, presented by it’s Chairman Kaka Shehu.

In separate interviews on the matter with Champion Newspaper correspondent in Abuja, the eminent scholars spoke on the economic and political advantages of regional development strategies and commended the leadership of the legislature for ensuring that every geopolitical zone now has a commission to enable the people pursue their growth at their own pace.

The former Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and International Relations, University of Abuja, Professor Yusufu Zoaka said in the interview that the establishment of development commissions in all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria can offer several political and economic advantages such as the promotion of rapid regional development.

According to Prof. Zoaka, “By having development commissions tailored to each zone, regional issues such as infrastructure, education, insecurity and healthcare among others can be addressed more effectively.

“This initiative will foster a sense of inclusion and regional equity. It will also strengthen national unity. By addressing the unique needs and aspirations of each zone, the commissions can reduce feelings of marginalization and promote a more unified national identity.

“Development commissions will allow for a more localized governance structure, ensuring that political decision-making can reflect the interests of local populations more directly.

“Many regions in Nigeria have been plagued by resource-related conflicts or insurgencies (e.g., the Niger Delta and the North East). Development commissions focused on these areas can create policies aimed at resolving underlying grievances and tensions that trigger insecurity to bring peace to the zones.

“Establishing commissions in each zone provides political leaders and stakeholders from the respective regions a platform to advocate for their needs, ensuring balanced political representation across Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and regional groups.

“It will also help in providing  balanced economic growth: Each geopolitical zone has different resources. Development commissions can help to harness these potentials, ensuring that economic development is spread across the country, rather than being concentrated in specific regions.

“By focusing on local development projects, each region can see a boost in employment opportunities, particularly in sectors like construction, agriculture, and services. This can reduce regional unemployment and improve livelihoods.

“Regional commissions can also target investment in critical infrastructure like roads, electricity, water supply, and telecommunications. This can unlock economic activities, especially in underdeveloped areas.

Resource Allocation and Management: Each zone has unique natural resources (e.g., oil in the South-South, solid minerals in the North). Development commissions can ensure these resources are managed and allocated efficiently for local development, increasing revenue generation for the states.

“Economic Diversification: By focusing on the strengths and economic potential of each region (such as agriculture in the North and South-West, or technology in Lagos), the commissions can drive sector-specific growths and help diversify Nigeria’s economy beyond oil.

“Improved Investment Climate: By reducing regional disparities and improving infrastructure, development commissions can make each zone more attractive to both domestic and foreign investors and help with poverty reduction:

“Focused economic policies in each zone will likely lead to improved living standards and poverty reduction, especially in historically marginalized areas like the North-East and North-West.

“Rather than see the establishment as competition for resources , we can see that the commissions will promote development instead of negative competition. However it will be good for the commissions to have  more leverage particularly to allow some regional discussions and equal spread in projects in zones that have relative peace.

“This development is positive and should be supported by all Nigerians. However the Chairmen of these zonal development commissions should also use the commissions to attract international support for development,” Professor Zoaka advised.

On his part, Professor Abdulrasaq Na’Allah, the Head, Department of Management Studies, University of Abuja said economically, regional development initiatives can help facilitate targeted development in areas of special needs and advantages that are localised to a region.

“It can also help facilitate the development of regional infrastructures such as roads, rail, power, etc, that connect constituent states and serve regional needs.

“Investment attraction is another area where impact can be felt as resources can be mobilized within the region to present a premium case or incentive that would otherwise have been impossible without such a concerted effort.

“Spilling over from all these possibilities is the advantage of job creation that can accrue to the region. As regional projects are implemented, new jobs and opportunities are created for the working population of the region to take advantage of.

“Politically, issues of representation, decentralisation, conflict resolution accountability, and good governance can be positively enhanced when states come together to function under the umbrella of a regional initiative.

“Above all, the development promises of a regional development framework can be likened to the advantages experienced under the system of regional government that was witnessed in this country immediately after independence.

“It would be recalled that as regional leaders compete with one another in the race to engender development within their respective regions, projects were initiated, resources were mobilised and gains in the form of growth and development were realised,” Prof. Abdulrasaq Na-Allah declared.