Reps begin review of South-South Development Commission Act to expand funding

By Gift Chapi Odekina, Abuja

The House of Representatives on Wednesday commenced a public hearing on a bill seeking to amend the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) Establishment Act, 2025, to expand the commission’s statutory funding base and strengthen its capacity to address developmental challenges in the oil-producing region.

The hearing, organised by the House Committee on the South-South Development Commission at the National Assembly, attracted governors, ministers, heads of government agencies, industry stakeholders, civil society organisations and other interested parties.

Speaking at the event, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, said the proposed amendment seeks to strengthen the commission’s financial framework by introducing additional statutory sources of funding similar to those available to other regional development commissions.

Abbas said the 10th House remains committed to building a “People’s House” that promotes active citizen participation through transparent and inclusive legislative processes.