Senator Bukola Saraki
From: Dianabasi Effiong, Calabar
The Upper Chamber of the National Assembly (Senate) has passed the bill for the establishment of North East Development Commission to ensure the re-rebuilding of the insurgency-ravaged region of Nigeria.
The bill passed its third reading on Thursday after bickering in respect of funding sources and headquarters. The Senate also approved the allocation of three per cent of Value Added Tax (VAT) accrued to the Federal Government in the next 10 years for the rebuilding of the North East through the envisaged commission.
The report on the commission was brought by Murtala Nyako (APC-Adamawa), Chairman, Committee on Special Duties.
In his remark after the bill’s passage, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, said that with the passage of the bill humanitarian crises in the North-East could be addressed.
He said: “With this commission, I hope we can collaborate and address humanitarian crisis and challenges in the North East.”
The Senate is expected to convey its decision on the bill to the lower House (the House of Representatives) for concurrence before presenting it to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent.
If it scales the remaining hurdles on procedure, the envisaged commission will have its headquarters in Borno State, currently ravaged by Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria.
“I am truly elated at the passing of the NEDC bill today by the 8th Assembly of the Federation. Today marks the beginning of a new future for the North East and the vision of its restoration shall now soon be a reality,” Nyako said.
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