Critics of the emerging zonal development commissions argue that they are mere avenues for politicians to create parasitic dependency on the Federal Government. However, this view is flawed. One of the key principles that makes a federal system of government appealing, particularly in a large and diverse country like Nigeria, is the commitment to even development across all regions. Due to the unequal distribution of resources among states and local governments, certain areas are left behind, especially in terms of infrastructure.
The regular annual budgetary system has failed to deliver on this promise of balanced development. Almost every region in the country claims “marginalization,” and while this may often serve as a political tactic, there is a genuine need for a mechanism that directs federal funds to all six geopolitical zones. This would address these claims and promote even development across the country.
The Nigerian Civil War was brought to an official close through the introduction of the “three Rs” — Reconstruction, Reconciliation, and Rehabilitation of the former Eastern Region, which had been the primary battleground. Unfortunately, the Federal Government later abandoned this policy, sparking claims of marginalization by the Igbo population.
Similarly, Niger Delta militants adopted the rhetoric of neglect to justify their armed disruptions of the oil industry. In response, the Federal Government established the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC), which was later replaced by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
During the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, steps were taken to establish the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) in October 2017 to address the destruction caused by Boko Haram in the region. Since then, bills for three additional zonal development commissions have been introduced.
These include the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) and the North-West Development Commission (NWDC), both of which were recently signed into law, as well as the South-West Development Commission, which has just been passed by the Senate. It is expected that bills for the North-Central and South-South Development Commissions will follow soon. While the NDDC is focused on the nine oil-producing states, the South-South is entitled to its own development commission for broader regional development.