South-South Development Commission will ensure even distribution of resources – Dafinone

Sen. Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, says that the South-South Development Commission bill, when approved, will ensure even distribution of resources to the zone.

Dafinone, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday, was reacting to a proposed bill presently before the Senate.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bill, titled “The South-South Development Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2024” was sponsored by Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC-Cross River).

Dafinone said that the proposed commission would have functions outside the mandate of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), contrary to the thinking in certain quarters.

“The commission will have distinct roles from that of NDDC,” he said.

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The senator stated that the commission would put the people of the South-South geo-political zone in the same position with their counterparts in other zones in the country.

“More importantly, NDDC focuses on oil producing areas within the Niger Delta. There are, of course, areas within the states that make up the Niger Delta that do not produce oil.

“This South-South Development Commission is, therefore, being set up to cover those areas that are not covered by NDDC,” he said.

On juxtaposing the establishment of more agencies against the Stephen Oronsaye report, Dafinone said: “I want to assure you that our government doesn’t have unlimited funding.

“Also , the basis of merging institutions, as proposed in the Oronsaye report, is to save costs and streamline government functions.

“So, when new institutions are being set up, funding is a consideration. There must be sufficient funding for those institutions to take off, if not they will remain approved but not active.

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“Government does not have unlimited funds and there is, therefore, the need to prioritize.

“The demand for institutions will continue, but they will be set up and activated according to the amount of funds available,” he said.