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Torkwase Nyiekaa
The Amalgamated Coalition of Activists in Nigeria and Diaspora (ACAND) has commended the House of Representatives for advancing a bill seeking to strengthen the funding framework of the South South Development Commission (SSDC), describing the move as a significant step towards addressing the developmental challenges confronting the oil-rich region.
The group also lauded the sponsor of the proposed legislation, Hon. Julius Pondi, who represents Burutu Federal Constituency of Delta State, for what it described as a strategic and forward-looking initiative aimed at enhancing the commission’s capacity to deliver on its mandate.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its President, Lucky Efe, ACAND said the passage of the bill for second reading marked a critical moment in the quest to accelerate infrastructure development and improve socio-economic conditions across the South South geopolitical zone.
According to the coalition, strengthening the funding base of the SSDC would enable the commission to undertake more impactful projects in key sectors, including transportation, healthcare, education, youth development, environmental restoration and economic empowerment.
“Today marks a significant milestone in the development trajectory of the South South region. The passage of this bill for second reading demonstrates the commitment of the House of Representatives to ensuring that the SSDC is adequately equipped to fulfil its mandate,” the statement said.
The group noted that despite the region’s enormous contribution to Nigeria’s economic prosperity, particularly through oil and gas production, many communities continue to face persistent infrastructure deficits, environmental degradation and limited access to essential public services.
It argued that sustained intervention backed by adequate financial resources remains necessary to bridge existing development gaps and unlock the region’s economic potential.
ACAND particularly praised Pondi for championing the amendment bill, saying his intervention reflects a deep understanding of the developmental needs of the South South and the importance of equipping the commission with sufficient resources to meet those needs.
“By seeking to expand the funding base of the commission, Hon. Julius Pondi has taken a strategic step towards ensuring that the SSDC can deliver impactful projects that will improve the lives of millions of people across the South South,” the group added.
The coalition urged lawmakers in both chambers of the National Assembly to support the bill as it progresses through the legislative process, expressing confidence that its eventual passage would strengthen the commission’s ability to drive sustainable development across the region.
It further stated that improved funding would not only enhance project execution but also stimulate economic activities, create employment opportunities and improve living standards in communities across the South South.
ACAND also called on traditional rulers, civil society organisations, community leaders and other stakeholders to rally support for the proposed amendment, describing it as a critical investment in the future of the region.
The commendation follows the House of Representatives’ consideration of a bill seeking to amend the South South Development Commission Act, 2025, to provide additional funding sources for the commission.
Leading debate on the legislation during plenary on Wednesday, Pondi explained that the amendment was designed to strengthen the commission’s financial foundation and position it to undertake more extensive development programmes in line with its statutory responsibilities.
The South South Development Commission was established to coordinate and drive development initiatives across the region, which comprises Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers states. Stakeholders have consistently argued that adequate and sustainable funding remains crucial to the commission’s ability to tackle long-standing infrastructure deficits and deliver meaningful development outcomes in the region.
With the bill now advancing through the legislative process, expectations are growing among stakeholders that the proposed amendment could provide the SSDC with the financial capacity required to accelerate development and deepen its impact across the South South.