Reps Committee hails NWDC, backs commission’s funding drive
The House of Representatives Committee on the North West Development Commission, NWDC, has commended its management led by the Managing Director, Prof. Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji, for initiatives to fast-track development of the region.
The commendation was given on Monday in Abuja at a meeting chaired by the Committee Chairman, Rt. Hon. Sulaiman Gumi, who pledged continued support for the Commission.
The meeting assessed the Commission’s progress, operational challenges, proposed amendment to its Establishment Act, resolutions of the Stakeholders’ Summit held in Kaduna, and budget implementation.
Gumi acknowledged the delay in take-off and slow budget implementation in the last 18 months, attributing it to challenges of establishing a new institution, but said the region’s urgent needs demand renewed commitment.
He commended Prof. Ma’aji and his team for navigating the initial challenges.
In his remarks, Prof. Ma’aji thanked the Committee for its oversight and legislative support and assured that management will strengthen institutional frameworks to ensure effectiveness, transparency and accountability.
He said the planning period was used to build a strong foundation for resource deployment and that management is now set to accelerate implementation.
Prof. Ma’aji said initial interventions have focused on security due to the impact of insecurity in the North-West, with plans to expand to healthcare, education, agriculture, infrastructure, human capital development and economic empowerment.
On funding, he agreed on the need to look beyond budgetary allocations and cited the recent visit to the Russian Federation, including the Republic of Mordovia, which opened prospects in security, education, mining technology, railway, agriculture, ICT, renewable energy, biomedicine and the halal economy.
He said the engagement secured commitments for 100 per cent financing for some initiatives and Letters of Intent for others, adding that due diligence and effective monitoring will be ensured.
Prof. Ma’aji pledged that management will account for its financial and operational position and accelerate implementation for measurable results, according to a statement by the Commission’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Abdulrashid Safana.
