Speaker Abbas Pledges National Assembly’s Full Support for North West Development Commission
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has assured the North West Development Commission (NWDC) of the unwavering support of the National Assembly to ensure its success in addressing the region’s pressing challenges.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the NWDC board to his office on Wednesday, Speaker Abbas described the meeting as historic, marking the first official engagement between the House leadership and the newly established commission. He emphasized the urgency of the commission’s mandate, given the multiple socio-economic issues affecting the North West.
“Never in the history of Nigeria and the North West have we faced such dire circumstances—insurgency, banditry, unemployment, drug-related issues, and many more. The statistics show that this region is the worst hit,” he noted.
The Speaker called on the pioneer board members to lay a solid foundation for the commission, ensuring that it effectively addresses the developmental needs of the region. “What you do today will determine the future of the agency. It must truly be interventionist in nature, identifying and addressing critical gaps,” he added.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the House and the entire National Assembly to the success of the NWDC, stating, “This commission is our creation. We will do everything within our power to ensure it thrives.”
In response, the Chairman of the NWDC board, Alhaji Lawal Samaila Yakawada, expressed gratitude to the Speaker for his instrumental role in the commission’s establishment. He assured that the board is fully committed to fulfilling its mandate with transparency and accountability.
“We will not disappoint you. We will work diligently to meet the expectations that led to the creation of this commission,” Yakawada stated, adding that the board would seek regular engagements with the National Assembly for guidance and collaboration.
The NWDC delegation, led by Managing Director Prof. Shehu Abdullahi Ma'aji