Senate grills NWDC over N943m board allowances, appointments

The Senate Committee on Regional Development has queried the North West Development Commission (NWDC) regarding its delayed appointment of executive directors and the expenditure of approximately N943 million on board allowances. Lawmakers are concerned that the NWDC remains the sole regional development commission without a full management structure, despite being among the first established.

Senator Babangida Hussaini, Committee Chairman, scrutinized the NWDC's financial records and governance, warning that administrative lapses impede development interventions in the North-West, a region already struggling with insecurity and infrastructure deficits. The Minister of State for Regional Development, Alhaji Uba Ahmadu, informed the committee that the ministry intervened in a prolonged dispute over the commission's office accommodation in Kano.

Ahmadu explained that the NWDC, which initially operated from donated office spaces, faced friction between its governing board and management over headquarters selection. The Kano State Government has now provided a fully furnished office complex, operational vehicles, and a plot of land. The ministry, board, and management jointly took over the facility last week, ordering the closure of all other offices to resolve the dispute.

The minister emphasized the urgency of establishing executive directors, stating, "The North West Development Commission is the only commission that does not yet have executive directors. Every other regional commission has its full management structure in place." He noted that the absence of these key positions has weakened the commission's management and contributed to its operational challenges since its inauguration. The committee also raised concerns about delayed board meetings and excessive spending on board-related allowances.

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The North West Development Commission is the only commission that does not yet have executive directors. Every other regional commission has its full management structure in place. Something has to be done urgently so that the commission can function effectively.