The Senate Committee on Regional Development has launched an investigation into the operations of the North West Development Commission (NWDC), questioning the Commission’s spending and governance structure.
During an investigative session with officials of the commission and the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, lawmakers expressed concern that about ₦943 million – nearly 79% of the ₦1.19 billion spent by the commission – was used for board allowances. The committee described the expenditure as inconsistent with the Commission’s mandate to drive development and tackle insecurity in the North-West region.
The senators also queried why the NWDC remains the only regional development commission without executive directors or a full workforce since its inauguration in February 2025, warning that the situation has hampered its operations and delivery of critical projects.
In response, the Minister of State for Regional Development, the commission’s governing board and the Managing Director attributed the challenges to administrative and operational setbacks, including delays linked to office accommodation and institutional take-off. They defended the board’s expenditure as being in line with the provisions of the NWDC Act.
Despite the explanations, the Senate committee insisted that urgent steps must be taken to address the Commission’s governance gaps and ensure it fulfils its responsibility of promoting development and improving security across the North-West region.
