The House of Representatives has approved a bill proposing the creation of the South East Development Commission on its third reading, 53 years after the end of the Nigerian civil war.After reviewing the bill's report, the House made a unanimous decision in the Committee of the Whole, which was presided over by the deputy speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu.
The bill's explanatory memorandum, which was signed by all of the South East lawmakers including Kalu, the lead sponsor, stated that the Commission would be in charge of managing funds allocated from the Federation Account for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads, homes, and other infrastructure damages that the region had suffered as a result of the civil war.
When the commission is formed, it will also address any associated environmental or developmental issues as well as ecological issues in the Southeast States, which include Abia, Imo, Enugu, Anambra, and Ebonyi.
Since the end of the civil war, residents of the Southeast states of Nigeria have long complained about neglect and a dearth of infrastructure supported by the federal government in the area. (Image via AFP)
Coincidentally, the bill's passage coincides with the national assembly members from the area, led by the deputy speaker, advocating for a new project called the Peace in South East Project (PISE-P). This initiative aims to address socio-economic and psychological issues in a non-kinetic way while also advancing the region's infrastructural development.
The bill's third reading implies that it will now be sent to the Senate for approval before being forwarded to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his signature to become law.
A bill to repeal the Weights and Measures Act, Cap. W3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and establish the Nigerian Weights and Measures Regulatory Agency was also passed by the House on third reading. This bill aims to establish a regulatory agency for the development and implementation of various legal metrology standards that support fair trade and safeguard public health, safety, and the environment.
While reviewing the bill's report, the House also made a decision in the Committee of the Whole.