Abbas: Development commissions not for decoration — there must be impact

Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives, says development commissions were not established for decoration.

Speaking on Tuesday while inaugurating the house committees on south-south, south-west and north-central development commissions at the national assembly, Abbas said the agencies must deliver tangible results.

Represented by Benjamin Kalu, his deputy, Abbas said the committees must provide adequate oversight to keep the development commissions on their toes.

“Let me begin by reaffirming that the 10th house stands ready to provide full backing to all regional development commissions across the six geopolitical zones,” he said.

“These commissions were not created for decoration and are expected to function as bridges between local realities and national policy.

“The inauguration we are witnessing today signals the beginning of serious work that must translate into practical gains.

“We expect these committees to maintain strong oversight, propose responsive legislation, and hold the implementing agencies accountable for results.

“As we inaugurate these committees, let us bear in mind that regional development is not an isolated project; it is part of a national effort to build a Nigeria that works for all.

“Every region must feel a genuine sense of belonging in the Nigerian project. That is why this house will continue to insist on fairness, regional inclusion, and sustained engagement with those at the grassroots.”

The speaker asked the committees to ensure accountability and equity in the development commissions so that Nigerians could feel their impact.

“The real measure of your success will be in the visible improvements you help bring to the lives of ordinary Nigerians, especially the youth, women, and rural dwellers who often feel left behind,” Abbas said.

“We must ensure that these development commissions become platforms for action, not bureaucracy.

“The decisions you take today must be guided by both present demands and future consequences.

“We are not just planning for today; we are laying the foundation for the generations that will come after us.

“Let us think boldly, act responsibly, and work with the seriousness this moment demands. The national assembly will continue to play its part in ensuring that every region has the tools, the voice, and the platform to thrive.”

Abbas said the committees must work with state governments, traditional institutions, civil society groups, and development partners to “implement homegrown strategies that respond to real needs” of the people.

Julius Pondi, chairman of the committee on the south-south development commission, said the panel would provide the “vigorous legislative oversight” needed to drive progress in the agencies.

He said the committee would “champion the strategic visioning necessary to actualise the commission’s mission”.

“We shall scrutinise budgets, evaluate policies, track project implementation, and facilitate meaningful collaboration across all levels of government, private stakeholders, and development partners,” he said.