Senators Clash Over Funding For New Commissions Established By President Tinubu

Senators Clash Over Funding For New Commissions Established By President TinubuThe Nigerian Senate experienced a brief uproar during Thursday’s session as members debated the funding sources for regional development commissions, a central element of President Bola Tinubu’s newly established Ministry of Regional Development. This discussion was part of the clause-by-clause review of the South-South Development Commission Establishment Bill 2024.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Contention arose when the Senate Committee on Special Duties proposed that 15 percent of statutory allocations from member states in each geopolitical zone be allocated to fund the commissions. This suggestion raised concerns among several senators, including Yahaya Abdullahi, who sought clarification on the implications.

Senator Abdullahi expressed worry that this approach could lead to legal challenges, with state governments potentially contesting the Federal Government over what they might view as unauthorized deductions from their statutory funds. However, after detailed discussions, the Senate moved forward, putting the contentious provision to a voice vote, which passed.

This decision enables regional development commissions to receive a share of statutory allocations for projects aimed at fostering growth and equity within their regions.

Additionally, the Senate made a notable amendment by removing certain provisions from section 23 of the establishment bills that would have granted operational immunity to the boards and executives of these commissions.

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