RAILWAYS, ROADS TOP PRIORITY FOR DEVELOPMENT-SSDC CHAIRMAN
Read Time:2 Minute, 58 Second
BY OWOLABI OLUWADARA
The Chairman of the South-South Development Commission, Chibudom Nwuche, has stated that the commission will prioritize railways and road transportation, industries, agriculture, telecommunications, and urban and housing developments as part of its mandate to expedite the nation’s progress.
Nwuche made this declaration during the inaugural board meeting of the SSDC, convened in Abuja on Thursday.
It is noteworthy that the commission was established on August 28, 2025, by the Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Ahmadu, following President Bola Tinubu’s endorsement of the South-South Development Commission Bill into law in late March 2025, aimed at addressing economic, social, and environmental challenges in the southern states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers.
In his remarks, the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives reflected on his involvement in the enactment of the Niger Delta Development Commission Act during the fourth assembly, emphasizing that the ratification of the SSDC Act signifies a commitment to fostering necessary development in the Niger Delta region.
“With the decisive measure taken by Mr. President in formalizing the development commissions into law, there will be an opportunity for accelerated advancement throughout the nation.
“According to Section 8 of the SSDC Act, the Commission has been assigned a clear, significant, and urgent mandate that encompasses the identification of fundamental causes of underdevelopment in the region and the formulation of practical solutions along with the implementation of sustainable development initiatives and programs for the region’s benefit.
“We are tasked with overseeing the comprehensive development of the South-South region, including railways and road transportation, industries, agriculture, telecommunications, electricity, urban and housing developments, among others. We will diligently address these priority areas by strategically allocating resources to ensure consistent and sustainable growth.
“We will also prioritize the empowerment of our youth and women, who have disproportionately faced the negative impacts of oil production, particularly amid the unprecedented unemployment rates in our region, which is recognized as the oil-bearing segment of our country,” he remarked.
Nwuche additionally pledged to collaborate with state governors and other relevant stakeholders, including the National Assembly, to fulfill the commission’s mandate. He indicated that the SSDC will engage in ongoing consultations with other development organizations, such as the NDDC, federal agencies, and state government bodies.
“We shall operate cooperatively and synergistically to prevent redundancy in projects and efforts. We all recognize that achieving this mandate will not occur by chance; it will result from deliberate, bold, and at times, challenging decisions we make,” the Chairman asserted.
In her remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the SSDC, Usoro Akpabio, characterized the South-South as a region “prepared for the world,” further stating that through its various projects, the commission aims to bring the populace closer to prosperity.
She remarked, “Through intentional investment, effective policy engagement, and significant collaborations, we will be constructing the economic foundation of our area. We will guarantee that our cities, towns, and rural communities are not overlooked, but rather positioned to take the lead. Infrastructure remains fundamental to this transformation.
“Roadways, ports, energy, and rural connectivity are no longer mere luxuries; they are essential assets that will unlock opportunities, enhance trade, and attract investment. Each bridge we construct, every highway we widen, and every fibre-optic cable we install will draw our populace closer to prosperity. We are a region prepared for the global stage. Our journey is far from complete, and our commitment, along with the entire South-South Development Commission, is reinforced, as we accelerate towards progress. ”
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0