The Senate on Thursday passed the North-West Development Commission (NWDC) establishment bill to address challenges facing the seven states in the zone.

This followed the adoption of the Senate Committee on Special Duties report on the NWDC (Establishment) at Thursday’s plenary.

Presenting the report, the committee chairman, Shehu Kaka (APC-Borno), said the bill’s purpose was well structured and strategically streamlined for the socio-economic development of the North-West.

He added that the commission’s establishment would bring the federal government closer to the North-Western states and meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

Mr Kaka, therefore, urged the Senate to pass the bill.

The lawmakers unanimously passed the bill when put to a voice vote by the deputy senate president, Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary.

In his remarks, Mr Jibrin commended his colleagues for supporting the bill’s passage.

He said the commission would address the challenges facing the zone and, by extension, the country.

Describing the North-West as the food basket of the country, he said the commission would also work toward the restoration of infrastructure destroyed by Boko Haram insurgents and bandits in the zone.

“So if we are serious about ensuring we have food, and for food security to be attained in this country, we must provide the necessary infrastructure for all our key sectors to thrive.

“This commission is needed. I commend you all for supporting this; no one said no. Everybody supported this idea. So, now we are pushing the bill to the House of Representatives for their approval and then to Mr President for assent,” he said.

(NAN)