Senate Questions North West Development Commission Over Financial Irregularities and Governance Lapses

The Senate Committee on Regional Development has launched an investigation into the North West Development Commission (NWDC) following concerns regarding significant financial expenditures and persistent governance challenges.

During an investigative hearing on Tuesday, lawmakers scrutinized the commission’s spending, noting that approximately ₦943 million—nearly 80 percent of the agency’s total expenditure—was allocated solely to board member allowances. Committee Chairman, Senator Babangida Hussaini, questioned the justification for these costs, highlighting specific concerns over questionable travel and logistical claims submitted by the commission’s management.

Beyond the financial inquiries, the committee expressed frustration over the commission’s inability to fully function since its inception. Lawmakers pointed out that the NWDC remains the only regional development body in the country currently operating without a full complement of executive directors, a vacancy they argue has severely hampered the agency’s effectiveness.

The Minister of State for Regional Development, Alhaji Uba Ahmadu, acknowledged the administrative friction, noting that the commission had been plagued by internal disputes, including disagreements over the location of its headquarters. However, he indicated that a resolution has been reached, with the Kano State Government providing a permanent, fully furnished office complex to stabilize operations.

In his defense, the Chairman of the Governing Board, Professor Abdullahi Ma’aji, maintained that the board’s activities, including the approval of various operational frameworks and resolutions, were consistent with the commission’s enabling Act. He argued that the responsibility for processing payments and implementing board decisions lies with the commission’s management team, rather than the board members themselves.

Despite these explanations, the Senate committee remained critical of the lack of progress in areas such as staff recruitment and the implementation of capital projects, which are essential for addressing the urgent security and infrastructural needs of the North-West region.

The committee has since moved into a closed-door session to further examine the commission’s records and determine the next steps in their oversight of the newly established agency.