Buhari Signs Northeast Development Commission Bill
The commission will ensure that funds allocated and those received from donors for the reconstruction of the northeast and resettlement of victims of insurgency are well utilised
The president has signed into law the Northeast Development Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2017.
The commission birthed by the Act will receive and manage funds allocated by the Federal Government and international donor agencies.
These funds will be used for the resettlement, rehabilitation, integration and reconstruction of northeast communities ravaged by over 8 years Boko Haram insurgency.
Roads, houses and business premises destroyed in the heat of insurgency would be the focus.
The senior special assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Ita Enang, announced the signing of the bill in a statement on Wednesday.
The commission when established would also give attention to the alleviation of poverty and other environmental challenges in the northeast.
Giving details of the positions that will exist in the commission, Senator Enang said: “It provides for offices of chairman, managing director, executive director (administration and finance), executive director (humanitarian affairs), executive director (operations) and members representing the northeast zone to be rotated amongst member states of the commission.
“The commission will among other things coordinate projects and programmes within the Master Plan for the rehabilitation, resettlement, reconciliation, reconstruction and sustainable development of the northeast zone.
“This will be done in the field of infrastructure, human and social services, including health and nutrition, education and water supply, agriculture, wealth creation and employment opportunities, urban and rural development and poverty alleviation.
“The commission will also liaise with federal ministries, departments, agencies, states and development partners on implementation of all measures approved in the Master Plan for stabilization and development of the northeast by the federal government.
“It will equally assess and report on any project being funded or carried out in the northeast by any federal ministry, department and agency or company that has an agreement with the Federal Government, and ensure that funds released for such projects are properly utilised.
“The commission will equally liaise with other stakeholders on tackling of humanitarian, ecological and environmental problems and degradation that arise from natural causes, insurgency and industrial activities in the northeast zone,” he said.
