By Njoku Chijioke
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has inaugurated the Committee on the North-West Development Commission (NWDC), charging its members with the crucial task of revitalizing the region’s economy and addressing security challenges.
The inauguration ceremony took place in Abuja on Wednesday.
In his address, Abbas emphasized the need for a comprehensive needs assessment to identify priority areas for intervention.
He highlighted the North-West’s economic and cultural significance, noting that despite its population of over 47 million people, the region has suffered from insecurity, environmental degradation, and economic decline.
A key concern is the collapse of the once-thriving textile industry in Kaduna and Kano, which previously employed 500,000 workers but now has fewer than 20,000 due to insecurity and policy stagnation.
The Speaker expressed optimism that the NWDC would help reverse these setbacks through strategic interventions.
Abbas underscored the importance of a 10-year strategic development plan to attract partners, mobilize resources, and ensure accountability.
He also urged the commission to adopt a multi-stakeholder approach by collaborating with state governments, traditional institutions, civil society, and the private sector to ensure sustainable impact.
The inauguration of the committee marks a pivotal step in addressing the region’s challenges, with a renewed focus on economic revitalization and security.
There is growing optimism that through coordinated efforts, the North-West can reclaim its economic strength and provide better opportunities for its people.
