A video of Senator Gbenga Daniel advocating for the developmental needs of the South West zone in Nigeria has gone viral online. The former Ogun Governor spoke during a debate in the Senate concerning the South West Development Commission Bill, highlighting the region's projected population growth.
Senator Daniel emphasized that the South West is projected to accommodate 50% of Nigeria's population by 2050, necessitating proactive measures to address infrastructural strains and foster sustainable growth. He underscored the importance of the South West Development Commission (SWDC) in spearheading strategic initiatives across vital sectors like agriculture, transportation, and environmental sustainability.
The legislative initiative, co-sponsored by all Southwest Senators and championed by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, signifies a unified commitment to prioritize the region's development agenda. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Special Duties for further review.
While the status of the bill and the scheduled feedback remain unverified, the House of Representatives had previously passed bills to establish development commissions for other regions. The South-West Development Commission (Establishment) Bill 2019 had passed its first reading in December 2019, indicating a push towards addressing the region's developmental needs.
