The Nigerian Senate has decided to step down the proposed bill to establish the South-South Development Commission. Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, representing Cross River South, sponsored the bill, but it failed to progress past the second reading following a voice vote where lawmakers unanimously declined to support it.
During the debate, the legislators discussed the appropriateness of establishing multiple agencies, especially in light of the already existing commission in the Niger Delta region.
Senators Adamu Aliero and Abdul Ningi, representing the North, voiced their concerns, arguing that the proposed commission would essentially duplicate the functions of the existing Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and suggested that the Senate should abandon the idea.
During the ensuing voice vote, the House became divided on the issue, and following the voice votes, the bill was postponed for additional consultation.