Senate Committee on the North West Development Commission has raised concerns over the payment of about N943 million in board allowances and the delay in appointing Executive Directors, allegedly caused by internal misunderstandings.
The concerns were raised during an investigative session with officials of the Commission and the Federal Ministry of Regional Development.
Lawmakers questioned why the Commission remains the only regional development commission without Executive Directors, despite being among the first established by an Act of the National Assembly.
The Minister of State for Regional Development, Alhaji Uba Maigari Ahmadu, explained that the ministry had intervened in the lingering dispute over office accommodation for the Commission in Kano.
He said the North West Development Commission (NWDC) initially operated from offices donated by private organisations, but disagreements over which facility should serve as its headquarters created friction between the board and management.
According to the minister, the Kano State Government has now provided the commission with a fully furnished office, operational vehicles and a plot of land.
He added that the commission took over the facility last week to resolve the crisis.
He said the absence of Executive Directors had weakened the commission’s management structure and contributed to its operational challenges since its inauguration.
Uba Maigari also complained about the non-implementation of board resolutions, communication gaps and the slow execution of key operational decisions, all of which have hampered the smooth take-off of the commission.
However, shortly after the session, the Chairman of the Senate Committee, Senator Babangida Hussaini, said the purpose of the meeting was to receive a briefing from the North West Development Commission (NWDC) on the milestones it has achieved, particularly since it commenced limited operations.
Senator Hussaini said it was important for members of the Senate to be fully informed about the progress the commission has made across its various areas of operation.
He explained that the committee closely examined the commission’s finances as part of its oversight responsibilities to ensure that funds released to the commission have been judiciously utilised.
He added that the committee also reviewed the commission’s procurement processes, governance structure and the procedures guiding its procurement activities.
“So far, we have received satisfactory explanations regarding the progress the commission is making, and we will continue to engage with it to ensure that the North-West region derives maximum benefit from its activities,” he said.
Speaking on the relationship between the Managing Director and the Chairman of the Board, Senator Hussaini said it is normal for organisations to experience minor disagreements from time to time.
He added that such issues are routine and that the meeting with the ministry provided an opportunity to resolve the differences and strengthen cooperation.
Cov/Bashir M
