Abuja, Nigeria The Senate Committee on Regional Development has commenced an investigation into the financial activities of the North West Development Commission (NWDC), following concerns over the payment of ₦943 million in allowances to members of the commission’s Governing Board.
During an investigative session held on Tuesday, members of the committee expressed concern over what they described as leadership and administrative challenges affecting the commission’s ability to deliver on its mandate of addressing insecurity, poverty, and other developmental challenges across the North-West region.
The Minister of Regional Development, Uba Ahmadu, informed the committee that the NWDC remains the only regional development commission yet to have a complete team of Executive Directors. According to him, the absence of a fully constituted management team has significantly slowed the commission’s operations since its inauguration in February 2025.
The minister also acknowledged the support of the Kano State Government, which provided the commission with a permanent office complex, office equipment, vehicles, and land to facilitate its operations after delays associated with securing a permanent headquarters.
The Senate Committee further raised concerns that out of the ₦1.19 billion reportedly spent by the commission, ₦943 million was allocated to allowances for members of the Governing Board. Lawmakers questioned whether such expenditure was appropriate for an agency established to drive development across the North-West.
Responding to the allegations, NWDC Chairman Abdullahi Lawal defended the payments, stating that they were made in accordance with the provisions of the 2024 Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) remuneration guidelines. He explained that the Governing Board held seven meetings during which 63 resolutions were adopted to establish the commission’s operational framework.
Lawal also accused some management officials of failing to implement key decisions of the board, arguing that the lack of cooperation had contributed to delays in the commission’s activities.
Following the public hearing, the Senate Committee proceeded into a closed-door session to examine additional documents and receive further briefings from officials of the Ministry of Regional Development and the North West Development Commission.
The investigation is expected to continue as lawmakers seek greater accountability and transparency in the management of the commission’s finances and operations.