Buhari assents to North-East development commission

President Muhammadu Buhari has signed into law, the North-East Development Commission (Establishment) Act, 2017.

The Act establishes the North-East Development Commission with the mandate to receive and manage funds allocated by the Federal Government and international donor agencies for the resettlement, rehabilitation, integration and reconstruction of roads, houses and business premises of victims of insurgency as well as tackling the menace of poverty and environmental challenges of the area.

“The commission will, among other things, coordinate projects and programmes within the master plan for the rehabilitation, resettlement, reconciliation, reconstruction and sustainable development of the North-East Zone in the fields of infrastructure, human and social services, including health and nutrition, education and water supply, agriculture, wealth creation and employment opportunities, urban and rural development and poverty alleviation, said Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang.

“Liaise with Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies,states and development partners on the implementation of all measures approved in the master plan for the stabilisation and development of the North-East by the Federal Government” among others, he said.

“Assess and report on any project being funded or carried out in the North-East by any Federal Ministry, Department and Agency or company that has an agreement with the Federal Government, and ensure that funds released for such projects are properly utilized, Enang said