The joint Committee, which was Chaired by Senator Abdul-Aziz Murtala Nyako (Adamawa Central) and Co-chaired by Senator Emmanuel Paulker (Bayelsa Central) organized the 2-day Public Hearing to entertain suggestions and contributions from stakeholders who represent those that will directly benefit from the Commission when created.
The North East Development Commission which will be the manifestation of the Act seeks to address the problems of the North East Zone (NEZ), collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to stop insurgency in the Zone, coordinate activities that would stop the incubation of terrorism within the Zone and stabilize the NEZ by stopping the displacement and involuntary movement of people out of the Zone to other parts of Nigeria and bordering countries.
Stakeholders present made suggestions and contributions on the areas the North East Development Commission should focus on. Most of the suggestions bothered on issues relating to IDPs – their welfare, livelihood, education, empowerment, reconciliation, the life after their return home and lots more. Amendments to the Act were also made.
Chairman of the Committee, Senator Abdul-Aziz Nyako assured all present that the points were duly noted, further deliberations will be carried out in the subsequent committee meetings and more recommendations and suggestions were welcomed as his office is always open to everyone.
The Bill for an Act to Establish the North East Development Commission (SB. 163) is slated to be presented on the floor of the Senate for Third Reading on the 25th of May, 2016.
Issues relating to the choice of location for the North East Development Commission Headquarters were also raised and extensively discussed, though the Committee suggested Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, as at when this report was filed, location of NEDC Headquarters is yet to be decided on.
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