President Tinubu Names Leaders for South South, South West, and North Central Development Commissions
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointments of chairmen and managing directors for the newly established regional development commissions across Nigeria, a move aimed at boosting regional economic development and strategic planning.
Key Appointments Announced
- South South Development Commission (SSDC):
- Managing Director: Miss Usoro Akpabio
- Chairman: Chibudom Nwuche
- South West Development Commission (SWDC):
- Managing Director: Dr. Charles Akinola
- Chairman: Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi
- North Central Development Commission (NCDC):
- Managing Director: Barrister Cyril Tsenyil
- Chairman: Cosmas Akiyir
The appointments were formally communicated in a letter sent by the President to the Senate, which was read aloud during plenary on Thursday, May 9, 2025. The letter also requested Senate confirmation of the appointees in line with constitutional provisions.
These regional development commissions were recently created as part of President Tinubu’s broader strategy to decentralize development efforts, foster regional integration, and accelerate infrastructural and economic progress across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
Senate Passes Remaining Tax Reform Bills
In a related development, the Nigerian Senate on Thursday passed the remaining two out of four key tax reform bills submitted by President Tinubu’s administration, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s economic reform agenda.
Background of the Bills
The Senate had previously passed the first two bills on Wednesday, and concluded deliberations on the remaining two during Thursday’s plenary session. The legislative process will now move to a harmonization stage involving a joint committee of the Senate and House of Representatives, after which the final versions will be forwarded to the President for assent.
The Four Tax Reform Bills Passed Are:
- Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill
- Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill
- Nigeria Tax Administration Bill
- Nigeria Tax Bill
These executive bills are designed to transform, digitize, and modernize Nigeria’s tax system, making it more efficient, transparent, and responsive to the evolving needs of the country’s economy.
Reform Agenda Gains Momentum
The passage of the tax bills and the strategic appointments to the new regional commissions underscore President Tinubu’s ongoing commitment to institutional reform, economic modernization, and balanced regional development.
Also Read : Abducted NANS President Exposes Seyi Tinubu: “I Was Stripped, Tortured After Rejecting N100m Bribe
Analysts say the new commissions, if properly funded and independently managed, could address long-standing regional inequalities and unleash localised growth potentials, while the tax reforms aim to expand Nigeria’s revenue base and reduce reliance on oil income.
What’s Next?
With Senate confirmation pending for the appointees and the tax bills moving to the next legislative stage, stakeholders across various sectors are watching closely to see how these changes will impact fiscal policy, regional infrastructure development, and national cohesion.
