The Senate has passed the FCT Development Commission bill through the second reading on Wednesday.
The bill aims to create a specialised commission tasked with managing the development of satellite towns within a 60-kilometer radius of the FCT’s borders.
Sponsor of the bill, Sen. Wadada Aliyu highlighted the significant challenges posed by the rapid growth of Abuja as Nigeria’s political and economic center on surrounding towns.
He further explained that the bill outlines a governance structure for the commission, which will include administrative units and local offices for effective management. Funding for the commission will be sourced on a first-line charge basis, in compliance with applicable laws.
The bill received polarized reactions during the debate, with some senators expressing concerns over funding and the potential duplication of efforts with existing agencies. The bill will proceed to the committee stage for further scrutiny and amendments.
