The Nigerian Senate on Thursday confirmed the appointment of former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche, as Chairman of the newly established South-South Development Commission (SSDC).
Also confirmed was Usoro Offiong Akpabio from Akwa Ibom State, who will serve as the Managing Director of the Commission. Thirteen additional board members and five executive directors were cleared for appointment.
However, the confirmation process was not without controversy. Tijani Kaura, the nominee representing the North-West, was dropped after failing to submit vital documentation and refusing to appear before the Senate screening committee. The committee noted that Kaura could still present himself for screening at a later date.
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The confirmation followed the presentation and adoption of a report by the Senate Committee on South-South Development Commission, chaired by Senator Benson Konbowei (PDP, Bayelsa Central).
“The Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on South-South Development Commission on the confirmation of the nomination for appointment as Chairman, Managing Director, and Members of the Board,” Senator Konbowei stated.
Confirmed Board Members:
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Larry Odey (Cross River)
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Charles Zuofa (Bayelsa)
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Dr Nkereuwem Ebong (Akwa Ibom)
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Chika Chinedu (Rivers)
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Femi Oise (Edo)
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Dr Charles Sylvester Enukhowhate (Delta)
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Tabitha Iliya Sallah (North-East)
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Yusuf Rasaq Amao (North-Central)
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Joseph Mmamal (South-East)
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Bukonola Braimoh (South-West)
Executive Directors:
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Marcus Nie Eji – Projects (Rivers)
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Aganaba Preye Steven – Social and Human Capital Development (Bayelsa)
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Dr Timi Alari Ayibatonye – Corporate Services (Delta)
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Joseph Ugheoke – Commercial and Environmental Development (Edo)
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Sony Abang – Finance (Cross River)
President Bola Tinubu had submitted the list of nominees to the Senate in May, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio referring the request to the relevant committee with a one-week deadline for review.
The South-South Development Commission is tasked with leading infrastructure and socio-economic development across the oil-rich South-South region. It is expected to address deep-rooted challenges in host communities, including environmental degradation, economic disparity, and inadequate public services.
