By Emmanuel Onyedkia
The House of Representatives Committee on the South-South Development Commission has intensified consultations with key stakeholders on a proposed amendment to the South-South Development Commission (Establishment) Act, 2025, aimed at strengthening the Commission’s funding framework to drive sustainable development across the region.
At a resumed public hearing on Wednesday, the committee engaged government agencies, petroleum regulators, oil industry operators, and other stakeholders to examine the amendment and ensure broad input before consideration by the House.
Committee Chairman, Hon. Julius Pondi, explained that the hearing was reconvened after several critical stakeholders missed the initial session on July 8 due to their participation in the Nigerian Oil and Gas (NOG) Conference. He stressed the importance of the oil and gas sector to the legislation, noting that inclusive participation was essential.
Pondi reaffirmed the House’s commitment to a transparent and consultative lawmaking process. “We are particularly interested in receiving constructive contributions on the proposed funding framework, its sustainability, its implications for government and industry, as well as alternative proposals that can further strengthen the objectives of the legislation,” he said.
The amendment seeks to broaden the funding sources of the Commission to enhance its capacity to deliver on its mandate of promoting sustainable development in the South-South. Pondi observed that despite being Nigeria’s economic hub through petroleum production and maritime activities, the region continues to face infrastructure deficits, environmental degradation, and socio-economic challenges requiring sustained institutional support.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), represented by Head of Regulations and Statutory Compliance, Kingsley Chikwendu, expressed support for a predictable and transparent funding model but raised concerns over the proposal requiring oil and gas companies operating in the South-South to contribute three per cent of their total annual budgets to the Commission.
Pondi assured stakeholders that all memoranda and presentations would be carefully considered before recommendations are presented to the House, with the goal of producing balanced and equitable legislation that advances South-South development while protecting national interests.