The Senate Committee on Regional Development has launched a scrutiny of the financial operations and administrative structure of the North West Development Commission (NWDC), raising concerns over what lawmakers described as questionable spending patterns and an apparent absence of executive leadership.
During an oversight session, members of the committee questioned the commission’s expenditure, revealing that nearly 79 per cent of the N1.19 billion reportedly spent since its inauguration was allocated to board allowances.
According to the lawmakers, approximately N943 million was paid out as allowances to board members, a figure they argued was disproportionate and difficult to justify given the commission’s current operational status.
The committee also expressed concern over the commission’s organisational structure, noting that the NWDC remains the only regional development commission in the country operating without executive directors or substantive employees despite being inaugurated in February 2025.
Lawmakers demanded explanations for the commission’s staffing gaps and spending priorities, stressing that public funds must be managed transparently and in line with the commission’s developmental mandate.
The development is expected to intensify legislative oversight of the NWDC as the Senate seeks greater accountability over the management of resources earmarked for the development of Nigeria’s North-West region.
