On 26th September 2024, the Senate passed the highly anticipated South West Development Commission Bill, a significant step forward for regional development.
Sponsored by His Excellency, Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel and all the senators from the south west states, the bill aims to enhance infrastructure and economic opportunities in the South West region of Nigeria.
The passage of this bill reflects a commitment to addressing the unique developmental challenges faced by the South West, promoting sustainable growth and empowerment for its communities.
With a focus on strategic planning and resource allocation, the bill is expected to spearhead initiatives that will boost local economies and improve living standards.
Otunba Daniel expressed gratitude to his colleagues for their support, emphasising that this legislation marks a pivotal moment in the quest for comprehensive regional development.
As the commission prepares to take shape, stakeholders eagerly await the implementation of projects designed to foster collaboration and innovation across various sectors.
Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has outlined the country’s job-creation strategy, emphasising that sustainable employment growth is being driven by far-reaching macroeconomic reforms under the Tinubu Administration.
Speaking at the Africa Jobs Engine Panel on the margins of the World Economic Forum, the Minister explained that Nigeria’s approach is focused on restoring macroeconomic stability and creating clear, investable pathways for the private sector.
He highlighted recent reforms, including the stabilisation of the foreign exchange regime, the removal of fuel subsidies, and ongoing power-sector restructuring that separates generation, transmission, and distribution. According to the Minister, these measures are designed to improve transparency, reduce distortions, and attract long-term private investment, particularly in energy-intensive and job-rich sectors.
According to a statement signed by Alkasim Abdulkadir SA Media to the minister , he also noted that comprehensive tax reforms are underway to improve efficiency, enhance predictability, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness as a destination for business and investment.
Referencing Nigeria’s hosting of the West Africa Economic Summit (WAES), he stated that the summit was conceived to bridge information gaps by equipping the private sector across the region with practical knowledge of regional frameworks and opportunities, including the West African Power Pool and other enabling regulatory instruments.
He stressed that while government’s responsibility is to provide stable and enabling conditions, the private sector remains the primary engine of job creation. In this context, the Minister pointed to the emergence of local production ecosystems that are increasingly converting raw materials into finished goods, supported by stronger linkages between labour, finance, and markets. These developments, he noted, are already expanding opportunities for women and young people.
The Honourable Minister further cautioned that the African Continental Free Trade Area should remain firmly focused on its core mandate of economic integration. He underscored that deepening intra-African trade, industrial linkages, and value chains is essential to sustaining long-term growth and employment across the continent.
He concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to reforms that strengthen confidence, unlock private capital, and position the economy as a platform for inclusive growth and job creation in Africa.