The Senate in Nigeria has thrown out a bill seeking to include Anambra among States in the Niger Delta Development Commission.
The Bill titled: A Bill for an Act to amend the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Act to make provision for the inclusion of Anambra State as one of the member state and for other connected matters thereto, 2024” was sponsored by Senator Tony Nwoye of Anambra state.
He stated that Anambra deserves to be a member of NDDC States having been collecting 13 per cent derivation since 2021 on account of oil production in the state on yearly basis.
This was countered by Senator Isah who asked Senator Nwoye to limit his argument to Anambra State and allow the Senate to decide the fate of his bill.
Some senators debated against the bill by pointing out that states like Kogi and Lagos are not covered by NDDC operations despite being oil- producing States.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio who intervened stated that if the argument of Senator Nwoye on proposed membership of Anambra State in NDDC is to be accepted by the Senate, then Lagos State which has two oil wells in Badagry, will also advocate for membership of the commission.
He also said that if NDDC is considered to be a geographical or regional interventionist body, Anambra State is qualified to be a member on account of its proximity to Niger Delta area.
Senators at the plenary voted against the bill when it was put to voice vote and it was subsequently thrown away.
Senate Reject Bill To Include Anambra In NDDC
