The House Committee on the Northwest Development Commission, NWDC, has called on wealthy individuals and corporate bodies from the region to support the smooth takeoff of the commission.
The Independent Mirror reports that the appeal followed the committee’s oversight visit to assess the level of preparedness ahead of the commission’s formal commencement of operations in Kano.
Speaking during the visit, Sulaiman Gummi, Chairman of the House Committee on the NWDC and representative of Gummi Constituency in Sokoto State, expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded so far.
“What we have seen here today is very impressive. The commitment of individuals and institutions to the success of this commission gives us great confidence in its future,” he said.
Mr Gummi commended the various donors and urged other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate them by supporting the commission.
He disclosed that another member of the House of Representatives had donated 20 computer sets to the NWDC headquarters.
He described the commission as an integral part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, saying it was created out of the President’s concern for the developmental challenges facing the North-West region.
“The North-West is one of the most critical regions to Nigeria’s development because of its vast landmass, population, and mineral resources.
This commission was established out of the President’s love for the region,” Mr Gummi stated.
“We therefore call on all sons and daughters of the North-West to support the commission. We should not leave everything to the federal government. Let’s complement Mr. President’s effort by donating and contributing to ensure its full takeoff.”
Mr Gummi also lauded the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, for providing funds that facilitated the renovation of the commission’s headquarters.
“With this level of workmanship and innovation, the commission is in good hands. We are confident it will deliver meaningful impact to the North-West region,” he said, urging the management to sustain the momentum.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of the NWDC, Professor Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji, said the temporary headquarters—located along Murtala Muhammad Way in Kano—is 95 percent complete and ready for operations, pending the release of funds from the federal government.
“We are at 95 percent completion. The only outstanding components are the installation of elevators, which are expected to arrive by November 2, and final furnishing. Once funds are released, we are ready to hit the ground running,” Ma’aji stated.
He revealed that the facility donated by Professor Gwarzo would serve as the operational base for the next four years, while another building donated by Abdul Samad Rabiu would serve as the Kano State office.
Mr Ma’aji further acknowledged Fidelity Bank for offering to install solar systems on three floors of the seven-storey headquarters building, describing the gesture as a significant contribution to the commission’s sustainability efforts.
