The Senate Committee on the North West Development Commission has expressed satisfaction with the performance and accountability measures of the commission following an oversight briefing on its activities, finances, procurement processes, and governance structure.
Chairman of the committee, Senator Babangida Hussaini, gave the assurance while briefing journalists after an engagement with the management of the commission in Abuja.
Hussaini said the meeting was convened to enable members of the committee to assess the milestones recorded by the commission since it commenced operations and to evaluate its compliance with financial and administrative procedures.
“The intention of the meeting was to receive a briefing from the commission on the milestones they have covered, especially since they have started some limited operations,” he said.
He explained that the committee, in line with its oversight responsibilities, scrutinised the commission’s financial management, utilisation of funds already released by the Federal Government, procurement processes, governance framework, and operational procedures.
“In specific terms, we looked at their finances because it is an oversight function. We are following the money to ensure that the funds released are judiciously applied. We also examined their procurement processes, the governance system in place, and the procedures leading to procurement.
“So far, we have received satisfactory answers regarding the progress they are making, and we will continue to follow up with the commission to ensure that the North-West region derives greater benefits from its activities,” he stated.
On the reported misunderstanding between the Managing Director of the commission and the Chairman of its Governing Board, Hussaini said the committee had intervened and resolved the issue, describing the disagreement as a normal occurrence in institutional relationships.
“Yes, we have intervened. It is always normal in any relationship to have slight hitches. These are routine matters that happen from time to time, and we have used the opportunity of this meeting to sort out and settle the differences,” he said.
Reacting to concerns over the Managing Director’s air travel expenses for an official visit to the Governor of Kano State, the lawmaker clarified that the commission was at the time operating temporarily from Abuja as it had not relocated to its permanent headquarters in Kano.
“The explanation was that they were still based in Abuja because they had not relocated to Kano. They only took over their office in Kano a few days ago after the facility was completed and handed over. Therefore, the official trip from Abuja was necessary under the circumstances,” Hussaini explained.
He reiterated the committee’s commitment to sustained legislative oversight, stressing that transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public resources remain critical to ensuring the North West Development Commission delivers on its mandate of accelerating development across the region.