South-Western Regional Agency Applauds Buhari’s Electricity and Railway Control Constitutional Amendments

A regional body of the six Nigerian Southwest states praised President Muhammadu Buhari for decentralizing the railway and electricity delivery.

Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission said no legislation since 1999 has excited Nigerian development stakeholders as those. On Wednesday, DAWN Director-General Seye Oyeleye sent a statement to NEWS MEN.

President Buhari signed 16 proposals to modify the 1999 Constitution into law on Friday. Several bills allow states to operate railways and distribute electricity.

DAWN said the reforms empower Nigerian states to “act as true federating units and centres of production that may plan and develop at their own particular pace.”

“It, therefore salutes the 9th National Assembly, the State Houses of Assembly and several lobby groups that worked to create this near-miraculous feat that has gulped years of constant socio-political activism,” the statement said.

“The Commission informs the people of Southwest region of the Governors’ readiness to take advantage of these revisions to demonstrate that Nigeria’s economy and political stability depend on political reforms on fiscal federalism and unbundling of the Exclusive Legislative list.

“DAWN Commission has worked with railway stakeholders and will shortly reveal a path to the realization of Great Western Rail to demonstrate their readiness. The Southwest States Investment Promotion Agency gathering in Akure next month will focus on electricity.

“Exciting times are ahead and the Commission, with the backing of the Governors, is set to ensure the newest constitutional modifications translate to evident and better regional development.”

“The Commission calls for constitutional modifications to safeguard state and community policing, among others. The Commission also recommends changing the revenue allocation mechanism because much of the Federal Government’s 52.68 per cent share has been privatized or decentralized.