The Senate Committee on Regional Development has launched an investigation into the operations and expenditure of the North West Development Commission (NWDC), raising concerns over its spending pattern and institutional structure.

Lawmakers questioned the commission’s expenditure, alleging that nearly 79 per cent of the N1.19 billion spent so far, amounting to about N943 million, was used for board allowances.

The committee also queried why the NWDC remains the only regional development commission without executive directors and permanent employees despite being inaugurated in February 2025.

During the session, representatives of the supervising ministry, the commission’s board and its Managing Director outlined challenges affecting the agency’s operations and implementation of its mandate.

However, members of the committee maintained that urgent measures must be taken to strengthen the commission and ensure it delivers on its core responsibilities of promoting development and addressing security challenges across the North West region.

The lawmakers stressed the need for improved governance, accountability and operational capacity to enable the commission achieve its objectives effectively.