Bamidele Shares Insights on Lobbying Fellow Senators for the Passage of the South West Development Commission Bill

Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Leader of the Senate, has shared insights on how lawmakers from South-West Nigeria successfully lobbied their colleagues from other regions to approve the Bill establishing the South West Development Commission (SWDC).....Read Full Article>>

During a recent gathering of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, Bamidele, who also leads the South-West National Assembly Caucus, emphasized that the APC lawmakers from the South-West have played a crucial role in fostering stability and progress within the National Assembly.

At the event, Bamidele detailed how the South-West Caucus collaborated with federal lawmakers from various geo-political zones to garner support for the passage of the SWDC Bill, which was approved by the Senate in 2024.

He highlighted the significant impact of the South-West Caucus, noting that 15 out of the 18 senators from the region belong to the APC, making it the largest bloc of APC senators.

Bamidele explained that the establishment of the SWDC is not only necessary but also equitable, as other regions already have similar commissions. He remarked that members from all political affiliations in the South-West National Assembly united in their efforts to ensure the bill’s passage.

He stated, “We are now waiting for the House of Representatives to concur before sending it to the President for final approval. This achievement reflects our commitment to the development of our people and highlights the importance of collaboration across party lines.”

In addition to the SWDC Bill, Bamidele announced that the federal government has approved the dualization of the Ado-Ekiti-Ikere-Akoko road, which connects Ekiti State to the Federal Capital Territory through Ondo, Edo, and Kogi States. He also mentioned the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, which will enhance economic opportunities across multiple states.

Bamidele commended the South-West Caucus for their resilience and solidarity during challenging times, underscoring their commitment to the leadership of the National Assembly. He expressed gratitude for the fair representation of the South-West in the Senate leadership and highlighted the significant roles they occupy in various committees.

The Senate Leader reiterated the caucus’s dedication to supporting President Tinubu’s reform agenda, particularly in security and economic recovery. He called for the institutionalization of the South-West Assembly to facilitate regular dialogue among APC stakeholders, reinforcing the importance of unity in achieving regional and national goals.

He praised the collaborative efforts between the South-West governors and National Assembly members, asserting that such cooperation is essential for advancing shared development agendas. Bamidele concluded by affirming the caucus’s ongoing support for President Tinubu’s initiatives and encouraging unity to ensure continued growth and progress for Nigeria.