Civil Society Organizations Take Steps on Proposition to Federal Government for Smooth Take-off of SSDC

SSDC Headquarters, Uyo Akwaibom State

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the South South region have begun taking coordinated steps to present propositions to the Federal Government of Nigeria on the smooth take-off of the South South Development Commission (SSDC).

The SSDC, recently approved to drive inclusive growth and development across the six states of the South South, is seen as a critical institution for addressing long-standing challenges of underdevelopment, insecurity, and environmental degradation in the region. Recognizing its strategic importance, CSOs have emphasized the need for early planning, transparent structures, and broad stakeholder engagement to ensure the Commission’s success.

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In their proposition to the Federal Government, the organizations highlighted several key recommendations. These include:

1. Policy Clarity and Frameworks – The SSDC should operate within a well-defined policy framework that aligns with the Nigeria Agenda 2050 and the Renewed Hope Development Plan (2026–2030).

2. Transparent Funding Mechanisms – To avoid pitfalls of past regional bodies, the Commission’s financing should be transparent, accountable, and safeguarded against mismanagement.

3. Inclusive Stakeholder Participation – The SSDC must integrate the voices of local communities, civil society, private sector, youth, and women’s groups in decision-making processes.

4. Capacity Building and Local Empowerment – Development programs must prioritize human capacity building, skills development, and youth employment, ensuring that resources directly impact lives in the region.

5. Monitoring and Accountability – CSOs have proposed an independent monitoring framework to track implementation, report outcomes, and ensure alignment with the Commission’s mandate.

According to the coalition, these measures are vital for avoiding delays and ensuring the Commission does not become another dormant institution. They stressed that the SSDC’s smooth take-off will be a “critical bridge between lessons learned from the past and ambitions pursued for the future.”

The CSOs further expressed readiness to partner with the Federal Government, state governments, and regional stakeholders in providing technical support, policy advice, and grassroots mobilization to strengthen the Commission’s work.

By engaging proactively, civil society hopes to guarantee that the SSDC begins its operations on a solid foundation—delivering visible benefits in infrastructure, economic empowerment, human capacity building, and environmental sustainability for the South South people.

 _Coalition for Civil Society Organization_ .

[DOWNLOAD] Proposed SDDC Strategic Development Plan (PDF)

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