Hope rises for rural communities, as lawmakers take action
By Emmanuel Sixtus
In what appears to be a significant move to enhance the development of rural communities, Nigeria’s House of Representatives has called for the establishment of a Rural Areas Development Fund following the passage for the first reading of the Rural Areas Development Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2024.
The bill, sponsored by the lawmaker representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Anambra State, Honourable Afam Ogene, aims to establish a Rural Areas Development Board and a Fund, to enchance community sustainability and economic initiatives for rapid development of the rural areas.
The legislation plans to transition all responsibilities of the Department of Rural Development under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to the new Rural Communities Advancement Agency.
According to Section 2 (1) of the bill, the board will comprise a leader, representatives from each of the six geo-political zones, and delegates from the federal Ministries of Works, Water Resources, Environment, Agriculture, Health, Power, and National Planning.
The board’s mandate includes conducting comprehensive needs assessments and coordinating rural development efforts. It will support local initiatives by collaborating with community organizers and development providers to form multi-stakeholder partnerships. The board will also seek innovative ways to increase funding for small and medium enterprises, agricultural projects, housing, public amenities, and healthcare in rural areas.
Section 9 (1) of the bill proposes the creation of the Rural Communities Advancement Fund to support rural communities and initiatives nationwide. The fund will draw financial resources from annual budgetary allocations, donations, grants, and other non-conflicting sources. Additionally, it may receive funds lent, granted, or deposited by the Federal, State, or Local Governments.
The board will allocate the fund’s proceeds for capital projects approved by the board, ensuring fair distribution across the six geo-political zones. The funds will also cover the agency’s operational costs, including salaries, allowances, and other compensations for board members, employees, and professionals providing services to the board.
This bill marks a crucial step towards empowering rural communities and fostering sustainable development across the nation.
