The House of Representatives today commenced debate on a bill seeking the establishment of the National Commission for Rural Infrastructure and Development.

The sponsor of the bill, Saidu Abdullahi, argued that Nigeria cannot achieve sustainable economic growth while millions of rural residents remain without access to basic infrastructure and economic opportunities, describing rural development as a strategic economic priority rather than a social intervention.

He said that despite years of public investment and development planning, rural communities still account for the country's largest infrastructure deficit, even though they host a significant portion of Nigeria's population and contribute substantially to agricultural production and natural resources.

The bill, designated HB 2795 and first read on July 9, 2026, proposes the creation of a National Rural Development Fund to provide sustainable financing for infrastructure projects in rural areas. Abdullahi urged lawmakers to support the bill's passage through second reading and allow it to proceed to committee stage for further legislative review and stakeholder engagement.