The newly inaugurated Southwest Development Commission (SWDC) has announced an ambitious growth plan aimed at driving infrastructure, enterprise development, and industrialisation across the six states of Nigeria’s Southwest region.
Speaking after the commission’s inaugural board meeting in Ibadan, Dr. Charles Akinola, Managing Director of SWDC, said the initiative represents a “landmark intervention” that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He emphasized that the commission will pursue its statutory mandate of job creation, industrialisation, and human capital development.
At the heart of the SWDC strategy is the “One Bloc Development Agenda”, a framework designed to harmonize projects across states and attract large-scale investments in agriculture, technology, and transportation.
“Our duty is to catalyse investments that will make the Southwest a competitive economic bloc within a prosperous Nigeria,” Dr. Akinola stated.
He explained that the approach is not only about positioning the region as a hub for industrial growth but also about building a business-friendly environment that enables small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to thrive.
The commission has called for support from state governments, business leaders, and civil society, stressing that collaboration is critical for the vision to succeed. Business analysts have noted that the plan could unlock vast opportunities for small businesses in agribusiness, logistics, renewable energy, and creative industries, while simultaneously improving access to infrastructure and regional markets.
The SWDC board is chaired by Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi, with Dr. Charles Akinola serving as Managing Director. The commission also has executive directors overseeing projects, finance, corporate services, and development initiatives. Its headquarters is located in Ibadan, Oyo State.
By consolidating resources and creating a unified regional strategy, the SWDC hopes to transform the Southwest into a competitive economic hub, attracting both local and international investment while strengthening the role of MSMEs in regional development.
