The Nigerian Senate has reshuffled its committee leadership, appointing new chairmen and deputies to oversee various commissions. The adjustments come following President Bola Tinubu’s approval of bills establishing development commissions across different regions.
During the Senate’s resumption on Tuesday after a two-week recess, Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised lawmakers for their dedication during the 2025 budget defence sessions. He noted their role in ensuring that the country has a solid financial plan for the year.
Akpabio said, “Senator Babangida Hussaini and Senator Muntari Dandutse will serve as Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on the North West Development Commission.
“Similarly, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Senator Kenneth Eze have been appointed as Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission, while Senator Titus Zam and Senator Isa Jibrin will head the Senate Committee on the North Central Development Commission.”
In addition to these appointments, the Senate also reshuffled some of its standing committees. Senator Abdul Ningi has been moved from the Population Committee to lead the Senate Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).
Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, who previously chaired the Local Content Committee, now heads the Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations.
Other notable appointments include Senator Garba Maidoki as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports Development and Joel Thomas as the new Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content.
Senator Victor Umeh, who was formerly in charge of the Diaspora Committee, will now oversee the Senate Committee on National Population and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
Meanwhile, the Senate took time to express condolences over the passing of former Deputy Majority Whip, Oriyomi Onanuga, who passed away on January 15. Akpabio led lawmakers in observing a minute of silence in her honour before the plenary session was adjourned.
