Senate President Akpabio Commends Lawmakers, Announces Committee Reshuffle After 2025 Budget Defence
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has commended lawmakers for their dedication and commitment during the 2025 budget defence sessions, emphasizing their crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s financial plan for the year.
Akpabio made the remarks on Tuesday, while presiding over the Senate’s resumption from a two-week recess.
Key Announcements: Appointments for Development Commissions
Following President Bola Tinubu’s approval of bills establishing development commissions across various regions, the Senate has made minor adjustments, appointing new Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen to oversee these commissions.
New Appointments:
- North West Development Commission
- Chairman: Senator Babangida Hussaini
- Deputy Chairman: Senator Muntari Dandutse
- South East Development Commission
- Chairman: Senator Orji Uzor Kalu
- Deputy Chairman: Senator Kenneth Eze
- North Central Development Commission
- Chairman: Senator Titus Zam
- Deputy Chairman: Senator Isa Jibrin
Senate Reshuffles Standing Committees
In addition to the appointments for the development commissions, the Senate reshuffled some of its standing committees:
- Senator Abdul Ningi moved from the Population Committee to become Chairman of the Senate Committee on FERMA (Federal Roads Maintenance Agency).
- Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, previously in charge of the Local Content Committee, now leads the Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations.
- Senator Garba Maidoki has been appointed as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports Development.
- Senator Joel Thomas is now Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content.
- Senator Victor Umeh, formerly leading the Diaspora Committee, has been reassigned as Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Population and NIMC (National Identity Management Commission).
Condolences for Former Deputy Majority Whip
Before adjourning Tuesday’s plenary, the Senate paid tribute to the late former Deputy Majority Whip, Oriyomi Onanuga, who passed away on January 30, 2025.
Akpabio led lawmakers in observing a minute of silence in her honor and extended condolences to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and Onanuga’s family.
What’s Next?
- The new committee leaders will begin their oversight responsibilities in their respective commissions and agencies.
- The Senate is expected to focus on finalizing and passing the 2025 budget.
- Lawmakers will continue discussions on regional development initiatives following Tinubu’s recent approval of development commissions.
