Senate reshuffles committees, appoints new chairmen

79

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday, expressed satisfaction with the recently concluded budget defense sessions, praising lawmakers for their commitment to ensuring a practical financial plan for 2025.

Akpabio made the remarks while presiding over the resumption of plenary following a two-week recess.

In a related development, after President Bola Tinubu signed bills establishing development commissions for various regions in the country, the Senate announced minor leadership changes, appointing chairmen and deputy chairmen to oversee the commissions.

Senator Babangida Hussaini and Senator Muntari Dandutse have been named Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on the North West Development Commission.

Similarly, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Senator Kenneth Eze will lead 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.

The Senate also reshuffled the leadership of several standing committees. Senator Abdul Ningi now chairs the Senate Committee on FERMA, moving from his previous role on the Population Committee.

Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan has transitioned from heading the Local Content Committee to chairing the Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations.

Additional appointments include Senator Garba Maidoki as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports Development and Senator Joel Thomas as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content. Senator Victor Umeh, formerly of the Diaspora Committee, now chairs the Senate Committee on National Population and NIMC.

During the session, the Senate extended condolences to the Speaker of the House of Representatives over the death of former Deputy Majority Whip Hon. Oriyomi Onanuga, who passed away on January 15. Akpabio led the lawmakers in observing a minute of silence in her memory before adjourning the plenary.