As the Nigerian Senate resumed activities after a two-week recess, President Godswill Akpabio praised the Senate’s commitment during the 2025 budget defense sessions, highlighting their critical role in ensuring a sound financial plan for the coming year.
Akpabio made these comments during the Tuesday Senate session, where members also addressed minor changes to the recently approved bills establishing regional development commissions, including the appointment of new chairpersons and deputies to oversee these commissions.
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.”
The Senate also reshuffled some standing committees.
Senator Abdul Ningi transitioned from the Senate Committee on Population to take the helm of the Senate Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).
Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan was reassigned from her former position as Chairperson of the Local Content Committee to the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations.
Other 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. Victor Umeh, formerly leading the Diaspora Committee, will now chair the Senate Committee on National Population and NIMC”.
In a moment of solemnity, the Nigerian Senate took a moment to honour the life and service of former Deputy Majority Whip Oriyomi Onanuga, who passed away on January 15.
The senate president led the Senators in a minute of silence to commemorate her life and express their condolences to Speaker of the House of Representatives and her bereaved family.
