JUST IN: Senate Leadership Undergoes Shakeup with New Appointments, Committee Reshuffling

By Dansu Peter  In a major reorganization, the Nigerian Senate has appointed new chairmen and deputy chairmen for several standing committee...

By Dansu Peter 

In a major reorganization, the Nigerian Senate has appointed new chairmen and deputy chairmen for several standing committees, particularly those overseeing the newly established regional development commissions. This development follows President Bola Tinubu's recent assent to bills creating these commissions, aimed at driving economic growth and infrastructure development across various regions.  

Announcing the appointments, Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio named Senator Babangida Hussaini as Chairman of the Senate Committee on North West Development Commission, with Senator Muntari Dandutse as Deputy Chairman. Similarly, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu was appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on South East Development Commission, while Senator Kenneth Eze will serve as his deputy. The North Central Development Commission Committee will be led by Senator Titus Zam Tartenger as Chairman, with Senator Isa Jibrin as Deputy Chairman.  

Beyond the new appointments, the Senate also undertook a significant reshuffling of leadership in other standing committees. Senator Abdul Ningi, who previously chaired the Senate Committee on Population, has now been moved to head the Senate Committee on FERMA. In another key adjustment, Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan has been reassigned from the Senate Committee on Local Content to now chair the Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organizations.  

Further strengthening the Senate’s oversight structure, Senator Garba Maidoki has been appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports Development. Senator Joel Thomas now takes over as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, while Senator Victor Umeh has been reassigned from the Senate Committee on Diaspora to lead the Senate Committee on National Population and NIMC.  

These appointments and reshufflings signal the Senate’s commitment to effective governance and oversight, ensuring that both new and existing committees are led by experienced lawmakers poised to drive legislative progress.