THE NIGERIAN Senate has announced a significant reshuffle of its standing committees. Senate President Godswill Akpabio unveiled the new appointments during the plenary session on Tuesday, 4th February 2025.
This development follows President Bola Tinubu’s recent assent to bills establishing development commissions across various regions, necessitating the formation of dedicated oversight committees. Senator Babangida Hussaini and Senator Muntari Dandutse have been appointed as Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on the North West Development Commission, respectively.
Similarly, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Senator Kenneth Eze will lead the South East Development Commission Committee, while Senator Titus Zam and Senator Isa Jibrin have been designated to oversee the North Central Development Commission Committee.
In addition to these new committees, the Senate has restructured the leadership of several existing ones. Senator Abdul Ningi has transitioned from the Population Committee to chair the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Committee. Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, formerly at the helm of the Local Content Committee, now presides over the Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations.
Other notable appointments include Senator Garba Maidoki as Chairman of the Sports Development Committee and Senator Joel Thomas as Chairman of the Local Content Committee. Senator Victor Umeh has been reassigned to lead the National Population and National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Committee.
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These changes come amid scrutiny over the effectiveness of certain committees, particularly concerning their oversight functions. In December 2024, President Akpabio expressed dissatisfaction with the persistent refusal of heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to honour invitations from the National Assembly.
He warned that committee chairmen who failed to perform satisfactorily might face removal and mandated all Senate committees to submit oversight reports by January 2025.
The recent reshuffle is perceived as a response to these concerns, aiming to bolster the Senate’s oversight capabilities and ensure more effective governance. By appointing new leadership to key committees, the Senate seeks to enhance its role in policy implementation and regional development.
In a related matter, the Senate extended condolences to the Speaker of the House of Representatives over the passing of former Deputy Majority Whip, Hon. Oriyomi Onanuga, who died on 15th January 2025. Senate President Akpabio led lawmakers in observing a minute of silence in her honour before adjourning the plenary session.
