President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, commended lawmakers for their dedication during the 2025 budget defence sessions, highlighting their crucial role in shaping the country’s financial outlook. His praise came after the Senate resumed on Tuesday following a two-week break.
In his remarks, Akpabio also noted that the Senate had made some adjustments, particularly with the establishment of regional development commissions. These changes included the appointment of new leaders for the committees overseeing these commissions:
- Senator Babangida Hussaini and Senator Muntari Dandutse were named Chairman and Deputy Chairman for the North West Development Commission.
- Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Senator Kenneth Eze were appointed for the South East Development Commission.
- Senator Titus Zam and Senator Isa Jibrin were assigned to the North Central Development Commission.
In addition to these appointments, the Senate reshuffled some of its standing committees. For instance, Senator Abdul Ningi was moved from the Population Committee to lead the Senate Committee on FERMA, while Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan took charge of the Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations, after previously heading the Local Content Committee.
Further reshuffles saw Senator Garba Maidoki appointed as Chairman of the Committee on Sports Development, and Senator Joel Thomas as the new Chairman of the Committee on Local Content. Victor Umeh, formerly leading the Diaspora Committee, will now head the Senate Committee on National Population and NIMC.
The Senate also extended its condolences to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, following the passing of former Deputy Majority Whip, Oriyomi Onanuga, on January 15. Akpabio led the Senate in observing a minute of silence to honor Onanuga before adjourning the plenary.
