Akpabio Commends Lawmakers for Dedication During 2025 Budget Defence, Announces Key Senate Appointments

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has lauded lawmakers for their dedication and commitment during the rigorous 2025 budget defence sessions.

Akpabio highlighted their crucial role in shaping a viable financial plan for the nation as the Senate resumed plenary on Tuesday after a two-week recess.

Addressing his colleagues, Akpabio acknowledged their efforts in scrutinizing the budget to ensure national development. 

He also announced key committee appointments following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of bills establishing development commissions across various regions.

 The Senate made minor adjustments to its leadership structure, appointing new chairmen and deputy chairmen to oversee these commissions.

In his announcement, Akpabio revealed that Senator Babangida Hussaini and Senator Muntari Dandutse would 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 were appointed as Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission.

 Meanwhile, Senator Titus Zam and Senator Isa Jibrin would head the Senate Committee on the North Central Development Commission.

The Senate also reshuffled some of its standing committees. Senator Abdul Ningi was moved from the Population Committee to chair the Senate Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

 Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, who previously led the Local Content Committee, now serves as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations.

Other key appointments include Senator Garba Maidoki as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports Development and Senator Joel Thomas as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content.

 Senator Victor Umeh, who previously led the Diaspora Committee, now chairs the Senate Committee on National Population and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

In a solemn moment, the Senate extended condolences to the Speaker of the House of Representatives over the passing of former Deputy Majority Whip, Oriyomi Onanuga, who died on January 15. Akpabio led lawmakers in observing a minute of silence in her honour before adjourning plenary.

With these key appointments and structural adjustments, the Senate is set to intensify its legislative work, focusing on national development, infrastructure, and economic policies for the year ahead.