Speaking during the plenary’s reopening following a two-week break, Akpabio said the meetings were essential to guarantee a practical and workable financial strategy for the nation in 2025.

The Senate reallocated chairmen and deputy chairmen to supervise the newly established regional development commissions after President Bola Tinubu signed legislation creating them.

According to Akpabio:

– Senator Babangida Hussaini and Senator Muntari Dandutse will lead the North West Development Commission as Chairman and Deputy Chairman, respectively.

– Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Senator Kenneth Eze were appointed as Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the South East Development Commission.

– Senator Titus Zam and Senator Isa Jibrin will head the North Central Development Commission as Chairman and Deputy Chairman.

As part of the reshuffling, the Senate also reassigned the leadership of some standing committees, with key changes including:

– Senator Abdul Ningi moving from the Committee on Population to head the Senate Committee on FERMA.

– Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, previously in charge of the Committee on Local Content, now serving as Chairman of the Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations.

– Senator Garba Maidoki appointed as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports Development.

– Senator Joel Thomas taking over as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content.

– Senator Victor Umeh reassigned from Diaspora Committee to Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Population and NIMC.

– Senate Mourns Former Deputy Majority Whip

The Speaker of the House of Representatives received condolences from the Upper Chamber for the loss of Hon. Oriyomi Onanuga, the former Deputy Majority Whip, who died on January 15.

Before adjourning the plenary, Akpabio led the senators in a minute of silence in her honor.