Senate announces minor committee reshuffle

The Nigerian Senate has implemented a minor reshuffle of its standing committees in a strategic move aimed at improving legislative productivity and service delivery.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio made the announcement during Tuesday’s plenary session, emphasizing that the changes were carefully considered based on the current needs of the legislature and the individual strengths of senators.

Akpabio described the reshuffle as part of ongoing efforts to reposition the Senate for better performance, noting that the realignment would help optimize the contributions of lawmakers in critical sectors.

“We will continue to make adjustments where necessary in order to deliver on our legislative mandate,” Akpabio said.

He also directed Opeyemi Bamidele, senate leader, to ensure all committees submit activity reports for deliberation on the senate floor.

In a welcome address at the resumption of plenary on Tuesday, Akpabio urged his colleagues to recommit themselves to national service with integrity and patriotism.

He implored the lawmakers to prioritise legislative efforts on issues that promote national unity.

Simon Lalong, the senator representing Plateau south, has been named chairman of the committee on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and electoral matters.

Lalong replaces Sharafadeen Ali, senator representing Oyo south, who has chaired the committee since the inauguration of the 10th national assembly.

Ali has been reassigned as chairman of the committee on agricultural institutions and research, a role previously held by Lalong.

Anthony Ani, senator representing Ebonyi south, will no longer serve as chairman of the committee on tourism.

Pam Nwadkon, senator representing Plateau north, will now chair the tourism committee.

Eze Kenneth Emeka, senator representing Ebonyi central, has been removed as the vice-chairman of the committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC). That position has been given to Ani.

Emeka, however, retains his role as chairman of the committee on information and remains vice chairman of the committee on water resources.