The President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday announced a minor reshuffle of standing committees in what he described as a move to enhance legislative effectiveness and productivity.
Speaking during plenary, Akpabio said the changes followed a careful review of the Senate’s evolving needs and the individual strengths of lawmakers.
“We will continue to make adjustments where necessary in order to deliver on our legislative mandate,” he said, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in achieving the upper chamber’s goals.
He also directed Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele to ensure that all committees submit activity reports for consideration on the Senate floor.
Akpabio urged senators to recommit themselves to national service with integrity and patriotism, and to channel legislative efforts toward initiatives that foster national unity.
As part of the reshuffle:
- Senator Simon Lalong (Plateau South) has been appointed Chairman of the Committee on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Electoral Matters, replacing Senator Sharafadeen Ali (Oyo South).
- Senator Ali now assumes leadership of the Committee on Agricultural Institutions and Research, a position previously held by Lalong.
- Senator Pam Nwadkon (Plateau North) has been named Chairman of the Committee on Tourism, replacing Senator Anthony Ani (Ebonyi South).
- Senator Ani, in turn, becomes Vice Chairman of the Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC), replacing Senator Eze Kenneth Emeka (Ebonyi Central).
- Emeka retains his position as Chairman of the Committee on Information and also remains Vice Chairman of the Committee on Water Resources.
The adjustments are the latest in a series of efforts by the Senate leadership to reposition the 10th National Assembly for more efficient service delivery.
