By: Newscount
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has praised Nigerian lawmakers for their dedication and hard work during the recently concluded 2025 budget defence sessions. He highlighted their pivotal role in ensuring the nation adopts a viable financial plan for the year.

Akpabio made these remarks on Tuesday while presiding over the Senate’s first plenary session after a two-week recess.
During the session, the Senate President announced significant committee reshuffles and new appointments following President Bola Tinubu’s approval of bills establishing development commissions across several regions. The new appointments aim to strengthen legislative oversight and accelerate regional development.
In his announcement, Akpabio said:
“Senator Babangida Hussaini and Senator Muntari Dandutse will 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 have been appointed as Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission, while Senator Titus Zam and Senator Isa Jibrin will head the Senate Committee on the North Central Development Commission.”
The Senate also made adjustments to the leadership of several standing committees to enhance efficiency. Among the notable changes:
▪️Abdul Ningi moves from the Population Committee to become the Chairman of the Senate Committee on FERMA.
▪️Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, formerly leading the Local Content Committee, now chairs the Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations.
▪️Victor Umeh, previously the Chairman of the Diaspora Committee, will now oversee the Senate Committee on National Population and NIMC.
▪️Garba Maidoki takes over as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports Development.
▪️Joel Thomas is appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content.
In a solemn moment, the Senate extended its condolences to the Speaker of the House of Representatives over the passing of former Deputy Majority Whip, Oriyomi Onanuga, who died in January.
Senate President Akpabio led the lawmakers in observing a minute of silence in her honour before adjourning the plenary session.