The Nigerian Senate

The Senate on Tuesday announced major changes to the leadership of several standing committees, a move the upper chamber says is aimed at strengthening legislative oversight, especially on national security matters.

The announcement was made during plenary by the Senate Selection Committee chaired by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who said the reconstitution was necessary to “improve coordination and ensure effective monitoring of pressing national concerns.”

Under the new arrangement, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi of Kebbi State has been named Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence. Abdullahi, a former Senate Leader, previously headed the Committee on National Planning.

Senator Abdullahi is expected to play a key role in legislative engagements with security agencies, particularly at a time of rising concerns over kidnapping, banditry and terrorism across several regions.

The changes also saw Senator Shehu Buba of Bauchi State appointed Chairman of the Committee on Livestock and Animal Husbandry. Senator Buba was removed last week as Chairman of the Committee on National Security and Intelligence in what sources described as a strategic reshuffling of security oversight mandates.

In another adjustment, Senator Mustafa Musa from Yobe State has been appointed Chairman of the Committee on National Planning, replacing Abdullahi.

The Senate also restructured the Committee on Air Force. The Senate Minority Whip, Senator Osita Ngwu of Enugu State, has been named Acting Chairman. Ngwu previously served as the Deputy Chairman before the former chairman, Senator Godiya Akwashiki, became indisposed.

Speaking after the announcement, a senior parliamentary aide said the reshuffle was part of a broader legislative strategy to improve responsiveness, especially in areas of defence and national development.

“The reconstitution is part of efforts to strengthen oversight and improve response to emerging national security issues,” he said, adding that the new committee leadership is expected to begin work immediately in engaging service chiefs and relevant ministries.

The Senate is expected to transmit formal notices to the affected committees, while plenary debates on national security reports are likely to resume before the end of the week.