ABUJA, Nigeria – The Senate declared on Saturday, August 5, 2023, its intent to increase the number of its Standing Committees, as part of broader reforms aimed at streamlining the legislative process.
However, it did not reveal the new figure of committees.
The Senate plans to announce the committees and their respective chairpersons on Monday, an event likely to bring a significant shake-up to the institution’s structure.
The development was communicated by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, during a plenary following the day’s ministerial screening.
Bamidele raised a point of order on the necessity to amend the Senate’s Standing Orders to facilitate the enlargement of its committees.
The Senate Leader explained that the amendment of the rules aims to tackle emerging issues and make the orders more dynamic to effectively accommodate an evolving legislative process.
“Despite the amendment, there are a number of issues that still require further amendments in response to emerging developments that would enhance rules or practice and procedures for legislative practice,” Bamidele noted.
He further stated, “The amendment will ensure that the expansion facilitates the definition of the functions and jurisdictions of new committees. As a result, the consequential approval of the Senate is mandatory for the review of the renumbered Order 96 to accommodate the new committees.”
Bamidele then implored the Senate to approve the proposed amendments, leading the Senate to convene a Committee of the Whole to discuss the potential change.
Saturday’s plenary also saw the Senate screening an additional five nominees, including Dr Bosun Tijani (Ogun State), Lola Ade-John (Lagos), Dr Isiak Salako (Ogun State), Tahir Mamman (Adamawa), and Uba Ahmed (Taraba).
The screening of the final two nominees, Festus Keyamo (Delta State) and Mariya Mahmoud (Kano), was deferred until Monday, August 7, 2023.
The day’s proceedings concluded with a closed-door session, lasting into the evening.
Final Batch of Ministerial Nominees Set for Senate Screening
The Senate is poised to screen and confirm the last batch of ministerial nominees on Saturday, August 5, 2023, wrapping up an intensive process to finalize the appointments for the 48 ministers to join the government’s executive branch.
Initially due to begin its long holiday at the end of July, the upper legislative chamber suspended the break to ensure that the screening and confirmation of all ministerial nominees are completed before proceeding on the annual recess.
The Saturday’s Order Paper, containing the list of the last batch of nominees, was released to the public and includes the following individuals:
- Lola Ade-John – Lagos
- Bosun Tijani – Ogun
- Dr. Isiak Salako – Ogun
- Dr. Tahir Mamman – Adamawa
- Uba Maigari Ahmadu – Tarabara
- Dr. Mariya Mahmoud – Kano
- Festus Keyamo, SAN – Delta
The screening process is expected to be rigorous, as the Senate undertakes its constitutional role of vetting the qualifications and preparedness of each nominee to serve in their respective ministerial positions.
The decision to continue working through the holiday underscores the importance of the confirmation process and the government’s commitment to ensuring a seamless transition into the new term.
The nominees, representing various states and professional backgrounds, are considered critical players in the nation’s governance.
Among the nominees, Festus Keyamo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria from Delta State, has drawn significant attention due to his legal expertise and prominent role in national affairs.
Confirming the 48 nominees on Saturday will pave the way for the administration to proceed with its policy agenda unimpeded, as the full cabinet will be in place.
Political observers and analysts are keenly watching the process, as the composition of the new ministerial team will provide insight into the government’s priorities and strategic direction for the coming years.
The swift action by the Senate reflects the urgency and importance placed on governance, with the expectation that the newly confirmed ministers will play a vital role in implementing the administration’s vision for national development.
