The Nigerian Senate has confirmed President Bola Tinubu’s nominees to head and serve on the boards of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The confirmations followed the consideration of reports submitted by the Senate Committees on Finance and Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters during plenary on Wednesday.
For the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, lawmakers approved Dr Abdullahi Saidu as Executive Chairman alongside six other nominees representing Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Presenting the committee’s report, the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Kamarudeen Oyewumi, said the commission played an important role in promoting fiscal discipline, transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
Oyewumi stated that the committee had reviewed the nominees’ qualifications and attestation letters and found them suitable for the positions. He also highlighted Saidu’s experience in revenue administration.
The six other confirmed members of the FRC board are Muhammad Asmau Mai-Eka, representing the North-West; Muhammad Aliyu Makama, North-Central; Suleiman Gidado, North-East; Hon. Louis O. Ndukwe, South-South; Amechi Ugwele, South-East; and Olaniyi Idowu Onikola, South-West.
The Senate also confirmed Dr Salamatu Husaini Suleiman as chairman of the National Human Rights Commission.
Other confirmed NHRC members include Huwaila Muhammad Ibrahim, Edmund Chinonye Obiagwu, SAN, Ogunji Chidozie Kingsley, Oluwakemi Asiwaju-Okenyodo, Professor Adedeji Adekunle, Ayo Adewuyi, Muhammad Adelodun, Eze Anaba, Maupe Ogun-Yusuf and Patience Patrick.
Presenting the report on the human rights commission, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Adeniyi Adegbonmire, said committee members unanimously agreed that the nominees possessed the qualifications required to serve on the board.
Adegbonmire commended President Tinubu for selecting individuals he described as persons of substance to strengthen the commission’s work.
The appointments are expected to support the operations of the two institutions, with the Fiscal Responsibility Commission focusing on fiscal discipline and accountability in public finance, while the National Human Rights Commission is responsible for promoting and protecting human rights in Nigeria.
