From Kenneth Udeh, Abuja
The Nigerian Senate, upon resuming plenary on Tuesday, announced a minor reshuffle of its standing committees to enhance legislative efficiency. The most significant change saw Senator Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South) appointed as the new Chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC and Electoral Matters, replacing Senator Sharafadeen Ali (APC, Oyo South), who had chaired the committee since the 10th Senate’s inception.
Senator Ali has been reassigned to lead the Committee on Agricultural Institutions and Research, a role previously held by Lalong. In another adjustment, Senator Pam Nwadkon (PDP, Plateau North) was named Chairman of the Committee on Tourism, succeeding Senator Anthony Ani (APC, Ebonyi South). Ani now serves as Vice Chairman of the Committee on the South East Development Commission, replacing Senator Eze Kenneth (APC, Ebonyi Central), with Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North) continuing as Chairman.
Senator Emeka Eze (APC, Ebonyi Central) retains his roles as Chairman of the Committee on Information and Vice Chairman of the Committee on Water Resources. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, announcing the changes, described the reshuffle as routine to optimise legislative performance. He also instructed Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele to ensure all standing committees submit activity reports for plenary deliberation.