***Barau charges appointees to deliver on mandate of equitable growth
The Senate has confirmed key appointments into the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) and newly established regional development commissions for the South West, South South, and North Central zones, in a move seen as pivotal to the federal government’s push for inclusive development.
The confirmations followed the presentation and adoption of separate reports by the relevant Senate committees during plenary on Tuesday.
Thompson Oludare Sunday was confirmed as Managing Director of the NDIC, while Dr. Kabir Sabo Katata was confirmed as Executive Director. Their appointments were recommended by the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, chaired by Senator Tokunbo Abiru (Lagos East), who said the nominees met all the criteria.
The Senate also confirmed the board of the South West Development Commission (SWDC), following the report presented by Senator Yunus Abiodun Akintunde (Oyo Central). Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi (Osun) will chair the commission, with Dr. Charles Akindiji Akinola (Lagos) as Managing Director.
Other board members include Bolaji Idris Ariyo (Ekiti), Joseph Akin Olugbenga Olorunshola (Osun), Scholastic Olanike Omoworare (Ogun), Oluwamuyiwa Timothy Olabintan (Ondo), and Dr. Adewinle Olajide Martins (Oyo). Additional zonal representatives were also confirmed from across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The SWDC will also have five executive directors:
Olusegun Joshua Olufehinti (Projects)
Tele Ogunjobi (Finance)
Funmilayo Tejuosho (Corporate Services)
Fatai Ibikunle (Commercial & Environmental Development)
Lateef Oladimeji Ajijola (Social & Human Capital Development)
The South South Development Commission (SSDC) board was also confirmed, with former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Chibudom Nwuche (Rivers), as Chairman and Usoro Offiong Akpabio (Akwa Ibom) as Managing Director.
Board members confirmed include Larry Odey (Cross River), Charles Zuofa (Bayelsa), Dr. Nkereuwem Ebong (Akwa Ibom), Chika Chinda (Rivers), Femi Osie (Edo), Charles Sylvester Enukhowhate (Delta), and others representing the North East, North Central, South East, and South West.
However, nominee Tijani Yahaya Kaura from the North West was not confirmed, having failed to appear before the committee for screening. The committee expressed readiness to screen him whenever he is available.
The SSDC also secured approvals for its executive team:
Engr. Aganaba Preye Steven (Projects)
Dr. Timi Alari Ayibatonye (Social & Human Capital Development)
Hon. Joseph Ugheoke (Corporate Services)
Ambassador Sony Abang (Commercial & Environmental Development)
One nominee for Finance was confirmed but unnamed in the Senate record.
The North Central Development Commission (NCDC) board was also confirmed. Cosmas T. Akighir (Benue) will serve as Chairman, while Tsenyil Cyril Yiltsen (Plateau) was confirmed as Managing Director.
Other board members include Dauda Shuaibu Kigbu (Nasarawa), Zakari Haliru Jikantoro (Niger), Suleiman Baba Ali (Kwara), Rev. Bunmi Olusona (Plateau), and Dr. Umar Ibrahim Mantu (Benue). Zonal representatives were also drawn from the FCT, North West, North East, South West, South South, and South East.
Executive directors for the NCDC were confirmed as:
Chief Boniface Izziogu (Benue)
James Abel Uloko (Projects, Kogi)
Princess Aika Ajanah (Kwara)
Hajia Bilqis Jimoke Sanni (Nasarawa)
Hajia Aishatu Rujui Ibrahim (Niger)
Muhammad Bashar (designation unspecified)
Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary, congratulated all nominees and urged them to work diligently to implement President Bola Tinubu’s agenda of balanced regional development.
“This Senate expects you to serve with integrity and diligence. The intention of Mr President is to ensure that every part of Nigeria benefits from development, and we will play our part through effective oversight,” Barau said.
The confirmation of these boards marks a major administrative milestone in the operationalisation of Nigeria’s zonal development commissions — part of a broader effort to stimulate regional economies, reduce inequality, and create sustainable jobs.