The Senate has charged nominees for the Governing Boards of the North West Development Commission (NWDC) and South East Development Commission (SEDC) to justify the confidence reposed in them by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians.

The admonition was made during the screening session conducted on Monday by the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Regional Development Commissions, chaired by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia-North).
Senators underscored the importance of ethical governance and development-focused leadership in the commissions, warning nominees against betraying public trust.

Prof. Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji, who retained his position as Managing Director of the NWDC, led the commission’s 14 nominees. Other appointees included Alhaji Lawal Samai’la Abdullahi (Chairman), Dr. Yahaya Umar Namahe, Hon. Aminu Suleiman, and several others.

The SEDC’s 18-member board was led by Dr. Emeka Nworgu (Chairman) and Hon. Mark C. Okoye (Managing Director/CEO), supported by prominent figures such as Barr. Ugochukwu Agballah, Chief Hyacinth Ikpor, and Dr. Clifford Ogbede, among others.
Speaking during the session, Senator Babangida Hussaini reminded the nominees of their responsibility to Nigerians and the president.

“Candidly speaking, you must realize that the confidence of Nigerians and President Tinubu, who found you worthy of this appointment, rests on your shoulders. Justify this trust, work for Nigerians, and address the many challenges we face. Don’t let Nigeria or the president down,” he said.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu reiterated the importance of prioritizing public interest and warned against unethical practices.

“You are the face of these organizations, and we will not tolerate anything that tarnishes the image of the commissions or brings disrepute to the president. Use allocated funds strictly for development projects, and don’t pay for jobs that aren’t done. The Senate will oversee your activities closely, and any misconduct will be reported to the president for appropriate action,” Kalu cautioned.

The committee highlighted the urgency of the nominees’ clearance due to the ongoing budget process. Kalu stressed the need for collaboration between the commissions and the National Assembly to ensure timely project execution and budget implementation.

“We are clearing you now because of the budget process. If you fail to act appropriately, your commissions may miss out on key developmental funding. Improve your relationship with the National Assembly to foster progress,” he added.

With no objections raised against their clearance, the nominees are expected to formally assume their roles soon. The Senate has assured Nigerians of its commitment to monitoring the activities of the commissions to ensure accountability and tangible development in the North West and South East regions.

The Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation has directed the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) to rework and resubmit their 2025 budget proposals following a critical budget defense session on Thursday.
The committee, led by Senator Kenneth Eze (APC, Ebonyi Central), raised concerns about the practicality, transparency, and anticipated impact of the projects proposed by both agencies. In particular, the NOA’s flagship National Identity Project came under scrutiny for its lack of visibility and grassroots engagement.
Senator Eze criticized the NOA for presenting programs that fail to connect meaningfully with the populace or reflect clear national benefits. “Programs must resonate with the people and contribute visibly to national development. The current proposal lacks these elements,” Eze asserted.
In response, NOA Director General Mallam Issa-Onilu defended the National Identity Project, describing it as essential for fostering unity and a shared value system among Nigerians. “The challenge with our value system is tied to our national identity. This project is vital for galvanizing Nigerians toward nation-building, development, and growth,” he explained.
Despite Issa-Onilu’s defense, the committee was unconvinced and insisted that the NOA refocus its programs to better align with national development priorities before seeking approval for funding.
Similarly, the News Agency of Nigeria faced criticism over discrepancies in its 2024 budget performance report. NAN Director General Ali Mohammed Ali was urged to reconcile the figures and ensure greater accountability in the agency’s financial management.
“We expect precision and accountability in the use of public funds. Disjointed figures undermine trust and make it difficult to plan effectively,” Senator Eze remarked.
The committee’s directive reflects its determination to uphold transparency and efficiency in the allocation of public funds for the 2025 fiscal year. Both agencies have been given time to revise their proposals and return for further evaluation.
This development underscoreed the Senate’s ongoing commitment to scrutinizing budgetary submissions to ensure they serve the nation’s best interests and deliver measurable outcomes for Nigerians.

Tensions flared at the National Assembly on Thursday as Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, faced tough questioning from senators over the 2024 budget performance and the proposed N49.7 trillion 2025 budget.
The high-stakes interaction turned contentious, leading Edun to request an executive session, which forced journalists to exit and further agitated lawmakers.
Central to the heated exchanges were unanswered questions about savings from the removal of the fuel subsidy. Senators, including Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central), pressed for specific figures on how much had been saved and how those funds were being utilized.
“How much has truly been saved from the subsidy removal, and where has the money gone?” Senator Ningi demanded. “The public deserves to know how their sacrifices are benefiting the economy.”
The lawmakers also raised concerns about debt servicing, underperforming capital expenditure, and the dual implementation of the extended 2024 budget alongside the 2025 proposal. Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro criticized the apparent deviation from the January-December budget cycle and flagged the negative impact of declining oil revenues and rising inflation on ordinary Nigerians.
Minister Edun painted a more optimistic picture, citing improved oil production, increased revenues, and international endorsements of Nigeria’s reforms. Minister Atiku Bagudu echoed this sentiment, noting a rise in the revenue-to-GDP ratio and successes in security, social intervention, and infrastructure funding.
Despite these reassurances, senators remained skeptical, with Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno highlighting systemic inefficiencies in centralized payment policies that delay budget implementation and create opportunities for corruption.
As the Senate Appropriation Committee scrutinizes the 2025 budget, lawmakers are demanding greater transparency and accountability, particularly regarding the allocation of fuel subsidy savings. With public trust hanging in the balance, the executive faces mounting pressure to provide concrete data and actionable plans to justify its optimism.
The ₦49.7 trillion 2025 budget emphasizes inclusive growth, poverty reduction, and job creation. However, senators insist that without clear accountability, such promises risk being undermined by inefficiency and mistrust.