Senate President Godswill Akpabio has carried out a strategic reshuffle of key Senate committees, repositioning lawmakers to align leadership roles with critical responsibilities in the upper chamber.
A major highlight of the reshuffle is the appointment of Senator Yahaya Abdullahi as the new Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence. Abdullahi, who previously chaired the Committee on National Planning, now takes charge of one of the Senate’s most sensitive committees, which oversees national security policies, intelligence matters, and legislative oversight of security agencies.
To fill the vacancy left by Abdullahi, Senator Mustafa Musa has been named Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Planning. The committee plays a crucial role in reviewing national development strategies, budgetary frameworks, and long-term planning initiatives.
The announcement was made on the Senate floor on Tuesday by Akpabio, who said the changes were recommended by the Selection Committee, which he chairs. According to the Senate President, the reshuffle aims to optimize the chamber’s oversight and policy implementation functions while leveraging the expertise and experience of lawmakers in key sectors.
The changes also affected the Senate Committee on Livestock and Animal Husbandry. Shehu Buba, who had recently been removed as Chairman of the Committee on National Security and Intelligence, has now been appointed to lead the livestock committee, signaling a broader effort to ensure continuity and effective leadership across committees.
In another adjustment, Senate Minority Whip Osita Ngwu has been named Acting Chairman of the Senate Committee on Air Force. Ngwu, who previously served as Deputy Chairman, will step in for Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who is currently indisposed. The move ensures that oversight functions over the Air Force continue without disruption.
Political observers note that Akpabio’s reshuffle is a strategic effort to strengthen the Senate’s oversight capacity, particularly in areas of national security and planning, as the chamber navigates a complex security environment and prepares for upcoming legislative priorities.
By repositioning experienced senators to committees where their expertise is most relevant, the Senate President is signaling a commitment to efficiency, accountability, and effective governance. Analysts say the reshuffle is likely to impact policy deliberations and enhance the chamber’s capacity to hold the executive accountable in sensitive areas.
The adjustments underscore the Senate leadership’s focus on aligning talent with responsibility, ensuring that critical national issues are addressed by lawmakers with the experience and knowledge to drive meaningful outcomes.
