President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has transmitted a series of critical executive nominations and legislative proposals to the Senate, following the lawmakers’ return from recess. The official communications were presented to the plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The submissions reflect the Administration’s ongoing focus on economic governance, institutional capacity building, scientific innovation, and regional development.
Key Executive Nominations Transmitted to the Senate:
Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) Board: Pursuant to Section 5(3) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007, President Tinubu requested the confirmation of Dr. Abdullahi Maikano Saidu as Chairman of the FRC Board. Named alongside him as board members are Mohammed Asmau, Mohammed Aliyu Makama, and Suleiman Gidado, PhD. The nominations have been referred to the Senate Committee on Finance, with a directive to report back within two weeks.
Diplomatic Appointment: Under Section 171(2)(c) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Engr. Sani Ndanusa has been nominated as Non-Career Ambassador and High Commissioner to The Gambia. The request was referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Federal Civil Service Commission: Engr. Wakili Bukar has been re-nominated to serve a second and final five-year term as a member representing Bauchi, Borno, and Yobe States. The letter was referred to the Senate Committee on Establishment.
Key Legislative Proposals and Policy Reforms:
National Research and Development Fund Establishment Bill, 2026: Proposed to centralize fragmented research allocations across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) into a single, competitive fund under the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology. Funded directly via the Nigerian Content Development Fund, the initiative aims to bridge academia and industry while accelerating the commercialization of homegrown technologies.
National Postgraduate Medical College Amendment Bill, 2026: Seeks to rename the institution and broaden its academic scope to award PhD degrees in clinical medicine, dentistry, and allied disciplines.
NDDC 2026 Statutory Budget: The 2026 draft budget for the Niger Delta Development Commission was formally presented to the legislature. Aligned with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the proposal targets critical investments in youth empowerment, power, education, healthcare, security, and agriculture across the Niger Delta region.
Additionally, the Senate acknowledged President Tinubu’s recent assent to the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Amendment Bill, 2026, officially enacting it into law.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed all relevant Senate committees to expedite review and action on the presidential submissions.
