The Senate has confirmed several nominees appointed by President Bola Tinubu to serve on the boards of regional development commissions across the country.
Among those confirmed is Chibudom Nwuche, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, who will serve as Chairman of the newly established South-South Development Commission (SSDC). Usoro Offiong Akpabio from Akwa Ibom State was also confirmed as the Managing Director of the SSDC.
Other confirmed members of the SSDC board include Larry Odey (Cross River), Charles Zuofa (Bayelsa), Nkereuwem Ebong (Akwa Ibom), Chika Chinedu (Rivers), Femi Oise (Edo), and Charles Enukhowhate (Delta). Additional appointees include Tabitha Sallah (North-East), Yusuf Amao (North-Central), and Joseph Mmamal (South-East).
Also confirmed were Bukonola Braimoh (South-West), Marcus Eji (Executive Director, Projects – Rivers), Aganaba Steven (Executive Director, Social and Human Capital Development – Bayelsa), Timi Ayibatonye (Executive Director, Corporate Services – Delta), Joseph Ugheoke (Executive Director, Commercial and Environmental Development – Edo), and Ambassador Sony Abang (Executive Director, Finance – Cross River).
The Senate also confirmed Olubunmi Adetunmbi as Chairman of the South-West Development Commission and Cosmas Atighir as Chairman of the North-Central Development Commission.
In addition, Thompson Oludare was confirmed as Managing Director of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), alongside Kabir Katata, who was confirmed as Executive Director.
However, Tijani Kaura, nominated to represent the North-West in one of the commissions, was not confirmed.
The Senate Committee reported that Kaura failed to submit the required documentation and did not appear for screening. While not disqualified, the Committee noted he would be considered if he fulfils the screening requirements.
The confirmations followed the presentation of the report by Senator Benson Konbowei (PDP – Bayelsa Central), Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South-South Development Commission.
