KEY POINTS
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Senate confirms seven nominees to the FRC board.
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Dr Salamatu Husaini Suleiman is confirmed as NHRC chairman.
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Lawmakers approve nominees to strengthen fiscal accountability and human rights protection.
The Nigerian Senate has confirmed President Bola Tinubu’s nominees for leadership positions and board membership at the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The confirmations followed the consideration of reports submitted by the Senate Committees on Finance and Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters during plenary on Wednesday.
The appointments cover two institutions with different responsibilities. The FRC promotes fiscal discipline, transparency and accountability in public financial management, while the NHRC is responsible for promoting and protecting human rights in Nigeria.
Senate confirms seven FRC board nominees
The Senate confirmed seven nominees to the board of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission through voice votes after considering the report presented by Kamarudeen Oyewumi, vice-chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance.
Oyewumi said the commission played an important role in ensuring responsible management of public funds and strengthening accountability in government spending.
He explained that the committee had examined the nominees’ qualifications and attestation letters and was satisfied with the documents presented.
The committee also noted the relevant experience of Dr Abdullahi Saidu, Tinubu’s nominee for executive chairman, particularly in revenue administration.
Following the presentation, lawmakers approved all seven nominees to serve on the commission’s board.
The confirmed nominees are Dr Abdullahi Saidu as executive chairman, alongside Muhammad Asmau Mai-Eka, representing the North-West; Muhammad Aliyu Makama, North-Central; Suleiman Gidado, North-East; Hon. Louis O. Ndukwe, South-South; Amechi Ugwele, South-East; and Olaniyi Idowu Onikola, South-West.
The appointments provide representation from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones on the FRC board.
Dr Salamatu Husaini Suleiman confirmed as NHRC chairman
The Senate also confirmed Dr Salamatu Husaini Suleiman as chairman of the National Human Rights Commission following consideration of the relevant committee report.
The confirmation was part of a wider approval of nominees selected to serve on the commission’s board.
Other confirmed nominees listed in the report include Huwaila Muhammad Ibrahim, Edmund Chinonye Obiagwu, SAN, Ogunji Chidozie Kingsley, Oluwakemi Asiwaju-Okenyodo and Professor Adedeji Adekunle.
The list also names Ayo Adewuyi, Muhammad Adelodun, Eze Anaba, Maupe Ogun-Yusuf and Patience Patrick.
The report lists 12 NHRC nominees, including the chairman. However, the individual designations of all the nominees were not provided in the source report.
Committee says nominees can strengthen human rights protection
Presenting the report of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, its chairman, Adeniyi Adegbonmire, said committee members unanimously agreed that the nominees were qualified for their proposed roles.
He said the appointments could support the commission’s responsibility to promote and protect human rights across the country.
Adegbonmire also commended Tinubu for selecting individuals he described as persons of substance to serve on the NHRC board.
The commission plays a role in addressing human rights concerns, promoting awareness of fundamental rights and supporting efforts to ensure that the rights of individuals are respected.
The Senate’s confirmation of the nominees clears the legislative approval stage for the appointments covered by its decision.
