The Senate on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Dr. Abdullahi Saidu as Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) alongside six members of the commission’s governing board, following the adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Finance.
The confirmed board members are Mohammed Asma’u Mai-Eka (North-West), Mohammed Makama (North-Central), Suleiman Gidado (North-East), Louis Ndukwe (South-South), Amaechi Ugwele (South-East) and Olaniyi Onikola (South-West).
Presenting the committee’s report during plenary, Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Sen. Lere Oyewumi, said the nominees underwent a comprehensive screening process in view of the critical role of the commission in promoting fiscal discipline and accountability in government.
Oyewumi said the committee examined the educational qualifications, professional experience and credentials of all the nominees to ensure they possessed the competence required for the positions.
According to him, the chairman-designate and four of the nominees also presented letters of commendation from their former employers, affirming their integrity, competence and suitability for public service.
He noted that Saidu had built an impressive career in revenue administration, fiscal oversight and governance reforms, adding that he previously served at the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), where he chaired a sensitive committee with distinction.
The lawmaker further said Makama had spent 28 years as a manager in the Legal Department of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), while Gidado, an associate professor, had an outstanding academic and professional record.
He added that Ugwele previously served as a Special Adviser to the Enugu State Government, while Onikola was an experienced financial investment expert who served under two governors in Osun State for eight years.
Oyewumi expressed confidence that the nominees possessed the necessary experience and expertise to effectively discharge the commission’s responsibilities and strengthen fiscal responsibility in the country.
He also commended the President of the Senate and the Senate leadership for their support in enabling the committee to carry out a thorough screening exercise.
Contributing to the debate, Sen. Simon Lalong (APC–Plateau South), who participated in the screening, endorsed the committee’s recommendations, describing the nominees as credible professionals capable of making meaningful contributions to the Fiscal Responsibility Commission.
The Senate subsequently confirmed the appointments through a voice vote after adopting the committee’s report.
The Fiscal Responsibility Commission is responsible for promoting prudent management of the nation’s resources, ensuring transparency in public finance and monitoring compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
