Abuja:The Senate has confirmed the appointment of Dr. Abdullahi Saidu as the Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) Board, alongside six other members. This confirmation followed the presentation, consideration, and adoption of the Senate Committee on Finance’s report during a plenary session.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the six other confirmed nominees include Mohammed Asma’u Mai-Eka from the North-West, Mohammed Makama from the North-Central, Suleiman Gidado from the North-East, and Louis Ndukwe from the South-South. Additionally, Amaechi Ugwele from the South-East and Olaniyi Onikola from the South-West were also confirmed.
Deputy Chairman of the committee, Senator Lere Oyewumi, representing the Accord Party, presented the report and highlighted the committee’s thorough screening process. This process considered the FRC’s crucial role in government revenue generation. The committee scrutinized the nominees’ curricula vitae, educational qualifications, and work experiences. Oyewumi noted that the chairman-designate and four members received letters of appreciation from previous employers, affirming their competence and suitability for the roles.
Dr. Saidu’s extensive experience in revenue administration, fiscal oversight, and governance reform was emphasized. His previous role as a chairman of a sensitive committee at the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) was also highlighted. Other nominees, such as Makama and Gidado, have notable backgrounds in the legal and academic fields, respectively. Ugwele has experience as a special adviser to the Enugu State Government, while Onikola has worked as a financial investment expert for eight years under two governors in Osun.
Senator Simon Lalong of the APC-Plateau South expressed his support for the committee’s recommendations, describing the nominees as reputable individuals capable of contributing positively to the country.