Senate Confirms Lawal as NSIPA Head and Usman as NAHCON Chair

 

The Senate has officially confirmed the appointment of Dr. Badamasi Lawal as the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA). This decision came after the Senate's Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Investments completed its review and screening of the nominee.

Senator Idiat Oluranti Adebule, Chairperson of the committee, presented the report, affirming that Lawal had fulfilled all the necessary legal criteria for the position. Following her presentation, the Senate, under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, unanimously approved Lawal’s appointment through a voice vote.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier nominated Dr. Lawal on August 8, 2024, in a statement released by his then spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale. Lawal’s nomination was contingent upon Senate confirmation. Prior to this appointment, Lawal served as the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Katsina State.

Lawal will succeed Halima Shehu, the former CEO of NSIPA, who was suspended by President Tinubu over allegations of financial misconduct. In the interim, Akindele Egbuwalo, the national manager of the N-Power programme, had been tasked with overseeing NSIPA pending the conclusion of investigations into Shehu's conduct.

In a separate confirmation, the Senate also approved the appointment of Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman as the Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). This confirmation followed the presentation and approval of the report by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, headed by Senator Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger North.

Professor Usman’s nomination, initially announced by President Tinubu through his former media adviser Ajuri Ngelale on August 19, 2024, was subsequently submitted to the Senate for confirmation. Usman, a prominent scholar with extensive expertise in hajj operations, had previously served as the Chairman of the Kano State Pilgrims’ Board, where he successfully managed the state's large contingent of pilgrims.

Senator Bello, in his report, praised Usman's qualifications, stating that he had proven himself more than capable of leading NAHCON. Usman’s extensive experience in managing hajj-related matters both in Nigeria and abroad made him an ideal candidate for the role.

After reviewing the report, Senate President Godswill Akpabio called for a voice vote, which resulted in Usman’s unanimous confirmation. In his remarks, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau commended the thoroughness of the screening process conducted by the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Barau lauded both the committee and President Tinubu for selecting such a qualified nominee. "The committee has done an excellent job, and this report is comprehensive and well-structured," Barau noted.

He further praised President Tinubu for choosing an individual with the right qualifications and experience. "The nominee has the track record, experience, and pedigree required for this critical position," Barau stated. "Having managed similar responsibilities at the state level and with experience in Saudi Arabia, he is undoubtedly the right person for the job."

In conclusion, Barau described Usman as "a round peg in a round hole," emphasizing that the nominee’s background and expertise make him perfectly suited to lead NAHCON.