News Investigators/ The Senate has confirmed the appointment of Dr Abdullahi Saidu as Chairman and six others as members of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) Board.
Their confirmation followed the presentation, consideration and adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Finance at plenary on Wednesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the six other confirmed nominees are Mohammed Asma’u Mai-Eka (North-West), Mohammed Makama (North-Central), Suleiman Gidado (North-East) and Louis Ndukwe (South-South).
Others are Amaechi Ugwele (South-East) and Olaniyi Onikola (South-West).
Deputy Chairman of the committee, Sen. Lere Oyewumi (Accord Party), while presenting the report, said the committee conducted a thorough screening, given the FRC’s sensitive role in government revenue generation.
He said the committee scrutinised the curricula vitae of the chairman-designate and members, including their educational qualifications and work experience.
According to him, the chairman and four members presented letters of appreciation from their previous workplaces, attesting to their competence and suitability for the positions.
Oyewumi said Saidu had substantial experience in revenue administration, fiscal oversight and governance reform.
He said Saidu’s last place of work was the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), where he chaired a sensitive committee and performed creditably.
Oyewumi said Makama, one of the nominees, was a manager in the Legal Department of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) and had served for 28 years.
He said Suleiman Gidado from the North-East was an associate professor with an outstanding record, while Amaechi Ugwele had served as a special adviser to the Enugu State Government.
According to him, Onikola from the South-West was a financial investment expert who served for eight years under two different governors in Osun.
Oyewumi said the nominees possessed the requisite work experience and educational qualifications to perform effectively, expressing confidence in their ability to discharge their responsibilities.
He thanked the President of the Senate and the Senate leadership for supporting the committee in discharging its duties.
Sen. Simon Lalong (APC-Plateau South) said he participated actively in the screening exercise and supported the committee’s recommendations.
Lalong described the nominees as reputable individuals and expressed optimism that they would contribute positively to the country.
NAN