Senate Confirms Tinubu’s Nominees for Regional Development Commissions Amid Concerns Over Screening Process
Abuja, Nigeria The Nigerian Senate has confirmed dozens of President Bola Tinubu’s nominees to boards of Regional Development Commissions across the country, marking a significant step toward operationalizing long-awaited regional agencies. However, questions linger over transparency after at least one nominee failed to appear for screening.
The confirmations, announced Thursday, followed the presentation of a report by Senator Benson Konbowei (PDP, Bayelsa Central), Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South-South Development Commission (SSDC). The SSDC is among several regional bodies expected to accelerate economic development and address long-standing grievances in oil-producing and marginalized regions.
SSDC Leadership and Board
Prominent among the confirmed appointees is Chibudom Nwuche, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, who will chair the SSDC. Usoro Offiong Akpabio, from Akwa Ibom State, was confirmed as Managing Director.
Other confirmed board members include:
Larry Odey (Cross River)
Charles Zuofa (Bayelsa)
Nkereuwem Ebong (Akwa Ibom)
Chika Chinedu (Rivers)
Femi Oise (Edo)
Charles Enukhowhate (Delta)
Tabitha Sallah (North-East)
Yusuf Amao (North-Central)
Joseph Mmamal (South-East)
Bukonola Braimoh (South-West)
The Senate also approved key executive directors for SSDC operations, such as Marcus Eji (Projects), Aganaba Steven (Social and Human Capital Development), Timi Ayibatonye (Corporate Services), Joseph Ugheoke (Commercial and Environmental Development), and Ambassador Sony Abang (Finance).
Other Regional Appointments
Beyond the SSDC, Olubunmi Adetunmbi was confirmed as Chairman of the South-West Development Commission, while Cosmas Atighir will chair the North-Central Development Commission.
In addition, Thompson Oludare was confirmed as Managing Director of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), alongside Kabir Katata as NDIC Executive Director.
Screening Gaps and Concerns
However, the process was not without controversy. Tijani Kaura, nominated to represent the North-West in one of the commissions, was not confirmed after failing to submit required documents or appear before the committee. Senate sources told this paper that Kaura’s absence highlights ongoing issues with the nomination process and the need for stricter vetting to ensure competence and accountability.
While Kaura was not disqualified outright, the committee stated he would only be reconsidered if he fulfills the screening requirements, raising questions about the rigor of oversight for such critical appointments.
Analysis
The confirmations come as President Tinubu’s administration seeks to demonstrate commitment to regional equity and infrastructure development. Yet analysts warn that without careful management, these commissions risk becoming conduits for political patronage rather than vehicles for genuine development—especially in historically underserved regions like the Niger Delta.
Critics also argue that the inclusion of nominees from outside the core zones of certain commissions, while potentially fostering national integration, could spark disputes over local representation in resource allocation.
As the newly confirmed boards prepare to begin work, stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether these appointees can deliver on promises of inclusive development or whether the commissions will become yet another layer of bureaucracy in Nigeria’s already bloated governance structure.
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