President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has requested the Senate to confirm nominees for the Southeast Development Commission (SEDC) and the Northwest Development Commission (NWDC).

This was disclosed in a letter read by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, during yesterday’s plenary session. The nominations, which include chairpersons, managing directors, executive directors, and board members for the commissions, are part of efforts to enhance the development in these regions.

The Southeast nominees include Emeka Nworgu as chairman, Mark Okoye as Managing Director/CEO, while Stanley Ohajuruka (Finance), Toby Okechukwu (Projects), Sylvester Okonkwo (Corporate Services) are executive directors.

Board members include Ugochukwu Agballah, Okey Ezenwa, Hyacinth Ikpor, Ifeanyi Agwu, Nasiru Usman, and others. Northeest commission nominees include Lawal Abdullahi as chairman, and Prof Abdullahi Ma’aji as managing director/CEO.

Board Members include Ja’afarSadeeq, Yahaya Namahe, Muhammad Wudil, and Shamsu Sule, among others. The Senate will refer the nominations to an ad hoc committee that will screen the candidates and report its recommendations.
After the screening, the Senate will vote on whether to confirm or reject the nominations.

Tinubu urged the lawmakers to expedite the confirmation process, emphasising the importance of the commissions in addressing developmental challenges in the regions.

TINUBU also, yesterday, appointed MrShamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the acting Accountant General of the Federation (AGF). In his remarks on the appointment, Tinubu expressed his confidence in Ogunjimi, saying: “The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation is pivotal to our nation’s treasury management operations. MrOgunjimi’s wealth of experience and notable competence will ensure the continued effectiveness of this vital institution as we advance our economic reform agenda.”

His appointment is effective immediately following the pre-retirement leave of the incumbent AGF, Dr OluwatoyinSakiratMadein. Announcing Madein’s successor, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu explained that he ensured a seamless transition in the administration of Nigeria’s treasury and consolidated the implementation of the administration’s treasury policy reforms.

“As a career civil servant and the most senior director in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), MrOgunjimi brings over 30 years of extensive experience in financial management across the public and private sectors.

“He has held significant positions, including Director of Funds at the OAGF and Director of Finance and Accounts at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”
President Tinubu commended the outgoing Accountant General of the Federation, Dr Madein, for her dedication and selfless service to the nation. After reaching the civil service’s statutory retirement age, Madein is retiring effective March 7, 2025.