Senate Confirms Key Appointments, Moves to Address Rail Infrastructure Challenges.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu
Democracy Newsline Newspaper 5th November 2025
Abuja, Tuesday — The Senate, during its plenary session today, confirmed several high-profile appointments, including that of Professor Tella Adeniran as the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Dr. Musa Babayo as Chairman of the Board of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).
Also confirmed were the appointments of Chief Idris Ibukunle Olorunnimbe as Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and six others as Commissioners. The newly confirmed NCC Commissioners include Senator Ramoni Olalekan Mustapha, Engr. Ikechukwu Ugwuegede, Princess Oforitsenere Emiko, Barr. Christopher Sandy Okorie, and Hajia Maryam Bayi.
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The confirmations followed a request from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) and the subsequent adoption of the reports of the relevant Senate committees that screened the nominees.
During the consideration of the committee reports, Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, commended Dr. Babayo’s exceptional track record, describing him as a man of integrity and competence, well-suited to reposition FERMA for greater efficiency. He further praised President Tinubu for his foresight in appointing “upright and capable Nigerians to key national positions.”
In the same sitting, the Senate passed six bills through first reading, including a bill seeking to repeal the Exclusive Economic Zone of Nigeria and Territorial Waters Act and enact the Maritime Zones Act, 2025. The proposed legislation aims to make comprehensive provisions for Nigeria’s maritime boundaries and related matters. The bill scaled second reading and was referred to the appropriate committee for further legislative action.
The Senate also deliberated on a motion moved by Senator Ede Dafinone concerning the incessant train derailments along the Itakpe–Warri rail corridor. Lawmakers expressed concern over the recurring incidents and called on the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to urgently carry out necessary repairs and restore safe rail operations in the affected areas.
In response to the motion, the Senate resolved to establish an ad hoc committee to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the state of the country’s rail infrastructure. Senator Dafinone emphasized the importance of rail transport to national development, noting that Nigeria cannot continue to invest heavily in the sector without seeing tangible results.
> “Rail transport is critical to the economic development of any nation. We must ensure that our investments yield real benefits for Nigerians,” he stated.
The plenary reflected the Senate’s commitment to strengthening governance through effective oversight and the confirmation of capable leaders across key sectors.
