The Senate has amended its standing rules to accommodate the creation of nine new committees.
This amendment follows the consideration and adoption of a motion during the plenary on Tuesday.
The motion, titled “Amendment of the Standing Orders of the Senate Pursuant to Order 109 of the Senate Standing Orders, 2022, as Amended,” was sponsored by Sen. Opeyemi Bamidela (APC – Ekiti).
In his lead debate, Sen. Opeyemi stated that the Senate’s standing rules were previously amended on August 5th to provide for the creation of committees and other necessary amendments. He emphasized that various emerging developments necessitated further amendments to facilitate the creation of additional Senate committees.
These amendments are seen as vital to enhancing the rules of procedure for effective legislative practice. Sen. Opeyemi urged the Senate to consider and approve the proposed amendments as it deems fit.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the amended rules now require senators vying for the positions of Senate President and Deputy Senate President to have served at least one term in the Senate as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The newly created committees, resulting from these amendments, include the Committee on Atomic and Nuclear Energy, the Committee on Federal Capital Territory Area Council and Ancillary Matters, the Committee on Federal Capital Territory, and the Committee on Sports Development.
Additionally, there are the Committee on Youth and Community Engagement, the Committee on Solid Mineral Development, the Committee on Mines and Steel Development, the Committee on Tourism, and the Committee on Culture and Creative Economy.
The Senate has directed the Rules and Business Committee to reprint the Senate Standing Orders with these new amendments.
