On Wednesday, October 23, the Senate Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa and NEPAD held a pivotal meeting with significant attendance from its members.
During the meeting, Chairman Senator Nasiru Sani Zangon Daura presented the committee’s newly drafted work plan and responsibility matrix, which outlines key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) under the committee’s oversight, particularly those involved in Nigeria’s bilateral and multilateral engagements across the African continent.
The committee also resolved on which MDAs to invite to its first public hearing, scheduled for the coming weeks. Senate Majority Whip and committee member, Senator Tahir Monguno, moved a motion for adoption after the Chairman’s presentation, which was unanimously adopted. Vice Chairman Senator Ezea Okechukwu, Senate Minority Whip Eze Kenneth Emeka, Chairman Appropriations Adeola Solomon Olamilekan, Senators Ned Munir Nwoko, Aminu Iya Abbas, Sunday Marshall Katung, Ibrahim Khalid Mustafa, Ngwu Osita, SatsoDiketPlang, and Mustapha Khabeeb were also present and contributed to the deliberations.
This meeting sets the foundation for the committee’s oversight work in coordinating Nigeria’s economic, security, and financial cooperation efforts, as well as its engagement with ECOWAS and the African Union developmental frameworks. The adoption of the work plan is expected to streamline responsibilities and strengthen collaboration with relevant MDAs.
After the meeting, Senator Zangon Daura remarked that the committee’s work would guide the executive on Nigeria’s strategic interests in Africa, as the country seeks to enhance regional integration and economic cooperation.
Representing Katsina North Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly, Senator Zangon Daura emphasised the importance of the legislature being fully informed on agreements Nigeria has with its neighbours, to ensure effective oversight and protect national interests.
A seasoned lawmaker, Senator Zangon Daura, who previously served three consecutive terms in the House of Representatives in the 7th, 8th and 9th National Assembly where he was Chairman House Committee on FRSC, Special Duties and Interior, also serves as the Vice Chairman on the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security.
– Olayemi Monday wrote from Abuja.
