By Prosper Mene
The Nigerian Senate has announced a notable change in its committee leadership, appointing Senator Aniekan Bassey as the new Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations. The decision was made public by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Thursday’s plenary session in Abuja.
Senator Bassey, representing Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District and a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), replaces Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has been removed from the role. Akpoti-Uduaghan, a first-time senator from Kogi Central representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was previously reassigned to the Diaspora and NGOs Committee in February 2025 after being removed as Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content.
The announcement follows a six-month suspension imposed on Akpoti-Uduaghan in March 2025, coming from allegations of misconduct related to confrontations during the committee reshuffle process. Although a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered her reinstatement in late June, the Senate has now moved to replace her with Senator Bassey, a former Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and a known ally of the Senate leadership.“The new chairman is Distinguished Senator Aniekan Bassey, and it will take effect from today,” Akpabio stated during the plenary. He also hinted at a wider reshuffling of committee positions, noting that a review of vice chairmanships would be conducted in the coming week to ensure a more equitable distribution of roles. “Every senator should either be a chairman or a vice chairman so we balance the situation,” Akpabio added.
The Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations is tasked with overseeing diaspora networks, facilitating dialogue with governments and local authorities, promoting the exchange of ideas between Nigerians at home and abroad, and providing guidance on home remittances. With Senator Bassey now at the in charge, the committee is expected to continue its critical work in strengthening ties with Nigeria’s diaspora community and supporting the activities of non-governmental organisations.
No official reason was provided for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s removal. The move has sparked speculation within legislative circles, particularly given Akpoti-Uduaghan’s prior removal from the Local Content Committee and her recent suspension.
Senator Bassey is expected to assume his new responsibilities immediately, bringing his experience as a seasoned lawmaker to the role. The Senate has directed its Committee on Legislative Compliance to monitor the implementation of this resolution and report back within two months.This latest reshuffle shows ongoing efforts by the Senate leadership to reorganize its committee structure.
