Senate confirms Badamasi Lawal as NSIPA CEO

• The new NSIPA boss is a former commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs in Katsina.
• Lawal will replace Halima Shehu, who was suspended by the president over alleged financial malfeasance.

The Senate has approved Dr. Badamasi Lawal’s appointment as National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).

Lawal’s confirmation followed the Senate Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Investments’ report adoption during Thursday’s plenary session.

Committee Chairperson Sen. Idiat Adebule presented the report, stating Lawal demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of social investment issues during screening.

“The nominee displayed competence and absolute knowledge on social investment concerns. He has the requisite qualifications and knowledge of the job,” Adebule said.

Sen. Diket Plang supported the recommendation, noting Lawal’s mental alertness and responsibility.

“I believe we should assess nominees’ alertness and mental soundness, especially for national assignments involving beneficiary selection,” Plang said.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio welcomed Lawal’s appointment, hoping it would address recent scandals.

“I wish him well on behalf of the 10th Senate,” Akpabio said.