Overview
One of the two chambers of Nigeria’s National Assembly that make up the Bicameral Legislature is the Senate. It is popularly known as the Red Chamber in Nigeria. The Senate is made up of 109 duly elected Distinguished Senators representing Nigeria’s 109 Senatorial Districts.
The formation of the Chamber is based on three Senatorial Districts per State and one for the Federal Capital Territory. It is presided over by the President of the Senate and assisted by the Deputy President of the Senate. They are also assisted by eight Principal Officers and several Committee Chairmen and Vice Chairmen.
Senate Leadership
| Position | Name | State / Senatorial District |
|---|---|---|
| President of the Senate | Sen. Godswill Akpabio | Akwa Ibom North-West |
| Deputy President of the Senate | Sen. Jibrin Barau | Kano North |
| Majority Leader | Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele | Ekiti Central |
| Minority Leader | Sen. Abba Moro | Benue South |
| Chief Whip | Sen. Ali Ndume | Borno South |
| Minority Whip | Sen. Darlington Nwokocha | Abia Central |
Principal Officers
The eight Principal Officers include:
- Majority Leader
- Deputy Majority Leader
- Minority Leader
- Deputy Minority Leader
- Chief Whip
- Deputy Chief Whip
- Minority Whip
- Deputy Minority Whip
Functions and Powers
As the highest lawmaking institution in the country, the Red Chamber is constitutionally vested with the power of making laws for the peace, order, and good governance of the Federation. Similarly, it is empowered to represent the interests, yearnings, aspirations, and wellbeing of the citizenry.
The Senate also ensures probity and accountability in governance and intervenes in matters of urgent national importance such as insecurity, epidemics, poverty, and natural disasters. It can also mediate in industrial disputes to maintain national stability.
Constitutional Responsibilities
The Senate has the authority to impeach the President, Vice President, Federal Judges, and other top officials of the Executive Branch, including the Auditor-General, Members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Federal Inland Revenue Commission.
Furthermore, the Senate confirms the President’s nominations of senior diplomats, cabinet members, federal judges, and members of national commissions.
Committees
Section 62(1) of the 1999 Constitution empowers the Senate and House of Representatives to appoint Committees of special and general purpose. Accordingly, Senators are distributed into various Committees for effective discharge of legislative duties. The Chamber remains at the forefront of promoting Nigeria’s democratic ideals, peace, unity, and development.