Today, the Senate is set to conduct a screening process for Dr. Olayemi Cardoso, the acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, to confirm him in a substantive capacity. Alongside him, four nominees for the positions of CBN Deputy Governors will also undergo the confirmation process, paving the way for them to oversee the affairs of the apex bank for the next five years.
The Senate, which is reconvening after a two-month annual recess, has also marked its calendar for the screening of two additional ministerial nominees proposed by President Bola Tinubu. This session is scheduled for Tuesday, October 3, 2023, as announced by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele’s Media Office in a statement released on Monday evening.
During the National Assembly’s recess, President Tinubu appointed Dr. Jamila Ibrahim and Ayodele Olawande as Minister of Youths and Minister of State for Youths, respectively. Tinubu also nominated Dr. Cardoso as the new Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, pending his confirmation by the Senate.
Last week, Dr. Cardoso assumed the role of CBN governor in an acting capacity until his screening and anticipated Senate confirmation.
The statement from the Senate Leader’s office detailed the nominees to be screened alongside Dr. Cardoso as Deputy Governors: Mrs. Emem Nnana Usoro, Mr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi Dattijo, Mr. Philip Ikeazor, and Dr. Bala M. Bello.
Furthermore, the Senate has pledged not to disappoint the Nigerian populace regarding the appropriation of the 2024 budget. The Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, highlighted that revitalizing the economy stands as a top priority for the chamber.
Adaramodu affirmed, “Soon after the resumption, the appropriation process will commence. The 10th Senate will not disappoint Nigerians; we’d ensure that we do what is expected of us because we are in a peculiar time when all hands must be on deck, and Nigerians are eagerly waiting to see us do the needful to save Nigeria from the economic troubles we are currently experiencing and that permanent solutions are proffered.”
He also stressed the Senate’s commitment to allocating funds for initiatives that enhance the quality of life for Nigerians and ensure the successful execution of approved projects.
The Senate anticipates the President’s submission of the budget proposal in the near future.