The Senate has confirmed President Bola Tinubu’s nomination for appointments as members of the board of the North-East Development Commission (NEDC).

The confirmation is sequel to the screening of the nominees at the plenary on Wednesday.

Those confirmed are Paul Tarfa, chairman for re-appointment (North-East, Adamawa); Gambo Maikomo member (North-East, Taraba); Abdullahi Abbas, member (North-West, Kano ).

Others are Tsav Aondoana, member (North-Central, Benue) Mutiu Lawal- Areh, member (South-West, Lagos); Samuel Onuigbo, member (South-East, Abia); Frank Owhor, member (South-South, Rivers); and Mohammad Alkali, managing director (North-East, Borno) re-appointment.

Others are Ahmed Yahaya, executive director of operations (North-East, Gombe); Abubakar Iliya, executive director of admin and finance (North-East, Yobe); and Musa Yashi, executive director of humanitarian affairs (North-East, Bauchi).

Earlier, before their confirmation, Mr Tarfa, chairman designate of NEDC, who was reappointed, pledged the continued commitment of the board to discharge its mandate in line with the act establishing the commission.

Mohammad Alkali, managing director of NEDC, said the board had initiated and has ongoing projects across education, health, and agriculture, among other sectors across the North-East states.

He commended the federal government for its support and commitment, saying that funding was a challenge in the execution of projects.

Sen. Abdul Ningi (PDP-Bauchi) said the North-East Senate caucus would partner with the NEDC board to ensure the execution of projects.

Ahmed Lawan (APC-Yobe) commended Mr Tinubu for the nomination and said the commission was established to care for the people of North-East.

He, however, said there was an overbalance by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management on the activities of the NEDC.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged the board to also engage state governments and other stakeholders to avoid duplication of projects.

(NAN)