- Kebbi State has three senators representing the state’s three senatorial districts in the National Assembly
- The senators, namely Adamu Aliero, Garba Maidoki and Bala Ibn Na’allah, advocate for the economic growth and social development of their constituents
- TheRadar profiled them and their legislative achievements so far
As part of our ongoing Know Your Lawmakers series, we take a closer look at the senators representing Kebbi State in the National Assembly for the 2023-2027 period.
As the people of Kebbi look to their elected officials in the National Assembly, the role of the state’s senators becomes increasingly important in shaping policies that impact the region.
These senators carry the responsibility of advocating for Kebbi's needs, addressing the concerns of their constituents, and influencing legislation that supports both economic growth and social development.
Below are profiles of the three senators currently representing Kebbi in the 10th National Assembly:
1. Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central senatorial district)
Adamu Aliero, the Senator representing Kebbi Central, has held his seat in the Nigerian Senate since 2015. He has been associated with several political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).
Aliero’s political journey began in 1998 when he contested for the Senate seat for Kebbi Central. He served as Governor of Kebbi State from 1999 to 2007. He also served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory from December 2008 to March 2010.
As part of his legislative contribution, Aliero opposed the controversial open grazing bill, citing constitutional concerns. During a session, Aliero quoted Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution, which guaranteed the free movement of Nigerians and their property across state borders.
The bill aimed to ban open grazing and establish ranching agencies in Nigeria. It was titled: “A Bill to Establish a National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission for the Regulation, Management, Preservation and Control of Ranches Throughout Nigeria; and for Connected Purposes, 2024.”
He argued against the bill’s provision to establish ranches only in the home states of pastoralists, calling it discriminatory. Despite his objections, the bill passed its second reading following a voice vote led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, after the sponsor refused to withdraw it.
2. Garba Maidoki (North East senatorial district)
Garba Musa Maidoki, the current Senator representing Kebbi South Senatorial District, emerged victorious in the February 25, 2023, Senate election as a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
As part of his legislative contribution, Senator Maidoki supported a bill aimed at banning open grazing and establishing a national agency to regulate and manage ranches in Nigeria.
The bill was titled: “A Bill to Establish a National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission for the Regulation, Management, Preservation and Control of Ranches Throughout Nigeria; and for Connected Purposes, 2024.”
In addition to his legislative work, Senator Maidoki promised to improve the political representation of his constituents by focusing on sustainable development programs that will enhance the welfare of the people of Kebbi South, ensuring that his tenure brings about tangible benefits to the community.
3. Bala Ibn Na’allah (Kebbi North Senatorial district)
Bala Ibn Na'Allah, representing the Kebbi South Senatorial seat in Nigeria’s Senate, previously served as the Deputy Majority Leader during the 8th Senate.
Na'Allah's political career began in 2003 when he first contested and won a seat in the National Assembly, representing the people of Zuru constituency. He held this position until 2011.
In 2014, following the rise of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a major opposition party, he joined the party and won the senatorial seat for Kebbi South.
In his legislative role, Na'Allah chaired a technical committee that reviewed various bills, identifying contentious clauses and recommending amendments or removals.
As part of the League of Northern Democrats (LND), Na’Allah explained, “The League expects tax reforms to broaden the narrow indirect tax bases, improve tax collection efficiency, reduce excessive tax exemptions (which accounted for 4% of GDP losses in 2021), and enhance compliance and public morale.
“However, some clauses in the bills infringe on constitutional rights and cultural practices, particularly regarding inheritance. Section 4(3) and 4(4) of the Nigeria Tax Bill should be expunged.”
The League emphasised the need to account for constitutional, religious, and cultural considerations in proposed tax reforms in Nigeria.
It called for amendments to Sections 77 and 143 of the Tax Administration Bill to clarify the meaning of "Derivation" and ensure a fairer distribution of revenue.
Know Your Lawmakers Series: Here are the senators representing Adamawa in 10th Assembly
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Adamawa State, located in Nigeria's northeastern region, is represented by three senators representing the state's senatorial districts and they are responsible for lawmaking as well as advocating for the needs and concerns of their constituents.
TheRadar compiled the Senators representing the People of Adamawa State in the 10th National Assembly.