- Niger State has three senators representing the state’s three senatorial districts in the National Assembly
- The senators advocate for economic growth and social development of the state, ensuring constituents' concerns are heard at the national level
- TheRadar profiled the three senators representing the people of Niger State in the 10th National Assembly
Continuing our Know Your Lawmakers series, this edition focuses on the representatives of Niger State in the Senate Chambers for the period between 2023 and 2027.
Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, Niger State has been represented by three senators in the National Assembly, with one from each senatorial district.
These senators serve as the voice of the people of the state, advocating for policies that foster economic growth and social development and ensuring that their constituents' concerns are addressed at the national level.
TheRadar compiled the three senators representing the state’s senatorial districts below:
1. Senator Musa Mohammed Sani (Niger East Senatorial District)
Mohammed Sani Musa, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), represents the Niger East Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly.
Musa has been an active Senator since 2019. President Muhammadu Buhari awarded him the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in 2022 in recognition of his contributions.
Musa's contributions in the Senate include sponsoring and debating key national bills, such as the development of the FCT borderline communities, critical infrastructure protection, and the establishment of a Constitutional Court. These initiatives were designed to strengthen national unity and security.
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Musa expressed strong support for proposed tax reform legislation. He believed these reforms would be crucial in achieving Nigeria's goal of a $1 trillion economy.
Musa reassured the public that the National Assembly was committed to passing a tax reform bill that would not only address the current needs of the administration but also remain relevant for future governments.
“When you look at advanced economies, Mr President has said that he wants to see Nigeria having a $1trillion economy, and this is the beginning of it. For us to do it, we must do it in a way that is not only during the time of Mr President,” he said.
2. Senator Jiya Peter Ndalikali (Niger South Senatorial District)
Senator Jiya Peter Ndalikali, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is the current Senator representing the Niger South senatorial district in the 10th National Assembly.
As part of his efforts to support his constituents, he distributed five trucks of fertilizer free of charge to assist in the farming season and strengthen food security in the country.
Ndalikali explained that the 600 bags of fertilizer would contribute to an excess supply of food, helping to stabilise prices. He also assured that he sourced the best fertilizer suited to the needs of farmers in his district.
“Nigerians are complaining of low salaries. The salary is low because food is expensive. But how can we attack the value of money? The value of money can only be attacked if there is a cheaper way of producing food,” he declared.
3. Senator Sani Bello Abubakar (Niger North Senatorial District)
Abubakar Sani Bello is currently serving as the senator for the Niger North Senatorial District, a role he assumed on June 13, 2023. Before this, he was the governor of Niger State for two terms, from May 29, 2015, to May 29, 2023. He is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
As a senator, Bello continues to advocate for the welfare of his constituents and the broader Nigerian populace. He distributed start-up kits to individuals involved in his skills development program, during an event in the Kontagora Local Government Area, emphasising his focus on productivity and self-sufficiency.
Bello reassured his constituents that additional projects were on the way, stressing his ongoing efforts to work with federal agencies in expanding essential services and improving the living conditions in the region.
“These projects are a testament to my resolve to uplift the living standards of the people in Zone C. They are not isolated efforts but part of a sustainable development framework that aligns with federal government policies to bridge infrastructural gaps and drive economic growth,” he said.
Know Your Lawmakers Series: Here are the senators representing Adamawa in 10th Assembly
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the senators representing Adamawa in the 10th National Assembly play essential roles in advocating for their constituents.
TheRadar profiled the Senators representing the three senatorial districts in the state.