Barau recognised as first lawmaker to chair House, Senate appropriations committees

The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau I. Jibrin, has been recognised for becoming the first lawmaker in Nigeria’s legislative history to chair the Appropriations Committees of both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The recognition was highlighted in the latest edition of The Parliamentarian Magazine, which described the achievement as a landmark in the country’s parliamentary history and a reflection of Senator Barau’s long-standing contribution to Nigeria’s budgeting and appropriation process.

Senator Barau first served as Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations between 1999 and 2003, during the early years of the Fourth Republic, when Nigeria’s legislative budget process was being rebuilt after years of military rule.

Drawing on his background in accounting and financial management, he introduced reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability and efficiency in the scrutiny of government budgets.

His performance in the role earned national recognition, prompting then-President Olusegun Obasanjo to appoint him to a presidential committee to review Nigeria’s budget process.

Nearly two decades later, Senator Barau chaired the Senate Committee on Appropriations from 2019 to 2023, making him the only legislator in the country’s history to have led the appropriations committees in both chambers of the National Assembly.

Speaking during the Senate’s consideration of the 2026 Federal Capital Territory Appropriation Bill, Senator Barau described the proposed budget as “top-notch” and referenced his extensive legislative experience.

This was contained in a statement signed by his spokesman, Comrade Ismail Mudashir, a copy of which was made available to the press in Kano.

“I am the only one in the history of the legislature in this country to have served as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. I am an authority in this regard,” he said.

He also praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory for presenting what he described as a well-structured budget with a strong emphasis on capital expenditure, expressing confidence that the allocations would accelerate infrastructure development and further transform Abuja into a world-class capital city.

Responding to his remarks, President of the Senate, Godswill Obot Akpabio, commended Senator Barau’s expertise in public finance, describing him as a valuable asset to the National Assembly.

According to The Parliamentarian Magazine, the Appropriations Committee is one of the legislature’s most strategic committees, responsible for scrutinising government spending, reviewing budget estimates, eliminating duplication and ensuring that public funds are aligned with national development priorities.

The publication said Senator Barau’s unprecedented achievement reflects his expertise, integrity and deep understanding of fiscal policy, qualities it said have distinguished him as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished legislators.