Senate confirms Enugu Attorney-General Kingsley Udeh, SAN, as Federal Minister

The Senate on Thursday confirmed Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and serving Attorney-General of Enugu State, as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Udeh’s confirmation followed his screening before lawmakers at the Red Chamber, where he responded to questions about his legal experience, professional background, and vision for national development.

The nominee was escorted into the chamber by the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on National Assembly (Senate) Matters at about 12:15 p.m.

President Tinubu had earlier sent a letter to the Senate requesting Udeh’s screening and confirmation in accordance with Section 147(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

In the letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the President wrote:
“I am pleased to forward to the Senate the nomination of Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, for confirmation as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. While I hope that this request will receive the usual expeditious consideration of the Senate, please accept, distinguished Senate President and distinguished Senators, the assurances of my highest regards.”

Udeh’s nomination came following the resignation of the former Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, who stepped down last month amid controversies over his academic qualifications and NYSC discharge certificate.

Nnaji’s exit had left Enugu State without a representative in the Federal Executive Council, a gap now filled by Udeh’s appointment.

Until his nomination, Udeh served as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Enugu State. He was recently conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), one of the legal profession’s highest honours.

After the screening, Senate President Akpabio referred the nomination to the Committee of the Whole for immediate consideration, following which the Senate unanimously confirmed Udeh as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.