Uba Sani Opens Up On How Lawan Empowered Lawmakers, Transformed Senate

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has paid glowing tribute to former Senate President Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, describing him as a consummate democrat whose leadership empowered lawmakers and fundamentally reshaped Nigeria’s legislative process.

In a statement to mark Lawan’s 66th birthday, Sani said the occasion was “not merely one of felicitation, but a moment of reflection on a life devoted to service, reform and the steady deepening of Nigeria’s democratic foundations.”

He described Lawan, who presided over the 9th Senate from 2019 to 2023, as “a democrat per excellence; a calm yet courageous leader” whose tenure marked a defining chapter in Nigeria’s legislative history.

According to Sani, the Ninth National Assembly distinguished itself as “a National Assembly that works for Nigeria,” driven by a clear legislative agenda that brought focus, cohesion and purpose to lawmaking.

“That sense of direction raised the bar on governance and ensured that legislation aligned squarely with national priorities,” the governor said.

Sani noted that Lawan’s leadership style was rooted in fairness, courage and generosity, with a deliberate effort to empower lawmakers across party lines and seniority.

“As Senate President, Ahmed Lawan was fair and fearless, but above all, generous in leadership. He believed in empowering others and creating space for excellence to flourish,” he said.

Reflecting on his personal experience, Sani recalled that even as a first-term senator, Lawan entrusted him with significant responsibilities.

“I remain personally grateful for his balanced disposition, which afforded me, even as a first-term Senator, the opportunity to chair a sensitive committee and to sponsor a number of bills that have since been signed into law,” he said.

Chief among those legislations, Sani highlighted, was the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020, which he described as a landmark reform with lasting impact on Nigeria’s financial system.

“That legislation strengthened financial stability, embraced innovation, laid the foundation for the growth of fintech, and expanded access to credit for businesses and entrepreneurs,” he said, noting that it reflected Lawan’s foresight and deep understanding of Nigeria’s economic future.

The Kaduna governor also identified the restoration of Nigeria’s budget cycle to the January–December framework as one of Lawan’s most enduring achievements

According to him, the reform enhanced fiscal discipline, improved budget implementation and restored investor confidence.

“Under his leadership, transparency and accountability became defining features of the budgetary process, with Ministries, Departments and Agencies compelled to justify spending and deliver results,” Sani said.

He added that Lawan’s strategic leadership facilitated the passage of several landmark legislations that had remained stalled in previous assemblies.

These include the Electoral Act 2022, the Petroleum Industry Act, the Companies and Allied Matters Act, successive Finance Acts, and the Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Amendment Act, all of which, he said, “reshaped Nigeria’s governance, electoral credibility and economic architecture.”

Beyond his tenure as Senate President, Sani described Lawan as a statesman of enduring relevance and a charismatic, transformational leader who continues to play a stabilising role in national affairs.

He noted that the former Senate president remains a steadfast supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

As Lawan marks his 66th birthday, Sani wished him continued good health, renewed strength and fulfillment. “I truly felicitate him and celebrate a legacy that will endure in the annals of Nigeria’s democracy,” he said.