Barau wins award for sponsoring 49 Bills

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has received an award from the Senate Press Corps for his legislative contributions since the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly in June 2023.

The Senate Press Corps named Barau the most outstanding person to have occupied the position of Deputy Senate President since 1999, following his sponsorship of 49 bills within the first 40 months of the current National Assembly.

The award was presented on Tuesday in recognition of his legislative activities, with five of the bills he sponsored already passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.

The Senate Press Corps comprises journalists who have covered activities at the National Assembly since June 1999.

In explaining its decision, the group pointed to Barau's experience in legislative matters, particularly his previous roles as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

It noted that among the five individuals who have served as Deputy Senate President since 1999, Barau is the only one to have held the position of chairman of the Appropriations Committee in both chambers of the National Assembly.

His experience as Deputy Speaker of the Economic Community of West African States Parliament was also listed among the reasons for his recognition.

The press corps further acknowledged his contributions to the establishment of key institutions and development projects, including the North-West Development Commission, Federal University of Science and Technology, Kabo, and Federal Medical Centre, Gwarzo, all in Kano State.

These institutions were established through bills sponsored by the Deputy Senate President.

The latest award comes after reports of his legislative performance showed that he had sponsored 42 bills within the first three years of the 10th Senate.

Figures published in The Parliamentarian Magazine, a publication associated with his media office, showed that Barau sponsored 13 bills in 2023, nine in 2024, 17 in 2025 and three in 2026 within the period covered by the earlier report.

The five bills that have received presidential assent include the North-West Development Commission Bill, National Identity Management Commission (Repeal and Enactment) Bill and Agricultural Research Council (Amendment) Bill.

Others are the Federal Medical Centre, Gwarzo Establishment Bill and the Federal University of Science and Technology, Kabo Establishment Bill.

Speaking after receiving the award, Barau thanked members of the Senate Press Corps for recognising his contributions to the legislature.

He said the honour would encourage him to increase his efforts towards serving his constituents, strengthening the National Assembly and contributing to Nigeria's development.

The Deputy Senate President also pledged to maintain his commitment to legislative responsibilities, adding that the recognition had placed greater expectations on him to deliver more results.

He assured Nigerians that he would continue supporting policies and legislative activities aimed at improving the country's institutions and promoting national development.