Senate President
The Senate President is the presiding officer of the Nigerian Senate and the third-highest constitutional office in Nigeria after the President and Vice President. The Senate President controls the legislative agenda of the upper chamber and, in extreme circumstances, can act as President.
Term length
4 years
Elected by the Senate at the start of each legislative session; can be removed by the Senate at any time
Seats
1
Minimum age
— years
Category
Legislative
Constitutional basis
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Section 50(1)(a)
Qualifications to stand
- ✓Must first be a serving Senator (same qualifications apply)
- ✓Elected by a majority vote of all senators at the commencement of each legislative session
Roles and responsibilities
- •Preside over all Senate plenary sessions
- •Maintain order and discipline during Senate debates
- •Sign bills passed by the Senate before transmission to the House or President
- •Represent the Senate in formal and ceremonial functions
- •Appoint senators to standing committees
- •Act as President if both the President and Vice President are unable to serve (jointly with the Speaker)
- •Chair the National Assembly leadership and joint sittings
Powers
- ◆Power to rule on points of order and interpret Senate Standing Orders
- ◆Power to refer bills to relevant committees
- ◆Power to constitute and dissolve Senate committees
- ◆Casting vote in the event of a tie
- ◆Control of the Senate chamber and its precincts
Checks and oversight
Who holds this office accountable?
- ⚖Senate — can vote to remove the Senate President by a majority of all senators
- ⚖Electorate — still answerable to senatorial constituency
- ⚖Code of Conduct Bureau — asset declaration
Remuneration
₦2,484,091 per annum (basic Senator salary)
The Senate President receives additional allowances for the presiding office on top of senator emoluments
Election
Related offices
How to run for this office
Step-by-step guide to becoming a candidate in Nigeria.
Browse current officials
See who holds elected offices in Nigeria right now.
Information based on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022.