Senator
Nigeria has 109 senators — three from each of the 36 states and one from the FCT. The Senate forms the upper chamber of the bicameral National Assembly and has special powers including confirming presidential appointments and ratifying treaties.
Term length
4 years
Seats
109
3 per state (108) + 1 for FCT Abuja = 109 total
Minimum age
35 years
Category
Legislative
Constitutional basis
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Sections 48–89
Qualifications to stand
- ✓Nigerian citizen
- ✓At least 35 years of age
- ✓Member of a registered political party
- ✓Minimum School Certificate or equivalent
- ✓Resident in the senatorial district or owned property there for at least one year before the election
- ✓Not under sentence of death or imprisonment exceeding 12 months
- ✓Not declared of unsound mind
Roles and responsibilities
- •Make laws for the peace, order, and good government of the Federation
- •Scrutinise and pass the annual budget
- •Confirm presidential appointments (ministers, ambassadors, INEC chair, etc.)
- •Ratify international treaties
- •Investigate the executive through committees
- •Represent senatorial district constituents
- •Override presidential veto with 2/3 majority
Powers
- ◆Exclusive legislative authority on items in the Exclusive Legislative List
- ◆Concurrent legislative authority on the Concurrent List
- ◆Power to impeach the President or Vice President
- ◆Power to approve or reject executive nominees
- ◆Power to amend the constitution (2/3 supermajority required)
Checks and oversight
Who holds this office accountable?
- ⚖Electorate — elections every four years
- ⚖Senate President and Senate Standing Rules
- ⚖Court of Appeal — election petition tribunal
- ⚖Code of Conduct Bureau — asset declaration
Remuneration
₦2,484,091 per annum (basic)
Actual total remuneration including allowances is significantly higher; RMAFC sets the consolidated package
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.