The Senate has confirmed the appointment of Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) from Enugu State, as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The confirmation on Thursday was a result to his appearance before the senators at the Hallowed Chamber, where he answered questions from the lawmakers.

The confirmed nominee was ushered into the Chamber for the screening by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on National Assembly Senate Matters at 12:15pm.

President Bola Tinubu had on Tuesday written to the Senate, seeking the screening and subsequent confirmation of Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) from Enugu State, as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The letter conveying the President’s request was read on the floor of the Senate by Senator Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate.

According to President Tinubu, the nomination was made in accordance with Section 147 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

“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,” the letter stated in part.

The development is a sequel to the resignation of the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, from Tinubu’s government.

Nnaji, who was the only minister from Enugu State in the Tinubu administration, resigned last month over controversies surrounding his academic qualifications—including a certificate purportedly obtained from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.

His resignation created a space in the Federal Executive Council, leaving Enugu State without ministerial representation.

Udeh, a lawyer, currently serves as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Enugu State.

He was recently elevated to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

Following the announcement, Senator Akpabio then referred the nomination to the Committee of the Whole for immediate consideration.