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Tag: Abubakar Bukola Saraki

  • Multi-national firms in breach of local content law, says Senate

    Multi-national firms in breach of local content law, says Senate

    The Senate said Tuesday that most multi-national companies operating in the country have failed to substantially comply with the provisions of the Local Content Act.

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, stated this as upper chamber began the investigation of the implementation of local content in the country’s oil and gas industry.

    Senate joint Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream) and Gas Resources was saddled with the responsibility of the probe.

    Saraki,  who inaugurated the investigation said that the National Assembly was concerned with the poor level of implementation of local content in the country.

    Represented by the Senate Leader, Senator Ahmed Lawan, Saraki said that “most multi nationals are yet to substantially comply with the provisions of the law.’’

    The Senate President noted that under the Nigeria oil and gas Industry Content Development Act, investors were mandated to consider Nigerian companies as an important element in their project development and management.

    He said, “The Nigeria content in this context refers to firms registered in Nigeria in accordance with the provisions of the Companies and other Allied Matters Act.

    “The National Assembly is challenged to ensure that the oil and gas industry provides an avenue where more jobs and opportunities are given to qualified local experts in the industry.

    “We are here to discuss to know where we are today in the implementation of the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act since it was enacted in 2010.

    “We are also here to know where we have made progress and identify the gaps and where we need help to up the game.’’

    Saraki said that it was obvious a rich local content was one of the most efficient ways to stimulate the economy for a multiplier effect in different sectors.

    He noted that to achieve that, a full implementation of the act was necessary, stressing that it would help in creating employment among other benefits.

    Chairman, Senate on Petroleum (Upstream) Senator Omotayo Alasoadura, assured that the joint committee was determined to finding a lasting solution to the problem.

    Alasoadura said that the Senate at its sitting on September 27, 2016, mandated the joint committee to carry out an extensive investigation into the level of compliance by multi- national companies in the industry.

    He said, “The senate arising from a debate on the need to ascertain the degree of local content in Nigeria oil and gas industry, mandated the committee to determine compliance with the  Act by industry operators.’’

    Engr. Simbi Wabote, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Wabote, told the committee that the board had made tremendous progress since enactment of the Act in 2010.

    Wabote said the board was currently implementing a 10 year strategic roadmap anchored on delivering five pillars of sustainable local content.

    He noted that the board had a target of achieving 70 per cent local content in the next ten years.

    He said, “A lot has been achieved in terms of local content development. It is a key pillar for our nation’s development. A lot has also been done to get the agency to its enviable position.

    “Part of it is to develop the required technical capability and also to ensure strict compliance and enforcement of the provisions of the act.

    “The other pillar is to enable business environment in order that investors will be attracted to Nigeria to invest.

    `”Then most importantly is to enhance the organisational capability of the board to carry out its mandate and ultimately create sectorial and regional market,’’ he said.

    He added that the board has set up the Nigeria Content Development Fund Account and has mobilised stakeholders towards remittance of one per cent of contracts awarded.

    He said that the agency monitored Nigeria content compliance and applied sanctions to defaulting companies in line with Section 68 of the Act, among other achievements.

    “Nigeria content has recorded 6 million training man hours since the inception of the act.

    `”Out of 20 billion dollars spent in the industry from five percent participation, we have been able get back 5 billion dollars into the country and we desire to increase sales to 15 billion dollars in 2027.

    “Before the act, all marine activities in the industry were in the hands of experts outside this country.

    “Today we have been able to get back 36 per cent of those marine activities for equitable participation of Nigerians and established about six world class fabrication facilities.

    “So, today Nigeria is able to handle 60,000 metric tonnes of fabrication capacity in the country. This was at zero level before the enactment of the act.

    “All electrical cables used in the oil and gas operations are manufactured in Nigeria and we are able to manufacture 670,000 of metric tonnes of pipes today,’’ he said.

    The executive secretary said before the act came into being seven years ago, all fabrications, engineering and procurement activities were done outside the country.

    He further said the development had resulted in a capital flight of 380 billion dollars from Nigeria in the past fifty years.

    He added that the capital flight necessitated the exporting of jobs that would have been made available for Nigerians, leading to loss of 2 million jobs.

    “There was high unemployment rate due to the dearth of skills and the total local content utilisation before the enactment of the act was put at just five per cent.

    “That was when the government decided to intervene seeing the way the industry was going and it culminated in putting in place the Nigerian Content Act of 2010.

    “The main goal of the act is to develop the capacity of local supply chain for effective and efficient service within the oil and gas industry without compromising standards.

    “It is also aimed at enhancing development and inclusion of Nigerian services and manpower,’’ he said.

     

  • Senate, Customs settle rift

    Senate, Customs settle rift

    • Smuggling our greatest undoing, says Saraki

    The lingering crisis of confidence between the Senate and the leadership of Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) may have been laid to rest.

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Monday gave the Comptroller General of NCS. Col. Hameed Ali, the leeway to “jeans and T-Shirt” to office if that would enable him to tackle and end massive smuggling of goods into the country.

    The Senate had insisted on Ali wearing of Customs’ uniform before he could be accepted in any of its committees.

    Saraki who spoke at an investigative hearing on smuggling in the country, vowed that the Senate would stop at nothing to stamp out all forms of smuggling from Nigeria.

    Talking about the role of the NCS in the battle against smugglers Saraki said, “For the Comptroller General of Customs, let me say on a lighter note, that once you end smuggling, even if you want to wear jeans and T-Shirt, I will move the motion that you should wear jeans and T-Shirt. But on a serious note, this issue is very important. Let us all work towards ending this menace once and for all.”

    Saraki who said that NCS must do whatever it takes to stop smuggling insisted that smugglers must be checked at all cost.

    He described smugglers as the largest economic saboteurs that are ruining the country’s economy who must be identified.

    Underscoring the necessity for the investigative public hearing, Saraki noted that his personal presence along with Senate leader is to underscore the importance that the Senate places on the issue of smuggling.

    He said, “For me personally, it is my view that the singular greatest threat to our economy is this issue of smuggling. The singular greatest threat to the success of our government is this issue of smuggling. The singular greatest threat to the deliverance of the promises made by President Muhammadu Buhari on the diversification of the economy is this issue of smuggling.

    “The level of smuggling that we are seeing cannot continue because they will definitely rubbish all the policies of government if allowed to go on. I am saying that with all sincerity and all level of responsibility and I tell you why.

    “Today, the greatest threat to smallholder farmers is smuggling. Today farmers who have gone to take loans either from the CBN or from commercial banks are being threatened by rice coming in from across the borders which at subsidized rate. The meaning of that is that the imported rice will always be cheaper than those produced by our local farmers.

    “A time will come, if we do not do anything that these farmers will not be able to pay their loans to the banks and these will result in serious crisis. For the banks that have given loans to these farmers, will also have crisis in their hands. And for the Central that has intervened with billions of Naira, again will not be able to recoup their money. The processors who have invested in rice mills at the beginning of this administration will also be threatened if we do not address the issue of rice smuggling. As a country we have invested over $7billion over the last 10 years in stimulating local production.

    “If we do not address the area of smuggling, this investment will go to waste. This is the severity of the issue before us today. There is no institution, whether it is the National Assembly any other institution, in order to support the success of our President we must join to stop smuggling, without it, we should just forget the issue of diversification or agricultural production. We will only pay lip service to issue of agricultural production if we do not address the issue of smuggling and that is why I made it a point to come here personally to drive this message.”

    Saraki also said that individuals behind smuggling of goods into the country must be exposed.

    He said, “There is no government, any serious government that will render itself helpless because we must know the individuals who are doing this smuggling. We must be able to know who they are. Is it that they are larger and bigger than government? Is it that we cannot stop them? Or is it that we don’t want to stop them? Or is that we lack the competence to stop them? These are the questions that we put before us today. We must stop them.”

    He said that the country should sanction officers who are aiding and abating smuggling and as well as reward officers who prevent smuggling.

    On the connection of the Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS) Saraki noted that although Nigeria is part of the regional body, “no serious country will allow anything that will ruin its economy at the benefit of its neighboring countries.”

     

  • Senate moves against Osinbajo over Magu

    Senate moves against Osinbajo over Magu

    …Suspends all confirmation requests

     

    What appeared to be the resumption of the face-off between the Executive and the Legislature took place in the Senate Tuesday.

    The upper chamber resolved to ask the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, to immediately take steps to implement its resolutions including the immediate removal of Acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibahim Magu.

    It also resolved to suspend any form of confirmation of nominees referred to it by the executive until issues relating to the power of the Senate to confirm executive nominees as contained in the constitution are resolved.

    The lawmakers further resolved that the Acting President must respect the constitution as it relates to the issue of confirmation.

    The Senate insisted that its resolutions especially the rejection of nominees must be adhered to by the Acting President.

    Those, whose nominations were rejected, the lawmakers said, must be relieved of their duties.

    The lawmakers wondered why the Acting Chairman EFCC whose nomination was turned down was still being haboured by the Executive.

    The Senate also resolved to ask Osinbajo to withdraw a statement credited to him that the Senate lacked the powers to confirm nominees.

    The resolutions came after over one hour closed session where the lawmakers were said to have discussed the issues that formed the thrust of the decisions.

    The lawmaker tacitly warned of dare consequences should the resolutions be ignored by the Executive.

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki had read a letter of request for the confirmation of the appointment of Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila, as Director General, National Lottery Regulatory Commission sent to the Senate by Osinbajo.

    Hardly had Saraki concluded reading the four paragraph letter dated 12 June, 2017 when Senator Ahmed Sani Yerima moved a point of Order that Acting President’s position on confirmation of nominees should be discussed before the nomination Gbajabiamila should be treated.

    Senator Yerima’s Point of Order opened a flood gate of attack on the Executive as senators took turns to bear their minds on the relationship between the two arms of government.

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, who summed up the contributions of apparently angry senators, alluded to this when he insisted the resolutions must be complied with.

    Saraki said “Distinguished colleagues, let me thank Senator Yerima for coming under Privileges. I think this matter is a very important matter but I think we need to address it once and for all and put it behind us.

    “Because as a society, we can’t pass laws and say these laws should not be obeyed. It is very clear these resolutions as passed must be acted upon by the Acting President.

    “And ensure that we continue to respect our democracy, our laws and constitution. It is not for us to choose which laws we obey and which laws we don’t obey.

    “That is not the way any civilised, modern society work. And we hope that the Acting President will take appropriate action in line with these resolutions.”

    Yerima (Zamfara West) who raised Order 14 of the Senate Standing Rules (Previleges) noted that since the Acting President concluded that the Senate lacked the power to confirm nominees, there was no need to acknowledge any letter from the executive on issues related to confirmation of appointments.

    He said, “I want to draw the attention of the Senate to a statement credited to the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo that the Senate does not have the power to confirm.

    “I was surprised to see the Senate President read a letter from the same Acting President who said the Senate does not have the power to confirm a nominee from the executive.

    “I am raising this point of order to draw the attention of the Senate to this issue and urge that we suspend any further action on confirmation of any nominee until the issue is resolved.”

    Senator George Sekibo (River East) on his own asked the Senate to take a firm position and reject any attempts to weaken the National Assembly.

    Sekibo said: “A careful look at what is happening will tell Nigerians that they are trying to indirectly take over our responsibilities. The main function of the National Assembly is to make laws. The clearing of nominees from the President is one of the major functions of the Senate.

    “All the various laws made to establish agencies of the Federal Government state that we will confirm nominations into such bodies. When an Acting President says that the Senate has no powers to confirm, I wonder if he is familiar with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

    “In a civilian democracy, there is nothing like an executive order. You cannot wake up and issue executive orders. You cannot also wake up and tell nominees to take over office. This goes contrary to the provisions of the constitution.

    “The moment you are playing down on the constitution,then you are playing down on the integrity of the Nigerian people. If the Acting President said we do not have the powers to confirm and he is sending a name that we should confirm, then what do we do? Senate should place a suspension on nomination until we determine whether we have the powers to confirm or not.”

    Senator Isa Hamma Misau (Bauchi North) lamented what he described as “the hypocrisy of the executive.”

    Misau wondered why “the National Assembly should always blackmailed by the executive to do their bidding.”

    He said, “This is a double standard or an act of hypocrisy. It is like they do not want this National Assembly to function properly. Sometimes, we associate corruption with only financial misappropriation. But there is also corruption in the area of appointments. When you appoint your friend into an office, it is corruption. We are here to serve the people.

    “The National Assembly is being blackmailed. They stormed the house of the Deputy President of the Senate and the house of the Appropriation committee chairman. They lied that it was the police that carried out the raid. But we know that it was the EFCC. It is time that we challenge the executive whenever they attack us.”

    Senator Samuel Anyanwu (Imo East) said “We must situate this issue. I am surprised that we still accept nominations in this chamber. We agreed that we will not take nominations again from the executive until certain things are resolved. We must take a stand. The leadership does not do anything about this issue within 48 hours, we will move against the leadership.”

    Senator Dino Melaye (Kogi West) on his on his own said that the Executive is always playing  “blues and ragea.”

    Melaye who is fighting a battle of his life to fence off attempts by some of his constituents to recall, said that the Senate should stand up to the Executive and its antics.

    He said, “There is a call on senators to serve Nigerians. It is time for us to tell the executive to stop playing blues and dance reggae. The executive must stop approbating and reprobating powers to itself.  In this same chamber, we invited the Acting EFCC chairman. We invited him for a job interview and he failed. We rejected him.

    “As I speak, Magu is still parading himself as EFCC chairman. Now, the same executive is sending a name for us to confirm. We confirmed Resident Electoral Commissioners before we went on break. They have sworn-in some people and have refused to do same for others. This Senate leadership must act and take a position.

    “It is time for the Senate to apply force. I am moving a motion that it becomes abominable for the Senate President to read another confirmation letter until the integrity of this Senate is respected by the executive.”

    Senate Chief Whip, Senator Olusola Adeyeye, (Osun Central) in his contribution insisted that it is incumbent on the executive to obey the provisions of the constitution.

    Adeyeye warned against attempts by the executive to destroy the institution of the Senate and insisted that anybody who is uncomfortable with any law should go to court to challenge it.

    He said: “These are frightening times. This is because many Nigerians, including many of us here put our lives on the line to ensure that we have democratic governance in Nigeria.

    “We need to remind the republic that the difference between the military and a democratic regime, is the existence of the legislature.

    “Every public servant is bound to obey every law of the republic. Nobody, not the President, vice or the Senate President has the right to disobey our laws. Whoever has problems with our laws should go to court and declare them null and void. Until that is done, every law of the law must be respected.

    “I voted yes for Magu. But the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria voted no. I stand with the Nigerian Senate. I choose a strong institution. We should not allow our institutions to be weakened. I want to lend the whole of my being to the first realm of the estate which is the legislature. I pray that we assert the independence of the legislature and not as a sign of power mongering, but to show that this is not the government of strong individuals.”

    Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who also added his voice to the debate said that the executive must obey the contents of the constitution.

    Ekweremadu who cited different sections of the constitution said that Section 171 of the Constitution relied upon by the Executive to retain Magu talked about personal staff of Mr. President.

    He noted that the issue under discussion has nothing to do with Magu or the DG National Lottery Commission but has a lot to d with what the Constitution said.

    Ekweremadu said, “Let me make it clear that this has nothing to do with the Director-General of Lottery Commission or Ibrahim Magu, but about our constitution. One of the features of the Senate is the power of confirmation. The framers of the constitution gave the power to the Senate.

    “If the law says that an appointee requires confirmation, we must obey what the law says. The executive must follow the provisions of the constitution.”

    Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) caused a stir in the Senate when he said that there is a vaccum in the Presidency.

    Abaribe  drew the attention of the Senate to what he tagged a vacuum created in the country, following the two-day absence of the Acting President, Professor Osinbajo from the country.

    Osinbajo travelled to Ethiopia on Sunday to attend an African Union (AU) meeting and returned to the country yesterday.

    Abaribe said, “The Acting President is the head of government now. We have a serious problem. As of today, there is nobody who is the head of government. The law and the procedure state that you cannot have a vacuum. The Acting President is out of the country and there is a vacuum.”

    Abaribe’s comment threw the chamber into confusion as some Senators agreed with him while others attempted to shout him down.

    He persisted until Senator Kabiru Marafa moved a Point of Order to stop him.

    For over 10 minutes, the Chamber was rowdy.  Senator lined up on political affiliation.

    Senator Marafa who relied on Order 53(4) of the Senate Standing Rules said the issue Abaribe raised was not part of the issue before the Senate. Marafa said that the constitution made it clear that in the absence of the President, the Vice President takes over and in the absence of the Vice President, the Senate President is the next in command and the President.

    There was a loud roar in the chamber as some Senators shouted “you are correct.”

    Saraki agreed and ruled Abaribe out of Order.

    The issue we are discussing has nothing to do with what Abaribe raised. We may have to discuss that at another day if need be. I have to rule you out of order Abaribe.”

    Saraki called Melaye who reeled out the resolutions adopted by the upper chamber.

    Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi who spoke at a news conference said that the import of the resolutions of the Senate was that rule of law should be supreme at all times no matter who is involved.

    He noted that the resolutions were clear that the Senate Should suspend all confirmations referred to it until issues relating to confirmation as contained in the constitution were resolved.

    Abdullahi said that the Executive must do what “needs to be done at all times.”

    “We are asking the Acting President to respect the resolutions of the Senate. The Senate rejected Magu and Magu is still acting as EFCC chairman,” he said

     

  • South-south senators may oppose $1.5b loan for states

    South-south senators may oppose $1.5b loan for states

    Federal Government request for Senate approval of $1.492 billion for development projects in ten states may spark another round of protest in the Senate.

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki read Acting President Yemi Osinbajo’s letter entitled “Re- Federal Executive Council approval of the 2016-2018 external borrowing (rolling) plan” which gave details of the $1.492 billion loan request.

    Only two weeks ago, the South East Senate caucus protested against the exclusion of the zone in the $5.9 billion Chinese Exim bank loan for the development of rail lines in some parts of the country.

    Some south-south senators are already gearing up to oppose the approval of the fresh loan as a result of non-inclusion of any state from the south-south geo-political zone in the loan request.

    A prominent member of the south south Senate caucus said that they were taken aback when Saraki read the letter to discover that no state from the zone was included in the loan request.

    He noted that some of them have resolved to send words home to their governors to find out if they requested for the loan and were left out.

    “If turns out that any south south state was among the states that sought the loan and was left out we will definite oppose the approval of the loan. How can a loan of over one billion dollars for development projects be approved and there is nothing for the south south,” he said.

    In the letter, Professor Osinbajo said, “ I write in reference to my earlier letter requesting for the consideration and approval of the Senate for the 2016-2018 External Borrowing Plan and to request the Senate to separate the states’ projects from the items listed in the Borrowing Plan with a view to giving them accelerated consideration.”

    He listed the affected states and their projects as:

    Kaduna State Development Policy Operation (DPO) $350 million to be funded with a loam from the World Bank Assisted project.

    Ogun State Development Policy Project (DPO) $350 million also to be funded with a loan from the World Bank Assisted Project.

    Ebonyi Ring Road Project $70million to be funded by African Development Bank and co-financed with Islamic Development Bank.

    Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP) $100 million to be funded by the ADB

    Katsina Health System Project $110 million to be financed by Islamic Development Bank

    Jigawa State Integrated Rural Development Project $32.4million also to be financed by the Islamic Development Bank.

    Another Ebonyi State Ring Road Project $80million to be co-financed with AFDB

    Kano State Integrated Agricultural and Water Resources Development $200 million.

    Enugu, Kano, Plateau and Ondo States Third National Urban Water Sector Reform Project (NUWSRP-111 $200 million to be financed by French Development Agency, giving a total loan of $1,492,400,000.00

  • CBN, commercial banks killing SMEs, says Senate

    CBN, commercial banks killing SMEs, says Senate

    The Senate Tuesday said that policies of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and activities of commercial banks are strangulating Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country.

    The upper chamber also claimed that a cartel has effectively taken over the control of commercial banks in the country to the disadvantage of the growth of the economy and small businesses operating in Nigeria.

    Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, made the claims while contributing to a motion on “the dire need for a stakeholders round table to address increasing interest rates in Nigeria” sponsored by Senator Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim (Kwara south).

    Na’ Allah asked why interest rates in Nigeria remained high despite the fact that the country is yet to get out of its economic recession.

    The Kebbi South lawmaker noted that the cartel allegedly running the commercial banks in connivance with the CBN, refused to review the interest rates downwards to reflect the economic situation of the country.

    He said, “The banks are run by a powerful cartel. They do what they like and jerk up interest rates. Over the years, we have seen the exchange rates go up, but it is not the same in other economies of the world. Nigeria has the most unpredictable economy in the world and we have to be worried about this.”

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, who also gave credence to the claims, expressed worry about what he called the twin evil of interest and exchange rates.

    Saraki said that it is unreasonable for companies to continue to lay off staff while declaring huge profits annually.

    He insisted that the Senate will step into the development to ensure that the right thing was done.

    Saraki said: “There has always been the twin evil of exchange rate and interest rates. We cannot live in a country where companies are folding up, yet organizations are declaring mega profits. The committee should swing into action. Whatever comes out of the committee’s work, we must see to it that it is implemented to the fullest.”

    Senator Ibrahim in his lead debate noted that the current Monetary Policy Rates (MPR) of 14 per cent has remained high compared to other developing nations such as Brazil which has 10.25 per cent Kenya 10 per cent, South Africa 7 per cent, Rwanda 6.25 per cent, Bangladesh 6.75 percent , Botwana 5.50 per cent and many West Africa countries with single digit rates.

    He said that despite all the negative indices, banks continued to declare huge earnings and profitability which as at 31st March 2017 increased significantly by 151.02 per cent while profit before tax (PBT) stood at N186.155 trillion as against N74.160 trillion in December 2016.

    Ibrahim further said: “Most of this profitability are derived from investment in risk free Government securities such as Treasury Bills and Bonds. The CBN is now faced with difficulties in decision- making on some of its core mandates of controlling the inflation rate, exchange rate and interest rate.

    “Available and reliable records indicate that between January to December, 2016, the CBN as regulator of the banking industry had mopped up about N5.784 trillion in interest expenses for liquidity Management thereby targeting inflation at the expense of economic growth, development and employment.

    “The current regime of high interest rate continues to place a major burden on business investments and household consumption spending in Nigeria, thereby negatively impacting on the survival of Nigerian businesses.

    “This is perpetuating the indicator which shows that only about 3% of SMEs starting up in the country having access to credits from banks which ironically employ about 88% of our work force and therefore the backbone of the economy.”

    He further expressed worry that the reported explosive increase in net credit to the government in April, 2017 annualized to 72% compared to a programmed rate of 33.12% for the year and significant decline in credit to the private sector below 14.88% target for 2017 portend grave challenge for future macroeconomic stability if allowed to entrench, crowding out private sector borrowing from the economy.

    The Senate mandated its committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions to organise a round-table session with the CBN, commercial banks, Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), other relevant stakeholders and industry experts with a view to finding immediate, sustainable and lasting solutions that would help usher in a new interest rate regime that supports enterprise development in Nigeria.

     

  • Nigeria loses $2.5bn to gas flaring annually, says Senate

    Nigeria loses $2.5bn to gas flaring annually, says Senate

    …Gas flaring a national embarrassment, says Saraki

     

    The Senate Wednesday said that the country loses $2.5 billion annually to gas flaring.

    The upper chamber also said that gas flaring is contributing to air pollution, heat, rainforest damage and climate change.

    Chairman, Senate Committee on Gas Resources, Senator Bassey Albert Akpan, stated this at a public hearing on Gas flaring (prohibition) bill 2017.

    Akpan noted that Nigeria has estimated 188 billion cubic feet of proven natural reserve making the country the ninth largest concentration in the world.

    According to him, “Due to unsustainable exploration practices coupled with lack of gas utilization infrastructure, we flare more than 75 per cent of the gas produced and re-injects only 12 per cent to enhance oil recovery.”

    He said that it is estimated that more than two billion standard cubic feet of gas is currently being flared in the country annually.

    The figure, he said, is the highest in any member-nation of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

    He added that consequently, Nigeria accounts for about 19 per cent of the total amount of gas flared globally.

    Akpan noted that in the over 1,000 oil fields located across the country, the towering flames resulting from gas burning seems to villagers as an inevitable consequence of oil production.

    He recalled that the first attempt to address gas flaring was made in 1969 through the Petroleum (Drilling & Production) Regulation which merely required that oil producing companies submit Gas Utilization Plan (GUP) five years into the commencement of production.

    This, he said, was followed by the Associated Gas Rejection Act of 1979 and later the Associated Gas Rejection Regulation, 1985 made to specify conditions for issuance of certificate for continued gas flaring.

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki who inaugurated the public hearing described the issue of gas flaring in the country as a matter of great national embarrassment

    Saraki who was represented by the Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah noted that Nigeria has no reason to continue to ‘flare this precious resource God has endowed us with.”

    He said that the seeks to make provisions for the prohibition of the flaring and venting of natural gas in any   oil   and gas production   operation   in   Nigeria.

    Saraki said that gas flaring is as old as the discovery of crude oil in Nigeria.

    “While it remains   a global   environmental   malaise   with   attendant environmental consequences, we must move with the rest of the world to seriously put an end to it. Gas flaring is not inevitability.

    “Whilst statistics may not be accurate, the quantity of gas flared in Nigeria exceeds over 40% of the gas flared annually across Africa which amounts to about $7billion in waste.

    “Apart from economic waste being a consequence of gas flaring, flared   gas   is also   known   to   contain   toxic   substances   which   cause respiratory diseases and air pollution, leading to depletion of the ozone layer, ultimately having an adverse effect on weather and climate.

    “Only God knows how many of our citizens have lost their lives as a result of gas flaring.

    “We are yet to ascertain how many are suffering irreparably from the aftermath of gas flaring.

    “What we know is that if we have not been flaring gas, our people in the oil producing States will have fared better in health and in life expectancy.

    “Like other countries blessed with gas, we would have   had   more power generating   capacity   and   attained   greater industrialization of the country,” Saraki said.

    He added that the 8th Senate recognizes that gas flaring is not just an environmental issue but that it is a developmental issue, a justice issue, a human rights issue and an opportunity issue.

    He said, “To us the continued drain on our revenue that gas flaring represents is no longer affordable. We are therefore committed to bring to an end this obnoxious business practice.

    “We are committed to once and for all prohibit gas flaring to save our people’s lives, save our environment   and   change   the   corporate   behaviour   and   attitude   of businesses towards environmental protection.

    “Today, we are attempting to use the instrumentality of the legislature to drive that process.”

  • Saraki to IDPs: Government will not forget you

    Saraki to IDPs: Government will not forget you

    …Visits camp in Abuja

     

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Wednesday assured Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in some parts of the country that government will continue work to ensure their security, social and economic wellbeing as well as safe return to their homesteads.

    Saraki said the government will not forget the displaced persons.

    The Senate President spoke when he led a Senate delegation on a visit to the IDP camp at Kuchigoro, near the Games Village, Abuja.

    A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Senate President, Sanni Onogu, in Abuja said that the delegation was received by the evangelist of the camp, Mr. Jude Kaghala and other leaders of the camp.

    It said Saraki donated food items including rice and toiletries for distribution to inhabitants of the camp.

    He noted that while the executive was working in collaboration with the legislature to rehabilitate and resettle the IDPs in their original communities, government will ensure that their life is made better on a daily basis.

    “We have not forgotten you and we will not forget you,” Saraki said. “We will continue to work to ensure that you return to your individual villages and towns. But while you are here, we will ensure that your life is made better every day.

    “This is why we decided to come and identify with you, to know how you are coping and to comfort you. We share your pains and we are doing what needs to be done to make your towns and villages habitable once again. We will make sure you live a better life.”

    Senators that accompany Saraki on the visit to the Kuchigoro IDPs camp, include Senate Leader, Ahmad Lawan, Philip Aduda, Abubakar Kyari, Mohammed Hassan and Baba Kaka Garbai.

    Earlier the Evangelist of the Camp, Mr. Khagala thanked the Senate President and his team for the visit and the food items and toiletries he donated for use by the IDPs.

    He promised that the rice, soaps, deodorants and body spray he donated will be evenly distributed among the IDPs, especially the pregnant women and children. He said the food could not have come at a better time than this Ramadan period.

    While praying for the Senate President and his delegation for the august visit and donation of items to alleviate their plight, he called on other well-meaning individuals in society to emulate the Senate President’s kind and fatherly gesture.

    “We are honoured to receive you in our midst today. We want to thank Mr. Senate President and all the distinguished Senators for this visit. We also thank the Senate President for the rice and all the other items he has donated to us.

    “We will distribute them to our people here to help them as they partake in the Ramadan fast. We cannot thank him and the Senate enough. We also thank you for the work the Senate has done in passing a bill to create the North East Development Commission. We pray the Almighty Allah to reward you,” Kaghala said.

     

  • Senate seeks rehabilitation of rescued Chibok girls

    Senate seeks rehabilitation of rescued Chibok girls

    …Pushes for domestication of Child Rights Act in 13 states

     

    The Senate Thursday asked the Federal Government to take steps to rehabilitate rescued Chibok school girl.

    The upper chamber said that government should provide adequate welfare, education and health services for the girls.

    It said that efforts should also be intensified to rescue the remaining girls who are still in Boko Haram captivity

    The resolutions were made following the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Binta Masi Garba and eight others tagged, “2017 Children’s Day Celebration”

    The motion was presented by Senator Biodun Olujimi, in the absence of Garba.

    The lawmakers who stressed the need to secure a better future for Nigerian children, mandated its committee on Women Affairs to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to domesticate the Child Rights Act in the thirteen states that are yet to enact it.

    in his remarks, urged Nigerians to always protect the rights of the Nigerian child.

    Saraki said as leaders, nothing is too big to sacrifice in ensuring that the future of the Nigerian child is secured.

    He said: “There is no gain saying that the children are the future leaders of this country. I want to state that nothing is too big to give to ensure that the Nigerian child is protected. I wish every Nigerian child a happy celebration.

    “We will ensure that the remaining states yet to domesticate the Child Right Act do so. During oversight, our committees must ensure that the relevant agencies implement programmes earmarked for the Nigerian child.”

    Senator Olujimi told the Senate that the infant mortality rate in country has risen to one million deaths per annum as a result of poor nutrition and inadequate medical facilities.

    The upper chamber noted that, despite the exemption granted to all pregnant women, the elderly and disabled under the National Health Act of 2014, this is not obtainable in practice, as children and pregnant women still pay for medical services in public hospitals.

    The Senate, further observed, without quoting any source, that 70 per cent of the people in the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps are women and children who have been rendered orphans and widows.

    “The significant role of the Nigerian child in the nation’s development and the need to lay a good foundation and secure their future through the domestication and implementation of the Child Right Act, 2003, in every state of the federation.

    “A proper system of education and good health care are indispensable in making the Nigerian child relevant in the global scheme of things,” the motion, presented by Senator Olujimi further read.

     

     

  • Why Senate amended Electoral Act, says Saraki

    Why Senate amended Electoral Act, says Saraki

     

     

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Thursday expressed confidence that the recent amendments to the Electoral Act will strengthen the country’s electoral process and make it conform with the international best practices.

    Saraki noted that when assented to, the amendments will eliminate rigging, violence and other forms of malpractices associated with the electoral process in the country.

    The Senate President in a statement by his Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Mohammed Isa, spoke while receiving a delegation of Safran IS, an international biometric and identity management company that visited him in Abuja.

    Saraki said, “I believe the amendments will strengthen our electoral processes, particularly at the transmission of results to the various stages of collation.

    “We made a lot of progress with the introduction of the Card Reader during the 2015 general elections and it is our commitment and determination to improve on that during subsequent elections.

    “One of the things that I think is the big issue during election is in the area of transmission of results, and it has been something that we need to improve on and we need to get that done before 2019.

    “I am confident that if we can get the electronic transmission right, we will begin to have an election process that can compete with what obtains in any other part of the world.

    “We want a situation that as soon as results are announced at polling units, we should be able to receive them across board. I think when we are able to do that, the challenge associated with physical result transmission would be a thing of the past.”

    He expressed the readiness of the Senate to partner with any organization that could provide the right solutions, and requested Safran to collaborate with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and support their initiative.

    The leader of the delegation, Ms Jessica Van Meeteren explained that based on their experiences and successes in similar jobs in other countries, Safran IS possesses the required technology and technical know-how to provide Nigeria with the solutions.

    Meeteren said the company had undertaken similar jobs in countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, India, Chile among others.

     

  • Confirmation: Senate bars Lottery Commission nominees from office

    Confirmation: Senate bars Lottery Commission nominees from office

    …Frowns at non-confirmation

     

    The Senate Thursday asked the nominated National Lottery Commission, Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila, to stay away from office until his appointment is confirmed by the Senate.

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, gave the order after listening to the Senate Leader, Senator Ahmed Lawan on alleged assumption of duty by Gbajabiamila without Senate approval.

    Senator Dino Melaye had on Wednesday told the Senate that President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed a DG for the National Lottery Commission who has assumed duty without Senate confirmation.

    Saraki mandated Lawan to follow up Melaye’s information to establish the truth about it.

    Lawan who briefed the Senate yesterday confirmed that “indeed the National Lottery Commission Director General has assumed duty.”

    Lawan said that the DG agreed that he assumed duty without Senate confirmation apparently in error.

    Lawan said, “The nominee for the office of the Director-General of National Lottery Regulatory Commission actually assumed office. I think he was misadvised and therefore assumed office without being confirmed. But there is a genuine appeal that such thing will not happen again. I have advised that the nominee should not be seen around the office.”

    Saraki said, “I think you will agree with me that the Leader has done a very thorough job. Not only that, he has responded promptly within 24 hours first of all to establish that the point raised by Senator Dino was factual and he got the assurances that this type of thing will not happen again.

    “We therefore stamp it out and it must not occur again. He has erred and he must probably have been misguided but definitely he must not be seen reporting in that area. Definitely, that must not happen.

    “Going forward, for nominees and the executive, we must respect our laws and our processes. Even if he did it, somebody should have been there to direct and guided him. Those who are eager to resume should tarry a while and follow the due process. We will close this matter here.”

    Senator George Thompson Sekibo (Rivers East) was not impressed.

    “I rise on the issue and the very good explanation that was brought by the Leader eloquently delivered and truly accepted. I accept it, I am not against it. I am not asking for sanction but my problems are two.

    “When you are bringing a complex matter and you are bringing it under personal explanation, for me it is misdirecting the House. This matter is a complex matter and personal explanation should not be a controversial matter. Then you are bringing major controversial matter. Somebody who is fragrantly violating the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Section 5(1)(b), and you just bring it under personal explanation and he finished talking and sat down as if nothing has happened.

    “Sir, it is a major issue. I am saying for caution, next time issues of this nature should not come under personal explanation. They should look for other orders to bring it so that it is open to us to debate. We will not remove the man, we will agree with him because he is our leader. But to block and close our mouth, I don’t think it is the best for all of us.”