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Tag: NASS

  • NASS, judiciary urged to void suspension of Rivers’ governor, legislators

    NASS, judiciary urged to void suspension of Rivers’ governor, legislators

    The National Assembly and the Judiciary have been urged to swiftly intervene and reverse the suspension of the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu and members of the state House of Assembly via a state of emergency declared on Tuesday by President Bola Tinubu.

    A group of civil society organisations (CSOs) under the aegis of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (NCSSR) made this request on Wednesday in Abuja while responding to the development in Rivers State.

    It faulted the president’s unilateral declaration of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of elected officers of the state government.

    The group argued that the conditions precedent were not met before the president decided to take the decision he took, arguing that there were other measures that would have been adopted.

    It said: “The President’s reliance on Section 305 of the Constitution to justify this move is a blatant misinterpretation of the law. 

    “While a state of emergency may be declared under specific and extreme circumstances, it does not give the President the power to sack elected officials or dissolve legislative bodies.”

    The NCSSR argued that the political crisis in Rivers State did not meet the constitutional criteria for emergency rule, such as war, external aggression, or a total breakdown of law and order. 

    The group also pointed out that the Supreme Court had ruled on the matter, reinforcing the constitutional limits on executive powers.

    It called on the National Assembly to refuse to approve this illegal declaration. 

    The Senate and the House of Representatives must uphold their constitutional duty to check executive excesses and defend Nigeria’s democratic institutions. 

    “We urge lawmakers to immediately reject this unconstitutional overreach by the Presidency, thereby preventing an authoritarian drift that threatens the stability of our nation. 

    Read Also: Tinubu consulted NASS on Rivers State of Emergency, says House

    “The Constitution is very clear that what is required for this emergency declaration to pass is two-third of votes of the 360 members of the House of Representatives and the 109 votes of members of the Senate.

    “Meaning, that no less than 240 members of the House of Representatives and 72 Senators must vote in support of the declaration of the state of emergency for ir fo stand.

    “Otherwise, the declaration must fail, and the Governo/ and the State Legislators be returneg to office immediately. 

    “Furthermore, we note the special place of the Judiciary in moderating executive excesses and rascality and do urge it to assert its Independence and ensure that this assault on democracy does not stand. 

    “Democracy thrives on the respect for the rule of law, due process, and the will of the people. 

    “Any attempt to override the electoral mandate of the people of Rivers State is a direct affront to the sovereignty of the Nigerian people and must be resisted by all democratic forces,” the group said.

  • NASS strips SWDC of 3% seaports, airport, oil and gas revenues

    NASS strips SWDC of 3% seaports, airport, oil and gas revenues

    The House of Representatives has passed the amended South West Development Commission bill striping the commission not revenue from airport, seaport or gas companies operating in the South West. 

    Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen had explained to members at Tuesday’s plenary where the bill was considered that the reconsideration was due to an objection to certain provisions in the bill by the president. 

    He said that the president objected to the provisions because they were in conflict to the provisions of the constitution. 

    The new bill which was read for the third time and passed on Wednesday after it’s consideration and approval on Tuesday will be sent back to the President for his assent. 

    The bill, seeks to “establish South West Development Commission charged with the responsibility among other things, to receive and manage Funds from allocation of the Federation Account, including donations and gifts for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Infrastructural damages suffered in the Region and to tackle the ecological, environmental and other developmental challenges in the Region and for related matters.”

    The amendments to the Establishment Act sought to delete clauses 14(b, c, d and e).

    Clause 14(b) provided that: “3 percent of the annual budget of any Federal seaport and airport operating in the South West”, was deleted.

    Read Also: NSITF presents N25 million cheque to NASS staff

    Similarly, Clause 14(c) provided that: “3 percent of the total annual budget of any oil producing company operating, on shore and off shore, in the South West States: including gas processing companies”, was deleted.

    In the same vein, Clause 14(d) provided that: “3 percent of the total annual budget of any Solid mineral extracting mining company operating in the South West States”, was expunged.

     Clause 14(e) provided that: “50 percent of monies due to member-States of the Commission from the Ecological Fund”, was deleted.

    The law however said that “The Commission shall establish and maintain a fund, the proceeds of which shall be used to defray all expenditures incurred by the Commission.

    In addition, it said, “There shall be paid and credited to the fund established pursuant to sub-clause (1) of this paragraph monies— from the Federal Government, the equivalent of fifteen (15) percent of the total monthly statutory allocations due to member States of the Commission from the Federation Account

    “Such monies as may from time to time, be granted or lent to or deposited with the Commission by the Federal or a State Government, any other body or institution whether local or foreign;

    “All monies raised for the purpose of the Commission by way of gifts, loan, grants- aid, testamentary disposition or otherwise and the proceeds from all other assets that may, from time to time, accrue to the Commission.”

  • Bill to establish security Directorate for NASS passes second reading

    Bill to establish security Directorate for NASS passes second reading

    The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a Bill seeking to establish a special security Directorate for the National Assembly. 

    The bill, when passed and signed into law, will ensure that the head of the National Assembly security is chosen from among the staff of the Directorate

    Currently, the Head of the National Assembly security is appointed from outside the National Assembly and from retired security personnel. 

    Leading the debate for the bill, its sponsor, Akintunde Rotimi, said the bill seeks to establish the Legislative Security Directorate in the National Assembly, define its functions, and set qualifications and conditions of service for the Sergeant-at-Arms and other security personnel.

    According to him, the proposed law is to strengthen the National Assembly’s security framework, ensuring autonomy, safety, and efficiency in line with global best practices.

    He argued that as Nigeria’s democratic foundation, the National Assembly requires a robust security for its legislative, oversight, and representative roles, adding that the current structure is fragmented and lacks statutory backing for a professional, well-coordinated approach.

    Read Also: Tax Reform Bills: NASS targets geo-political zones’ demands

    He said further that historical global and domestic security breaches of parliaments highlight the urgent need for a specialised, well-trained, and adequately resourced security outfit.

    He said the bill aligns with Agenda 2 of the 10th House of Representatives 

    Legislative Agenda which aimed at Improving, prioritising and reforming National Assembly security. 

    The agenda explicitly states that “The Sergeant-at-Arms is typically responsible for maintaining order and security within the Parliament or Legislative Assembly. The SAA will be recognised as the National Assembly’s official and primary security outfit, with other security agencies to assist when and where necessary. This will require reforming and strengthening it to provide effective security for the Assembly.”

    Rotimi who is also the House Spokesman said the bill underscores the need for a legal framework that enhances the Sergeant -at-Arms’ authority, capacity, and professionalism. 

    The Legislative Security Directorate, he said will oversee security in the National Assembly, protects members, staff, guests, and assets (physical and digital), coordinates with national security agencies while ensuring 

    legislative independence.

    The bill will also provide for tht appointment of the Sergeant-at-Arms who will serves as Head of the Directorate, maintains order in plenary and committee sessions, oversees security procedures and enforcement of protocols.

    He listed other countries where like the United States of America, the United Kingdom and South Africa where the Sergeant-at-Arms serves as parliamentary police. 

  • NASS, Development Commissions and 31 states comedy

    NASS, Development Commissions and 31 states comedy

    The Nigerian House of Representatives often presents Nigeria with some comic even if politically scandalous bills and other issues often bothering on the ludicrous. The people have seen fights with clothes torn and chairs flying. There had been heaps of the local currency allegedly a product of some sleazy transactions involving some members.  We have seen the emergence of a certain ‘Integrity Group’ whose members fought on the floor of the house. We have seen some of the ‘integrity group members mired in the fuel subsidy scandal with some being convicted and jailed.

    We have seen a member come to the house and unashamedly ordered his four wives that he had brought to the chambers  to stand up for recognition as proof of his masculinity and control. Another member had  protested the idea of electing more women into the house because in his words, “they will take the male positions”. We have seen gender equity bills being thrown out because some of the members fear their political and social advantages might vanish before their eyes.

    The 9th National Assembly had been severally referred to as ‘rubber stamp’ assembly but some political analysts who viewed their relationship with the former President Buhari’s  administration as very passive in terms of playing their very vital legislative roles. The often touted legislative/executive harmonious relationship was often seen to be tilted against  the legislature which in every democracy ought to be the most powerful tool for checks and balances given that they represent the people of their constituencies.

    The 10th National Assembly is seemingly yet to define itself somewhat. The people seem to wait with baited breath while quietly documenting their actions and inactions. Given the varied constitution of the National Assembly in terms of party memberships, not much differences have been noted. It seems to be business as usual given that most of the legislators mainly operate as mere politicians with no marked ideological similarities.

    The modus operandi of most of the politicians is often the same. There is still no structurally defined system in place. There is still largely an opaque national political agenda towards real growth. The focus/alliances are still the same; self, tribal, ethnic, religious and class agenda. No developed country thrives on these myopic agenda. The Roundtable Conversation feels that national growth must be a product of real altruistic political road map to development.

    So the clamour for regional commissions for the six geopolitical zones by law makers seems on the surface to be a very progressive idea. However, given the history of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) from its days as OMPADEC, through to the establishment of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, not much development has come to the people or the proverbial goose that lays the golden egg. The environmental degradation, the poverty, the lack of development and the seeming agitation in the area continue to astonish the world.

    While on the face of it the development commissions might seem a good idea, to us, it really begs the question. The law makers sponsoring the bills and their supporters must be able to establish how functional those development commissions can be. What would be their terms of reference? How would they be funded and what would mark them out from the story of the NDDC that seems to have been full of scandals and corruption?

    It is an irony that the National Assembly that is supposed to make laws, represent their constituents and carry out oversight functions on the executive have largely left most of the job undone. If the legislative arm diligently carries out its oversight functions at the local, state and federal levels, development would have reached more people without the extra burden of development commissions. Scampering to sponsor bills for regional development without set foundational socio-political actions would merely be a round robin game.

    Nigerian political class is notorious for white elephant projects at various levels. Establishing Development Commissions mainly to fulfill regional political agenda would never be the correct route to development. The National Assembly ought to be more proactive in their law making and oversight functions which can be the propelling force for development. With more than 20 million children out of school in a 21st century Nigeria, what magic would six regional commissions make? Education is power.

    The legislators ought to be more concerned about the political structure that raises leaders who act as emperors in a democracy. There is urgent need to strengthen the political party structure in ways that the legislature becomes more functional. There must first be a functional and credible political party structure that can ensure that electoral laws are obeyed in ways to enhance intra-party democracy as a precursor to credible elections. This is a fundamental necessity. The dysfunction in the political party structure raises questions about our democracy.

    When there is intra-party democracy, elections would be less flawed and the elected would be held to account. It is largely due to lack of accountability that elected officials in Nigeria do not take their constitutional roles seriously.  Governors in Nigeria operate like emperors. As the political slang used to go, ‘they often influence the electoral processes from the ward level to the highest office in the land. 

    The saying that he who pays the piper dictates the tune cannot be over-emphasized under this circumstance. Today, the Attorney General of the federation keeps reiterating the law about the Local government financial autonomy. That is admirable but it is a practical illogicality because the governors seem to be the eternal hands of Esau with the body of Jacob.  The governors in Nigeria exercise too many powers in ways that stall development. The legislators must rise to that aberration in the political space.

    The recent House of Representative Constitution review Committee’s proposal for the creation of some additional 31 states in Nigeria is as ludicrous as it is a serious sign that our legislators seem to lack the tedious task of tidy thinking. To add 31 new states to a country with 36 states plus the federal capital territory Abuja bringing the states to 67 is not only outrageous given that not up to ten of the existing states operate profitably is just unbelievable.  Most of the states rely on federal allocations and random internal and external borrowing for sustenance and payment of salaries.

    Read Also: Fed govt to boost farmer support with targeted interventions – Shettima

    The proposed bill is the evidence that most of the politicians in the country are removed from realities. The focus seems to be a rat race for the creation of regional commissions and more states for the politicians to redistribute amongst themselves. Creation of political hegemonies seems to be at the core of most of the bills around commissions and extra states in a country with more than 137million people leaving in multi-dimensional poverty. Some of the existing states have been run down by those who have had the good fortune of being chosen to run the states at some points in our democratic journey.

    It is very curious that instead of the house to focus on why most of the states are insolvent and barely able to pay salaries let alone develop critical urban infrastructure to help the people, they want to further split the states possibly to spread more poverty. It is interesting that instead of looking at functionality and national interest, most politicians seem to be re-enacting the, ‘scramble and partition of the existing states in Nigeria.

    In a curious way, the proposed bill took no notice of the funding that goes into running a state. Their ambition seems to be just establishing more dysfunctional states. The lack of national and real people’s interests in the proposed bill clearly affirms that the Nigerian political class has some lessons to learn. Regional development Commissions and states do not spark development.

    Our legislators must understand the essence of the legislative arm in democracies. There is a reason coup-plotters and other global dictators descend heavily on the legislative arm anytime they happen to seize power. It is a great pillar of democracy. This again brings to the fore the need for the qualifying criteria for elections to offices to be reviewed in the country. The world is leaving Nigeria behind. The low level of the qualifying criteria for most elective positions is reason some people find their ways to certain positions.

    The world has gone beyond ‘attempted school certificate’ as the qualifying criteria for certain offices. This seems to be exactly why some very ignorant people find their ways to positions they have no business vying for in the first place. It is always an exhilarating joy to listen to most legislators across the world including some African countries. On the contrary, the Nigerian politics seems to be the exclusive preserve of the least endowed intellectually.

    Debates in the legislative houses often expose the immaturity and lack of intellectual sophistication of most members. Professional or occupational achievements are often not considered by political parties in choosing candidates for elective posts and this is main reason certain aberrations exist in the political space. The scramble for regional development commissions and mushroom and insolvent states cannot be route to development.

    The proposal for the creation of extra 31 states in a country with the myriad of developmental problems like Nigeria just affirms the allegations that the National Assembly seems peopled by people that need some lessons in legislative duties and nation-building. Like the legendary Shakespeare said, “The fault dear Brutus is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings”.

    •The dialogue continues…

  • CNPP urges NASS to create five new states for regional balance

    CNPP urges NASS to create five new states for regional balance

    The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has called on the National Assembly to take immediate steps to create five additional states in Nigeria to address regional disparities in the country’s six geopolitical zones.

    In a statement on Sunday, signed by its deputy national publicity secretary, Comrade James Ezema, CNPP emphasised that ensuring equity, fairness, and justice in resource distribution is essential for national unity and progress.

    “Democracy does not support injustice. Its core principles are rooted in fairness, justice, equitable resource distribution, and the rule of law,” the statement read.

    The group stressed that correcting the imbalance in state distribution would foster national stability and development. 

    “The CNPP proposes that each of the six geopolitical zones should have seven states each, based on economic viability and other relevant factors for the new states to be created.

    “Specifically, the North Central and North West zones already have seven states, while the rest of the zones have six states each, except the SouthEast region with only five states.

    Read Also: CNPP demands sack of CBN Governor Emefiele

    “There is the need to create one additional state each for the South West, North East, and South-South zones and two additional states should be created in the South East zone.

    “Once this is achieved, the National Assembly can consider creating additional states in each of the six geopolitical zones.

    “The CNPP believes that this is a necessary step towards ensuring that every region in Nigeria has an equal opportunity to develop and contribute to the growth and prosperity of the nation.

    “We urge the National Assembly to take this matter seriously and work towards creating a more just and equitable society for all Nigerians.

    “The CNPP has consistently advocated for good governance, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria. 

    “The CNPP as the umbrella body of all registered political parties and political associations in Nigeria remains committed to promoting the principles of democracy and ensuring that the rights and interests of all Nigerians are protected and advanced”, the statement added.

  • Proposed creation of 32 states may render some redundant – APC chieftain cautions NASS

    Proposed creation of 32 states may render some redundant – APC chieftain cautions NASS

    A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Ambassador Nurain Abayomi Mumuni, has cautioned that the proposed creation of 32 additional states by the House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee could render some existing states redundant.

    Mumuni made this known in a statement released on Saturday, February 8, through his media aide, Rasheed Abubakar.

    The House of Representatives had earlier in the week proposed the creation of 32 new states during a plenary session presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu in the absence of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.

    Reacting to the development, Mumuni expressed concern over Nigeria’s economic struggles, including rising unemployment, inflation, and inadequate infrastructure. 

    He noted that several states are already struggling to meet financial obligations and provide basic services to their citizens.

    He warned that adding more states could worsen the situation, diverting resources from critical development needs.

    Mumuni, therefore, urged lawmakers to reconsider the proposal, emphasizing the need to focus on policies that genuinely benefit Nigerians.

    “The recent proposal for the creation of an additional 31 states in Nigeria has raised significant concerns in light of the current economic situation facing our nation. As representatives of the people, we must prioritize the welfare of our citizens and address the pressing issues that impact their daily lives.

    “Nigeria is grappling with numerous economic challenges, including rising unemployment, inflation, and inadequate infrastructure. 

    “The creation of more states is unlikely to generate the necessary income or resources to improve these conditions. Instead, it may further strain our already limited financial resources and create additional bureaucratic challenges.

    “Currently, several states in Nigeria struggle to meet their financial obligations and sustain basic services for their citizens. The introduction of new states could exacerbate this situation, diverting attention and funding away from critical development needs.

    Read Also: APC chieftain urges GAC to end Lagos speakership crisis

    “The suffering and disenfranchisement of our citizens should be our foremost concern, and the creation of additional states does not address the core issues plaguing our nation.

    “Therefore, we call upon the Nigerian legislature to set aside the proposal for creating new states and to instead focus on consolidating our efforts towards economic recovery and development. Let us direct our energies towards enhancing the capabilities of existing states, promoting sustainable economic growth, and improving the quality of life for all Nigerians.

    “We must prioritize initiatives that foster unity, peace, and effective governance over superficial divisions that do not serve the interests of our citizens. Our collective future depends on making decisions grounded in practicality and concern for the well-being of the population.

    “In conclusion, we urge the legislature to reconsider the proposed creation of 31 new states in light of the pressing economic realities facing our nation. Let us work together, focusing on solutions that truly benefit the citizens of Nigeria.”

  • Akpabio kicks against service extension of NASS management staff

    Akpabio kicks against service extension of NASS management staff

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has kicked against management staff of the National Assembly who often seek service extension after retirement to enable them remain in office in breach of public service rules.

    He also directed the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) to urgently get rid of such management staff from service without any further delay.

    Akpabio spoke when the outgoing Chairman and members of the National Assembly Service Commission visited him in Abuja.

    “Mr Chairman and members of the National Assembly Service Commission, your visit to me today, for formal notification of end of your tenure is one of mixed feelings.

    “Mixed feelings in the sense that it is sad to miss a very experienced hand like you but at the same time, happy that you ended well after five years in office.

    “However since you are handing over to the Secretary of the Commission, pending the time myself and the Hon  Speaker of the House of Representatives, will make recommendations for new Chairman and members, lapses observed within the last few years must be mentioned.

    “One of such lapses is the reluctance on some Clerks, either to the National Assembly, Senate or House of Representatives, to exit office at expiration of their years of service and even lethargy on the part of the commission to ensure enforcement at the appropriate time against such service extension seeking bureaucrats.

    “Toleration of such behaviour or acts from the sit-tight bureaucrats by NASC, brought unnecessary politics into the system with attendant factionalization of Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) and threats by some people to take the leadership of the National Assembly to ‘Berekete Radio’ otherwise called Human Rights Radio, forgetting that Nigeria has not established human rights radio.

    “Politicisation of tenure or years of service  of staff of the National Assembly are due to actions and inactions of NASC which must be stopped by sticking to provisions of letters of appointments issued.

    Read Also: Seven largest church auditoriums in Nigeria

    “Refusal to proceed on terminal leave by some Clerks, Secretaries or Directors are clear cases of years of service elongation, which must be enforced by NASC.

    “In the light of this, amendment will be made to the  establishment Act of NASC so that its Secretary will work hand in hand with leadership of the National Assembly for more discipline and effective service delivery in the system,” he said.

    The outgoing Chairman of NASC, Engr.  Ahmed Kadi Amshi, told Senate President that he and five out of the six National Commissioners of the commission, will be ending their service on the February 7, 2025, having assumed office on February 7, 2020.

    He said the commissioner representing South East in the commission, will remain in office till October 14, 2026 since he was appointed on the October, 15 2021.

  • NASS to commence work on Tax Bills

    NASS to commence work on Tax Bills

    Indications emerged at the weekend that the National Assembly is set to commence work on the four Tax Reforms Bills before it.

    The Bills, which were transmitted to the legislature for consideration and passage by President Bola Tinubu, suffered a setback following criticism of some provisions in the proposed legislation.

    While the four Bills have scaled second reading in the Senate and now at committee state for public hearing, the House of Representatives had suspended further consideration of the Bills to allow for wider consultation.

    However, the move to kickstart consideration of the Bills may not be unconnected with their endorsement by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) on Thursday.

    Although no lawmaker was willing to comment on the next steps, our Correspondents learnt that the Bills would soon receive the attention they deserve when the parliament resume plenary after the current break to allow for budget defence. 

    A source told one of our Correspondents that since the Governors have restructured or amended the provisions dealing with the sharing of proceeds from the Value Added Tax, the obstacle against the Bills may have been removed.

    Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, assured that the National Assembly will do everything within its ability to ensure the passage of the tax bills.

    While addressing the lawmakers on Tuesday, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen said the parliament will prioritise reforming the nation’s tax system as a way of reducing dependency on external borrowing to fund the budget.

    He added that the passage of the Appropriation Bill and the Tax Reform Bills is pivotal to the nation’s economic recovery and fiscal stability.

    According to him: “These reforms are essential for broadening the tax base, improving compliance, and reducing dependency on external borrowing.”

    The House, he said, will ensure that these reforms are equitable and considerate of the needs of all Nigerians, particularly the most vulnerable.

    Following the directive from the President, the Attorney General of the Federation had led a delegation from the Executive for a closed door meeting with the Senate Adhoc Committee on Tax Reforms led by Senator Abba Moro on Monday, January 13 to iron our areas of concern. 

    The meeting, which lasted for several hours, had the Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Zach Adedeji, the Chairman of 

    Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Dr Mohammed Bello Sheu and the Chairman, Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, in attendance as members of the FG’s team.

    The bills, which have faced criticisms from the 36 sGovernors and northern lawmakers are the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.

    At the end of the meeting, Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro told reporters that the session was fruitful, adding  that the interactive session with the FG’s delegation would continue.

    Moro said: “We just had a meeting, an interface with the officials of government, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Chairman of RMAFC  and in the process of evaluating the contending tendencies regarding the tax bill  and in the process, we have agreed among ourselves that we must synthesize the whole processes to ensure that at the end of the day, we give to Nigerians what Nigerians want and that is a law that serves the purpose of all Nigerians.

    “So that is where we are now and hopefully by the time we meet again we will finalize and we will have some better story to tell you.”

    Also speaking with journalists, Executive  Chairman of the FIRS, Adedeji expressed confidence that the proposed law would enjoy the support of the legislature in due course.

    Adedeji said: “So what has happened today is that you see the framework of the law, you see the Attorney General, you see the lawmakers and all of us the operators and everything.

    “All those things you call grey area were discussed, identified and then we are in the right direction and everything is going as planned.”

    He also stated that all controversial issues on the tax bills were identified at the meeting and the issues were clarified.

    “There won’t be any other further meeting because all issues were identified, all the issues were clarified and then the resolutions were made in order to all those to the best knowledge of everybody there and then for the betterment of the country,” he  said.

    He said he is confident that the tax bills will be passed because they were in the best interest of the country.

    “Not only confident because this is what is best for the country so it’s not only me, even the senators that brought us together, if they don’t see the positive part of it we will not be here.

    “This is the first working day of the year and we are here because we all know this is what is needed, which is the consensus that all of us have said and then if I could hear Mr. President that we know we have to make the change. What we are doing now is just to make that change better for the greater number of people,” he said.

    Senators from the southeast have said they are not against the bills but need to consult with their governors and other stakeholders in the region.

    South-south senators warned people opposed to the tax bills to desist from introducing regional, ethnic or tribal sentiments when criticising them.

    Although most members of the National Assembly were not willing to comment on the new development yet, because they were yet to be made aware of the position of the governors, sources close to the leadership said there were two options opened to them

    The source said the National Assembly will either return the bills to the Presidency who will rework the them to reflect the position of the governors or be allowed to go through the process of legislation with the new position in mind.

    The source sad however said that the main focus of the lawmakers right now is the passage of the 2025 budget which has taken most of their time.

    A lawmaker, who would not want to the named, said some of them were happy to hear that our governors have embraced the tax bills, which are aimed at sanitising the nation’s tax system, adding that with this development, “we are waiting for the bills to be listed for debate and we will gladly debate them on the floor of the House of Representatives.”

    However, there are indications that ongoing consultations among the various caucuses in the House of Representatives will continue and are expected to review the current development and take specific positions before the House resume plenary on the 29th of January.

    The source said that the “position of majority of members especially those from the north have always been very consistent and that is to widen consultation and ensure that national interest prevails. 

    “Those from the north are not majorly against the bills, but the argument has been of national interest. Now that the governors haves taken their position, we will wait to see the position of others, then review everything and take a common position in the overall interest of all.”

  • CNG: NASS frowns at avoidable explosions of cylinders

    CNG: NASS frowns at avoidable explosions of cylinders

    • Decries N903million capital vote for Petroleum Ministry in 2025

    The National  Assembly yesterday  tasked the Federal Government to carry out thorough adaptability tests or research on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as  alternative means of powering vehicles in Nigeria.

     This is even as it frowned at avoidable explosions of some of the vehicles already  converted from petrol  powered automobiles to CNG powered ones.

     It also decried the  N903million earmarked for capital projects by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources in 2025 Appropriations Bill.

     The National Assembly joint Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Petroleum (Upstream) and Gas, made these assertions during a budget defence session with the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, represented by the two  Ministers of State in the Ministry.

    Read Also: Budget defence: NASS threatens zero allocation for absentee agricultural agency heads 

     First to ask questions on the CNG conversion and incidences of vehicle explosion that happened in some parts of the country in recent time, was Hon Kafilat Ogbara who sought for explanations from the Minister of State for Gas, Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo, on way out of the ugly  incidences.

     Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduahhan (PDP – Kogi Central), also asked the minister whether adaptability test or research was conducted before the idea of CNG was brought into the country for implementation.

     “There is danger in adapting any form of technology without proper research or test on its adaptability.

     “The vehicles being converted into CNG powered automobiles in Nigeria are originally built for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), aside bumpy or bad roads here,  as against very smooth roads in countries where CNG technology is imported from .

    “Also, was the factor of hot climate in Nigeria considered before importation of the  idea of CNG?,” she asked.

    But in his response, the Minister of State for Gas said there is a Presidential Committee on CNG that had carried out the adaptability test or research before operationalisation of CNG initiative in Nigeria.

    He said that based on investigations conducted by his Ministry in collaboration with the Presidential Committee, all the CNG converted vehicles that had exploded were not converted from certified centres.

    “CNG has come to stay in Nigeria, those vehicles that exploded were not converted at the certified centres but by road side technicians,” he said.

    On the N903 million capital allocation for the Ministry in 2025, the Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Henikien Lokpobiri, told the joint committee that the proposed amount is not small because the ministry dwells more on policy formulation and not contracts execution.

  • CNG: NASS frowns at avoidable explosions of cylinders

    CNG: NASS frowns at avoidable explosions of cylinders

    The National  Assembly has tasked the Federal Government to carry out thorough adaptability tests or research on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as  alternative means of powering vehicles in Nigeria.

    It frowned at avoidable explosions of some of the vehicles already  converted from petrol  powered automobiles to CNG powered ones.

    It also decried the  N903million earmarked for capital projects by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources in 2025 Appropriations Bill.

    The National Assembly joint Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Petroleum (Upstream) and Gas, made these assertions during a budget defence session

    with the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, represented by the two  Ministers of State in the Ministry.

    Read Also: Budget defence: NASS threatens zero allocation for absentee agricultural agency heads 

    First to ask questions on the CNG conversion and incidences of vehicle explosion that happened in some parts of the country in recent time, was Hon Kafilat Ogbara who sought for explanations from the Minister of State for Gas, Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo, on way out of the ugly  incidences.

    Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduahhan (PDP – Kogi Central), also asked the Minister whether adaptability test or research was conducted before the idea of CNG was brought into the country for implementation.

    “There is danger in adapting any form of technology without proper research or test on its adaptability.

    “The vehicles being converted into CNG powered automobiles in Nigeria are originally built for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), aside bumpy or bad roads here,  as against very smooth roads in countries where CNG technology is imported from .

    “Also, was the factor of hot climate in Nigeria considered before importation of the  idea of CNG?,” she asked.

    But in his response, the Minister of State for Gas said there is a Presidential Committee on CNG that had carried out the adaptability test or research before operationalization of CNG initiative in Nigeria.

    He said that based on investigations conducted by his Ministry in collaboration with the Presidential Committee, all the CNG converted vehicles that had exploded, were not converted from certified centres.

    “CNG has come to stay in Nigeria, those vehicles that exploded, were not converted at the certified centres but by road side technicians,” he said.

    On the N903million capital allocation for the Ministry in 2025, the Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Henikien Lokpobiri, told the joint committee that the proposed

    amount is not small because the ministry dwells more on policy formulation and not contracts execution.”