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  • Lawyer writes NASS, demands autopsy for late Inspector

    Lawyer writes NASS, demands autopsy for late Inspector

    Lagos-based Lawyer Ohemu Boni, has petitioned the National Assembly over what he described as the mysterious death of Inspector Sunday Peter. 

    Peter was attached to the ‘Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos Police Command before he was died. 

    In a letter addressed to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas,  Boni expressed the disappointment of the family over the role played by the colleagues of the Late Inspector, calling for thorough investigation, to ascertain the real cause of Peter’s death.

    The petition, which was received on Friday  at Senate President’s and Speaker’s offices, was also copied to the Chairmen of Committee on Public Petitions of both chambers.

    “The Late Insp. Sunday Peters, on the 16th May, 2024, in the normal course of active duty, went on a patrol with his team members along Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos State and he was hale and healthy. 

    “Our client, Mr. John Peter, a brother of the late officer said he was called on his GSM phone about 7am on 17th May, 2024 in the morning, and was asked if he is the deceased officer’s brother, which he answered in the affirmative and was told that his brother is dead. Our client made effort to know the cause of his brother’s death but nobody was giving any answer.

    “It was upon getting to the RRS office that he was informed that his late brother’s body has been taken to the mortuary in Yaba, Lagos. Several efforts made by him to see the body of his brother were rendered abortive, until the RRS Commander later permitted him to go and see his late brother’s body. 

    “It is pertinent to state that, the only information supplied to him officially at the RRS Office is that, his late brother complained to his colleagues of uneasiness and he was taken to the Police Hospital, Falomo, Lagos, that he walked to the hospital himself and eventually died,” the petition reads in part.

    The Lawyer alleges fowl play in the manner in which the late gallant Inspector died and how his colleagues deposited the corpse in the morgue before informing the family.

    He averred that Inspector Peter was already dead before taken to the hospital and contrary to the position of the Police that he was ill, a discreet investigation at the mortuary revealed that the late Inspector may have been murdered.

    Read Also: June 12: Abiola’s wife wants NASS to outlaw military intervention

    Boni said: “However, our client who reviewed his late brother’s body maintained that, there were bruises, cuts and blood on the deceased’s body, hence, his team members have more information they are concealing as to the cause of the late officer’s death. Find attached, copies of photographs showing our client’s late brother’s body. 

    “Following the above stated facts, the entire family of Peter Ogoyi as well as the deceased’s immediate family have been thrown in disarray as the mysterious death of Late Insp. Sunday Peter has caused them, especially the aged father, serious pains, trauma and pangs”. 

    The petitioner craved the indulgence of the Honourable House and the Senate, “to wade into this matter and cause the Inspector General of Police to direct that a discreet investigation be conducted and an autopsy examination of the deceased body done, to ascertain the real cause of death”. 

  • NASS, stakeholders, others back Bill to establish Federal College of Agric Agila

    NASS, stakeholders, others back Bill to establish Federal College of Agric Agila

    The bill seeking to establish a Federal College of Agriculture in Agila, Benue State has received overwhelming acceptance during a public hearing at the National Assembly.

    The public hearing, which attracted stakeholders from various sectors, including education, agriculture and government, saw widespread support for the bill. Speakers praised the initiative, highlighting the potential of the college to address the nation’s agricultural challenges.

    The  sponsor, Hon. Philip Agbese, who represents Ado/ Okpokwu/ Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, said the proposed institution is critical to the country’s food production and research. 

    He noted that this is a significant step towards transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector and unlocking its full potential. 

    The Deputy spokesman of the House of Representatives said: “Benue State is indeed the food basket of the nation but what many don’t know is that my federal constituency produces a bulk of that food.

    “Most of the research institutes have travelled to Agila, in particular for their fieldwork. With this institution, I believe the Federal Government would sustain what we have been doing for this nation. We will continue to feed the nation and in turn, my people will benefit. 

    “My constituency remains the least developed in the nation despite all its contributions. Hence, I believe this bill is the most critical for this committee.”

    The Chairman of the Technical Committee for the institution, Professor Hyacinth Aboh, assured that the community is peaceful and welcoming, blessed with fertile land.

    “Agila is well endowed, about 90 per cent of people there are farmers,” he added. “They engage in agriculture because the land is very fertile. The location of Agila is in the southern part of Benue State and shares a boundary with Ebonyi State. 

    “Agila won’t have any problem with take off as it already has a very big skill acquisition centre. The people of Agila are very peaceful with vast land”.

    The Federal College of Agriculture Agila is expected to serve as a hub for agricultural innovation, research, and training.

     The proposed institution will provide specialised training for farmers, extension workers, and agricultural educators, enhancing the sector’s human capacity. This will lead to improved agricultural productivity, sustainability, and innovation, driving economic growth and development in the region.

    The college will also contribute to Nigeria’s food security, self-sufficiency, and economic diversification. It will enhance the nation’s global competitiveness in agriculture, attracting foreign investment and promoting export-led growth.

    For Benue,  the college will offer a significant boost to the local economy, creating jobs, stimulating agricultural development, and enhancing the state’s reputation as a hub for agricultural excellence. The state will also benefit from the college’s research and innovation, addressing specific agricultural challenges facing the region.

    The community will profit from the college’s outreach programs, which will provide training and support for local farmers, improving their yields and incomes.

    The college will also serve as a resource center for agricultural innovation, providing solutions to local agricultural challenges. This will lead to improved livelihoods, reduced poverty, and enhanced well-being for the local population.

    The establishment of the Federal College of Agriculture in Benue State is expected to have a ripple effect on the nation’s agricultural sector, driving growth, innovation, and sustainability. The bill’s passage into law is eagerly anticipated, paving the way for the college’s establishment and the realization of its numerous benefits.

    Among dignitaries in attendance were former House of Reps member, Hon. Bernard Ochepa; former executive council chairman of Ado, Hon. Chief Otse Otokpa, Elder Ogba Ogorry, Chief Otse Otokpa, Arch Tony Obekpa, Hon (Mrs) Kate Ojogi, and Prince Onwi Obande among others.

  • C’River awaits Fed Medical Centre as NASS holds public hearing

    C’River awaits Fed Medical Centre as NASS holds public hearing

    Through the legislative efforts of Dr Alex Egbona, the member representing Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, the Federal Government will soon establish a federal medical centre at Itigidi, headquarters of Abi Local Government.

    A bill to that effect, which is sponsored by Egbona is going through the last stage of passage-a public hearing, which attracted various stakeholders who dissected the bill at the National Assembly complex, Abuja.

    Speaking at the public hearing in Abuja, Egbona expressed appreciation to his colleagues in the lower chamber of the National Assembly for their support since October last year, when the bill passed through its first reading.

    He said he decided to push for the establishment of the medical centre because “healthcare is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of societal wellbeing. Our nation’s progress is deeply intertwined with the health of our citizens and it is therefore our duty to ensure that quality healthcare services are accessible to all. The proposed Federal Medical Centre in Itigidi is a significant step in this direction.

    “Cross River State, like many states in Nigeria has faced considerable healthcare challenges. This Medical Centre aims to address these issues by providing comprehensive medical services, promoting medical research and fostering an environment of learning and development for healthcare professionals.

    “This hospital would not only serve the residents of Cross River State but would also be a beacon of medical excellence for neighboring States. It will reduce the burden on existing health facilities, offer specialized treatments and create numerous employment opportunities within the healthcare sector.”

    Read Also: Why Tinubu will not address NASS, by Speaker Abbas

    The lawmaker had earlier listed some of the objectives of the bill. According to him: “Cross River State has been facing significant challenges in healthcare delivery due to inadequate medical facilities and resources. Itigidi, a town within the State is strategically positioned to serve as a hub for medical services due to its accessibility and demographic centrality.

    “The establishment of this Federal Medical Centre will address critical healthcare needs, provide specialized medical services and reduce the burden on existing healthcare institutions. The primary objectives of this Bill are to establish a Federal Medical Centre in Itigidi, Cross River State, Provide high quality medical services, including general and specialized health care and Promote medical research and training.

    “Other objectives are enhance healthcare infrastructure and resources in Cross River State, create employment opportunities within the healthcare sector and foster public private partnership in healthcare delivery.”

  • NASS holds joint sitting Wednesday

    NASS holds joint sitting Wednesday

    The National Assembly is to hold a joint sitting of the Senate and House of Representatives on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 to mark 25 years of unbroken democracy in the country.

    The Nation gathered last night that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to lead other leaders, including Governors and former leaders to attend the joint sitting, which will take place at the Chamber of the House of Representatives.

    The President is also expected to. commission the new National Assembly Library complex named after him.

     Former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar is expected to present a talk on “Reflections on the journey to democracy”.

    Read Also: One year in office: Tinubu has performed well, says Wike

    Also expected is the former Senate President, David Mark who will reflect on the journey so far by the Senate and former Speaker of the House and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila who will speak on the journey so far by the House.

    Others expected include Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors forum, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, FCT Minister among others.

    The session, which will be presided over by Senate President, Senator Godswill  Akpabio has as its theme: “25 years of the National Assembly: Lessons & opportunities” with an address by the President.

  • NASS calls for amendment of employees compensation Act 

    NASS calls for amendment of employees compensation Act 

    The National Assembly has called for an amendment to the Employees Compensation Act 2010 in order to strengthen the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and align its processes with current realities. 

    The Clerk of the National Assembly, Sani Magaji, made the call when he received a delegation from the Headquarters of the NSITF who were on an advocacy visit  to the National Assembly Complex.

    Magaji, who was represented by the Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, said the  amendment was important in view of the dynamic responsibilities entrusted to the NSITF and pledged the support of the National Assembly bureaucracy towards it. 

    In a statement by the General Manager, Corporate Affairs, NSITF, Nwachukwu Godson, the Clerk said the amendment was important to eliminate complaints arising from the inability of injured workers to access prompt relief.

    Magaji commended the NSITF for its contributions to the welfare of workers. 

     He said: “To ensure that workers who suffer workplace related injuries, disability and occupational diseases get prompt and proper attention in rehabilitation or compensation from the NSITF, I am suggesting an improvement in the administrative process and the need to strengthen the enabling act by amending relevant social sections in tandem with current realities.

    “I commend the NSITF for identifying the National Assembly as a worthy partner in delivery of the public service. The National Assembly equally recognizes the Importance of  Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund in catering for employees’ social needs and securing them against harmful occurrences in and out of the workplace.

    “I acknowledge that the NSITF is performing its critical role in providing compensation to insured employees and their dependants in case of workplace disease disabilities, injuries or death, in and out of the workplace.”

    He urged the agency to urgently tackle the case of delayed payment of compensations to a deserving staff of the National Assembly who  suffered a workplace  injury, while  pledging  to look into the outstanding remittances of the National Assembly employees to the NSITF.  

    Read Also: Akwa Ibom NASS caucus pledges development drive for state

    The Managing Director, NSITF, Maureen Allagoa said all the concerns raised by the Clerk would be promptly addressed. 

    She apologised for the delay in the payment of compensation to an injured staff of the National Assembly and confirmed that it would be made in no distant time.  

    The MD said the agency intends to open a desk at the Health Services Directorate of the National Assembly to further open up access to NSITF services as part of prioritising liaison with the assembly.   

    Allagoa, who was represented by the Executive Director of Finance and Investment, Adegoke Adedeji, explained that the Pension Reform Act of 2004 severed all pension responsibilities from the NSITF and handed all to PENCOM.

    She said: “However, one of the products the NSITF dispenses incorporates  pension for disabled persons. So, when we are paying monthly disability benefits to those injured at work or in the course of work, we also add 10% which is the employer’s contribution of their disability benefits  into their Retirement Savings Account (RSA). So, we still have a leg in pension but not for those who retired from work but for those who are disabled at work. We still pay them some pension.

    “On the NHIS and the ECA, (ECA and NSITF are used interchangeably) NHIS is a contributory scheme, I understand that employers pay and employees pay and it is basically for all health challenges that are undertaken by NHIS. For NSITF, we take care of  work related injuries, and they must occur at work or in the cause of work.

    “Definition of at work means physically at work, or when they go for official assignments like we are here now, it’s work we are in, or where we have our meals, where we regularly have our meals, or when we go to the bank to collect our salaries and money and do bank transaction, that is,  what we call work within the context of the ECA.

    “Under the ECA, if you are injured at work, we give you what is called Medical Expense Refund (MER). So all the expenses that the person has incurred while the injury  is being treated, we refund those ones. We also pay what is called disability benefits, for those who have lost an arm, a leg, an eye, etc. At the back of the Act, there’s a schedule that states the percentage which we have to pay, so we pay those people.

    “There are people that are on our payroll every month. As we are paying our salaries, we are paying their disability pensions on a monthly basis. Also, for all persons who died at work or in the cause of work, we pay their dependants a portion of their salary. For example, if someone died at work and their spouse is fully dependent on the person and has two or more children, that person will get 90% of the last payment that the person was receiving at work. We have people we are paying N1,300,000 every month, people we are paying N1,600,000 every month.

    “I am just giving you some examples. This will continue until the last child is 21 years of age or graduates from a tertiary institution. So every month we are paying  salaries to persons that have lost their spouses. Now, the last one is occupational diseases, which is where the case of National Assembly staff falls into. Those who have been exposed to workplace issues that can cause death are those that we take care of under occupational diseases.”

  • Blame NASS for failure in Nigeria economy, rising debt, says Ita Enang

    Blame NASS for failure in Nigeria economy, rising debt, says Ita Enang

    Former Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly matters, Senator Ita Enang on Thursday blamed the National Assembly for the failure of the Nigerian economy, the rising debt profile of the country and the collapse of the national currency, the naira. 

    Senator Enang who spoke at the public presentation of Oversight Magazine dedicated to reporting events in the parliament and published by a former member of the House of Representatives, Aniekan Umannah said the failure of the National Assembly to ask relevant question was responsible for the problems in the economy. 

    Enag who served as Chairman of both the House and Senate Committee on Rules and Business said both chambers of the National Assembly have never published any report of their oversight function as required of them or asked critical questions about the nation’s debt. 

    He said even though the lawmakers have often embarked on oversight to see what the Ministries, Department and Agencies are doing, they have never brought their report to the floor of the parliament for deliberation as required of them. 

    He said the failure of the Executive arm of government both at the state and national level to perform optimally is as a result of the failure of the oversight function of the National Assembly as well as state Houses of Assembly across the country. 

    He said “It is the fault of the National Assembly failing to do their oversight function. If the National Assembly were able, they will ask questions. When you pass a budget, you embark on oversight to see how much of that budget has been released and to what extent has the projects in that budget been executed. 

    “After that, you bring a report to the floor stating how much has been released and to what extent that project has been executed. You will then know how much is needed to complete that projects that will be included in next year’s budget and what to project in the MTEF in the next three years to exit that project. 

    “So, the failure of the Nigerian economy, the collapse of the naira and the unimaginable debt of Nigeria is the failure of the National Assembly. 

    Again, the National Assembly never asked, where is the account of the last budget because under the law, you are expected to recieve that report, see the extent of compliance before you agree for the President to come and present the next budget. 

    “The debt we are said to owe is the failure of the National Assembly because they have never asked questions. When you seek to speak on the floor on such matters, they say you are blowing Grammer abs before you know it, the gavel has gone. 

    “Has the National Assembly ever asked; the loan you said we took; is it the application of the funds in that loan that will generate the money we will use to pay for that loan and the accrued interest? They have never asked and we use oil money to pay loan which we took. 

    “Unfortunately, most of these loans never arrive Nigeria. Some are in SUVs, some are kept somewhere. 

    “How will the legislature ever go on oversight when they will not publish the report of the oversight. They won’t even bring the report to the floor”. 

    Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, Oluwole Oke said the Nigerian parliament has not been able to carry out effective oversight which is part of their function because they lack the capacity and funds to do so. 

    Oke said while attempt has been made by previous government towards ensuring accountability, there has been no serious efforts from the parliament to ensure that. 

    He said the body saddled with the responsibility of checking corruption is the parliament through oversight, but asked “as a parliament, are we really oversighting? I have been in the parliament since 2003 and I can tell you that we don’t have what it take to carry out effective oversight. 

    “When you take on a responsible Accounting Officer who know what he or she is doing,  all he needs to do is to put the blame at your door steps because you passed the appropriation and after all, it is your job. 

    “When we begin to look at the impediments, the question then is, why can’t we oversight?  Do we have the funds, do we have the capacity?  What type of budget are we operating in Nigeria? 

    “You want to oversight NDDC and they will be the one to buy your ticket and accomodate you. After that, you will come and be asking them questons about infractions when you have lost the control? 

    Oke said further that there has been no special media saddled with the responsibility of oversight, saying “in Nigeria, there are three arms of government- Executive, Judiciary and the Legislature. The Legislature is saddled with the responsibility to oversight the Executive and the Judiciary. But who has the responsibility of oversighting the Legislature? The media has the responsibility to oversight the three arms of government and there are examples in the developed world. 

    Read Also: NASS committee to engage Tinubu on constitutional amendment issues, says Kalu

    “The government uses the media to communicate with the people,  while the people also expressed their opinion over government actions and inaction towards their needs through the media. 

    “As a public watch dog, the media has a major role of oversight and to play this role, the media must not only have a deep understanding of legislative affairs, but must also be criticalcritical about the way the legislature function. The must have sources among the legislators, and staff to understand the decisions that committees and legislators make in the House. 

    “The oversight function of the media over democratic institutions cannot be over emphasised because it serves as backbone of accountability and oversight of democracy”. 

    The Senator Representing Abia Central, Senator Austin Akobundu said the even server asreminded of the role of oversight in the development of any nation. 

    He said “I know the role of oversight and it’s importance in the public space. Oversight is about transparency and accountability. It involved monitoring, evaluation and upholding ethical standards. It invokes fostering the culture of improvement,  the aspect or probity and elimination of impunity. Therefore, the impact of effective oversight in ensuring accountability cannot be over emphasised”

  • We are committed to improved electoral legal framework – NASS

    We are committed to improved electoral legal framework – NASS

    Leadership of the National Assembly has expressed commitment towards improving electoral legal framework in Nigeria.

    According to the Chairman, Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Sharafadeen Alli, the step was to bring leadership strategy of legislative inclusiveness and process closer to people as well as getting everyone involved in the process.

    Speaking in Ibadan at the Southwest Zonal Legislative Interactive session organised by National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters, Alli said the event was deliberately structured for young people to participate and engage with lawmakers of the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters on their reform ideas and priorities.

    He said: “We believe the opinion gathered here are not only important but are required inputs for the future of elections and the electoral process in

    Nigeria. 

    “We cannot but get you young Nigerians involved in drawing-up the political work plan and determination of the architecture of your future as active citizens of our great Nation.

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    “The theme for this event is a deliberate step into the future of elections in Nigeria: what it should be, how the process should run seamlessly and how it should be technologically driven to make the work of the clectoral umpire easier and devoid of electoral violence,

    while avoiding any form of exclusion from the electoral process.

    Read Also: We are committed to improving electoral legal framework, says NASS

    “Post-election commentaries have shown that the electoral administration in Nigeria is an uphill task and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cannot and should not be overburdened rather the Commission must be given all the required support to succeed in its quest to conduct free, fair and credible elections.”

    He however said the event would serve as positive strive towards achieving the renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is also committed to reforming electoral legal framework for positive, efective and efticient leadership recruitment

    process in Nigeria.

    Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters, Hon. Adebayo Balogun, said the theme of the event was mportant considering unprecedented youth participation in last General Election in Nigeria.

    According to him, participation of young people in democratic process especially national elections is not just desirable but imperative.

  • Organ harvesting: NASS orders hospital CEO, others to face charges in court

    Organ harvesting: NASS orders hospital CEO, others to face charges in court

    The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has directed Christopher Otabor, the CEO of Alliance Hospital, along with three others, to appear in court to address the charges of organ harvesting brought against them.

    The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) said the trial of the CEO of Alliance Hospital and others would begin on May 16.

    Those to undergo trial are the CEO, Dr. Christopher Otabor,  Emmanuel Muyiwa Olorunlaye, male (36 years), Chikaodili Ugochukwu, female (37 years), and Dr. Aremu Abayomi, male (43 years).

    NAPTIP in a statement by its communication officer, Adekoye Vincent highlighted the circumstances surrounding the case.

    The agency said it arraigned the 51-year-old, Dr. Otabor, and others before a High Court of the FCT sitting at Zuba, presided over by Hon. Justice Ogbonnaya, for alleged organ (Kidney) harvest on March 18, 2024.

    Otabor was arraigned alongside; Emmanuel Muyiwa Olorunlaye, male (36 years), Chikaodili Ugochukwu, female (37 years), and Dr. Aremu Abayomi, male (43 years).

    NAPTIP stated that the defendants who were granted court bail were ordered to report to NAPTIP headquarters in Abuja daily and surrender their travel documents to the court.

    The agency, however, noted that Dr. Otabor sought redress at the National Assembly challenging his detention by the Agency during the investigative process through a petition to the House Committee on Public Petitions.

    The committee in exercise of its legislative duties, subsequently invited the management of NAPTIP to appear before it on Thursday 18th April, 2024.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Osun monarch, NASS member to stand sureties for Adeleke’s ally over terrorism

    The Director of Legal and Prosecution Department of NAPTIP, Mr. Hassan Tahir, informed the Committee that the matter was sub judice as the case was already pending before a Court of competent jurisdiction and all the defendants including the petitioner had already taken their plea.

    Ruling on the matter, the chairman of the Committee, Honourable Mike Etaba, told the complainant to go back to the Court and face the charges before him ultimately dismissing the petition.

    NAPTIP said the decision of the committee reinforces the commitment to due process and legal proceedings in addressing serious allegations such as organ harvesting. 

  • Paradigm Initiative to re-introduce digital rights, freedom bill to NASS

    Paradigm Initiative to re-introduce digital rights, freedom bill to NASS

    Paradigm Initiative has said it would re-present the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill before the National Assembly for passage after it was rejected by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The Bill was sent to the National Assembly in 2016, and was passed by the two Chambers, but Buhari declined to assent to the bill.

    The Executive Director, Paradigm Initiative, Gbenga Sesan stated this during the digital rights and freedoms bill conference in Abuja.

    Sesan said the organisation readjusted the bill and re-introduced it to the 9th National Assembly after it was rejected by Buhari.

    He said: “Now that we have a new National Assembly, we are reintroducing a new version of the bill which is not too different from the original version but has incorporated feedbacks from the government, Civil Society Organisations, from the private sectors and all stakeholders and that will now go back again to the National Assembly to follow the process and we are trusting that as a bill that has been passed before, it will enjoy some accelerated process in the National Assembly.”

    Sesan stated that there was a need to uphold the rights of individuals in the digital space.

    He admonished the federal government to recognise and protect the rights of citizens in the “online world as they would in the physical world.”

    Paradigm Initiative, through its Digital Policy Engagement Series (DiPES), engaged stakeholders to examine, review and hold discussions focused on the Digital Rights and Freedoms Bill (DRFB).

    The Conference which was supported by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PIN and NHRC to commit to advocating for digital rights.

    Executive Secretary, NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu noted that the digital space had become an integral part of everyday life for many Nigerians, but without adequate legislation in place, there was a risk of abuse and infringement of digital rights.

    Ojukwu, who was represented by the Director, Legal Services and Enforcement, NHRC, Rabi Anwar, stressed the need for laws that protect freedom of expression, privacy, and access to information online.

    He said: “It is necessary to establish measures that uphold the sanctity of citizens’ rights. The enactment and passage of the Digital Rights and Freedoms Bill would have positioned Nigeria as a leader in the protection of digital rights and online freedom as the bill is oriented towards safeguarding the rights of Nigerian internet users.

    “It would serve to shield Nigerians from encroachments upon their fundamental freedom, and impose sanctions on offenders and violators of digital rights and freedom, thereby ensuring a secure and enabling online environment for all.

    “The reintroduction of this bill is timely. After what the world witnessed in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, we had no choice rather than to go digital, with the introduction of work from home, online meetings, classes, events and the rapid growth of digital economy. This became the new normal, making digital inclusion relevant now more than ever.

    “The NHRC as a child of necessity developed an online platform to receive and treat complaints of human rights violations perpetrated by security agents in an effort to enforce the lockdown and cases of domestic abuse which saw a drastic increase during the lockdown period. The Commission in collaboration with the United Nations also set up a situation room where reports during the 2023 general elections were collated in real-time.

    Read Also: NASS to Tinubu: Declare state of emergency on infrastructure

    “The Commission urges that while the Bill is being considered for reintroduction to the National Assembly, there is a need to address these concerns to forestall any clog in the President’s assent to the Bill.”

    The Senior Programmes Officer, Anglophone, West Africa, PIN, Khadijah El-Usman, urged “members of the National Assembly to heed this call and take concrete steps towards the passage of the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill, thereby demonstrating Nigeria’s commitment to upholding digital rights and freedoms for all its citizens.”

    The Digital Rights and Freedom Bill holds significant importance in safeguarding the rights of individuals in the digital space.

    It addresses various aspects including, digital privacy, freedom of expression online, and access to the Internet as a fundamental right.

  • NASS, WTO partner on digital, marine economy

    NASS, WTO partner on digital, marine economy

    • Kalu, Natasha seek WTO’s collaboration to boost primary products exports

    The National Assembly has expressed their willingness to collaborate with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Digital and Marine economy.

    The Senate President and Chairman, National Assembly, Senator Godswill Akpabio, gave this indication while addressing the WTO media, shortly after a visit to its Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, in her office in Geneva,  Switzerland.

    Akpabio is in Geneva as head of Nigeria’s delegation to the on-going 148th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

    Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu and Chairman, Senate Committee on Local Content, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, have sought the collaboration of WTO to boost the export of the country’s primary products and leverage the opportunities provided by the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI).

    Akpabio told the media that the delegation was at the WTO on a courtesy call and to look for areas of collaboration with the organisation in the various sectors of the economy for the overall benefit of Nigerians.

    He said: “We used our attendance at the IPU to pay courtesy visit to one of Nigeria’s very costly export to the world, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; the director general of the WTO.’’

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    We came to thank her for the job she is doing for the world and thank her staff for supporting and standing by her to succeed. We, in Nigeria are very proud of her.

    “We had discussions on the various developmental programmes of the WTO and we noticed that there were spaces where Nigerians can become major players.

    “We discussed issues affecting trade back home in Nigeria and ways in which the National Assembly can assist in removing barriers, through legislation for the benefit of our people.

    “We also talked about issue of regulations concerning digital economic contents, illegal fishing along the coastal states of Cross River, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa states.

    “How Nigerian women could benefit from the recent programme funded by the organisation was also discussed. The establishment of a digital trade portal, where-in all trade information could be accessed by our people top our discussion with the WTO.”

    Akpabio noted that “the deliberations were fruitful and we are confident that with our support in all of these, Nigerians would be the better for it.”

    On his part, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, said, “our best export to the world, took her time to bring us up to speed on the various innovations and initiatives of the WTO and what Africa and Nigeria stand to benefit from.

    “We are going back more refreshed because we have seen a space here for Africa to thrive in business and in trade.”

    Speaking in the same vein, Okonjo-Iweala described the visit of the Senate president and the Deputy Speaker, to her office as “a huge honour. We were able to talk on those things we are doing at the WTO that would help make a material difference for Nigerians.

    “We spoke of recent programme that we launched in some development programme from the standards and trade facilities to help in improving sanitary and vital sanitary standards for some of the crops in Nigeria, so that it helps in diversifying the economy to even fisheries and illegal mining of the waters of Nigeria.”

    According to her, “a lot of things on the table have already been discussed. I am honoured by this visit and I am home-sick.”

    Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who met with Okonjo-Iweala at the sidelines of the ongoing 148th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) holding at the International Conference Centre, Geneva, Switzerland, said: “It is my earnest expectation under the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, to see Nigeria take advantage of these export opportunities through your support and by working closely with my office as the Senate Committee Chairman on Local Contents,” she stated.

    She said amid the acute dollar shortages, the country could tap the opportunities to boost its non-oil exports under AGOA to earn the much-needed foreign exchange for its economy.

    In her remarks, the WTO director-general lauded Senator Natasha for her valuable contributions and promised to look into her recommendations.

    She also assured her readiness to collaborate with the Kogi lawmaker for the greater good of Nigeria, especially in the area of trade and commerce.

    AGOA, a US trade initiative established in 2000, allows African nations to export various products, especially non-oil goods, to the US on favourable terms, thereby promoting economic development and trade on the continent.

    It has been a crucial lifeline for many African economies, offering opportunities to access the vast American market.

    South Africa, Kenya, Madagascar, Lesotho, and Ghana dominated the 2022 non-oil AGOA exports, accounting for 90 per cent of the total non-oil AGOA exports in 2022, with Nigeria missing on the list.

    Deputy Speaker Kalu who expressed concern over the downward slope of export of primary products from Africa to other parts of the world, solicited the cooperation of the WTO in boosting the exportation of primary products from Nigeria and Africa in general.

    He said most businessmen from Africa encountered challenges marketing the products due to aflatoxins that come in contact with them before reaching their destinations, especially within the framework of “the AGOA” which ultimately provides duty-free treatment to goods designated from sub-Saharan African countries (SSAs).

    He solicited the help of the WTO to set up centres in Africa for the treatments of the primary products packaged for export.

     “Africa is interested in exporting our primary products. We have always had issues with these primary products we are exporting. I don’t know what you are putting together to help these products reduce aflatoxins because it’s one of the complaints about products coming from Africa.

     “I don’t know if there will be centres around Africa where businessmen who cannot afford to do this decontamination will get that particular centre and detoxify their products to be able to meet the quality specifications before selling them off. Is WTO interested in this and how much so. Are there programmes designed to be able to facilitate this”

    Dr. Okonjo-Iweala said WTO is aware of development and is also eager to assisting countries implement their respective protocols on the issue.

    “At the WTO, we have been heavily promoting something we called re-globalization. We are trying to persuade supply chains of companies located outside Africa; we are trying to tell them that this also a good place. WTO is very much aware.

     “Many of the rules are built based on our rules. So, we have an interest in keeping in touch and making sure any country that wants to request our help to implement their protocols and so on will be able to do that. And we hope it will take off in a good way. Now, one big thing we have to watch is, we cannot all trade the same thing to each other. We are growing primary products. We are not going to trade cocoa to Cote D’Ivoire. We can trade oil because most of them want oil but we don’t just want to trade that,” she said.