The Nation Newspaper

Tag: national assembly

  • $16b Egina probe: National Assembly to amend Local Content Act

    The Senate will amend the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010, the Chairman of the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on investigation into the Local Content and Cost Variation of  $16billion Egina Deep Sea Project, Senator Solomon Adeola, has said.

    Adeola spoke at the committee’s sitting at the weekend.

    He said the Act has failed to achieve the aims for which it was enacted with Nigeria and Nigerians being the big losers.

    Adeola said the investigations has shown loopholes in the Local Content Law that being exploited by foreign companies with some local collaborators.

    He said: “From what we are discovering in this investigation, it is clear that the Local Content Act is not achieving much result with Nigeria losing billions in expatriated hard currency and not much local skill or transfer of technology taking place. We have a case of award of a contract of $42million to a supposedly local company by Total Upstream Nigeria Limited under the Egina Project with Total making direct payment to another foreign company on behalf of the local company in just a pipeline procurement contract without the money passing through the Nigerian company. This is unacceptable and is a way of circumventing the NOGICD Act. It is apparent that indigenous companies are just being used as conduit pipe when they are used at all.”

    Adeola said the committee has made startling discoveries of  “unqualified foreign companies” like NOV Oil and Gas Nigeria Limited  cornering multi-billion dollar contract  that should ordinarily go to Nigerian companies  from Total Upstream.

    He said the  amendment to the Act would seek to place final approval for projects and its execution under the NOGICD Act in the National Assembly.

    A member of the committee, Senator Chukwuma Utazi (PDP, Enugu), said: “If Nigerian companies cannot benefit from mere procurement contracts, it is unlikely we benefit from technical aspects of the oil and gas industry contracts.”

    During the proceeding, Mr. Mario Lagunes, the managing director of FMC Technologies Nigeria Limited,  that got a subsea pipe contract that was varied from $1.3billion to $1.6 billion told the committee that his company is 100% owned by a parent company in Netherland and its dividends were paid to the offshore owners.

    The committee frowned at a situation where three quarters of FMC Technologies Limited procurement were purchased abroad with approval of regulatory bodies in flagrant contravention of the NOGICD Act.

    Other companies involved in the Egina Project that appeared before the Committee and requested to re-appear with Total Upstream Nigeria Ltd and Samsung Heavy Industry (SHI) this week include Dorman Long Nigeria Limited, AVEON, Bell Oil and Gas Services Ltd, EWT Services Ltd and DUCO Technic Offshore Ltd.

  • Let’s restructure before 2019 elections, says Dickson

    Let’s restructure before 2019 elections, says Dickson

    The Bayelsa State Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson has called on the Federal Government and other stakeholders to ensure that the country is restructured before the 2019 general elections.

    Dickson said restructuring and other recommendations contained in the report released during the week by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) should be treated as a matter of urgent national importance.

    The governor charged the ruling party to convince the Nigerian people of its sincerity fast tracking work on the report and ensuring that implementation takes off before the general elections.

    He however, called for a multi-party committee to be set up for the purpose of studying the report, with the view to engendering popular participation and fine tuning it to reflect a broader view. This, he said, must be done before a final submission to the National Assembly.

    Commending the leadership of the APC for coming up with the report, the governor said the recommendations contained in the document had further strengthened the agitations for true federalism and resource control in the Niger Delta.

    Urging the Federal Government to be sincere in the implementation of the recommendations, Dickson also enjoined other stakeholders to shed primordial considerations for the overriding interests of the country.

    He expressed optimism that restructuring Nigeria would go a long way in calming frayed nerves and violent agitations and would also strengthen the unity of the country.

    Among others, the APC committee report had recommended state ownership of onshore mineral resources including oil and state control of the police, prisons etc.

    According to Dickson said had emanated from “unexpected quarters”, having been produced by a committee headed by Governor Nasir el Rufai of Kaduna State. El Rufai had been one of the strident voices opposed to restructuring of the country.

    The Governor said the committee’s report addressed some fundamental issues that have been bothering the minds of patriotic Nigerians.

    Dickson said, “This development came from an unexpected quarters in a matter that is dear to us; the subject matter of restructuring to address the inequalities in our country. 

    Yesterday, Governor El Rufai, who chaired the APC committee submitted the report; While it is true that we are dealing with a proposal, this is coming from an unexpected quarters, and in the light of the opposition to structuring from some leaders, I thought that what the APC did was unexpected.

    “Let me start by commending the committee and the leadership of that party for making what I will call the most fundamental proposal dealing with the issue of restructuring. 

    “This is very refreshing, and for me, when I see what is right, I commend it; when I see what is in the best interest of our country, I commend it because my politics is driven by conviction and not by convenience.

    “With the kind of recommendations that they have made, I thought I should appreciate their patriotism and commitment to building an equitable and prosperous Nigeria”.

    He advised the the job of mobilising national consensus on the report should start in earnest, with active involvement of the National Assembly.

    “All of us need to mobilise national consensus to engage the National Assembly. So that we can drive all these issues before the next election. That is the test of sincerity”.

    On his part, the Governor said he would intensify consultations across party lines to work towards the actualisation of the desired implementation of the report.

    On the possibility or otherwise of meeting up with the 2019 general elections, Dickson insisted that it would not be too late to implement the report before the polls.

    According to him, this is possible because the APC controls majority in the National and state assemblies and that given genuine commitment on the part of everyone, there is hope for timely implementation.

  • UPDATE: Buhari signs eight bills into law

    UPDATE: Buhari signs eight bills into law

    President Muhammadu Buhari has signed eight bills into law including the National Senior Citizens Center Act, 2018. 

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly matters (Senate), Ita Enang, briefed State House correspondents on Friday. 

    According to him, the National Senior Citizens Center Act, 2018, establishes the National Senior Citizens Center in the country to cater for the needs of the senior citizens.

    Others bills signed into law are Legislative Houses (Power and Privileges), 2018, National Institute of Legislative Studies (Amendment) Act, 2018, and Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Spain (Domestication and Enforcement ) Act, 2018.

    Others are Rail Loan (International Bank) (Repeal) Act, 2018, Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2018, Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administration Act, 2018 and Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (Establishment), Act, 2018.

    The Legislative House Power and Privileges Act, Enang said, grants the Legislative Houses in the National Assembly and State Houses of  Assembly immunity from litigation for actions taken in plenary or committee proceedings of the House or committee. 

    It strengthens the power of the Legislators to carry out their Legislative functions.

    The powers include powers to summon any person to appear before her, give evidence, including power of an officer of the legislative House to arrest any person who commits an offense against the Act.

    The National Institute for Legislative Studies (Amendment) Act establishing the Institute and widens her Powers to include powers to provide training courses and Award Degrees on Democracy, Party Politics, Electoral Process, Legislative Practice and Procedures among others.

  • Buhari signs eight bills into law

    Buhari signs eight bills into law

    President Muhammadu Buhari has signed eight bills into law.
    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly matters (Senate), Ita Enang, briefed State House correspondents on Friday.
    Details Later.
  • FG inaugurates Committee to implement Water Resources master plan

    FG inaugurates Committee to implement Water Resources master plan

    The Minister of Water Resources, Mr Suleiman Adamu, on Friday inaugurated a 14-member Policy Advisory Committee to help in implementing the National Water Resources Master plan.

    At the event in Abuja, Adamu said the committee became necessary considering the nation’s diverse and economic water resources which needed coordinated and integrated management.

    According to him, continuous growth in population, urban migration, varied and increase in water demand requires well researched policies and effective planning.

    “The Policy Advisory Committee shall advise the Minister of water resources concerning local and international developments in the water sector including the implementation of the National Water Resources Master Plan.

    “They are to advise on climate change issues, Water Law and Policy implementation, Transboundary Water Issues, tracking of National Council on Water Resources decisions. ”

    Adamu expressed hope that with the combined wealth of experience of the committee members, they would be able to meet the target before them.

    He also expressed hope that the National Water Resources Bill before the National Assembly would be passed into law towards effective management of the water resources potential of the country.

    The minister urged the members to brainstorm of what could be done to change the narrative of the water resources sector in the country, adding that Federal Government was more committed to improve the lives of all Nigerians.

    The Chairman of the committee, Prof. Suleiman Mustapha, pledged the commitment of the team to actively engage between themselves towers better water resources management and integration.

    READ ALSO: ‘Why Solid Minerals Fund was restructured’

    Mustapha said the Terms of Reference highlights the urgent issues of the water resources sector, citing the issues of climate change, Lake chad receding, adding that concerted efforts was needed to reverse the trend.

    “It’s an onerous task that must be done, We must shun every dishonesty and ensure that the targeted goal is met.

    “Water resources over the years have not been given the necessary attention, with this committee in place, we will go forward.”

    Another committee member, Mr Michael Adesina, said it was saddening to note that Water resources development has not been given priority of attention, saying more commitment was needed from all stakeholders to move the sector forward.

    He cited the 2012 floods which saw some villages washed away due to the inability of the Benue basin to to accommodate the water.

    He added that there was the need to keep the momentum high on the importance of water resources as it affects health, socio-economic development.

    “If you go round the cities, no less than 50 per cent of hospital attendance and admission are as a result of water borne disease, we need to keep talking about these issues. ”

    Others members of the committee are Prof. Ben Nwachukwu, Prof. Lekan Oyebande, Nurudeen Rafindadi, Dr Dauda Gowon, James Obong-Bassey and Musa Ibrahim.

    Others are Dr Emmanuel Adanu, Tanwa Koya, Garba Iliya among others.

    NAN

  • Saraki: National Assembly broke

    Saraki: National Assembly broke

    Senate President Bukola Saraki has said the National Assembly is grappling with funding constraints in carrying out its statutory functions.

    Saraki, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Print Media, Chuks Okocha, spoke when he visited the Chairman and members of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) at their temporary office in Utako, Abuja on Wednesday.

    The Senate President, who was responding to the request of the Chairman of the Commission, Mallam Adamu Fika, to have a permanent office of the Commission inside the National Assembly complex, pledged the support of the leadership towards the project.

    Saraki noted that adequate funding remained the major challenge of the National Assembly.

    Saraki said: “One of the things that I see here today is the issue of budgetary constraints. However, the impression around the country is often that the National Assembly has too much money. But we have seen the challenges of the last few years.

    “As we work through the number of bills passed, the public hearings held, and the number of ad-hoc committees that have been established — we know the challenges of not being able to fund some of our activities.

    “So far, I am happy to report that despite these constraints, the 8th Senate has been able to surpass all previous Senates in the number of Bills that we have passed in 2-years — despite the funding gaps.

    “We know that as we continue over time, people will begin to have more confidence in the National Assembly. However, right now, the challenges that we have are the issue of perception, and the issue of funding. We need to work hard to change this.”

    It said that Saraki who is also Chairman of the National Assembly, further noted that it has not been easy for Nigerians to appreciate the various roles of the legislature as an  arm of government being the youngest of the three arms of government.

    “Therefore, we all have a lot of work in trying to make the people appreciate the role of the legislature in our democracy,” Saraki said. “This has not been easy, this is why I am sure that working with the Commission, we can work towards this together so that we can improve the image of the National Assembly.”

    The Chairman of the NASC, Dr. Adamu Fika, was quoted to have lamented that the commission still operates from a rented apartment with the attendant cost.

    Fika urged the leadership of the National Assembly to come to the aide of NASC by supporting it to build a befitting permanent office within the National Assembly complex.

    The NASC boss commended Saraki for being the first President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly to visited the office of the commission.

  • National Assembly is broke, says Saraki

    National Assembly is broke, says Saraki

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has said that despite the widespread perception that the National Assembly is being over funded, the national parliament is actually grappling with funding constraints in carrying out its statutory functions.

    Saraki, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Print Media, Chuks Okocha, stated this when he paid a working visit to the Chairman and members of the National Assembly Service Commission ( NASC ) at their temporary office located in Utako, Abuja on Wednesday.

    It said that the Senate President who was responding to the request of the Chairman of the Commission, Mallam Adamu Fika, to have a permanent office of the Commission inside the National Assembly complex, pledged the support of the leadership towards the project.

    It said that Saraki noted that adequate funding remained the major challenge of the National Assembly.

    Saraki said: “One of the things that I see here today is the issue of budgetary constraints. However, the impression around the country is often that the National Assembly has too much money. But we have seen the challenges of the last few years.

    “As we work through the number of bills passed, the public hearings held, and the number of ad-hoc committees that have been established — we know the challenges of not being able to fund some of our activities. 

    “So far, I am happy to report that despite these constraints, the 8th Senate has been able to surpass all previous Senates in the number of Bills that we have passed in 2-years — despite the funding gaps.

    “We know that as we continue over time, people will begin to have more confidence in the National Assembly. However, right now, the challenges that we have are the issue of perception, and the issue of funding. We need to work hard to change this.”

    It said that Saraki who is also Chairman of the National Assembly, further noted that it has not been easy for Nigerians to appreciate the various roles of the legislature as an  arm of government being the youngest of the three arms of government.

    “Therefore, we all have a lot of work in trying to make the people appreciate the role of the legislature in our democracy,” Saraki said. “This has not been easy, this is why I am sure that working with the Commission, we can work towards this together so that we can improve the image of the National Assembly.”

    Chairman of the NASC, Dr. Adamu Fika, was quoted to have lamented that the commission still operates from a rented apartment with the attendant cost. 

    Fika urged the leadership of the National Assembly to come to the aide of NASC by supporting it to build a befitting permanent office within the National Assembly complex.

    It said that the NASC boss commended Saraki for being the first President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly to visited the office of the commission.

  • National Assembly seeks end of fuel queues

    National Assembly seeks end of fuel queues

    A Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Petroleum Resources yesterday mandated the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to end the lingering fuel scarcity and queues  at filling stations within seven days.

    The committee also asked the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies, especially those at the borders, to halt the alleged diversion of fuel tankers from Nigeria to neighbouring countries.

    The Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Senator Kabiru Marafa, gave the ultimatum after a  meeting of members of the committee.

    The committee meeting was preceded by another meeting with the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Maikanti Baru, and other top officials of the oil corporation.

    The lawmakers were said to have demanded explanations from the NNPC on why the fuel shortage had continued to linger with queues returning to major towns and cities across Nigeria.

     

     

  • National Assembly to NNPC: end fuel queues in 7 days,

    National Assembly to NNPC: end fuel queues in 7 days,

    A JOINT Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Petroleum Resources yesterday directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to end the lingering fuel scarcity within seven days.

    The committee also asked the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies, especially those at the borders, to halt the alleged diversion of fuel to neighbouring countries.

    The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Kabiru Marafa, gave the ultimatum after a closed door meeting.

    The meeting was preceded by another meeting with the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Maikanti Baru, and other officials of NNPC.

    The lawmakers demanded explanations from the NNPC on the lingering shortage and the return of the queues.

    Senator Marafa was said to have described the situation as embarrassing and acknowledged that though NNPC tried  to end the shortage during the yuletide, the return of the queues in Lagos and Abuja showed that the problem was not completely over.

    Marafa was said to have insisted: “This situation has lingered for too long. The public are suffering and when they are suffering, we cannot sit and say all is well.

    “At a point, you told us the problem has been solved; we also saw that the queues disappeared for some time, but unfortunately, they have returned.

    “You even went round stations, monitoring the situation, but you have been unable to resolve the issue.  In any situation, when your best is not good enough, it is very bad and most unfortunate.”

    He told the NNPC to brief the committee on the reasons for the resurging long queues; what it had been doing to resolve the challenge and how long it would take for the queues to disappear completely.

     

     

     

  • Buhari, Senate leadership meet in Aso Rock 

    Buhari, Senate leadership meet in Aso Rock 

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday night met with the leadership of the Nigerian Senate at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The Senate President, Bukola Saraki led the delegation.

    Speaking at the end of the meeting, Saraki said that they were at the Villa to brief the President on the decisions and resolutions of the Senate regarding the Benue crisis.

    Asked what the President’s response was,  Saraki said that the President received the team and it’s briefs very well.

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly matters (Senate), Ita Enang commended the Senate for robust debate on the crisis devoid of sentiments.