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Tag: Senate

  • Senate okays 14-year jail term for s3xual harassment

    Senate okays 14-year jail term for s3xual harassment

    The Senate yesterday passed a bill prescribing up to 14 years imprisonment for lecturers and other educators convicted of s3xually harassing students in tertiary institutions across the country.

    The concurrence Bill, titled: “S3xual Harassment of Students (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill, 2025 (HB.1597),” seeks to curb a persistent pattern of exploitation in Nigerian campuses, where students, especially women, are coerced into s3xual relationships in exchange for grades, admission, or other academic favours.

    The bill, presented for concurrence by the Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), established clear legal standards to punish offenders and protect students from all forms of s3xual misconduct in schools.

    Bamidele, who was represented by his deputy, Oyelola Ashiru, said the legislation aims to “promote ethical conduct, preserve the sanctity of the educator-student relationship, and uphold respect for human dignity in academic environments.”

    Under the new law, any educator convicted of the offences specified in Clause 4 (1–3) will face imprisonment of between five and 14 years, without an option of a fine.

    Those found guilty under Clause 4 (4–6) risk two to five years in jail, also without an option of a fine.

    The proposed law also allows victims or their representatives to file civil actions for breach of fiduciary duty, with the standard of proof consistent with civil proceedings.

    READ ALSO: Seven online courses that can boost your career in 2025

    The offences specified in the Bill include: “Demanding or receiving s3xual favours to grant academic benefits;

    Making unwelcome s3xual advances or gestures; inducing others to commit harassment; and unwanted physical contact or conduct of a s3xual nature.

    The bill stipulates that marriage between the educator and the student is the only valid defence, and that consent cannot be used as a defence where an educator–student relationship exists.

    It further provides that s3xual harassment complaints may be lodged by the victim, relatives, guardians, or any concerned party to the Police or Attorney-General, with copies forwarded to the institution’s Independent S3xual Harassment Prohibition Committee.

    During debate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) urged the Senate to expand the scope of the law to cover workplaces and other sectors, arguing that harassment was not limited to schools.

    “There is no need to restrict s3xual harassment issues to students. We should craft this law in a way that gives it universal application,” he said.

    However, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over plenary, explained that the bill was already passed by the House of Representatives and was before the Senate only for concurrence.

    He added that existing laws already address harassment in workplace settings.

    The bill was thereafter adopted and passed for third reading.

    The passage comes amid a series of s3xual harassment scandals reported in universities across Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ilorin, Nsukka, Kano, Benin and Abuja, which have often gone unpunished due to fear of victimisation, stigma, and opaque internal disciplinary systems.

    Rights groups have hailed the move as a significant step toward ending impunity for s3xual abuse in academic institutions and empowering victims to seek justice without fear.

  • Senate okays 14-year jail term for lecturers, others guilty of sexual harassment in schools

    Senate okays 14-year jail term for lecturers, others guilty of sexual harassment in schools

    The Senate on Wednesday passed a bill prescribing up to 14 years imprisonment for lecturers and other educators convicted of sexually harassing students in tertiary institutions across the country.

    The concurrence Bill, titled: “Sexual Harassment of Students (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill, 2025 (HB.1597),” seeks to curb a persistent pattern of exploitation in Nigerian campuses, where students, especially women, are coerced into sexual relationships in exchange for grades, admission, or other academic favours.

    The bill, presented for concurrence by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), established clear legal standards to punish offenders and protect students from all forms of sexual misconduct in schools.

    Bamidele, who was represented by his deputy, Oyelola Ashiru, said the legislation aims to “promote ethical conduct, preserve the sanctity of the educator-student relationship, and uphold respect for human dignity in academic environments.”

    Under the new law, any educator convicted of the offences specified in Clause 4 (1–3) will face imprisonment of between five and 14 years, without an option of a fine.

    Those found guilty under Clause 4 (4–6) risk two to five years in jail, also without an option of a fine.

    The proposed law also allows victims or their representatives to file civil actions for breach of fiduciary duty, with the standard of proof consistent with civil proceedings.

    The offences specified in the Bill include: “Demanding or receiving sexual favours to grant academic benefits;

    Making unwelcome sexual advances or gestures;

    Inducing others to commit harassment; and unwanted physical contact or conduct of a sexual nature.

    The bill stipulates that marriage between the educator and the student is the only valid defence, and that consent cannot be used as a defence where an educator–student relationship exists.

    It further provides that sexual harassment complaints may be lodged by the victim, relatives, guardians, or any concerned party to the Police or Attorney-General, with copies forwarded to the institution’s Independent Sexual Harassment Prohibition Committee.

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    During debate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) urged the Senate to expand the scope of the law to cover workplaces and other sectors, arguing that harassment was not limited to schools.

    “There is no need to restrict sexual harassment issues to students. We should craft this law in a way that gives it universal application,” he said.

    However, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over plenary, explained that the bill was already passed by the House of Representatives and was before the Senate only for concurrence.

    He added that existing laws already address harassment in workplace settings.

    The bill was thereafter adopted and passed for third reading.

    The passage comes amid a series of sexual harassment scandals reported in universities across Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ilorin, Nsukka, Kano, Benin and Abuja, which have often gone unpunished due to fear of victimisation, stigma, and opaque internal disciplinary systems.

    Rights groups have hailed the move as a significant step toward ending impunity for sexual abuse in academic institutions and empowering victims to seek justice without fear.

  • Senate passes 2nd reading of electric vehicles transition bill

    Senate passes 2nd reading of electric vehicles transition bill

    The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday passed the second reading of a bill aimed at facilitating the country’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and promoting green mobility.

    The bill, sponsored by Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, sought to establish a legal framework for EV adoption, local manufacturing, environmental sustainability, and economic growth.

    Presenting the lead debate, Kalu said the legislation would guide Nigeria’s gradual shift from petrol- and diesel-powered vehicles to cleaner, environmentally friendly alternatives.

    He highlighted that the transport sector contributed 25–30 per cent of national greenhouse gas emissions, with more than 12 million registered vehicles still relying on fossil fuels.

    Kalu stressed that the bill aligned with global best practices and Nigeria’s international environmental commitments.

    He noted that advanced nations, such as Norway, aimed for full electric mobility by 2030, while African economies like South Africa and Kenya had adopted national EV policies.

    Read Also: Senate probes frequent rail line derailment

    “Nigeria risks being left behind without decisive action,” he warned.

    The lawmaker emphasised the bill’s economic potential, citing the global EV industry’s projected value of more than 1.5 trillion dollars by 2030.

    He said with abundant mineral resources like lithium and nickel, Nigeria could benefit from local EV and battery production, while reduced emissions would improve public health.

    Sen. Adamu Aliero (APC-Kebbi) described the bill as timely, noting that cities like Lagos and Kano would benefit from reduced carbon emissions.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio, hailed the initiative as “a good innovation” and referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Industries for further legislative review, with a report expected in four weeks.

    (NAN) 

  • Senate probes frequent rail line derailment

    Senate probes frequent rail line derailment

    Senate has constituted an ad hoc committee to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the persistent derailments of the country’s rail lines.

    This followed the adoption of a motion on recent derailment of the Ujevwu-Itakpe train line.

    The motion was sponsored by Sen. Ede Dafinone (APC- Delta) at plenary in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that terms of reference for the investigation will include a public hearing, aimed to uncover the root causes of recurring derailments.

    It will also investigate loans received from China and utilised for rail projects in Nigeria.

    NAN also reports that the ad hoc committee is to be chaired by Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo).

    Other members of the committee include; Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, (APGA-Abia) Aliyu Wamakko (APC-Sokoto), Solomon Adeola, (APC-Ogun) Danjuma Goje (APC-Gombe), Ireti Kingibe (LP-FCT), Sahabi Yau (Dafinone Ede, (APC Delta) and Adamu Alero (APC-Kebbi).

    The committee has six weeks to complete its findings and present a detailed report to the Senate at plenary.

    Read Also: Senate President Akpabio petitions police over false report

    Earlier, Dafinone in his motion said that the recent Warri-Itakpe train derailment in the Agbor Delta happened four days after resumption of train service was announced.

    He said that reports from Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), indicates that the derailment, which occurred at about 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, may have been caused by vandals.

    According to him, two out of the seven coaches of the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) were involved.

    He said the NRC, in a statement had noted that there were no casualties recorded.

    “We are pleased to confirm that all passengers on board were safely evacuated to Agbor and everyone has been fully accounted for. No casualties or injuries were recorded,” the senator quoted NRC.

    “Our recovery team, supported by security personnel, has been at the site since last night, carrying out recovery operations.

    “These efforts are progressing steadily and are expected to be completed soon,” Dafinone quoted NRC statement.

    The Senate further directed the NRC to immediately address the technical faults responsible for recent derailments and ensure restoration of the nation’s rail system to full operational capacity.

    (NAN)

  • Senate orders probe of Buhari-era railway projects

    Senate orders probe of Buhari-era railway projects

    The Senate on Tuesday launched a sweeping investigation into railway projects executed under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, following persistent derailments, vandalism and mechanical failures along the Itakpe–Warri standard gauge corridor.

    The resolution followed a motion by Senator Ede Dafinone (APC – Delta Central), who raised alarm over the “disturbing and persistent technical breakdowns” on the corridor, despite its recent commissioning.

    The Senate subsequently set up an ad hoc committee with a six-week mandate to conduct a comprehensive probe into the Itakpe–Warri line and other rail projects completed during the Buhari years.

    Dafinone told the chamber that the line has recorded at least 10 derailments and multiple service disruptions between 2023 and 2025 alone, endangering passengers and undermining public confidence in the rail system.

    He questioned the quality of engineering, supervision and post-construction maintenance.

    He urged the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to carry out an independent technical audit of the corridor and implement corrective measures.

    He also called for an oversight visit by the Senate Committee on Land Transport to the affected sections, especially around Agbor in Delta State.

    Read Also: Tinubu urges Senate to confirm Ude as Minister

    The Delta Central senator further pushed for the establishment of a National Rail Safety and Standards Unit to enforce compliance with global best practices and strengthen monitoring across all national rail corridors.

    He also urged the Federal Government to accelerate the long-planned extension of the Itakpe line to Abuja to ease congestion.

    Supporting the motion, Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP – Bauchi Central) described the repeated breakdowns as “a national embarrassment,” noting that huge loans were obtained to construct the rail lines under the previous administration.

    “This is not about politics. Billions of dollars were borrowed for these lines, yet they are failing barely two years after completion.

    “We cannot continue to waste public funds and endanger lives,” he said.

    Senator Patrick Ndubueze (Imo North) called for a complete overhaul of the NRC, insisting the corporation had “failed to live up to its mandate,” while Senator Solomon Adeola (APC, Ogun West) demanded transparency in loan utilisation, contract awards and construction supervision.

    Other senators urged the chamber to broaden the investigation to all railway projects executed during the Buhari administration, noting that the pattern of failures may indicate systemic lapses rather than isolated incidents.

    Senator Babangida Hussaini (Jigawa North-West) blamed poor project conception and weak maintenance culture for the frequent derailments.

    He argued that the same contractors had delivered quality rail systems in other African countries.

    “Our roads are failing because the railways cannot carry freight. We are overburdening one sector because another is inefficient,” he said.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio in his contribution, commended the robust debate and described the motion as timely and necessary to protect lives and safeguard national investments.

    “This is not a partisan matter. The derailments started before this administration. We must find out what went wrong, from loan procurement to execution and maintenance. Nigerians deserve answers,” Akpabio said.

    At the end of deliberations, the Senate mandated the Ministry of Transportation and the NRC to immediately fix the Itakpe–Warri line, deploy additional coaches and improve safety standards.

    It also directed its Committee on Land Transport to undertake a full probe of all Buhari-era rail projects, focusing on funding, construction quality and maintenance practices.

    Lawmakers further endorsed the creation of a National Rail Safety and Standards Unit.

  • UPDATED: Senate confirms new Service Chiefs as Armed Forces vow improved security

    UPDATED: Senate confirms new Service Chiefs as Armed Forces vow improved security

    The Senate has confirmed President Bola Tinubu’s nominees as the new Service Chiefs after an intensive closed-door screening that centred on Nigeria’s deepening security challenges.

    At the end of the over two-hour session presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Upper Chamber unanimously approved the appointments of Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff; Major-General Waheedi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff and Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff.

    The Service Chiefs, while answering questions from Senators before the executive session, promised sweeping reforms to modernise the Armed Forces, boost troop morale, promote local arms production, use of technology, and deepen cooperation among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

    General Oluyede said his leadership would drive a “technology-driven, self-reliant” defence system that reduces dependence on foreign arms.

    He said: “We cannot continue to rely on foreign suppliers for our weapons. It is economically unsustainable and strategically risky.

    “My focus will be to build a strong local military-industrial base that can produce what we need to defend the nation.”

    He pledged to make intelligence-led, data-driven warfare the backbone of joint operations, while prioritising welfare, healthcare, housing, and education for soldiers’ families.

    “Morale is the backbone of fighting power,” he said.

    Oluyede also called for a comprehensive reform of the police to enable it to take charge of internal security, so as to free the military to focus on external defence.

    “The military alone cannot secure Nigeria. Security is everyone’s business,” he added.

    Senators praised the nominees’ strategic focus, with Borno North Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno commending Oluyede’s experience in the insurgency war, while Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) urged him to treat troop welfare as non-negotiable.

    Rear Admiral Abbas, the new Chief of Naval Staff, promised to overhaul maritime operations, expand drone surveillance, and intensify the fight against piracy and oil theft.

    He also said that there was no need for setting up the proposed Coast Guards, as the Navy is already performing their expected role.

    “The Navy’s constitutional roles already cover what a Coast Guard would do.

    “What we need is better funding and modern surveillance systems,” he said.

    He said the Navy had deployed drones to monitor remote creeks and set up a Special Operations Command in Makurdi to boost patrols on the Benue-Lokoja waterways.

    Abbas also said there is  need for victim-centred reintegration of repentant militants, saying: “Deradicalisation must include justice and healing.”

    Aneke, the new Chief of Air Staff, vowed to transform the Air Force into a “combat-ready, disciplined, and intelligent” service anchored on drone technology and rapid-response capability.

    “Modern warfare is technology-driven. Unmanned aerial systems perform many missions better and safer than manned aircraft. We will invest in them,” he said.

    Aneke assured senators that Nigeria’s $1.2 billion Super Tucano aircraft fleet remains operational and vital to ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

    “They are flying every night in the North-East and North-West. Each missile costs about $100,000, the price of peace,” he said.

    He promised to prioritise pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and personnel welfare, while seeking legislative support for defence technology funding.

    Together, the new Service Chiefs outlined a unified vision, one built on synergy, innovation, and welfare, to secure Nigeria’s land, sea, and airspace.

    General Oluyede vowed to drive joint operations with Rear Admiral Abbas to safeguard maritime assets, and Air Vice Marshal Aneke to ensure air dominance.

    All three reaffirmed loyalty to President Tinubu’s defence reform agenda and promised to deliver tangible results in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and oil theft.

    “We are here to serve. Every naira invested in the military must translate into peace, safety, and pride for Nigerians,” Aneke said.

    With their confirmation, the Service Chiefs now form the core of Tinubu’s new security architecture, tasked with restoring stability to the North-East, ending banditry in the North-West, and defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity across all fronts.

  • Senate passes wildlife protection bill, awaits Presidential assent

    Senate passes wildlife protection bill, awaits Presidential assent

    The Senate has passed the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, 2024  and will now be forwarded to the President for his assent. 

    The Bill introduces strict penalties for those who break the law while tackling wildlife trafficking and habitat destruction. 

    The Bill, passed by the House of Representatives, has updated existing wildlife laws, increased penalties for wildlife crimes, and provides greater authority to investigators to probe financial transactions and conduct intelligence led operations. 

    It also empowers judges to expedite wildlife cases and recover offender assets while promoting international collaboration by aligning with global treaties and allowing extradition of offenders. 

    A statement by the West African Director Wild Africa, Linus Unah, explained the passing of this bill is a huge win for Nigeria and shows, without any doubt, that the government remains committed to stamping out wildlife trafficking and protecting its unique fauna and flora.”

    The Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, who sponsored the bill Hon. Terseer Ugbor said: “This shows without doubt, that Nigeria remains committed to stamping out wildlife trafficking. This also means that with stronger laws, Nigeria’s forests and wildlife will now be protected from exploitation and criminal activities. “We are proud to see this bill move forward because protecting wildlife is tantamount to safeguarding our environment and our future.

    “In the last decade, Nigeria emerged as a major hub for the trafficking of ivory and pangolin sales to Asian markets, the West African country was linked to the smuggling of more than 30 tonnes of ivory since 2015 and over half of the pangolin scales trafficked globally between 2016 and 2019. Environmental organizations have praised this latest development, saying that the Bill demonstrates Nigeria’s response to tackle serious and organised wildlife trafficking”.

    Tunde Morakinyo, Africa Nature Investors Foundation (ANI) Executive Director noted that for too long, traffickers have used Nigeria as a transit country for the illegal wildlife trade, bringing endangered wildlife from all over Africa through the porous borders, ports and airports to export them illegally to Europe and Asia. 

    He said: “The Bill aims to halt this shameful trade which is destroying our environment and ruining Nigeria’s global reputation.  We salute the Nigerian Senate for taking this bold step which will make Nigeria a global leader with one of the most progressive wildlife laws for the African continent.”

  • JUST IN: Senate begins screening of Service Chiefs

    JUST IN: Senate begins screening of Service Chiefs

    Senate has commenced the screening of newly nominated Service Chiefs by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    This followed the arrival of the nominees into the Senate chamber alongside their family members and other senior members of the Armed Forces.

    The delegation was led into the Chamber by the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Basheer Lado.

    This followed a motion moved by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele suspended Order 12 on floor privileges to allow strangers into the chambers and for the Senate to resolve into a Committee of Whole to do the screening.

    The motion was seconded by Senator Osita Ngwu, the Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate.

    The new Service Chiefs for screening and confirmation include the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Major-General Waheedi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke and Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas.

    Before the screening commenced the Senate Leader moved that since the Senate earlier screened General Oluyede for the position of Chief of Army Staff, he should be regarded as a class captain leading the  other nominees for the screening.

    Read Also: Service chiefs meet with Defence Minister, NSA ahead today’s screening

    After the motion was seconded by Senator Ngwu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said it would be right to allow Oluyede to relieve his experience in his previous office as COAS and his perspective on the way forward as the CDS.

    Thereafter, Oluyede took the podium and began introducing himself.

    He said his experience as COAS was both challenging and rewarding.

    On the challenges, he said: “We know the resources are not enough. The enablers are not enough. It makes it difficult to prosecuting the fight against bandits and terrorists.”

    He said it is incumbent on the country to develop its own equipment to prosecute wars and other forms of insecurity due to skyrocketing cost of importing arms and armament.

    He said there is something special about being a soldier. As a soldier you have to sacrifice your entire life. As an ordinary person, when there is a threat you are expected to retreat but as a soldier you are expected to go forward.

    He also called for strengthening the Nigeria Police Force to be able to carry out their constitutional responsibilities.

    “At present, the military is doing some of the work the police are supposed to do,” he said.

    At this point, Senate President Akpabio requested senators that  Oluyede be allowed to take a bow since he was formerly screened and approved by the chamber as CDS.

    The request was approved by the Senators.

    Details shortly…

  • Senate okays Yelwa as N-HYPPADEC’s Managing Director

    Senate okays Yelwa as N-HYPPADEC’s Managing Director

    The Senate yesterday approved the nomination of Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa for a second four-year term as the Managing Director/CEO of the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC).

    The Senate’s resolution followed its consideration and adoption of the report of the Committee on Power which screened the nominee.

    Committee Chairman Enyinnaya Abaribe said the committee found the nominee suitable for reappointment during his screening.

    Read Also: NFF, Jalla bicker over planned workshop on  amendment of statues at Ibadan AGM

    In their contributions, the senators supported the reappointment of Yelwa by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    They voted overwhelmingly to approve the nomination of Yelwa for a second term in office when Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the matter to a voice vote.

  • EU delegation visits Senate, pledges stronger cooperation

    EU delegation visits Senate, pledges stronger cooperation

    The European Union (EU) Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee has pledged stronger cooperation with Nigeria in the areas of security, trade, and governance as part of efforts to deepen ties with West Africa’s largest democracy.

    A high-level EU delegation led by Mr. David McAllister visited the Nigerian Senate in Abuja on Tuesday, where it met with Senate President Godswill Akpabio to discuss shared priorities and regional stability.

    “We are here to deepen our understanding of the situation in West Africa and strengthen our partnership with Nigeria,” McAllister said, describing Nigeria as a key ally in advancing peace and democratic governance in the region.

    Akpabio, while welcoming the delegation, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to closer collaboration with the EU, particularly in addressing insecurity, expanding trade relations, and improving governance.

    “Nigeria values its strategic partnership with the EU and is eager to explore areas of mutual interest that will promote regional stability and sustainable development,” Akpabio said.

    The delegation—comprising EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Greta Mylott; Miss Zelaya Zorko; Miss Mata Tamido; Sebastian Tankman; General Christophe Gomart; and Sebastian Buharo—is on a tour of West Africa, with stops in Nigeria and Ghana.

    Read Also: Nigeria, others need $450b yearly for stable energy supply

    During the meeting, Akpabio also drew attention to the low level of female representation in Nigeria’s parliament, stressing the need for institutional reforms. “Women often vote for male candidates, making it difficult for women to win elections,” he said. “The Senate is working on measures, including possible constitutional amendments, to encourage women’s participation in politics.”

    McAllister assured the Senate of the EU’s continued support for Nigeria’s democratic and developmental agenda, noting that a stable Nigeria is essential to West Africa’s prosperity.

    “The EU remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s growth and strengthening the foundations of democracy, peace, and good governance,” he said.

    The delegation’s visit also comes ahead of the International Islamic Conference on Security and Governance in West Africa and the Sahel, scheduled for November 4–6, 2025, at the ECOWAS Commission headquarters in Abuja.

    Akpabio expressed optimism that the renewed engagement would open a new chapter in Nigeria-EU relations, pledging the Senate’s readiness to work with the EU to tackle terrorism, climate change, and economic challenges facing the region.