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  •  Senate okays N272bn for NCC, N15bn for USPF

     Senate okays N272bn for NCC, N15bn for USPF

    The Senate on Tuesday approved N272,473,805,000 for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and N15 billion for the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) as budgets for the 2025 focal year.

    The approval followed the presentation of the reports of the Senate Committee on Communications by its chairman, Senator Ikra Aliyu Bilbis, during plenary.

    Bilbis described the NCC as a pivotal institution in the country’s digital transformation journey.

    “The Nigerian Communications Commission is the regulatory authority for the telecommunications industry,” he said, adding that the commission’s budget was crucial to advancing Nigeria’s connectivity and regulatory capabilities.

    He urged the lawmakers to support the committee’s recommendations.

    He said, “Your Excellency, that the Senate do approve the recommendation of the committee,” referring to the N272,473,805,000 budget submitted for the NCC.

    Read Also: NCC wins global award on digital awareness programme in schools

    In a related development, the Senate also approved the sum of N15 billion as budget of the Universal Service Provision Fund, which is managed by the NCC.

    The fund is focused on extending telecommunication services to underserved and rural communities across the country.

    According to Senator Bilbis, the USPF’s 2025 budget breakdown includes N10.9 billion for projects and programmes, N4.04 billion for recurrent expenditure, and N53.96 million for capital expenditure.

    “That the Senate do approve the sum of N15billion only as the Universal Service Provision Fund’s budget for the year 2025,” he said.

    The approvals come at a time when the Senate is also considering the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, 2025, a legislative proposal designed to strengthen digital service delivery and governance reforms in the public sector.

  • Senate moves to consider over 160 pending House bills

    Senate moves to consider over 160 pending House bills

    In response to the House of Representatives’ comment over stalled legislative collaboration, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has pledged the Senate’s commitment to the swift consideration of over 160 House-passed bills currently awaiting action in the upper chamber.

    Akpabio made the assurance on Tuesday while delivering a goodwill message at the Open Well of the House of Representatives. He revealed that since the House expressed its dissatisfaction last week, the Senate has already considered and passed six of the pending bills.

    The House, in a rare show of defiance, had resolved to stop considering Senate-passed bills, citing the Senate’s failure to act on numerous bills originating from the lower chamber.

    Speaker Abbas Tajudeen had lamented that about 10 of his own bills were among those left unattended in the Senate.

    Acknowledging the House’s frustration, Akpabio said the Senate “received the message loud and clear” and is taking action. He noted that four additional House bills are scheduled for consideration on Tuesday, and that the Senate will dedicate the next two weeks to clearing the backlog.

    Read Also: Natasha poised to resume at senate tomorrow

    He said, “You are doing well. You have done very well. We commit to considering all House bills and will devote the next two weeks to doing that, so that you will bring more bills in the interest of the Nigerian people.

    “We want to finish the consideration of those bills sent in by you because we don’t joke with you”.

    He, however, said that the open week is an avenue for the Nigerian people to engage with their elected representatives and get a clear idea of the role of the legislator, adding that the House has taken the lead in organising the open week and the Senate will follow suit.

    He said the forum was important as it would bring the people up to date with the function of the legislators, which he said does not include building roads and providing employment for the people.

    “Many people don’t know that it is not the duty of the lawmaker to build roads, offer employment, among others, but representation, oversight and lawmaking, attributing the high casualty rate during elections to the lack of knowledge of the function of the legislators.”

    Akpabio also spoke about the attitude of legislators, which he said is not in tandem with the rules of the parliament.

    He said, “Many lawmakers travel at will and without the knowledge and permission of the Presiding officers. When that happens, you are supposed to be declared AWOL because the right thing to do is for you to formally write to inform the Presiding officer that you are travelling.

    “But many lawmakers will travel without information. We are supposed to know. What happens if something happens where you are going?”

  • Senate’ll not recall Natasha until court-ordered apology, says spokesman

    Senate’ll not recall Natasha until court-ordered apology, says spokesman

    The Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu, has given conditions based on which the Red Chamber would reinstate suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

    Adaramodu who reacted to the ruling of a Federal High Court on the matter, made it clear that the Red Chamber would not immediately reinstate senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, until she apologises as directed by court.

    Adaramodu said that the court judgment did not override the Senate’s constitutional powers to discipline its members.

    In March, the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan  for six months over alleged gross misconduct, following her face-off with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, over the sitting arrangement.

    Tensions intensified when Akpoti-Uduaghan, on national television, accused Akpabio of punishing her for rejecting his alleged sexual advances.

    The Peoples Democratic Party senator submitted a petition to the Senate, alleging that she was sexually harassed by Akpabio, an allegation the Senate President had since denied.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan, in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, challenged her suspension in court.

    Delivering her judgment on the matter, Justice Nyako faulted the provision of chapter eight of the Senate Standing Rules as well as Section 14 of the Legislative Houses, Powers & Privileges Act, declaring both as overreaching.

    The court stressed that the two legislations failed to specify the maximum period that a serving lawmaker could be suspended from office.

    Justice Nyako stated that while the Senate had the authority to discipline its members, such disciplinary actions must not strip citizens of representation in the National Assembly.

    She noted that since the Senate was constitutionally required to sit for only 181 days in a legislative year, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s 180-day suspension amounted to denying the people of Kogi Central effective participation in national governance.

    “The court is not saying that the Senate lacks the power to sanction a member. However, such sanctions must not negate the constitutional right of constituents to be represented in parliament,” Justice Nyako ruled.

    The court, however, found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt over a satirical apology she posted on her Facebook page on April 27.

    Justice Nyako held that after reviewing the post and the application before her instituted by the third respondent, she was satisfied that it was linked to the suspension matter before the court and therefore found the plaintiff guilty of contempt.

    The judge ordered Akpoti-Uduaghan to publish an apology in two national dailies and on her Facebook page within seven days. She also imposed a fine of N5million.

    Responding to a question, Adaramodu said: “Which judgment are we appealing when they (court) said the Senate has the right to discipline its erring members?

    “The court has not ousted the Senate’s statutory right to punish any erring senator.

    “It was established that the senator in question erred. The court has already told her to go and do some things, like restitution, so after the restitution, the Senate will now sit again and consider the content of that restitution, and that will inform our next line of action.”

    According to Senator Adaramodu, the Senate would only reconvene to deliberate on the matter after Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had complied with the court’s directives.

    “The onus is no more on us now; it is already on her doorstep to go and apologise. Once she does that, then the Senate will sit and determine how to deal with her matter.

    “The first reaction now will not be from us. The court has ruled, so once she takes the step to redress and does what the court has directed her to do, then the Senate will sit and look at the content of her reaction as prescribed by the court,” he said. 

    Addressing journalists after the judgment, the Counsel to the Senate, Paul Dauda, SAN, described the ruling as a partial victory for the Senate, particularly on the issue of civil contempt arising from social media posts made during the case.

    Dauda said: “The first application filed by the Senate, that no social media posts should have been made, was decided in our favour. The court directed that the satirical apology be taken down and that a proper apology be published in two national dailies. Additionally, damages of N5million were awarded to be paid to the court.”

    On the substantive ruling regarding the suspension, Dauda noted that the Senate’s authority to discipline its members was not in dispute.

    “It appears the court affirmed that the Senate, as an institution, has the right to discipline its members. While members are elected to represent constituencies, they are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the Senate’s standing rules,” he said.

    He explained that the court did not order Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reinstatement but merely suggested that the Senate could consider recalling her.

    “There was no relief asking for the suspension to be lifted. The judge only made what we call an obiter dictum, a non-binding remark, that the suspension may have been excessive. We will consult with our colleagues, read the full judgment, and respond accordingly,” he added.

  • Senate considers proposals for creation of 31 states, 18 councils, state police

    Senate considers proposals for creation of 31 states, 18 councils, state police

    • Red Chamber to examine electoral reforms, others at zonal hearings

    The Senate has said it will today kick off public hearings on the review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    The hearings will start in Lagos for the Southwest Zone and in four other states.

    The public hearings are aimed at subjecting proposals for the creation of 18 additional local governments, the establishment of state police, and far-reaching reforms of the electoral system, among others, to public discourse.

    The Red Chamber also said it had scheduled to simultaneously hold similar public hearings in other geopolitical zones across the federation, except the Northwest.

    The postponement of the Northwest public hearing was due to the demise of Kano’s prominent businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, which occurred last Saturday.

    Leader of the Senate and Chairman for Southwest Zone, Constitution Review Committee, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, reeled out the programmes for the two-day zonal public hearings yesterday in Abuja.

    Bamidele said the public hearings offer Nigerians the opportunity to contribute to thorny issues affecting the country’s governance structure.

    The 10th Senate had constituted the Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution on February 14, 2024, a 45-man committee with Senate Deputy President Barau Jubrin and Senate Leader Bamidele as Chairman and Vice Chairman.

    The committee had subsequently received diverse proposals on inclusive reforms, institutional reforms, security and policing, fundamental rights and objectives, system and structure of government, reforms of the judiciary, roles of the traditional institutions in government, reforms of the local government, reforms of the fiscal environment and electoral reforms, among others.

    Read Also: Senate hosts African forum on reparation, repatriation of stolen artifacts

    Based on the development, Bamidele announced that the public hearing for the Southwest Zone would be held at Water Crest Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, today and tomorrow.

    One of the proposals, according to Bamidele, is the Bill seeking to alter the 1999 Constitution to provide for the establishment of state police or other state government security agencies.

    Also, Bamidele said the Bill seeks to alter the 1999 Constitution to establish the State Security Council to advise state governors on matters relating to public security and safety among the federating units.

    Bamidele cited another Bill, which seeks to transfer labour, industrial relations, industrial disputes, and minimum wage from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List in the constitution.

    He said: “There is a proposal Bill to transfer control of interstate waterways  from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List, thereby granting both the federal and state governments the power to legislate on matters relating to shipping and navigation on interstate waterways.”

    He added: “There is a proposal to ensure that every local government in each state has at least one member representing the local government in the House of Assembly to ensure equity, fairness, and attract democratic dividends to inhabitants of each local government of the state.”

  • Senate tasked on speedy passage of bill on non-custodial sentences

    Senate tasked on speedy passage of bill on non-custodial sentences

    The Senate has been urged to expedite actions on a Bill to further amend the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) to among others, hand the responsibility of implementing non-custodial sentences solely to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).

    This call was made in Abuja on Thursday by a criminal justice advocacy group, the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies (CSLS), which noted that the current arrangement was untidy.

    The CSLS appealed to the Senate to concur with the House of Representatives by speedily passing the AJC Bill 2023 which enjoyed inputs from leading stakeholders like the Federal Ministry of Justice (FMoJ), the judiciary, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), Council of Legal Education (CLE), law teachers, the Judiciary, among other stakeholders.

    CSLS’ President, Professor Yemi Akinseye-George (SAN) highlighted the key proposals in the Bill now pending before the Senate and noted that the Bill, as already passed by the House of Representatives, seeks to harmonize the provisions relating to non-custodial sentences with those of the Nigeria Correctional Service Act 2019. 

    This proposal, Prof. Akinseye-George noted, recognizes the prime position of the Nigerian Correctional Service as the agency responsible for implementing non-custodial sentences in the country.

    Another key proposal, he said, in the express abolition of the practice of trial-within-trial, which delays criminal proceedings. 

    He added: “This procedure, when the new Act is passed, will now be combined with the main trial rather than conducting a separate trial-within-trial. 

    “This brings the Federal ACJA in tandem with that of Kaduna State, Plateau State and others that have merged trial-within-trial with the main proceedings in the criminal trial. 

    “The Court of Appeal has endorsed this new approach in Muoneke v. The State. Hopefully the Supreme Court will uphold this innovative approach,” he said.

     Prof. Akinseye-George also noted a proposal that seeks to allow the continuation of hearing in a case when a trial judge dies, is transferred or posted or otherwise unable to continue with a trial. 

    He said this idea is meant to avoid trial de novo (afresh) where a judge handling a criminal case is, due to one reason or the other, unable to continue with the trial. 

    The CSLS’ President equally spoke about a proposed amendment that will allow a Justice of the Court of Appeal to conclude part-heard criminal matter at the trial court.

    He added: “Although the original Section 396(7) of ACJA 2015 was struck down by the Supreme Court, this provision has now been amended, the offending paragraph was expunged to reflect the decision of the Supreme Court.”

    He said another proposal is contained in Clause 236(1) for the establishment the Sex Offender Register in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Clause 236(2) provides that “upon the conviction of a sex offender, the offender’s particulars shall be entered into the Sex Offenders Registry, which shall be published and kept in the public domain.”

    Prof. Akinseye-George said, to further curb delays, another amendment is proposed for the introduction of plea form, which shall be served along with a criminal charge and filed in the court as the plea of the defendant. 

    “This will be adopted by the defendant during arraignment. 

    It disposes of the viva voce reading of all the counts of offences in the charge during arraignment in court.  

    “This will make arraignment of defendants faster and more sensible particularly where the counts of offences charged are many. 

    “The ACJ Bill 2023 corrects the defects observed by the courts in the Plea Bargaining Provisions of the ACJA 2015.”

     He also identified another proposal contained in Clause 380(6) to mandate the defence to file witness deposition to promote speedy trial of criminal cases. 

    Prof. Akinseye-George added: “When passed, ACJA 2022 makes it mandatory for a trial judge to make notes or such remarks as he thinks material relating to the demeanour of a witness during examination, cross examination and re-examination. 

    “The aim of this innovation is also to avoid trial de novo when a judge takes over a criminal trial previously conducted by another judge.”

    He said another proposal is for the renaming of the existing Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee as the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Council.

    He said the change in nomenclature is intended “to reposition the body to effectively discharge its responsibilities and be able to receive direct budgetary allocations. 

    Read Also: Senate lauds CBN’s mid-year performance

    “Apart from the foregoing there are several other improvements proposed for incorporation in the seven-year old ACJA. 

    “However, the fundamental principles, and essential elements of the ACJA remain unchanged.

    “We commend the National Assembly for the passage of the Tax Reform Act 2025 which brings significant benefits to many families especially the poor. 

    “We thank the leadership of the Senate in advance for the anticipated speedy legislative action on the Bill. 

    “We note the commitment of the lawyers in the National Assembly and other reform-minded legislators, Chairman of the Committee on Justice to ensure speedy attention to the ACJ Bill 2023,” Prof. Akinseye-George said.

  • Senate moves to amend procurement law to support local contractors

    Senate moves to amend procurement law to support local contractors

    The Senate on Wednesday directed its Committees on Public Procurement and Local Content to partner with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to amend Nigeria’s procurement and local content laws so that newly registered local contractors can be included, especially in contract bidding.

    This resolution of the Red Chamber followed its consideration and adoption motion sponsored by Sadiq Suleiman (APC, Kwara North) during plenary.

    The aim of the motion is to ensure that newly registered local contractors and small-scale businesses can access and execute public contracts, especially in construction and other infrastructure projects.

    Read Also: FG promises to watch oil prices closely, keep economy stable, inclusive

    Suleiman, while presenting the motion decried the exclusion of small and medium indigenous companies from participating in federal government contracts.

    He argued that empowering local contractors would not only increase job creation but also stimulate community development and ensure that public funds circulate within the local economy.

    Many senators supported the motion during the debate.

    Senator Mohammed Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) emphasised the economic implications of the motion, noting that local contractors often have the required expertise and capacity but are overlooked due to current procurement guidelines.

    Adamu Aliero (APC, Kebbi Central) questioned the logic of excluding qualified Nigerian firms from benefiting from their own government’s contracts.

    “No Nigerian contractor no matter high skilledbcam go to China to get contract. I didn’t see why we should not engage indigenous people to participate in the construction,” he added.

    The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, expressed the same concerns, noting that local contractors are consistently shortchanged.

    “Our local contractors are being shortchanged. It is not that we don’t like the foreigners but our people should not remain like that. The local content act should be amended,” Barau added.

    Senators approved the prayers of the motion when they were put to voice vote by
    Senate President Akpabio.

    Akpabio thereafter directed the relevant committees to work closely with the BPP in amending the laws to allow greater local participation in federal contracts, including those awarded to startups and newly registered firms.

    He said: “I believed this will cure all the defects we have in the contracting system and the idea of shutting out newly registered companies from participating even when they have clearly performed.

    “Your can’t have experience if you do not have the opportunity. Somebody must give you the opportunity before you can have the experience.”

  • Reps halt consideration of Senate bills over delayed concurrence

    Reps halt consideration of Senate bills over delayed concurrence

    The House of Representatives on Wednesday resolved to suspend further consideration of bills originating from the Senate, citing persistent delays in the red chamber’s concurrence to House-passed legislation.

    The lawmakers accused the Senate of deliberately stalling the legislative process by failing to act on over 140 bills passed by the House, including several sponsored by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.

    The longstanding concern, which also plagued the 9th Assembly, was reignited following an observation by Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, who noted that while the House regularly considers Senate bills, the reverse has not been the case.

    Speaker Tajudeen lamented that about 146 bills currently await Senate concurrence, stressing that the lopsided legislative cooperation undermines the effectiveness of the National Assembly.

    The House insisted it would no longer process Senate bills until there is clear commitment from the red chamber to address the imbalance.

    The process for law making stipulates that for a bill to become law and ve transmitted to the President for assent, it must have been passed by both chambers of the National Assembly. 

    Chinda’s observation came after the House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere moved a motion for the consideration of a Senate Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Orthopaedic Hospital Management Act, to Establish Federal Orthopaedic Hospital, Obokun, Osun State and for Related Matters. 

    Contributing, Dogomie Abiante (PDP, Rivers) said since early 2024, two of his bills passed by the House have been lying in the Senate and has never been listed for consideration, while the House keep listing and considering Senate bills. 

    Read Also: Reps query CCTV, gunboat, contingency allocation in Rivers N1.48tr Budget

    Ahmed Jaha (APC, Borno) said in most cases, the Senate has always refused to consider bills from the House, asking the Rules and Business Committee of the House to liase with its Senate counterpart to find out why. 

    He said stepping down the consideration of the Senate Bill and subsequent bills from them will send a signal to them that House bills should also be given accelerated consideration just like the House is doing. 

    Although Speaker Abbas tried to get members to consider the Bill for second reading, members insisted that it should be stepped down. 

    The Speaker said “from information, we have about 146 bills in the Senate that has not been considered. More than 10 of those bills are bills that I sponsored and some have been there for over six months”. 

    With insistence of members to stop consideration of Senate bills, the Speaker said “henceforth, unless we receive considerable assurance from the Senate, we will no longer consider their bills”.

  • Senate hosts African forum on reparation, repatriation of stolen artifacts

    Senate hosts African forum on reparation, repatriation of stolen artifacts

    The Senate Committee on Reparation and Repatriation has hosted a high-level consultative forum with African diplomats, a landmark move to confront the lingering injustices of colonialism and chart a collective path forward.

    The one-day event, held at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja on Monday, brought together envoys from across the continent to deliberate on reparative justice, restitution of cultural assets, and collaborative strategies to redress historical exploitation.

    Speaking on behalf of the President of the Senate, the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Mongunu, noted that the global conversation around reparations has gained momentum.

    He affirmed the Senate’s commitment to supporting diplomatic and legislative efforts aimed at addressing past wrongs, especially those that continue to shape the African narrative.

    “Across the globe, the issue of reparation and repatriation has taken center stage. The scars of slavery, colonialism, systemic injustice, and forced migration continue to define the African experience,” Mongunu said.

    The Chairman, Senate Committee on Reparation and Repatriation, Senator Ned Nwoko, in his welcome speech, emphasised the urgent need for African nations to address the painful legacies of slavery, colonization, and systemic injustice.

    He stressed the importance of unity in seeking economic redress and the repatriation of stolen artifacts and cultural heritage.

    High point of the event was a powerful poetic rendition by Rex Odoemenam which captivated the gathering, evoking deep emotions and shedding light on the physical and emotional toll of colonialism on Africans.

    The performance drew applause and tears, particularly from Senator Victor Umeh, who described the message as a reminder of the continent’s brutal past.

    On his part, Ambassador Mohammed Fouad of Egypt expressed solidarity with the Committee’s initiative and advocated for the return of cultural artifacts looted during colonial rule, noting that Egypt’s ancient civilization has suffered significantly from such losses.

    Ambassador Selestine Gervas Kekele of Tanzania shared his country’s experience, noting that while Germany has returned human skulls taken during colonial times, valuable items like dinosaur fossils remain abroad and are generating foreign revenue.

    He called for a unified continental approach and urged the inclusion of Caribbean nations in the broader conversation.

    Ambassador Maxwell Ranga of Zimbabwe lamented the historical silence and inaction over the years, even as Africa’s natural resources and labour continue to be exploited.

    He emphasized the need for African industrialization and economic independence to reverse this trend.

    Senator Ipalibo Banigo described the forum as a moment of reckoning, warning that politicising history along cultural lines weakens the collective cause.

    “If we forget our history, we risk repeating it,” she said.

    In a heartfelt comment, Senator Ned Nwoko questioned why African countries remain so fragmented that citizens require international passports to move between neighboring states, calling for deeper regional integration.

    The forum also recognized the contributions of consultants who have worked closely with the Senate Committee.

    These include Dr. Mohammed Aminu, Amb. Dr. Suleiman Momoh, Barr. Charles Ude, Barr. Eke Agbai PhD, Chukwuebuka Anyaduba, Barr. Adaeze Anah, Dr. Sylvanus Barnabas, and Rex E. Odoemenam.

    Senator Nwoko, in his concluding speech urged the diplomats to take ownership of the movement in their respective countries, emphasising that the struggle for reparative justice requires the collective commitment of all African stakeholders.

  • NCYA hails Senate for confirming Tsenyil as NCDC boss

    NCYA hails Senate for confirming Tsenyil as NCDC boss

    ..commends Tinubu’s vision for regional development

    The North Central Youth Assembly (NCYA) has applauded the Nigerian Senate for confirming Cyril Tsenyil as the pioneer managing director of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), describing the confirmation as a landmark step toward inclusive governance and strategic investment in the region.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday by its president, Gideon Unazi, the group praised the Senate for what it called “a historic and patriotic endorsement” of a commission that represents hope for millions in a region long plagued by insecurity, infrastructural decay, and systemic neglect.

    “We commend the Senate for acting with speed, maturity, and an uncommon sense of duty. By confirming Mr. Cyril Tsenyil, they have honoured a vital national promise and elevated the hopes of an entire region,” Unazi said.

    He described Tsenyil’s appointment as the start of a transformative journey for the North Central zone, noting that the new MD is a competent and grassroots-connected leader with a proven commitment to public service.

    “This is not just an appointment; it is a statement about the kind of future we want — one built on capacity, integrity, and regional inclusion,” he added.

    The NCYA described Tsenyil as “eminently qualified and remarkably grounded,” with a strong track record in public service, development programmes, and community engagement.

    “Mr. Tsenyil is not a stranger to the challenges of the North Central. He is a product of the region, familiar with its pulse, its people, and its potential. His competence, humility, and impact-driven mindset make him the right man to lead this Commission into relevance and results,” Unazi said.

    The group also expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the NCDC Establishment Bill into law and nominating individuals it described as having “a clear understanding of regional complexities, development priorities, and national cohesion.”

    Read Also: Senate to meet Ambassadors, High Commissioners of African countries over colonial injustices

    “President Tinubu has demonstrated through action, not just words, that no region should be left behind. By assenting to the NCDC Act and nominating Mr. Tsenyil and others, he has reaffirmed his commitment to unity through equity,” Unazi said.

    “North Central Nigeria has been battered by conflict, overlooked by national plans, and marginalised in development conversations for too long. But today, a new chapter begins. And for that, we thank Mr. President.”

    According to the group, the mandate of the commission goes beyond rebuilding infrastructure. It is about rebuilding lives, dignity, and opportunities in communities where displacement and deprivation have become generational burdens.

    “We believe Mr. Tsenyil understands the magnitude of the assignment. He must now steer the NCDC toward becoming a bold engine of regeneration — from Nasarawa to Niger, from Plateau to Benue,” Unazi stated.

    “We need a Commission that breathes in the villages, towns, and IDP camps of the North Central. That is the vision we expect Mr. Tsenyil to champion.”

    Unazi said the North Central Youth Assembly would continue to serve as a watchdog and civic partner, offering both support and scrutiny as the Commission begins its operations.

    “We will stand with the Commission when it works for the people, and we will raise our voices when it forgets its purpose. Mr. Tsenyil must know that this is a sacred trust, not just a public appointment.”

    Also confirmed during the Senate session was Cosmas Akyhir, who will serve as Chairman of the Commission. Seventeen others were appointed as Executive Directors, representing the six North Central states and other zones of the country.

    The newly confirmed Executive Directors include: James Abel Uloko (Benue), Princess Atika Ajanah – Projects (Kogi), Bilgis Jumoke Sanni (Kwara), Aishatu Rujui Ibrahim (Nasarawa), Muhammad Bashar (Niger), Dauda Shuaibu Kigbu (Nasarawa), Zakari Haliru Jikantoro (Niger), Sulaiman Buka Ali (Kogi), Bunmi Olusona (Kwara), Umar Ibrahim Mantu (Plateau), Atotse Abraham (Benue), Solomon Adodo (FCT), Abdulkadir S. Usman (North-West), Habu Maman (North-East), Atinuke Owolabi (South-West), Rachael Kufre Nse (South-South), and Chief Boniface Izziogu (South-East).

    Unazi said the broad-based composition of the Commission is a welcome development and urged all members to put regional development above politics.

    “The diversity of this board shows readiness to serve every corner of this country — but especially the North Central, where the wounds are deep and the needs urgent. From Guma to Jos East, from Mokwa to Karu, our people want results,” he said.

    The NCYA president called on Tsenyil and the other confirmed officials to adopt a citizen-first approach, pledging to support policies that prioritize inclusive development, local empowerment, and transparent governance.

    “We expect the Commission to be present in places where suffering is most visible — in the hunger of farmers displaced by violence, in the silence of children without schools, and in the pain of mothers walking hours for healthcare,” Unazi said.

    He concluded by thanking President Tinubu for what he called a bold and just intervention.

    “Mr. President, we say thank you. With this Commission, you have offered the North Central not just a platform, but a lifeline. May this mark the beginning of a new season of peace, prosperity, and progress for our people,” Unazi added.

  • Senate tasks stakeholders on repatriation of cultural heritage

    Senate tasks stakeholders on repatriation of cultural heritage

    The Chairman, Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriations,  Senator Ned Munir Nwoko has tasked stakeholders on need to support the repatriation of cultural properties, and financial assets to Nigeria and Africa in general.   

     Senator Nwoko  made the remark during a  one day interactive session with stakeholders, held at the Senate Conference Hall, Abuja.

     Addressing the stakeholders, Nwoko said: “Our deliberation today is further invigorated by recent continental effort. The African Union has since reinforced the call for reparative mechanisms to provide not just economic compensation, but healing acknowledgement and empowerment.

     “The summit marked a pivotal moment, affirming that reparation is no longer a new discourse, it is now central to Africa’s collective agenda for justice, recognition and transformation.

    It is in this context that we engage all of you, your insights, experiences, and policies perspectives are crucial to shaping what must become an African-common position, a unified voice that will reverberate in international chambers and court of justice.”

     Together, we must construct a strategy that is both morally grounded and diplomatically effective.”

     Clarifying the core concept at the heart of the  discourse, the lawmaker representing Delta North said: “Reparation refers to making amends for past, current, subsequent wrongs through monetary payments, policy shifts, symbolic gestures or institutional reforms. It is a redemptive process but also a moral imperative.

     “Repatriation on the other hand concerns a return of people, cultural properties and financial assets to their country of origin. It is as much about restoring identity and sovereignty as it is about material compensation.

    “These are not simple matters. They involve navigating legal and ambiguities, political sensitivities, and historical wounds. Yet we must approach them with courage, clarity and coordination. The road ahead will demand not just advocacy, but intellectual rigor, legal expertise and continental unit.This interactive session is more than a meeting, it is a moment in time. A moment for redefining Africa’s place in history, not a victim seeking sympathy, but as a continent asserting its rightful place in global justice conversation, demanding accountability and respect.

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    “Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, we count on your support to amplify these objectives in your organizations and area of jurisdictions.”

     The lawmaker reminded the gathering that the “committee I have the privilege to chair was formally established by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on July 17, 2024, with a mandate as solemn as it is historic, to address the centuries-old injustices inflicted upon our peoples through slavery, colonization, exploitation, and systemic discrimination, both historical and contemporary. As a strategic

    engagement with you stakeholder’s today, aims to foster dialogue, share insights, and forge practical, collaborative pathways for advancing across the African continent.

     “The work before us is neither symbolic nor ceremonial. It is structured, evidence-based, and far-reaching. Our Committee is guided by specific terms of reference that reflect the weight of our responsibility: “to address historical and systemic injustices that have long dehumanized and marginalized various groups and communities within Nigeria, and the broader African diaspora;

    “ to collate credible evidence of wrongdoing by individuals, states, corporations, and other institutions, past and present, and make concrete recommendations for appropriate compensation and redress;

     “to pursue the return of looted cultural artifacts and heritage materials taken during colonial conquests or illicit trade, including leveraging international legal frameworks and institutions to seek restitution and financial reparation where applicable;

     “ to identify and interrogate historical injustices, establish dialogical frameworks, and propose legal and policy templates that are in alignment with national constitutions, and international conventions. This will include collaboration with both local and international experts across fields, law, history, anthropology, economics, and diplomacy;

     “ to evolve a holistic national and regional strategy that reflects the complex intersections of culture, justice, and economic sustainability; and

    “to interrogate and challenge ongoing neocolonial structures and practices that sustain economic and institutional subjugation in Nigeria.”

     He  emphasized that this mandate does not only cover matters of culture and history, it extends into virtually all sectors of our socio-economic architecture, education, resource control, infrastructure, restitution, and intergovernmental equity.