The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Senate

  • Senate seeks security beef up in Taraba, Bauchi, Plateau boundaries

    Senate seeks security beef up in Taraba, Bauchi, Plateau boundaries

    The Senate has called for security beef up along the common boundaries between Taraba, Plateau and Bauchi States to check the free movement of criminal elements.

    The Senators also heard no fewer than 30 persons were kidnapped in Kogi-West Senatorial District of Kogi State in the last seven days amid the crippling security challenges in the country.

    The attacks were reported while Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, the Obalohun of Okoloke in Yagba-West Local Government Area of the state, who was abducted on May 15, had yet-to-be-released.

    The Chairman, Senate Services Committee, Senator Sunday Steve Karimi, made the disclosure as the Senate debated yet another motion on farmer-herder conflicts in Munga Lelau, Maigami, in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba state, which reportedly claimed many lives.

    Contributing to the motion, Karimi said insecurity had become a daily challenge in the country, blaming it on “disgruntled elements” bent on making the achievements of the administration of President Bola Tinubu “appear weak.”

    He noted: “Disgruntled elements are collaborating with these people to cause problems everywhere in the country.

    “In the last one week, up to 30 persons were kidnapped in Kogi-West alone.

    Read Also: Senate passes Nigeria Police Trust Fund’s N124.2bn 2024 budget

    “We can’t allow disgruntled elements to pull the country down because of their interest.

    “This is looking like a repeat of the events that played out before the 2015 elections, when some people threatened that the heavens would fall if they did not win.

    “We need to team up with security agencies to unearth the forces working with these terrorists.”

    Senator Isa Lau, who moved the motion, told the Senate during plenary that fighting between the herders and the farmers in Karim Lamido started on May 23, allegedly leading to the death of many villagers, the razing of 47 houses and the displacement of about 200 people.

    The Senate, while urging the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to send relief materials to the victims,

    also called on security agencies to beef up security along the common boundaries between Taraba, Plateau and Bauchi states to check the free movement of criminal elements.

  • Senate passes Nigeria Police Trust Fund’s N124.2bn 2024 budget

    Senate passes Nigeria Police Trust Fund’s N124.2bn 2024 budget

    The Senate on Wednesday passed the N124.2 billion 2024 budget of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the passage of the budget followed the consideration and adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs during plenary.

    Presenting the report, Vice-Chairman of the committee, Sen. Yunus Akintunde (APC-Oyo), said that the committee considered and reviewed the proposed sum of N124.2 billion as the 2024 budget of the Fund.

    Akintunde said that out of the N124.2 billion, personnel cost would gulp N1.2 billion while capital expenditure was put at N98.6 billion.

    He said that while reviewing the budget proposal, the committee observed that the allocated budget would be applied toward the training of police officers as well as rehabilitation and construction of police stations.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Senate passes harmonised report on tax reform bills

    According to Akintunde, other areas that will be covered in the budget are barracks and clinics nationwide, procurement of compressed natural gas (CNG) and other related interventions.

    In his remarks, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, expressed the hope that the expenditures would to the security of the country.

    “The expenditures that we might hear from the Police Trust Fund should enhance security all over the nation.

    “The committee should also ensure that they do proper oversight so that every kobo that is herein appropriated will be used for the benefit of the police and the nation in general,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • JUST IN: Senate passes harmonised report on tax reform bills

    JUST IN: Senate passes harmonised report on tax reform bills

    The Senate on Wednesday adopted the harmonised conference committee report on the four tax reform bills.

    The resolution of the Senate followed its consideration and approval of the recommendations of the conference committee of both chambers set up to harmonize the Bills.

    The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance and leader of the Senate delegation in the conference committee, Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, presented the report.

    Read Also: Tinubu seeks Senate approval to raise $2bn in domestic debt market 

    The four tax reforms Bills which were transmitted to the National Assembly in November last year by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu include: The Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (SB. 583); Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (SB. 584); Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2025 (SB. 585); and Nigeria Tax Bill, 2025 (SB. 586).

    Details shortly…

  • Senate engages forensic experts to trace crude oil theft

    Senate engages forensic experts to trace crude oil theft

    The Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft says it has engaged forensic experts to trace and provide information on crude oil theft in the country.

     The committee Chairman, Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, disclosed this during a two-day public hearing on the Incessant and Nefarious Acts of Crude Oil Theft in the Niger Delta held at the Senate Wing, National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

    Nwoko said the Ad-hoc Committee, since its inception had commenced work in earnest by engaging forensic experts to trace and provide information on crude oil theft from point of lifting to sales up to bank transactions. “This is truly yielding great results and the Ad-hoc Committee will in due time not hesitate to publish its findings. On this note, I wish to assure Nigerians of the Ad-hoc Committee’s commitment to this course as well as its readiness to finding a lasting solution to this nightmare facing our oil and gas industry.”

    The Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly noted that the hearing was a pivotal step in addressing one of the most pressing challenges facing “our nation—the rampant theft of crude oil through illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism, and the systemic gaps in the regulation and surveillance of our petroleum resources.

    READ ALSO: 11 things Nigerians should note when applying for a five-year Schengen visa

    “Nigeria loses billions of dollars annually to crude oil theft. This is severely undermining our economy, weakening the Naira, and depriving the nation of vital revenue needed for infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social development.”

    Nwoko regretted “that the scale of this theft is staggering, with reports indicating losses of over 200,000 barrels per day – more than some OPEC member nations produce. This criminal enterprise fuels corruption, funds illegal activities, and devastates our environment through spills and pollution.  Nigeria’s survival depends on how we tackle this menace.

    “We cannot continue to hemorrhage resources while our people suffer. This hearing must produce practical recommendations that will be swiftly implemented.”

    The lawmaker assured that Senate and the National Assembly are committed to passing laws that will strengthen regulatory agencies (NUPRC, NEITI, NSA, etc.), enhance community engagement and alternative livelihoods for Niger Delta youth, improve inter-agency collaboration between the military, police, NSCDC, and private security firms, enforce transparency in crude oil lifting and metering processes.

    “Let me remind us all that the time for rhetoric is over. The future of our economy and the well-being of generations unborn depend on the actions we take today. I urge every participant to contribute constructively, with patriotism and urgency.  Together, we can reclaim Nigeria’s stolen wealth, secure our energy infrastructure, and restore confidence in the petroleum sector.

    He reminded participants that: “This public hearing is not just another talk shop. It is a decisive platform to: Uncover the root causes of crude oil theft, bunkering, and pipeline vandalism; Evaluate the effectiveness of existing surveillance, monitoring, and enforcement mechanisms; Identify regulatory and legislative gaps that enable these crimes to thrive; Engage stakeholders, security agencies, host communities, oil companies, regulators, and experts—to proffer actionable solutions; Strengthen legal frameworks to ensure stricter penalties and more efficient prosecution of offenders. 

    “We expect frank, evidence-based submissions from all stakeholders. This Ad-hoc Committee will not entertain blame games or excuses. We seek solutions, not just lamentations. Key questions we must answer include: Why has crude oil theft persisted despite numerous interventions?; What are the roles of international syndicates, local collaborators, and compromised officials?; How can technology (e.g., digital metering, drones, AI surveillance) enhance monitoring?; What legislative reforms are needed to deter offenders and protect national assets?”

  • Senate passes bill to establish Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan

    Senate passes bill to establish Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan

    The Nigerian Senate has passed the Federal Medical Centre Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (SB. 355), paving the way for the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Kafanchan, Kaduna State.

    The bill, sponsored by Senator Sunday Marshall Katung representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, was introduced to the Senate on February 21, 2024.

    Its passage marks a significant step toward addressing the long-standing healthcare challenges in the region.

    Senator Katung hailed the bill’s passage as a “major turnaround” for Southern Kaduna, which he noted has suffered from limited access to quality medical services. “The new FMC will help reduce the burden of long-distance travel for specialist care, which often results in delayed treatments and preventable deaths,” he said.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier approved the establishment of the medical centre, even before the legislative process was concluded in both chambers of the National Assembly.

    The bill will now move to a conference committee of the Senate and House of Representatives for concurrence, after which it will be forwarded to the President for assent.

    Senator Katung emphasised that the new FMC is expected to not only enhance healthcare delivery but also drive economic growth in the region by creating direct and indirect jobs, attracting medical professionals, and promoting research and training.

    Read Also: Tinubu proposes N1.48trn as 2025 Rivers state budget to Senate

    He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, and fellow lawmakers for their support, stating, “This is a critical step toward equity in federal healthcare infrastructure and a reflection of my commitment to meaningful development in Southern Kaduna.”

    The Senate’s approval is seen as a key move to ensure the swift takeoff of the much-needed medical centre.

  • Insurgency: Senate seeks establishment of military base in Adamawa community

    Insurgency: Senate seeks establishment of military base in Adamawa community

    The Senate yesterday urged the Federal Government to establish a military base in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State to check rising insecurity in the state.

    The resolution of the Senate followed the consideration and adoption of a motion, titled: “Resurgence of Boko Haram Activities in Hong and Gombi Local Government Areas, Adamawa and other North-East States,” sponsored by Senator Aminu Abbas (PDP, Adamawa Central).

    In his lead debate, Abbas highlighted the troubling spike in attacks by the extremist group.

    He lauded the efforts of security agencies, emphasising the need for additional military reinforcement.

    “We need a full-fledged military base in Hong to support existing personnel and repel further attacks,” Abbas said.

    Recent violence across Adamawa State made the motion very urgent to the Senate. On February 25, 2025, Kwapre and Zah communities were attacked — houses torched, schools destroyed, and civilians injured.

    On April 15, Banga and Lar were also hit, with five lives lost while churches and homes were eazed. On April 26, a fresh assault on Kwapre left 11 local vigilantes dead.

    The most recent attack on May 16 in Kulda led to the death of 16 people with over 90 per cent of houses, including places of worship, razed.

    “Even Mayo Ladde in Gaya ward was not spared. Six were killed there. Gombi Local Government Area has also come under fire – four people were killed there on January 17 and a hunter was murdered on February 17,” Abbas said.

    READ ALSO: Seyi Tinubu and sirens of hypocrisy

    In light of the recurring assaults, the Senate directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials to the affected communities.

    Abbas expressed concern over how the renewed wave of violence has been crippling the local economies.

    “Thousands have been displaced. People can no longer farm or trade as they used to. The resurgence is not limited to Adamawa alone. Borno and Yobe states are also affected,” he said.

    Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno praised the military for their past efforts, saying: “At one time, two-thirds of local governments in Borno and Yobe states were under Boko Haram control. But due to political will and military resilience, the territories were recovered.”

    Expressing the seriousness of the situation, the Senate Chief Whip cite a recent incident in his area.

    He said: “Just two days ago, Boko Haram attacked Kukawa and Baga in my constituency. In one community, they killed 23 people; in another, 30. It was reportedly due to a rivalry between factions, with one accusing locals of paying allegiance to a rival group.”

    But the senator representing Bayelsa East, Seriake Dickson, warned that the Senate must not overstep its constitutional boundaries by directing the President to site military infrastructure.

    “In my view, it is overstepping. In fact, we are encroaching on the powers vested on the President of the Federal Republic who is the Commander-in-Chief.

    “It is an infraction on the President’s power of command and control as the Commander-in-Chief. We cannot do so,” he said.

    In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said: “There must be continual vigilance because, as you said, whenever the military appears to relax, these groups strike again.

    “Our borders remain porous. Many of these attackers are not even Nigerians. They retreat, regroup, and cross back in to wreak havoc. We must remain prepared.”

  • Senate moves to formalise casual jobs in informal sector

    Senate moves to formalise casual jobs in informal sector

    The Senate on Wednesday passed for second reading a bill to regulate and formalise employment in the informal sector through private agency involvement.

    The Bill sponsored by Senator Mohammed Sani Musa seeks to regulate and formalise the employment of domestic workers, apprentices, interns and other informal sector employees in Nigeria.

    It also seeks to empower the National Directorate of Employment to issue license and monitor privately owned Employment Agencies whose responsibility will be to enrol employees in their data bank, safeguard and enhance their social security and oversee their recruitment by employers who engage in legitimate occupation on such terms and conditions as may be agreed by the parties.

    Musa in his lead debate noted that the informal sector is usually regarded as the residual labour market where labour is highly heterogeneous and sources of income are not largely wage dependent, working time is discretionary and some jobs are not paid for at all.

    He said: “Operations in the sector are usually in small scale; production technique is labour intensive and ownership is usually private. In most cases, the workers in this sector are family members, apprentices and few paid employees.

    “The informal sector of Nigerian economy show evidence of violation of employees’ right and non-implementation of labour regulations, although the informal sector provides a safety net for skilled, semi-skilled or unskilled labour who could not find job in the formal sector of the labour market.

    “However, informal sector in Nigeria has practices that are not in conformity with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) best practices as ratified in its conventions” which Nigeria is a signatory to.

    “One of such areas of concern relates to decent work deficit. Decent work is work with fair and equal treatment, decent remuneration, and fair conditions of employment, safety and social protection, opportunities for training and development, and collective bargaining.

    “The primary goal of this bill is to regulate this sector to promote strategic objectives: the promotion of rights at work, employment, social protection, and social dialogue,” he said.

    Musa lamented that employees in the informal sector are often seen as having no right and are not treated fairly by their employers, which is another thing the bill seeks to correct.

    He said: “This bill empower the National Directorate of Employment to issue license and monitor the activities of Employment Agencies throughout the country.”

    Read Also: Tinubu hails British-Nigerians Bright, Jackson on mayoral inauguration in London

    However, Adams Oshiomhole, while contributing to the debate, noted that public and private sector agencies use third parties to recruit their low level staff.

    “We cannot create multiple centres of fraud under the guise of private sector participation. It’s already happening—security staff earn as little as N40,000 while appearing to work for the government. This bill could make that kind of abuse even worse,” Oshiomhole said.

    In his remarks, chairman of the Committee on Labour and Productivity, Diket Plang, reminded the Senate that a similar bill had previously been introduced to regulate domestic help employment.

    He informed his colleagues that the bill has undergone public hearing and awaiting third reading.

    “This job is already the statutory responsibility of the Federal Ministry of Labour,” Plang, who chairs the Senate Committee on Labour, said. “We can consolidate the two bills.”

    The Senate subsequently passed the Bill for second reading and referred it to the Senate Committee on Employment, Labour, and Productivity for further consideration.

  • Senate seeks Military base in Adamawa amid Boko Haram attacks

    Senate seeks Military base in Adamawa amid Boko Haram attacks

    The Senate on Wednesday urged the federal government to establish a military base in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State to check rising insecurity in the state.

    This resolution of the Senate was sequel to the consideration and adoption of a motion titled: “Resurgence of Boko Haram Activities in Hong and Gombi Local Government Areas, Adamawa and other North-East States” sponsored by Senator Aminu Abbas (PDP-Adamawa.

    Abbas, in his lead debate, highlighted the troubling spike in attacks by the extremist group.

    The Senate, while commending the efforts of security agencies, emphasised the need for additional military reinforcement.

    “We need a full-fledged military base in Hong to support existing personnel and repel further attacks,” Abbas said.

    Recent violent incidents across Adamawa lend urgency to the Senate’s plea. On February 25, 2025, Kwapre and Zah communities were attacked—houses torched, schools destroyed, and civilians injured.

    Barely two months later, on April 15, Banga and Lar were also hit, with five lives lost and churches and homes burned. On April 26, a fresh assault on Kwapre left 11 local vigilantes dead.

     The most recent attack on May 16 in Kulda claimed 16 lives, with over 90 percent of houses, including places of worship, razed.

    Read Also: Tinubu hails British-Nigerians Bright, Jackson on mayoral inauguration in London

    “Even Mayo Ladde in Gaya ward was not spared,” Abbas said.

    “Six were killed there. Gombi LGA has also come under fire; four people were killed on January 17, and a hunter was murdered on February 17.”

    In light of the recurring assaults, the Senate also directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide immediate relief to affected communities.

    Senator Abbas, in presenting the motion, expressed concern over how the renewed wave of violence is crippling local economies.

    “Thousands have been displaced. People can no longer farm or trade as they used to,” he said. “The resurgence is not limited to Adamawa alone. Borno and Yobe are also affected.”

    Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, commended the military for their past efforts, saying, “At one time, two-thirds of local governments in Borno and Yobe were under Boko Haram control. But due to political will and military resilience, the territories were recovered.”

    He warned, however, that the insurgency is making a dangerous comeback. “Just last week, one of our military bases was attacked and five soldiers were killed. They even carted away military equipment,” Monguno lamented.

    In a particularly emotional moment, he added, “Mr. President, Distinguished Senators, there was a time I could not visit my hometown even in the wildest of my dreams. Today, I sleep there with both eyes closed—but this peace is under threat again.”

    He also revealed disturbing new developments: “Just two days ago, Boko Haram attacked Kukawa and Baga in my constituency. In one community, they killed 23 people; in another, 30. It was reportedly due to a rivalry between factions, with one accusing locals of paying allegiance to a rival group.”

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his closing remarks, stressed the need for constant alertness. “There must be continual vigilance because, as you said, whenever the military appears to relax, these groups strike again,” he warned.

    He added, “Our borders remain porous. Many of these attackers are not even Nigerians. They retreat, regroup, and cross back in to wreak havoc. We must remain prepared.”

  • Senate summons NAFDAC over use of harmful chemicals to ripen fruits by traders in Nigeria

    Senate summons NAFDAC over use of harmful chemicals to ripen fruits by traders in Nigeria

    The Senate on Wednesday summoned the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) over the increasing use of harmful chemicals by fruit sellers to artificially induce the ripening of fruits across the country.

    The resolution of the Senate followed its consideration and approval of a motion titled: “Urgent need to investigate and halt the continuous unwholesome practice of chemical ripening of fruits in Nigeria”, sponsored by Senator Anthony Ani (APC – Ebonyi South).

    Senator Ani, in his lead debate, described ripening of fruits as a natural physiological process that enhances sweetness, taste, nutrition, and shelf life.

    He, however, lamented that “what we are seeing today is a dangerous shift towards the use of harmful chemicals in a bid to make fruits look more attractive and ripen faster.”

    He explained that while some fruit sellers use relatively safe substances like ethylene and methyl jasmonate, many others rely on cheaper, hazardous alternatives such as calcium carbide, ethylene glycol, and ethephon.

    These substances, he noted, contain impurities including arsenic and lead.

    Read Also: Senate moves to create Asset Recovery Agency

    “Experts and regulatory agencies have warned that these chemicals can cause serious health problems such as cancer, kidney and liver failure, neurological disorders, and even death,” Ani said.

    The Senator expressed sadness that the practice is on the rise in Nigeria.

    He said that “Many of the fruit sellers are unaware of the health hazards. They are driven by profit, and consumers are unknowingly buying poison simply because the fruits look good on the outside.”

    He added that some of the chemicals have been banned in many countries, but continue to be used indiscriminately in Nigeria.

    “There is an urgent need to protect public health by ensuring that our fruit markets are not turned into toxic zones. People should not suffer health complications from simply trying to eat healthy,” he said.

    The Senate adopted the motion and called on NAFDAC, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate the practice of chemical ripening of fruits in Nigeria.

    The Red Chamber also urged NAFDAC, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), and relevant ministries to intensify public sensitisation and education on the hazardous effects of consuming artificially ripened fruits.

    The Senate further urged the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service and the Nigerian Customs Service to ensure that imported fruits, especially apples, are not preserved with harmful substances before reaching Nigerian markets.

    In addition, the lawmakers asked NAFDAC and FCCPC to carry out regular visits to fruit markets across the country to inspect and curb the use of dangerous chemicals in fruit ripening.

    To strengthen regulatory enforcement, the Senate directed its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights Legal Matters, to begin the process of amending relevant laws to recommend stiffer penalties for perpetrators of such acts.

    Finally, the Senate mandated its Committees on Health and Agriculture to summon NAFDAC to brief the Senate on what it has done so far to stop the practice and what measures it intends to implement to ensure it does not continue.

  • Senate moves to create Asset Recovery Agency

    Senate moves to create Asset Recovery Agency

    The Senate on Tuesday passed for second reading a bill which seeks to amend the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022, with a proposal to establish a new centralized agency to manage assets and properties recovered from unlawful activities.

    The bill titled: “Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Bill, 2025” was sponsored by Senator Idiat Oluranti Adebule (APC – Lagos West).

    According to Adebule in her lead debate during plenary, the bill aims to improve accountability, transparency, and efficiency in handling recovered assets by removing asset management duties from the 18 agencies currently tasked with prosecution and property management under the extant law.

    She described the amendment as a necessary step to address overlapping functions and inefficiencies embedded in the current law.

    She a erred that the existing framework, which assigns investigative, prosecutorial, and management responsibilities to agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and Nigeria Customs Service, has led to poor coordination, transparency issues, and weak oversight.

    Adebule said: “The current arrangement deprives the country of the full benefits of recovered assets, as the relevant organizations operate independently and without a standardized mode of engagement.”

    Read Also: Local Vehicle Procurement Bill: Roxettes Motors CEO hails Tinubu, Senate

    She explained that under the 2022 Act, each of the 18 designated agencies established their own Proceeds of Crime Directorates, resulting in duplication of roles, lack of synergy, and inadequate safeguards for recovered properties.

    According to her, the proposed amendment seeks to, “Establish a single, independent agency responsible solely for the management, administration, and disposal of recovered assets;

    “Introduce clear policies and uniform guidelines for handling forfeited properties.

    “Create an automated forfeited assets management system and central database to track all seized and recovered assets.

    “Ensure that investigating and prosecuting agencies focus exclusively on tracing and recovery, while asset management is handled by a separate institution.”

    Senator Adebule noted that similar models already exist in other countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and South Africa, where the responsibilities of prosecution and asset management are distinct and streamlined.

    “This proposed structure will reduce abuse and opacity in the management of recovered assets, which has been a major source of public concern.

    “It will also ensure that forfeited assets are transparently accounted for and used to advance national development,” she said.

    Adebule added that the bill supports collaboration between the new agency and the existing 18 agencies, while removing direct asset management from their portfolio.

    She urged her colleagues to support the speedy passage of the bill, noting that it would strengthen Nigeria’s anti-corruption infrastructure and enhance the credibility of asset recovery efforts.

    The bill was supported by lawmakers except for Sani Musa and Emmanuel Udende who gave dissenting voices.

    Musa expressed partial support, stressing the need for strengthening the already existing agencies, rather than the creation of new ones. Udende, on the other hand, outrightly opposed the bill.

    Udende argued that existing agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are already empowered to manage recovered assets and warned against the proliferation of government bodies.

    However, Senator Isah Jibrin moved in and explained that the essence of the bill was to block leakages in the existing agencies.

    He said, “There are leakages by agencies that recover these assets, and we need to block them through an independent agency”.

    The bill was read for the first time on February 14, 2024, and has now passed the second reading stage.

    Afterward, the bill was referred to the Senate committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters for further legislative work and to present report to plenary in four weeks.