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Tag: Senate

  • Airports: Senate okays Tinubu’s request to refund N25b to Kebbi, Nasarawa

    Airports: Senate okays Tinubu’s request to refund N25b to Kebbi, Nasarawa

    The Senate yesterday approved over N25 billion as promissory note refund to the Kebbi and Nasarawa states’ governments for the construction of Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport at Birnin-Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital, and the Lafia Cargo Airport in Nsarawa State.

    Of the amount, the Kebbi State government is to get a refund of N15,137,336,095.88 while its Nasarawa State counterpart is to be paid N9,542,651,786.11.

    Read Also: Senate okays refund of N25bn to Kebbi, Nasarawa

    The resolution of the Senate followed its consideration and adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts,  titled: “Promissory note programme for the refund to Kebbi State and Nasarawa State Government on the newly constructed airport projects executed on behalf of the Federal Government,” during plenary.

  • Senate strips CBN of powers to recommend appointees into NDIC Board to President

    Senate strips CBN of powers to recommend appointees into NDIC Board to President

    The Senate on Tuesday stripped the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) of powers to recommend candidates to the President for appointment as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer and board members of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).

    Under the new arrangement, the Red Chamber amended the NDIC Act and gave the President powers to directly appoint qualified persons into the board of the agency without input from the CBN.

    The new provision is contained in the NDIC Act amendment Bill which was read for the third time and passed by the red chamber on Tuesday during plenary.

    The resolution of the Senate followed its consideration and adoption of the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions that considered the Bill chaired by Senator Adetokunbo Abiru (APC – Lagos East).

    The Bill titled: “Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation Act No 33 of 2023,” was sponsored by Senator Adetokunbo Abiru (APC – Lagos East) and all members of the Senate Committee of on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions.

    Presenting the report, Abiru said the amendment Bill was meant to strengthen the capacity of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation’s capacity to safeguard depositors, ensure the stability of financial institutions, and promote trust in the banking system.

    He said the bill would also make the NDIC, more effective, safeguard its independence and autonomy and  bring it in line with current realities and best practices.

    He said the Bill consolidated the powers of the President to appoint the Chairman and members of the board of the NDIC while the Central Bank  of Nigeria (CBN) which hitherto recommended prospective appointees to the President would now concentrate on its supervisory roles in the banking sector.

    According to him, the NDIC board based on the new amendment to its Act, would focus on the examination of the banks.

    He noted that despite the fact that the NDIC Act 2023 made substantial improvements to the 2006 Act, its implementation had been contentious.

    He noted that the stakeholders had consistently engaged in series of appeals on the need for an amendment of the Act to address all the issues that have been raised concerning it.

    Abiru said, “The Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is thus a critical piece of legislation aimed at strengthening the Nigerian financial system.

    “The proposed amendments will enhance the NDIC’s capacity to safeguard depositors, ensure the stability of financial institutions, and promote trust in the banking system.

    “Given the rapidly evolving nature of the financial sector, this Bill represents a timely response to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

    Besides, Abiru said that the current Bill would lay to rest once and for all, the claims that the bill that was assented to by former President Muhammadu Buhari, was materially different from what was passed by the 9th National Assembly.

    “To further empower the corporation by guaranteeing its independence in performing its statutory functions in line with Section 1 (3) of the principal Act.

    “The principal (2023) Act curiously restricts the President’s power to appoint the Managing Director and Executive Directors and provides that they are to be to persons recommended by the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor.

    “The (2024) bill (now)  seeks to amend this provision to bring it in line with and in consonance with Mr. President’s power of appointment as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

    “The provisions of the Principal Act which makes the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance the Chairman of the Board is also being reviewed.

    “This is because the workload and busy schedule of that office is such that makes such appointment untenable.

    “The importance of the need for the Minister of Finance to constitute an Interim Management Committee for the Corporation within 30 days after the expiration or termination of the tenure of the Board is also introduced in the bill.

    “This is to forestall the recent situation where the Corporation faced challenges in its operations as a result of the absence of a board,”

    Abiru said.

    Abiru said  there was a general agreement among stakeholders of the importance of the NDIC as it was set up for the purpose of the protection of depositors and to guarantee the settlement of insured funds when a deposit-taking financial institution can no longer repay their deposits, thereby helping to maintain financial system stability.

    He said, “Considering the above therefore, the general consensus among stakeholders was that it is important that the legal framework is reviewed.

    “This is to make the Corporation more effective to discharge its functions, safeguard its independence and autonomy and to bring it in line with current realities and best practices.

    Read Also: Senate okays refund of N25bn to Kebbi, Nasarawa

    “This is particularly because the Corporation plays a vital role in safeguarding the interests of depositors and promoting confidence in the financial sector.

    “The evolving challenges in the global and domestic banking environments necessitate the amendment of the current law to keep pace with these developments and ensure the NDIC remains fit for purpose.”

    Abiru said over 30 written memoranda and numerous oral submissions were received. All the written memoranda and oral presentations at the hearing supported the bill.

    Senators approved that the Bill be read for third time and passed when the recommendation of the committee was put to voice vote by the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin who presided over plenary.

  • Senate okays refund of N25bn to Kebbi, Nasarawa

    Senate okays refund of N25bn to Kebbi, Nasarawa

    The Senate on Tuesday approved over N25billion as promissory note refund to the Kebbi and Nasarawa State Governments for construction works on the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin-Kebbi and the Lafia Cargo Airport, respectively.

    Of the amount, the Kebbi is to get a refund of N15,137,336,095.88 while Nasarawa is to be paid N9,542,651,786.11.

    The resolution of the Senate followed its consideration and adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts  titled: “Promissory note programme for the refund to Kebbi State and Nasarawa State Government on the newly constructed airport projects executed on behalf of the Federal Government” during plenary.

    The report was presented on behalf of the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Aliyu Wamakko by Senator Haruna Manu, the vice chairman of the panel.

    The committee stated in its observations and findings that the Kebbi and Nasarawa State Governments duly completed all the projects for which they are seeking for a refund.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Senate postpones screening of ministerial nominees

    It said that the airports were constructed in line with the contract specification and will stand the test of time.

    It revealed that series of inspection visits were carried out by the Federal Ministry of Aviation on the two Airports completed by the States and “ascertained that the quality of work done met the required standard.”

    It said that the State Governments have paid all the contractors that executed the projects.

    Senators approved the recommendations of the committee when they were put to voice vote by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin who presided over plenary.

  • BREAKING: Senate postpones screening of ministerial nominees

    BREAKING: Senate postpones screening of ministerial nominees

    The Senate has postponed the screening of seven ministerial nominees fixed for Tuesday.

    The Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, Senator Basheer Lado, disclosed this in a terse statement in Abuja around 12noon.

    Lado said the shift became necessary to allow all the seven ministerial nominees complete necessary documentations.

    He however did not say when the screening would not take place but The Nation learnt that the exercise may be shifted to Wednesday (tomorrow).

    The statement titled: “Postponement of ministerial screening” reads: “The scheduled screening of Ministerial Nominees has been postponed by the Senate.

    “This is to allow all nominees to conclude all aspects of documentation and pre-screening exercises.

    The screening has been rescheduled for Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at 12noon prompt. We appreciate your understanding and patience.”

    Read Also: Senate screens Bianca Ojukwu, Yilwatda, five other ministerial nominees on Tuesday

    The seven ministerial nominees transmitted to the Senate by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last Thursday include: Dr Nentawe Yilwatda (Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction); Muhammadu Dingyadi (Labour & Employment); Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu (State Foreign Affairs) and Dr Jumoke Oduwole (Industry, Trade and Investment).

    Others are: Idi Mukhtar Maiha (Livestock Development), Yusuf Ata (State, Housing and Urban Development), and Dr. Suwaiba Ahmad (State Education).

  • Senate passes South-South Devt Commission Bill

    Senate passes South-South Devt Commission Bill

    The Senate on Thursday passed the South-South Development Commission Bill.

    It also passed amendments to the North West Development Commission Act (NWDC), South East Development Commission(SEDC) Act and the South West Development Commission Act (SWDC) to make provisions for geopolitical representations. 

    The resolution of the Senate followed its consistent and adoption of the recommendations of its Committee on Special Duties, chaired by Senator Kaka Shehu in its report on the Bill titled: “A Bill for an Act to Establish South-South Development Commission charged with the responsibility to receive and manage funds from the Federation Account Allocation and other sources, donations, grants, aids for the integration, development, resolution of infrastructural deficit, militancy, communal crises as well as tackle ecological, environmental problems; and for related matters, 2024.”

    Read Also: Senate decries recurring flood disaster along River Niger channel, others

    The Bill was sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC – Cross River South).

    The Bill was co-sponsored by all Senators from the South South Region including

    Senators Godswill Akpabio, Sampson Ekong Akpan, Etim Aniekan Bassey, Sunday Benson Agadaga and Konbowei Friday Benson.

    Others are: Henry Seriake Dickson, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Eteng Jonah Williams, Ede Dafinone, Thomas Joel-Onowakpo, Munir Chinedu Nwoko,

    Neda Imasuen, Monday Okpebholo, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, Heacho Allwell Onyesoh, Ipalibo Harry Banigo and Barinada Barry Mpigi.

  • Senate decries recurring flood disaster along River Niger channel, others

    Senate decries recurring flood disaster along River Niger channel, others

    The Senate on Thursday decried recurring flood disasters in communities along the River Niger channel mandated its Committee on Environment to conduct an urgent assessment of the affected flooded areas, especially in Delta North Senatorial District and report back with recommendations for a permanent solution to recurring flood disasters that have long hindered the development and welfare of the areas.

    The Red Chamber also urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to immediately provide emergency relief to the affected communities, including food, clean water, medical supplies, and temporary shelter, to address the urgent needs of displaced residents.

    It called on the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development to expedite the establishment of fully equipped IDP camps in the flood-hit areas, ensuring displaced persons are provided with safe and secure accommodations.

    It further urged the Federal Ministry of Works to consider the dredging and channeling of the River Niger to provide a lasting solution to the perennial flooding in the area and other parts of the country.

    The resolutions of the Senate were sequel to its consideration and adoption of a motion titled: “Urgent call for emergency provisions for victims of flooding in Delta North communities,”sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (PDP – Delta North).

    Nwoko, in his lead debate said: “The Senate: Notes that several communities in Oshimili-South, Ndokwa West and Ndokwa East Local Government Areas of Delta North Senatorial District have been severely affected by recent flooding, leaving residents displaced from their homes and in dire need of emergency support;

    Read Also: Imminent flash flood looms, Lagos warns residents

    “Also notes that the affected communities, including Oko-Amakom, Oko-Obiokpu, Oko-Anala, Oko-Ogbele, Oko-Odifulu, Aika-Ezeolu, Abala-Oshimili, Utchi, Okpai, Aboh, Okpokrika-Ogbesu, Abala-Obodo Umuoru, Abala-Uno, Adiai-Obiaka, Benekuku, Utuoku, Onyah, Ase, and Ibedeni, have been completely submerged as the River Niger and its adjoining creeks overflow their banks; Alarmed that this perennial flooding, driven by the incessant rise in water levels, has worsened in recent days, overwhelming homes, schools, and farmlands;

    “Also alarmed that farmers are being forced to harvest crops prematurely, resulting in substantial losses, while livestock has also been swept away by the rising waters;

    “Worried that the education of young children has come to a halt as many schools are inaccessible, and healthcare services are struggling to function due to the devastating impact of the flood;

    “Equally worried that many residents have fled their homes, seeking refuge in temporary shelters and elevated areas, including primary schools, while others are forced to sleep outdoors or on platforms, awaiting the opening of official internally displaced persons (IDP) camps;

    “Concerned that the flooding has also cut off major roads, leaving entire communities isolated and worsening the already desperate conditions and if urgent emergency intervention is not provided, the suffering of these communities will intensify, potentially leading to even greater and more tragic losses.”

    Senators Adams Oshiomhole, Seriake Dickson and others in their contributions supported the motion.

  • Senate: summit to tackle 20m out-of-school pupils

    Senate: summit to tackle 20m out-of-school pupils

    Senate yesterday proposed a national summit on education to tackle 20 million out-of-school-children.

    It said the summit would give stakeholder a platform to find solutions to the troubling issue.

    The number of children not in school is “over 20 million”, the Senate said.

    United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) puts the estimate at 18.3 million.

    According to the agency’s Chief of Field Office in Bauchi State, Dr. Tushar Rane, 10.2 million of the children are of primary school age, while 8.1 million are of junior secondary school.

    Deliberations on the matter during plenary followed Senate’s consideration of the report of its Committee on Education (Basic and Secondary), chaired by Usman Adamu (APC – Kaduna-Central), on “Need to Tackle the Menace of Out-of-School Children in Nigeria.”

    Read Also: Nigerians spend N10,239 monthly on cooking gas, says NBS

    Many senators decried the high number and suggested measures, including a jail term of six months for parents who keep their children out of school, and funding of the local government system.

    Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said there was a link between insecurity and the out-of-school syndrome.

    He said the situation was a “time bomb,” with dire consequences like worsening banditry and other crimes.

    “Twenty million children out of school is a time bomb. If we can solve the problem of out-of-school children, we can solve banditry.

    “The over 20 million children that are out of school, those are potential bandits, a major danger.

  • Senate dismisses petition by sacked Naval Officer

    Senate dismisses petition by sacked Naval Officer

    The Senate on Wednesday dismissed a petition by a sacked Naval Officer seeking reinstatement for lack of merit.

    The resolution of the Senate followed its consideration and adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions that investigated the  matter.

    Mr. Ewato Flaubert Oluwadolapo petitioned the Senate over alleged wrongful dismissal from the services of the Nigerian Navy in 2022 allegedly without fair hearing and non-payment of his salaries and allowances by the Nigerian Navy.

    Oluwadolapo urged the Senate to look into the matter and direct the Nigerian Navy to reinstate him and pay all his outstanding salaries and allowances.

    The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Neda Imasuen (LP – Edo South) in his report, observed that: “Mr. Ewato Flaubert Oluwadolapo was an officer of the Nigerian Navy from January, 2013 until the date his dismissal was confirmed by the Chief of Naval Staff i.e., on 16th June, 2022;

    “That the officer who was serving in the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Lugard Banda, Lokoja, Kogi State, committed several infractions ranging from Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL) for over a year; abandonment of duty post; and mounting of illegal roadblock along the Lokoja-Abuja Road;

    Read Also: Senate summons Marwa over drug-peddling allegation against Kwara senator

    “That the officer was demoted from the rank of a Seaman to Ordinary Seaman after being found guilty on summary trial for being on AWOL from 1st June, 2020 to 27th June, 2021 (1 year and 27 days);

    “That there was a handwritten evidence by the officer (petitioner, allegedly) pleading guilty of abandoning his duty on 26th August, 2021 and mounting an illegal roadblock in a nearby village along the Lokoja – Abuja Road in order to (allegedly) extort money from motorists; confessing that it was because he had financial challenges.

    “That the dismissal of Mr. Ewato Flaubert Oluwadolapo was not based on the AWOL he went for over a year, but as a result of the illegal roadblock he mounted which he was summarily tried and found culpable.”

    The Committee’s recommendation the Senate should dismiss the petition for lacking in merit was approved by the Senate when it was put to voice vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

  • Group absolves Ekpo of alleged anti-party activities

    Group absolves Ekpo of alleged anti-party activities

    A socio- political group, Niger Delta Crusaders for Good Governance in Nigeria (NDCGGN), has described the recent media attacks on Minister for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo as the handwork of political jobbers and detractors who are seeking undue political attention. 

    This position was contained in a statement by the National Coordinator of the group, Mene Isaac on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. 

    The group in the statement further described the media attacks as attempt aiming at smearing the cordial relationship existing between the Federal Minister and the President of the Senate, Senator Godswil Akpabio and also aiming at bringing the good reputation and the lofty achievement of the Federal Minister to disrepute. 

    The statement reads in part: “We have observed with keen interest the recent development in the media space especially from some sponsored local tabloids based in Akwa Ibom State where the Senate President is quoted as expressing “untrust” with the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas) Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo. 

    “The report also accused the Minister of alleged involvement in anti-party activities because of his alleged 2031 governorship ambition and also accused him of awarding contracts to members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State.  

    “Normally, we would not have given such pieces of fake news any reply but for the sake of the public who deserves to know the truth, we will like to set the records straight for posterity. 

    “These allegations are untrue, false, baseless and unfounded as there’s never a time the Senate President met with Stakeholders of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District to express doubt about  the minister’s loyalty to the party.”

    They asserted that no such meeting or expression of doubt occurred and characterized these allegations as false and unfounded.

    “It is inaccurate and misleading to suggest that a prominent leader like Akpabio would accuse a minister without substantial evidence or context,” the group explained.

    The group stated that the Minister and the Senate President are in a good relationship and are working together for the development of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria in general and warned those behind the attacks to desist from their evil antics of trying to sow seed of discord between the two distinguished leaders of Akwa Ibom. 

    They however threatened to expose those behind the media attacks if they don’t desist. 

    It said: “We wish to also state  that as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, his office is always open for every Nigerian who wish to transact any business with the government. Let it also be clear that the Minister never awarded any contract to Hensek or anyone in PDP. 

    “The Minister has never been involved in any anti-party activity whether in the state or anywhere. 

    Read Also: Ekpo woos Canadian investors to Nigeria’s gas sector

    “However, as a man of peace and for the sake of the development of Akwa Ibom State, the Minister appreciates the cordial relationship existing between the Senate President , Senator Godswil Akpabio, his office and the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno despite their party differences.  

    “So, accusing the Minister of kickstarting campaigns for 2031governorship ambition is not only laughable but balderdash and pure lies,” the statement opined. 

    The group challenged anyone that Ekperikpe Ekpo has consulted or informed about any governorship ambition in 2031 as alleged to speak out, adding that the intention of Ekperikpe Ekpo’s detractors is to create disaffection between the minister and his boss, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

    The group while extolling the stellar performance of the minister, called for constructive criticism and support from all Nigerians for a successful gas revolution in the country.

  • Senate passes Bill on Food Reserve Agency for second reading

    Senate passes Bill on Food Reserve Agency for second reading

    The  Senate on Tuesday passed for second reading a bill which seeks to establish a National Food Reserve Agency in the country.

    The bill, which was sponsored by Senator Saliu Mustapha (APC – Kwara Central), seeks to further develop the agricultural sector by ensuring national food security and income through marketing and storage services, as well as addressing emergency food crisis.

    Mustapha in his lead debate said  the proposed food reserve agency would  fill the existing gap in agricultural development, coordination of programmes and projects in the nation with the collaboration of national and international agencies.

    According to him, establishing an agency for the purpose of food reserve is essential to enhance food and nutrition security.

    According to him: “A strategic grain reserve will stabilize staple food prices for the benefits of both consumers and farmers.

    “The National Food Reserve Agency when established, would facilitate and provide guidelines for the establishment and maintenance of buffer stock that will ensure price stabilization and food security.

    Read Also: Senate summons Marwa over NDLEA’s allegation against Ashiru

    “The proposed Food Reserve Agency will be responsible for storing food grains and other commodities for strategic purposes.

    “The present hardship faced in relation to soaring prices of food commodities can be mitigated with the existence of this Agency which could have ensured price stabilization and ensure availability of food produce with maintenance of buffer stock,” he said.

    He added that the objectives of the Bill are: “To implement the overall National Food Reserve Policy to ensure a reliable supply of designated commodities and meet local shortfalls in supply of designated commodities in the country.

    “Reduce post-harvest losses by construction and management of silos, warehouses and other suitable storage facilities to be installed at such places and ensure the maintenance, availability and functionality of all plants, equipment and ancillary facilities within the country.

    “Facilitate and provide guidelines for the establishment and maintenance of buffer stock by all States of the Federation amongst others.”

    “This Bill when passed into law,  will fulfill the nation’s aspiration of feeding itself and attaining national food security,” he added.

    The Senate after passing the bill for second reading , referred it to the Committee on Agriculture for further legislative work and to report back in four weeks.