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Tag: SENATE

  • Senate Moves to Increase FG Revenue Share, Cites Security Burden

    Senate Moves to Increase FG Revenue Share, Cites Security Burden

    The Senate has commenced legislative action to amend the 1999 Constitution in a bid to increase the Federal Government’s share of national revenue, arguing that the current allocation formula is no longer capable of sustaining the country’s mounting national obligations.

    At present, the Federal Government receives 52.68 per cent of the nation’s revenue, while the 36 states get 26.72 per cent and the 774 local government councils receive 20.60 per cent.

    The proposed amendment is contained in a bill sponsored by Sunday Karimi, which passed first reading during plenary on Tuesday.

    Addressing journalists after the session, Karimi said the existing revenue sharing arrangement has become grossly inadequate for the Federal Government, especially in the face of deepening infrastructure collapse and worsening security challenges nationwide.

    He maintained that the formula, which has remained largely unchanged for years, no longer reflects current realities and places disproportionate financial pressure on the Federal Government.

    “The revenue allocation formula is outdated and unsustainable. It fails to provide the Federal Government with sufficient resources to meet its constitutional responsibilities,” Karimi said.

    He pointed to the deplorable state of federal roads across the country, noting that the burden of construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance continues to rest squarely on the Federal Government despite dwindling funds.

    Karimi also highlighted the escalating cost of internal security, stressing that massive resources are being channelled into combating banditry, terrorism, and other violent crimes threatening national stability.

    According to him, persistent funding gaps have weakened the capacity of the military and other security agencies to effectively prosecute the war against terrorism.

    “The Federal Government is stretched thin. The responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, maintaining critical infrastructure, and preserving national unity cannot be met under the current revenue framework,” he said.

    The senator argued that increasing the Federal Government’s share of national revenue would provide the financial leverage needed to reinforce security operations, repair critical infrastructure, and stabilise governance at the centre.

    The move is expected to reignite intense debate within the Senate of Nigeria, as well as among state governments and local councils, many of which have consistently opposed any reduction in their revenue shares.

    If passed, the proposed constitutional amendment would represent a major shift in Nigeria’s fiscal structure and could significantly redefine the balance of financial power among the three tiers of government.

  • Senate Seeks Mandatory Anti-Venoms in Hospitals After Singer’s Death

    Senate Seeks Mandatory Anti-Venoms in Hospitals After Singer’s Death

    The Nigerian Senate has urged the Federal Government to mandate the availability of snake anti-venoms and other critical antidotes in hospitals across the country following the death of Abuja-based singer, Ifunanya Nwangene, popularly known as Nanyah.

    Nwangene reportedly died after she was bitten by a snake at her residence, a development lawmakers described as a reflection of serious gaps in emergency healthcare delivery.

    During plenary on Tuesday, the Senate called on the Federal Ministry of Health to formulate and enforce national guidelines stipulating minimum stock levels of anti-venoms, antidotes, and emergency medicines in both public and private hospitals.

    The upper chamber also resolved that private hospitals that fail to maintain these essential medicines should not be granted operating licences, stressing that emergency care must meet minimum safety standards nationwide.

    In addition, lawmakers urged the Federal Government to ensure adequate funding and sustained supply of anti-venoms in public health facilities to prevent avoidable deaths arising from snake bites, poisonings, scorpion stings, and drug overdoses.

    The resolutions followed a motion sponsored by Senator Idiat Oluranti Adebule (APC, Lagos West), who noted that Nigeria continues to record increasing cases of envenomation and poisoning requiring urgent medical attention.

    She warned that the absence of life-saving antidotes in hospitals often results in deaths that could otherwise be prevented with timely intervention.

    Contributing to the debate, senators observed that Nwangene’s death highlighted deficiencies in emergency preparedness, adding that prompt access to anti-venoms might have altered the outcome.

    The Senate further directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control to work with the Ministry of Health to oversee the procurement, quality control, storage, and nationwide distribution of safe and affordable anti-venoms, with priority given to high-risk areas.

    State governments were also urged to conduct immediate audits of hospitals within their jurisdictions to ensure compliance with approved standards for antidote stocking and emergency response.

    The Senate observed a minute of silence in honour of Nwangene, who died at the age of 26.

  • Senate Launches Probe as as Nigeria’s Rail Services Plummet

    Senate Launches Probe as as Nigeria’s Rail Services Plummet

    The Senate has launched an investigation into Nigeria’s railway contracts and project execution following a sharp decline in services across key routes.


    Lawmakers expressed alarm that major lines such as the Kano–Kaduna corridor now operate just one passenger trip per day, while cargo delays have nearly doubled.


    During plenary, senators cited persistent bandit attacks, poor maintenance, and aging infrastructure as major setbacks undermining the rail sector’s revival.


    Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed relevant committees to conduct a comprehensive review of all ongoing and completed rail projects, focusing on their design, funding, execution, and maintenance records.


    The probe, lawmakers said, seeks to determine why Nigeria’s railway system, once seen as the backbone of national transport, is now struggling to meet basic operational standards.

  • Senate applauds labour unions for accepting N70,000 minimum wage

    Senate applauds labour unions for accepting N70,000 minimum wage

    Diket Plang, chairman of the Senate Committee on Labour and Productivity (APC/Plateau Central), has praised the organized labour unions for agreeing to the federal government’s proposed minimum wage of N70,000.

    In a statement to journalists in Jos on Sunday, Plang commended the unions for their patriotism and their constructive approach throughout the negotiation process.

    He noted the unions’ commitment to a peaceful resolution during discussions and the eventual agreement.

    Plang also highlighted his personal involvement in extensive discussions with the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). He facilitated multiple meetings between the legislative branch and the trade unions to achieve a consensus on the matter.

    “I must thank them because they have a very patriotic approach to this issue. They were never violent at all.

    “Our relationship is like a family, where dependents and children ask the father for more resources.

    “The father, who loves the children, will look at them compassionately and explain his limitations.

    “The ability to agree on a particular amount was commendable and shows understanding within the family.

    “We must be careful to ensure that the federal, state, and local governments all pay the new minimum,” he said.

    Plang urged organised labour to meet the minimum wage requirements.

    “May we also bring policies that favour the private sector so they can thrive, be productive, and be in a position to meet the minimum wage for our workers,” he said. 

  • Makinde orders flag to fly half mast in honour of late lawmaker

    Makinde orders flag to fly half mast in honour of late lawmaker

     

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has described the demise of a House of Representatives member, Mr Olaide Akinremi, as shocking and a great loss to the state.

    The two-term All Progressives Congress, APC, lawmaker and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Science Research Institutes, died in an Abuja hospital after a brief illness

    Makinde mourned Akinremi in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr Dotun Oyelade.

    The governor, who prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased, ordered that flags be flown at half-mast across the state in honour of the late lawmaker.

  • Senate Calls for Conversion of Abandoned Shell Airstrip into Air Force Base

    Senate Calls for Conversion of Abandoned Shell Airstrip into Air Force Base

    In a bid to revitalize dormant infrastructure and bolster national security, the Nigerian Senate has endorsed a proposal to transform the disused Shell Airstrip in Oloibiri oil well, Bayelsa State, into a modern Air Force base. Sponsored by Senator Sunday Agadaga of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), representing Bayelsa State, the motion garnered widespread bipartisan support during its deliberation.

    Senator Agadaga highlighted the historical significance of the Shell Airstrip, which served as a crucial asset for oil exploration and personnel transportation following its construction in 1958. He expressed concern over its abandonment since the decline of Shell’s operations in the region, citing the detrimental impact on local livelihoods and environmental degradation.

    “The land itself appears to have been sentenced to perpetual condemnation as no agricultural activity, which is the economic mainstay of the local dwellers, can be carried out anymore due to the concretized topography of the soil,” remarked Senator Agadaga.

    Contributing to the discourse, Senator Isah Jibrin of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Kogi State raised apprehensions regarding the financial implications of the project. While refraining from outright opposition, he cautioned against overlooking the substantial costs involved.

    In contrast, Senator Adams Oshiomole of the APC representing Edo State underscored the strategic advantages of repurposing the airstrip into an Air Force base, particularly in enhancing security measures in the region.

    Echoing similar sentiments, Senator Maidoki Garuba of the PDP from Kebbi State emphasized the critical role of the conversion in fortifying national security and combating illicit activities such as oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

    Senator Victor Umeh of the Labour Party (LP), representing Anambra State, emphasized the importance of preserving historical landmarks like Oloibiri. He emphasized that the conversion would not only bolster security but also elevate Oloibiri to a national monument, commemorating its historical significance.

    In his concluding remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio stressed the imperative of preserving historical assets like the Oloibiri Shell Airstrip. He underscored the potential of converting it into an Air Force base to bolster security and emergency response capabilities, particularly given its proximity to the Gulf of Guinea.

    Akpabio expressed optimism that the government would prioritize the reconstruction of the airstrip into an Air Force base to address emerging challenges effectively.

  • Nigerian Peace Corps Establishment Bill Introduced, Passed First Reading in the Senate

    Nigerian Peace Corps Establishment Bill Introduced, Passed First Reading in the Senate

    The Nigerian Peace Corps Establishment Bill, earlier passed by the House of Representatives on 29th February 2024 and transmitted to the Senate for concurrence, was read on the floor of Senate and passed through first reading.

    With this development, a motion for concurrence to be sponsored by the Senate Leader, Sen. Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central) will come up shortly to enable the Senate to adopt the Bill in line with the extant rules of the National Assembly.

    The Peace Corps of Nigeria established over 25 years ago by the National Commandant, Dr Dickson Akoh, is incorporated in Nigeria under the Company and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) and accorded the Federal Government recognition through the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and granted license to operate in the Country as a Non-Governmental Organization by the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning.

    Aside the Peace Corps bill, the Senate also passed for first reading, Nigerian Hunters and Security Service Bill 2024, Legislative Houses (Powers & Privileges) Act (Amendment) Bill 2024 and National Talent Rehabilitation and Integration Agency (Establishment) Bill 2024.

    Others are the Agricultural Research Council Act (Amendment) Bill 2024 and Agricultural Harvest and Processing Zone (Establishment) bill 2024.

  • Senate Session Disrupted by Seating Spat in Renovated Chamber

    Senate Session Disrupted by Seating Spat in Renovated Chamber

    The much-anticipated return to the revamped Hallowed Chamber for the Senate’s plenary session was overshadowed by a bitter dispute over seating arrangements, resulting in a chaotic interruption of proceedings.

    Anticipation ran high as Senators gathered in the newly refurbished Hallowed Chamber for their first plenary session post-renovation. However, the mood soured quickly when Senate President Godswill Akpabio began acknowledging Senators who celebrated birthdays during the recess.

    Senator Sahabi Alhaji Ya’u of APC Zamfara North wasted no time in expressing his discontent with his allocated seat, confronting Senate Leader Senator Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele of APC Ekiti Central.

    What began as a private grievance escalated rapidly into a public confrontation, inciting reactions from fellow Senators and plunging the chamber into disarray.

    Senator Ya’u vehemently argued that his seat, positioned at the far right of the chamber, failed to reflect his seniority as a former Deputy Minority Whip during the 9th National Assembly.

    Senator Danjuma Goje of APC Gombe Central echoed similar sentiments, lamenting the perceived disregard for hierarchy in the seating arrangement.

    In an attempt to restore order, Senate President Akpabio intervened, urging Senator Bamidele and the aggrieved Senators to address the issue with the presiding officer.

    Following this intervention, Akpabio proceeded with his welcome address, albeit after a delay caused by the altercation.

    Subsequently, Senator Bamidele called for an emergency executive session, presumably to diffuse tensions and salvage the disrupted proceedings.

    As Senators work to resolve internal conflicts, the nation’s legislative agenda hangs in the balance, awaiting their undivided attention.

  • Senate and House of Representatives Gear Up for Return to Main Chambers

    Senate and House of Representatives Gear Up for Return to Main Chambers

    With the conclusion of the ongoing renovation in both chambers of the National Assembly, as promised last month by Visible Construction Company Nigeria Limited, handling the renovation work of both chambers of the National Assembly, plenaries will commence in the main chambers from April 23rd, 2024.

    Hon. Akin Rotimi Jr, Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, announced the planned movement to the main chamber in a written statement to 359 other members of the House of Representatives last week.

    The rescheduling of the resumption date, originally set for April 16th, to April 23rd, was necessitated by the need to resume plenary in the renovated and reconfigured main chamber, according to the House spokesman’s announcement dated April 4th.

    Similarly, the Clerk to the Senate, Barrister Chinedu Akabueze, postponed the resumption of Plenary from April 16th to April 23rd, citing the same reason.

    Tajudeen Olanipekun, the site engineer of Visible Construction, assured journalists covering the Senate last month that the main chambers would be ready for use by both the Senate and the House of Representatives in April.

    The completion of the renovation project, awarded at N30 billion by the Federal Capital Development Authority to Visible Construction Limited in March 2021, includes the rehabilitation of critical segments such as office buildings, the roof, cooling systems, and lifts in the complex.

    With the finishing touches and installation of state-of-the-art equipment and furniture, the Hallowed Chambers have undergone a significant transformation, signaling the imminent return of legislative activities to the main chambers after nearly two years of using temporary ones.

  • National Assembly Passes Long-Awaited Student Loan Bill

    National Assembly Passes Long-Awaited Student Loan Bill

    The National Assembly, encompassing the Senate and the House of Representatives, has finally passed the much-anticipated student loan bill into law.

    After undergoing rigorous scrutiny with first, second, and third readings in both parliamentary chambers, the bill officially attained legal status on Wednesday.

    The Senate’s approval came following a thorough examination of the committee’s report on tertiary institutions and TETFUND, as presented by Muntari Dandutse, the committee’s chairperson, during a plenary session.