Welcome to a new Legislative Day in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege led the Principal Officers into the Chamber, took the official prayers and began the day’s proceedings at 10:50am.
VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS
Senator Mpigi Barinada moved for the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings of Wednesday, 26th January, 2021.
Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia seconded.
PRESENTATION OF BILLS FOR FIRST READING
1. Federal University of Agriculture Sabongida Lantang, Plateau State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 291) by Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi
Federal University of Agriculture Sabongida Lantang, Plateau State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 291) was read the First Time.
2. Federal University of Entrepreneur Onitsha (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 344) by Senator Stella Oduah
Federal University of Entrepreneur Onitsha (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 344) was read the First Time.
3. National Metallurgical Development Centre Act (Repeal) Bill, 2022 (SB. 863) by Senator Adetokunbo Abiru
National Metallurgical Development Centre Act (Repeal) Bill, 2022 (SB. 863) was read the First Time.
4. Companies and Allied Matters (CAC) Act 2020 (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 904) by Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe
Companies and Allied Matters (CAC) Act 2020 (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 904) was read the First Time.
5. Compulsory Inclusion of Nigerian History in the Curriculum of Secondary and Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria Bill, 2022 (SB. 905) by Senator Adeyemi Oriolowo
Compulsory Inclusion of Nigerian History in the Curriculum of Secondary and Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria Bill, 2022 (SB. 905) was read the First Time.
CONSIDERATION OF BILLS FOR SECOND READING
1. A Bill for an Act to provide for the establishment of the Federal University of Environmental Technology Saakperwa Tai Ogoni, Rivers State and for other matters connected therewith, 2022 (SB. 902) by Senator Barinada Mpigi
Senator Barinada Mpigi in his lead debate, said the University, when enacted into Law, will provide for a world class technological learning institution. The institution, according to him, is designed to stand tall in the dissemination of knowledge and issue degrees in environmental technology. Senator Barinada Mpigi stressed that the institution will bring in the restoration in conservation of the nation’s threatened environment. The establishment of the University will help in raising the global index of Nigeria in corporate and social responsibility, Senator Mpigi added.
Senator ID Gyang, while supporting the Bill said the specialized university will address one of the critical issues that have to do with the oil producing areas.
The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Tertiary Instituion and TETFUND to report back in two weeks.
2. A Bill for an Act to Regulate the mode of payment of rent on Residential Apartments, Office Spaces, etc in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and for other matters connected therewith, 2022 (SB. 893) by Senator Smart Adeyemi
Senator Smart Adeyemi in his lead debate said the Bill will make life stressful for the downtrodden in the Federal Capital Territory. In the FCT, landlords demand between one to three years advance rent. This automatically have a huge burden on the masses. Our economy has not fared better in supporting the advance payment. This tenancy system has continuously impoverish Nigerians. Many residents of FCT are finding it difficult to cope with huge rent payment therefore legislation must be made towards a better society. This Bill seeks to reduce advance payment for new tenants to three months, seeks to protect low income earners from any form of oppression, seeks to provide a window of legal action for any form of oppression and a safety net for landlords against any tenant. This Bill is targeted at making life meaningful for people who voted all of us as lawmakers.
“Let me state that I support this Bill, and I want to commend Senator Smart Adeyemi for bringing this Bill which will be one of the most people centered Bill. Many residents in the FCT are groaning under this difficult system where many people are expected to pay house rent in advance. I think we are doing the right thing if we look at the intendment of this Bill.” – Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi
“The issue of rental payment either in advance or monthly is economical and should be driven by market forces. I therefore oppose and oppose rigorously this Bill.” – Senator CHimaroke Nnamani
“I rise to totally support this Bill. We have to do something for the masses of this country. Most of the people are salary earners and some of them their three years income cannot pay the advance payment. Even in advance countries, rents are paid monthly, not in advance. I therefore support this Bill and urge my colleagues to support it.” – Senator Ibrahim Gobir
The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Housing to report back in four weeks.
3. A Bill for an Act to provide for the Establishment of the Solid Minerals Development Bank and for other related matters therein, 2022 (SB. 720) by Senator Yakubu Oseni
Senator Yakubu Oseni, in his lead debate said the Bill if passed into Law will improve the diversification of the economy and job creation.
Senator Smart Adeyemi, while supporting the Bill said “This is the time for us to diversify as a nation and take practical steps to enhance the development of solid minerals which is the most reliable means of galvanizing the economy. This is a Bill that is timely and all of us should encourage.”
“Let me commend and appreciate the mover of this Bill, Senator Yakubu Oseni for coming up with this Bill. Until when we do the right thing, there is no way we will develop the mining sector. There is no state in this Nigeria that doesn’t have huge deposit of mineral resources. The question is why are other nations getting it right and we are finding it very difficult? The answer is not far-fetched. It is truly because we have not funded this adequately. If we have a dedicated bank for mining, of course we will get it right.” – Senator Ibikunle Amosun
The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Solid Minerals to report back in Four Weeks.
4. A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Health Act No. 8 2014 to improve quality health care delivery through the inclusion and participation of the private sector and for other matters connected therewith, 2022 (SB. 603) by Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe.
The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Health to report back in Four Weeks.
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS
1. Report of the Committee on Aviation
Civil Aviation Act 2006 (Repeal & Re-enactment) Bill, 2022 (SB.195) by Senator Smart Adeyemi
Senator Smart Adeyemi moved that the Senate do consider the report of the Committee on Aviation on the Civil Aviation Act 2006 (Repeal & Re-enactment)) Bill, 2022 (SB. 195).
Senator Smart Adeyemi, while presenting the report said the Bill is seeking to empower the Civil Aviation to be able to look at aircraft before they take off. “This Bill is very important and very critical. It is equally empowering the Civil Aviation to establish a training school,” he added.
Senator Adeola Solomon Olamilekan seconded. Said: “I want to say this, from the submission of the last speaker that place emphasis on empowering the Civil Aviation Authority to inspect any aircraft that is landing or taking off in our country is a welcome development. For those who are frequent flyers all over the world, you would quite agree with me that the state of the aircrafts that are used in Nigeria are nothing to write home about.”
Senate resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider the report.
Senate reverted to Plenary to report progress.
The Senate in Committee of the Whole and Plenary considered and approved Clause 1-116 as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Schedules 1&2 as recommended, Short and Long Titles as recommended, Explanatory Memorandum as recommended.
Civil Aviation Act 2006 (Repeal & Re-enactment) Bill, 2022 (SB.195) was read the Third Time and PASSED!
2. A report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND
Senator Ahmad, Babba Kaita moved that the Senate do receive and consider the Report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND on:
i. School of Mines and Geological Studies Guyuk (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 267)
ii. Federal Universities of Technology Act Cap F23 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 702)
Senate resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider the report.
Senate reverted to Plenary to report progress.
i. School of Mines and Geological Studies Guyuk (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 267)
The Senate in Committee of the Whole and Plenary considered and approved Clause 1-31 as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Schedule as recommended, Short and Long Titles as recommended, Explanatory Memorandum as recommended.
ii. Federal Universities of Technology Act Cap F23 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 702)
The Senate in Committee of the Whole and Plenary considered and approved Clause 1-30 as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Schedules 1-3 as recommended, Short and Long Titles as recommended, Explanatory Memorandum as recommended.
School of Mines and Geological Studies Guyuk (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 267) was read the Third Time and PASSED!
Federal Universities of Technology Act Cap F23 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 702) was read the Third Time and PASSED!
ADJOURNMENT
Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi moved that Senate do adjourn till another legislative day.
Deputy Minority Leader, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha seconded.
Plenary was adjourned to Wednesday, 2nd February, 2022.
#GavelBangs
#TodayInSenatePlenary
Signed
New Media Unit
Office of the President of the Senate
Federal Republic of Nigeria
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
