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 10:56am.
VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS
Senator Danladi Abdullahi Sankara moved for the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings of Wednesday, 16th February, 2022.
Senator Sandy Onuh seconded.
POINT OF ORDER
1. Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah cited Order 41 to seek the leave of the Senate to move a motion on the disturbing security challenges in Zuru and Yauri Emirates which constitute Kebbi South Senatorial seat the next legislative day.
2. Senator Gershom Bassey cited Order 41 and 51 to seek the leave of the Senate to move a motion on the prolong increase in airfare and the implication for Nigerian roads.
Senator George Sekibo seconded, said: “The prices of airfare has gone so high despite their failure in performing very well. We have to do something so that Nigerians who travel by air can commute and do their businesses.”
“The reasons given for this price increase is not tenable. I understand there are now 30 new licenses being processed for new airlines into the country. Apart from the bad roads, I think the biggest factor that drives people to airline is insecurity. We are seeing state owned airlines like Ibom Air bringing in brand new aircraft. This administration has actually removed duties on aircraft. For airlines to say their profits are being affected, I think we need to look at it and because you are forced to fly there is nothing you can do than continue to pay. – Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia
“We should look at the efforts being made by the federal government to reconstruct and rehabilitate the roads in the country. We also have to understand the efforts by the Federal Ministry of Works to generate funds to rehabilitate the bad roads we have. I think we are spending huge amount of money in rehabilitating our roads in the country. On the issue of rise of airfare, we have to consider the fact that the exchange rate have gone up and 90% of aviation is funded by foreign exchange so obviously if you buy exchange rate at black market, definitely you have to recover the cost and that is why the airfares have gone up. We also have to ensure that the N850 billion meant for FERMA being held by federal government should be released. We should exercise our influence to ensure that the money is realized to complement what Federal Ministry of Works is doing to rehabilitate roads in the country. – Senator Adamu Aliero
Senate resolved to:
i. As a matter of urgency, declare a state of emergency on the nation’s roads in Nigeria;
ii. Adhere to the recommendations of the Ad-Hoc Committee chaired by the Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi on the disbursement of the 5 percent accrued funds to FERMA
PRESENTATION OF BILLS FOR FIRST READING
1. Federal Medical Centre Billiri, Gombe State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 677) by Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi
Federal Medical Centre Billiri, Gombe State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 677) was read the First Time.
2. Federal College of Agriculture Okeoyi, Kwara State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 916) by Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe
Federal College of Agriculture Okeoyi, Kwara State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 916) was read the First Time.
3. Cassava Flour (Mandatory Inclusion in Flour Production) Bill, 2022 (SB. 923) by Senator Abdullahi Adamu
Cassava Flour (Mandatory Inclusion in Flour Production) Bill, 2022 (SB. 923) was read the First Time.
4. Federal University of Education Okene, Kogi State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 933) by Senator Yakubu Oseni
Federal University of Education Okene, Kogi State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 933) was read the First Time.
5. National Commission for Colleges of Education Act No. 3 1989 (Repeal & Re-enactment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 934) by Senator Babba Kaita Ahmad
National Commission for Colleges of Education Act No. 3 1989 (Repeal & Re-enactment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 934) was read the First Time.
CONSIDERATION OF BILLS FOR SECOND READING
1. A Bill for an Act to Establish the National Innovation Agency for the facilitation of development, improvements, promotion, coordination, exploitation, commercialization and regulation of research outputs, discoveries, innovations and inventions; to entrench research and innovation in our economic system and for related matters, 2022 (SB. 898) by Senator Uche Ekwunife
The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Science and Technology to report back within four weeks.
2. A Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal Institute of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies Kotonkarfe, Kogi State and for other related matters, 2022 (SB. 901) by Senator Smart Adeyemi
Senator Smart Adeyemi, in his lead debate, said the passage of the Bill will bring up a new generation of Nigerians who embraces a profession that has since been neglected.
“This Bill is apt; it will add value to our economy and give employment to our people. –Senator Isah Jibrin
The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND and Agriculture with Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND as lead committee.
PRESENTATION AND CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS
1. Report of the Committee on Downstream Petroleum Sector
Confirmation of Appointment of Executive Directors of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority by Senator Sabo Mohammed
Senator Sabo Mohammed moved that the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on Downstream Petroleum Sector on the confirmation of appointment of Executive Directors of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
i. Francis Alabo Ogaree – Executive Director, Hydrocarbon Processing Plants, Installations and Transportation Infrastructure
ii. Dr. Mustapha Lamorde – Executive Director, Health, Safety, Environment and Community
iii. Mansur Kuliya – Executive Director, Midstream and Downstream Gas lnfrastructure
iv. Bashir Saqiq – Executive Director, Corporate Services and Administration
v. Dr. Zainab Gobir – Executive Director, Economic Regulations and Strategic Planning
Senator Oluremi Tinubu seconded.
Senator Sabo mohammed laid and presented the report.
Senate resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider the report.
Setae reverted to Plenary to report progress.
The nomination of Fancis Alabo Ogaree as Executive Director, Hydrocarbon Processing Plants, Installations and Transportation Infrastructure of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority was CONFIRMED!
The nomination of Dr. Mustapha Lamorde as Executive Director, Health, Safety, Environment and Community of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority was CONFIRMED!
The nomination of Mansur Kuliya as Executive Director, Midstream and Downstream Gas infrastructure of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority was CONFIRMED!
The nomination of Bashir Saqiq as Executive Director, Corporate Services and Administration of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority was CONFIRMED!
The nomination of Dr. Zainab Gobir as Executive Director, Economic Regulations and Strategic Planning of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority was CONFIRMED!
2. Report of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development
Nigerian Tea and Coffee Development Council (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 100) by Senator Abdullahi Adamu
Senator Abdullahi Adamu moved that the Senate do receive and consider the Report of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development on the Nigerian Tea and Coffee Development Council (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 100)
Senator Ibrahim Gobir seconded.
Senator Abdullahi Adamu laid and presented the report.
Senate resolved into Committee of the Whole to continue with consideration of the report.
Senate reverted to Plenary to report progress.
The Senate in Committee of the Whole and Plenary considered and approved Clause 1-30 as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Explanatory Memorandum as recommended, Schedule as recommended, Short and Long Titles as recommended.
Nigerian Tea and Coffee Development Council (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 100) was read the Third Time and PASSED!
ADJOURNMENT
Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi moved that Senate do stand down other items on the Order Paper till another legislative day.
Minority Leader seconded.
Plenary was adjourned to Wednesday, 23rd February, 2022.
Signed
New Media Unit
Office of the President of the Senate
Federal Republic of Nigeria
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