PROCEEDINGS OF THE NIGERIAN SENATE OF WEDNESDAY, 29TH SEPTEMBER, 2021

Welcome to a new Legislative Day in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

Senate President Ahmad Lawan led the Principal Officers into the Chamber, took the official prayers and began the day’s proceedings at 11:08am.

VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS
Senator Ibrahim, Hassan Hadejia moved for the adoption of Votes and Proceedings for Tuesday, 28th September, 2021.

The motion was seconded by Senator Ajarigbe A. Jarigbe

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATION
Senate President Ahmad Lawan read a letter from President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, on:

Request for the Confirmation of Appointment of Engr. Faruq A. Ahmed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Board Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority as a replacement of Engr. Sarki Auwalu earlier forwarded.

POINT OF ORDER
1. Senator Uche Ekwunife cited Order 43 to inform the Senate on the gruesome murder of Dr. Chike Akunyili, who was the husband of the former Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Senate observed a minute silence in honour of the deceased.

2. Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah cited Order 42 and 52 to seek the Leave of the Senate to present a motion on the issue of streamlining the export and import of goods through the airport.

Senator Sabi Abdullahi seconded, said: “Over the past years the trend has been growing. Almost every agency that has one role or the other want to be prominently put on the value chain on the export of our business. There is a global standard and until we go back to what other countries are doing to be competitive we cannot get our export to be competitive. Most of the times when they export, they end up getting discounted price because it is not competitive and many instances there are sharp practices. I think it is good we are looking at this and we should take it serious.”

“This is very fundamental because our economy chain is not doing well. They are failing. This has affected the free fall of the naira now. The whole issue should be revolved on protection of services. What is happening now is that it is going to be difficult to import and produce locally.” – Senator Ibrahim, Abdullahi Gobir.

Senate resolved to:
Mandate the joint committee on Trade and Investment, Aviation, Customs and Agricultural Development to invite stakeholders and flight agents to come with an acceptable template of processing our imports and exports of goods through the airports.

PRESENTATION OF BILLS FOR FIRST READING
1. Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 817) by Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi

Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 817) was read the First Time.

2. Federal University of Education Aguleri, Anambra State (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1138) by Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi

Federal University of Education Aguleri, Anambra State (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1138) was read the First Time.

3. Act Authentication Act Cap A2 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 806) by Senator Lekan Mustapha

Act Authentication Act Cap A2 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 806) was read the First Time.

4. Federal Medical Centre Onitsha (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 814) by Senator Stella Oduah

Federal Medical Centre Onitsha (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 814) was read the First Time.

5. Legal Practitioners Act Cap L11 LFN 2004 (Repeal & Re-enactment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 815) by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele

Legal Practitioners Act Cap L11 LFN 2004 (Repeal & Re-enactment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 815) was read the First Time.

6. Nigerian Capital Development Fund (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 816) by Senator Isah Jibrin

Nigerian Capital Development Fund (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 816) was read the First Time.

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS
1. Confirmation of the Nomination of the following persons for Appointment as Commissioners in the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission by Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi

Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi moved that the Senate do consider the request of Mr President C-in-C on the confirmation of the nomination of the following persons for Appointment as Commissioners in the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission in accordance with the provision of Section 3(6) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000:

1. Dr Mrs Mojisola Yaya-Kolade – South-West – Ekiti State

2. Anne Otelafu Odey (Mrs.) – South-South – Cross River State

3. Alh. Goni Ali Gujba – North-East – Yobe State

4. Dr. Louis Solomon Mandama – North-East – Adamawa State

5. Senator Anthony O Agbo – South-East – Ebonyi State

Deputy Minority Leader, Senator Philip Aduda seconded.

The request of Mr. President C-in-C was referred to the Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes for further legislative processing to report back before two weeks.

2. Confirmation of the Nomination of Engr. Mohammed Sani Baba representing Bauchi State for Appointment as Federal Commissioner in the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission by Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi

Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi moved that the Senate do consider the request of Mr President C-in-C on the confirmation of the nomination of Engr. Mohammed Sani Baba representing Bauchi State for Appointment as Federal Commissioner in the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission in accordance with the provision of Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

Deputy Minority Leader, Senator Philip Aduda seconded.

The request of Mr. President C-in-C was referred to the Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs for further legislative action to report back within two weeks.

RE-COMMITAL MOTION
1. Re-Committal of some Clauses of the Federal University of Education Kontangora (Establishment) Bill, 2021 to the Committee of the Whole by Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi

Senate resolved to:
Rescind its decision on the affected Sections of the Bill as passed and re-commit same to the Committee of the Whole for re-consideration and passage.

The Senate resolved into the Committee of the Whole for reconsideration and passage.

Senate reverted to plenary to report progress.

The Senate in Plenary approved Clauses 10 (as amended), Clause 27 (as recommended), Clause 28 (as recommended) and Clause 29 (as amended).

The Bill was read the Third Time and PASSED!

PRESENTATION AND CONSIDERATION OF A REPORT
1. Report of the Committee on Health (Secondary & Tertiary)
Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 394) by Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe

Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe moved that the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on Health (Secondary & Tertiary) on the Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 394).

Senator Sadiq Umar seconded.

Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe laid the report.

In his presentation, Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe said that the Bill seeks to provide a legal backing to the Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine of Nigeria created as an agency under the Federal Ministry of Health.

Senate resolved into the Committee of the Whole to consider the report.

Senate in the Committee of the Whole considered Clauses 1-34 as recommended, Schedules as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Explanatory Memorandum as recommended, Short and Long Title as recommended.

Senate reverted to plenary to report progress.

The Senate in Plenary approved Clauses 1-34 as recommended, Schedule as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Explanatory Memorandum as recommended, Short and Long Title as recommended.

Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 394) was read the Third Time and PASSED!

CONSIDERATION OF BILLS FOR SECOND READING
1. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021 and for other related matters, 2021 (SB. 817) by Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi

Senator Ali Ndume seconded, said: “This is something that is welcoming and we should pass it to the appropriate committee.”

“I want to join Senator Ali Ndume in supporting this amendment as proposed by the Leader of the senate. I want to support that the amendment seeks to unify the country and in amendment for the one for North Central, Benue State should be considered. That is my appeal.” – Senator Gabriel Suswam

“While considering this second reading by the Leader, I am a little confused about exactly what it is sought to be amended. First, it says the membership is being increased from nine (9) to thirteen (3) to cater for the geo political zones. But on the second page, it says it made a provision for Seven Executive Directors subject to Senate Confirmation. Is the Act also amending that side to say they ought to be civil servant? If that is what is sought, I also think what we are doing is almost uncertain. We know how the civil service works, if the civil service is now to be inserted to this independent agency, then the problem that led us to amending this will still surface again.” – Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe

“My understanding is there are two Executive Commissioners and what the amendment is seeking is to introduce four (4) additional for the Commission and four (4) for the Authority. In the Act itself, there is provision for Executive Directors who are supposed to be civil servants. What this Bill is trying to cure is to leave out those people because their own is statutory. So it is not like they are going to be confirmed. Let me also take the opportunity to make some comments here. Yesterday we passed the Electricity Reform Bill. I want to take this opportunity to appeal to stakeholders in the electricity industry to participate in the public hearing so that when we pass the Bill nobody goes to sabotage it in anyway.” – Senate President Ahmad Lawan.

“The continuous adjustment is necessary. Now we are talking about imbalanced Geo-political reorganization. What is more important is to ensure we have capable professionals.” – Senator Sadiq Umar

“According to the Civil Service rule, Executive Directors are only part of the management and not Board Members. So we have to look at this Mr. President.” – Senator Kabir Barkiya

“Mine is to commend Mr. President for being able to discover the mistake and put forward this Bill to the National Assembly. It shows Mr. President is a leader and he is very much interested in equity.” – Senator Barau jibrin

The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committees on Petroleum Upstream, Petroleum Downstream and Gas with Committee on Downstream as the Lead Committee to report back within four weeks.

2. A Bill for an Act to provide for the Establishment of the Chartered Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering of Nigeria, to certify, regulate and determine the standards of knowledge and practice to be attained by persons seeking to become Chartered Electrical and Electronic Engineering Personnel and for related matters, 2021 (SB. 741) by Senator Sadiq Umar

Senator Hassan Ibrahim Hadejia seconded, said: “I support this Bill in its entirety and I urge my colleagues to also take a positive look at this Bill.”

The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Establishment and Public Service Matters to report back within four weeks.

3. A Bill for an Act to establish the Federal College of Agriculture, Shani Borno State to provide full-time courses of Agriculture teaching, instructions and training in the sciences, social sciences, commerce, arts, applied sciences, management and humanities; and carry out research, innovation, development and adaptation of teaching techniques, and for other related matters, Bill, 2021 (SB. 732) by Senator Ali Ndume.

Senator Abdullahi Adamu seconded, said: “I rise to lend my support on this Bill. The establishment of this College in Shani of Borno State is such that it is of great importance and urgency giving the devastation that has greeted that part of the country and considering the role that agriculture plays in the daily lives of our citizenry. The only observation I want to make in supporting this Bill, is the fact that there is something that is going to be peculiar in that college when it is established and that is Colleges of Agriculture in this country do not offer degree programs in agriculture, they offer Ordinary and National Diploma.”

The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND to report back within four weeks.

4. A Bill for an Act to provide for the enhancement of livelihood security of the households in rural areas of the country by providing at least one hundred days of guaranteed wage employment in every financial year to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto, 2021 (SB. 747) by Senator Sani Musa

Senator Smart Adeyemi seconded, said: “I rise to support this Bill. Today, unemployment is a serious problem in our country. This government invested so much in palliative measures but I think we must be honest with ourselves that good as that intention was, in many areas it was abused. The time has come for us to take the issue of unemployment as a serious issue that demands solution. The Bill is for us to have a formal agency for social security and one that will take care of unemployment. This Bill must go further to make it a holistic solution to the problem of unemployment of our people so that when they are benefiting, they can benefit directly and we must monitor it.”

“I thank Distinguished Senator Sani Musa for bringing u this Bill. It is all about poverty. Africa has gone through several assault – slavery, colonialism, military adventurism and now poverty. Poverty index in Nigeria is about 52%. Despite the so called economic growth in our country, it has not affected the index of poverty. What this Bill has addressed is that poverty cannot just disappear, government has to take a concerted effort to address poverty. Our country has to take concerted actions, actions that are permanent, that are holistic, and that addressed poverty. So I subscribe and support this Bill.” – Senator Chimaroke Nnamani

“This Bill touches the emotion, if not the conscience of every Nigerian who is in a position to have an assessment of the position of Nigeria particularly youth in terms of this poverty index and the need to salvage what we can’t salvage in the nick of time.” – Senator Abdullahi Adamu

“I think no administration has ever shown interest to the plight of poor people more than the present administration. I want to congratulate my colleague who brought up this matter for debate. It is obvious that palliatives have been abused by the operators or even the beneficiaries. I think the time has come when all these palliatives have to be coordinated. There should be an agency to make sure this is sanitized and these palliatives get to the right people. ” – Senator Ajayi Borrofice

The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Agricultural Development to report back within four weeks.

5. A Bill for an Act to Protect and Empower Small Holders Farmers through strengthening their capacity, and to protect them from land grabbing and other related matters, 2021 (SB. 685) by Senator Bima, Mohammad Enagi

Senator Isah Jibrin seconded, said: “This is a Bill that deserves support of everybody here. I want to support wholeheartedly the second reading of this bill and I want to urge the Federal Government to provide all forms of support to small scale farmers.”

The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development to report back within four weeks.

MOTIONS
1. Banditry in Sokoto State Particularly, Sokoto East Senatorial District by Senator Gobir, Ibrahim Abdullahi and eight other Senators.

Senator Kabir Gaya seconded, said: “We are really disturbed with insecurity situation in the country. There are so many towns having this problem day and night. The issue of security is a prime matter therefore we need to take a decision on this motion.”

“I want to remind you that during your campaign as the President of the Ninth Senate, security was one of the major key point of your campaign. Security has gone so bad in the country that we have to be very stringent in providing solutions. Across the whole Nigeria, security has become so bad that the situation is becoming uncontrollable. In addressing poverty, security is a major part of what the government should address. Now, bandits go to hotels, terrorizing inmates of the hotels, kidnapping and killing them. In the South Eastern part of the country, we can’t even move freely on the road. Same thing in the South West. Yesterday, somebody was kidnapped in Gudu, here in Abuja. We have to do something urgently about security. It is getting off hands. We must call a spade a spade. The President must address the nation on security.” – Senator Uche Ekwunife

“The unfortunate incident in Sokoto and generally North West and North Central is worrisome. This Senate has done everything to address insecurity. The Nigerian Army established a Centre in Katsina where they have an operational base but as we say, things are getting really out of hand. What we need to do is to provide our own ideas generated from the people we represent. What we are faced with now is the embarrassing humanitarian crisis that is coming along with it. In the prayers, we need to look at it and expand it holistically so that it can touch other areas especially the humanitarian crisis.” – Senator Ali Ndume

Senate resolved to:
i. Observe a minute silence in honour of the fallen heroes and Civilians who lost their lives in the unwholesome activities of the bandits;

ii. Urge the President and Commander in Chief to:
a. Declare the Bandits as Terrorists and wage total war against them, including bombing all their locations to annihilate and eliminate them;

b. Declare all the known leadership of the bandits wanted and track them whenever they are for arrest and prosecution; and

c. Direct NEMA and other relevant Government Agencies to as a matter of urgency give all the necessary support to the Victims of the menace of banditry in Sokoto and other parts of the country;

iii. Require the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development to address the current humanitarian crisis in that area.

“I think the issue of insecurity is one issue that we will never get tired of debating here and we must commend our Armed Forces and other security agencies. These people give their lives in trying to secure this country. I believe that they are doing their best…but we also need to do our best as a government in terms of giving them all the resources that they need.” – Senate President Ahmad Lawan

BILLS FOR CONCURRENCE
1. Federal Road Authority Bill, 2021 (HB. 362) by Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi

Federal Road Authority Bill, 2021 (HB. 362) was read the Second Time.

Senate resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider the report Clause by Clause.

Senate in the Committee of the Whole considered Clauses 1-29 as recommended, Schedules as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Explanatory Memorandum as recommended, Short and Long Title as recommended.

Senate reverted to plenary to report progress.

The Senate in Plenary approved Clauses 1-29 as recommended, Schedules as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Explanatory Memorandum as recommended, Short and Long Title as recommended.

Federal Road Authority Bill, 2021 (HB. 362) was read the Third Time and PASSED!

2. National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 351) by Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi

National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 351) was read the Second Time.
Senate resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider the report Clause by Clause.

Senate resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider the report.

Senate in the Committee of the Whole considered Clauses 1-10 as recommended, Schedule as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Explanatory Memorandum as recommended, Short and Long Title as recommended.

Senate reverted to plenary to report progress.

The Senate in Plenary approved Clauses 1-10 as recommended, Schedule as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Explanatory Memorandum as recommended, Short and Long Title as recommended.

National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 351) was read the Third Time and PASSED.

3. FCT Area Courts Bill, 2021 (HB. 67) by Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi

The Bill was stood down for further legislative action.

4. Federal College of Education Birniwa, Jigawa State (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 383) by Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi

Federal College of Education Birniwa, Jigawa State (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 383) was read the Second Time.

Senate resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider the report Clause by Clause.

Senate in the Committee of the Whole considered Clauses 1-21 as recommended, Schedule as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Explanatory Memorandum as recommended, Short and Long Title as recommended.

Senate reverted to plenary to report progress.

The Senate in Plenary approved Clauses 1-21 as recommended, Schedule as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Explanatory Memorandum as recommended, Short and Long Title as recommended.

Federal College of Education Birniwa, Jigawa State (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 383) was read the Third Time and PASSED!

5. Federal University of Education Aguleri, Anambra State (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1138) by Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi

Federal University of Education Aguleri, Anambra State (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1138) was read the Second Time.

Senate resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider the report Clause by Clause.

Senate in the Committee of the Whole considered Clauses 1-26 as recommended, Schedules 1, 2 & 3 as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Explanatory Memorandum as recommended, Short and Long Title as recommended.

Senate reverted to plenary to report progress.

The Senate in Plenary approved Clauses 1-26 as recommended, Schedules 1, 2 & 3 as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Explanatory Memorandum as recommended, Short and Long Title as recommended.

Federal University of Education Aguleri, Anambra State (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1138) was read the Third Time and PASSED!

“Let me wish every citizens of this country a Happy Independence. We will continue to pray to almighty God to continue to keep this country together and unite the people of this country. For political leaders, we have to ensure that we keep this country united. We must provide environment for every Nigerian to feel safe. God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” – Senate President Ahmad Lawan

ADJOURNMENT
Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi moved that Plenary be adjourned till another legislative day.

Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe seconded.

Plenary was adjourned to Tuesday, 5th October, 2021.

#GavelBangs
#TodayInSenatePlenary

Signed
New Media Unit
Office of the President of the Senate
Federal Republic of Nigeria