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 10:55am.

VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS

Senator Biodun Olujimi moved for the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings of Tuesday, 8th February, 2022.

Senator Uche Ekwunife seconded.

PRESENTATION OF BILLS FOR FIRST READING

1. Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 918) by Senator Francis Onyewuchi

Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 918) was read the First Time.

2. Infrastructure Development Bill, 2022 (SB. 919) by Senator Sadiq Umar

Infrastructure Development Bill, 2022 (SB. 919) was read the First Time.

3. Administration of Criminal Justice (Repeal &Re-enactment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 920) by Senator Emmanuel Orker-Jev

Administration of Criminal Justice (Repeal &Re-enactment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 920) was read the First Time.

4. Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2013 (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 921) by Senator Suleiman Kwari

Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2013 (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 921) was read the First Time.

5. National Artisanal Petroleum Refining Development Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 922) by Senatot Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi

National Artisanal Petroleum Refining Development Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 922) was read the First Time.

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATION

1. Executive Communication

Confirmation of the Nomination for Appointment as Commissioners for the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) 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 for the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission in accordance with Section 34 of the Electricity Power Sector Reform Act.

1. Dr. Yusuf Ali – North Central

2. Engr. Chidi Ike – South East

3. Mr. Nathan Shatti – North East

4. Mr. Dafe AKpeneye – South South

Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe seconded.

The request of Mr. President C-in-C was referred to the Committee on Power to report back in two weeks.

CONSIDERATION OF BILLS FOR SECOND READING

1. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Pension Reform Act Cap P4 LFN 2004 to provide for definite percentage a retiree can withdraw from his retirement savings account and for other matters related thereto, 2022 (SB.41) by Senator Aliyu Wamakko

“I agree there has to be fundamental reform that retirees can have access to the large sum in the retirement savings account. Something has to be done and this can be done when we go to the public hearing of this Bill.” – Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi

“Let me align myself with the Sponsor of the Bill and the Senate Leader who has just spoken and to say that this is a timely intervention. I think we need to make this system more humane and more human friendly so that we can save the lives of our citizens.” – Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi

“I rise to contribute to this very important Bill that is meant to address the plights of retirees in this country. As a retiree and a pensioner, I want to fully support the recommendations of this Bill.” – Senator ID Gyang

“There is nothing that kills one much faster than fear. This Bill has come very appropriately especially having been enacted in 2004 and a review in 2014. I think there is a need for us now to check whether that law is working or not. I rise to support that this Bill be read the second time because it is going to help our senior citizens.” – Senator George Sekibo

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

2. A Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal University of Transportation, Daura and other related matters, 2022 (SB. 799) by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari

Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, in his lead debate said the Bill, when enacted and duly established will provide for the holistic development of transport sector through education, research and training. He added further that the University will be the first of its kind in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. “The establishment of this University will go a long way to develop human capital in Nigeria and safeguard the huge development of the federal government in transport sector.”

“The current administration is doing extremely well in trying to put in place a modern transportation system in this country. A lot of money has been spent in trying to construct our railway system and other systems in the transportation sector. It is necessary that we all support this Bill so we help the government in making sure we have that manpower in ensuring our transport system goes in tandem in what we see in the developed world.” – Senator Barau Jibrin

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

3. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020 to strengthen the operations of Non-Governmental Organisations in Nigeria, and their compliance with the provisions of this Act and for other matters connected therewith (SB.904) by Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe

Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe in his lead said the Bill will provide for a more coordinated legal framework for NGO framework and more specifically strengthen the civil space for Nigeria.

“This Bill is very significant because of so much misunderstandings that surrounds NGO in Nigeria. CAMA needs to be amended to regulate how NGOs operate in Nigeria. With this amendment, NGOs doing excellent jobs will be covered and for those with ulterior motives, they can now be properly regulated and controlled.” – Senator Sadiq Umar

The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Joint Committees on Trade and Investment, Diaspora and NGO with the Trade and Investment as lead committee to report back within four weeks.

4. A Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences Egbe, Kogi State and for matters connected therewith, 2022 (5B. 896) by Senator Smart Adeyemi

Senator Smart Adeyemi, in his lead debate said  the Hospital was established over 72 years ago by the missionaries and catering to the people of old Northern Region, Kabba Province which covers Kogi, Kwara and Niger State, and currently run courses in Nursing and Midwifery.

“I rise to support this Bill by my fellow comrade. We must have a health program and facility that is available to everyone and also affordable. There must be a universal health scheme that is affordable and accessible. It is our responsibility to make sure that our people have access to the basic things of life including good road, water and schools. I second this Bill and I support that it should be read the second time.” – Senator Ike Ekweremadu

The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Joint Committees on Tertiary Institution and TETFUND and Health to report back within four weeks.

5. A Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal Medical Centre ljebu Ode and for related matters, 2022 (SB. 379) by Senator Olalekan Mustapha

Senator Olalekan Mustapha in his lead debate, said the Federal Medical Centre ljebu Ode will provide services in specialized areas like neurosurgery, gynecology, orthopedic and other fields of medicine.

“I stand to support this Bill and commend the sponsor for having the foresight to bring this Bill for legislation. I urge my colleagues to support this Bill so that we can have a medical centre located in the historical town of Ijebu Ode.”  – Senator Barau Jibrin

The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Joint Committees on Tertiary Institution and TETFUND and Health with Tertiary Institution and TETFUND as the lead committee to report back in four weeks.

6. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps Act Cap N146 LEN 2010 to make provisions for the mode of appointment of the Commandant-General of the Corps and for other matter therewith, 2022 (SB. 695) by Senator George Sekibo

Senator George Sekibo in his lead debate said the Bill seeks to ensure that the appointment of the Head of NSCDC is made by the President and subject to confirmation by the Senate.

“I rise to support this Bill as moved by Senator George Sekibo. I strongly support this Bill and urge my colleagues to support it.” – Senator Gershom Bassey

The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Interior for further legislative action to report back in four weeks.

CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS

1. Report of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights & Legal Matters

Confirmation of the Nominations for Appointment as Members of the Federal Judicial Service Commission by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele

Senator Opeyemi Bamidele moved that the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights & Legal Matters on the confirmation of the nominations of the following persons for appointment as members of the Federal Judicial Service Commission.

I. Nnamoso Ekanem, SAN – Akwa Ibom State – South-South

II. Mahmud Abubakar Magaji, SAN – Niger – North-Central

Senator Ahmad Babba Kaita seconded.

Senator Opeyemi Bamidele laid and presented the report.

Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, in his presentation said the Committee, after the screening exercise found out that the two nominees are fit and proper persons for appointment as members of the Federal Judicial Service Commission. He added that the nominees possess the requisite qualifications to discharge their duties and functions of the Commission if confirmed by the Senate.

The committee further recommended that the Senate do confirm the nominations of the nominees for appointments as members of the Judicial Service Commission.

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

Senate reverted to Plenary to report progress.

The nomination of Nnamoso Ekanem, SAN from Akwa-Ibom State representing South-South Zone was CONFIRMED as member of the Federal Judicial Service Commission.

The nomination of Mahmud Abubakar Magaji, SAN from Niger State representing North-Central Zone Zone was CONFIRMED as member of the Federal Judicial Service Commission.

2. Report of the Committee on Aviation

Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 197) by Senator Smart Adeyemi

Senator Smart Adeyemi moved that the Senate do consider the report of the Committee on Aviation on the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 197).

Senator Frank Ibezim seconded.

Senator Smart Adeyemi presented the report.

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

Senate reverted to Plenary to report progress.

Senate stood down the Consideration of the Report to enable the Committee carry out further legislative action.

BILLS FOR CONCURRENCE

1. National Centre for Ear, Nose and Throat Disease (NACENT) (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 13) by Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi

National Centre for Ear, Nose and Throat Disease (NACENT) (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 13) was read the Second Time.

2. Animal Disease Control Act (Repeal & Re-enactment) Bil1, 2022 (HB. 423)  by Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi

Animal Disease Control Act (Repeal & Re-enactment) Bil1, 2022 (HB. 423) was read the Second Time.

3. Federal University of Agriculture Dadin Kowa, Gombe State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 02) by Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi

Federal University of Agriculture Dadin Kowa, Gombe State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 02) was read the Second Time.

4. Harmonized Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Bill, 2022 (HB. 1381) by Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi

Harmonized Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Bill, 2022 (HB. 1381) was read the Second Time.

5. Federal Medical Centre Hong, Adamawa State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1264) by Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi

Federal Medical Centre Hong, Adamawa State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1264) was read the Second Time.

Senate resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider the Five Bills for Concurrence.

Senate reverted to plenary to report progress.

1. National Centre for Ear, Nose and Throat Disease (NACENT) (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 13)

Senate in Committee of the Whole and Plenary considered National Centre for Ear, Nose and Throat Disease (NACENT) (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 13)  and approved Clauses 1-24 as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Schedules 1-24 as recommended, Short and Long Titles as recommended, explanatory memorandum as recommended.

National Centre for Ear, Nose and Throat Disease (NACENT) (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 13) was read the Third Time and PASSED!

2. Animal Disease Control Act (Repeal & Re-enactment) Bil1, 2022 (HB. 423) 

Senate in Committee of the Whole and Plenary considered Animal Disease Control Act (Repeal & Re-enactment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 423) and approved Clauses 1-48 as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Schedules as recommended, Short and Long Titles as recommended, explanatory memorandum as recommended.

Animal Disease Control Act (Repeal & Re-enactment) Bil1, 2022 (HB. 423) was read the Third Time and Passed!

3. Federal University of Agriculture Dadin Kowa, Gombe State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 02)

Senate in Committee of the Whole and Plenary considered Federal University of Agriculture Dadin Kowa, Gombe State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 02)  and approved Clauses 1-25 as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Schedules as recommended, Short and Long Titles as recommended, explanatory memorandum as recommended.

Federal University of Agriculture Dadin Kowa, Gombe State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 02) was read the Third Time and PASSED!

4. Harmonized Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Bill, 2022 (HB. 1381)

Senate in Committee of the Whole and Plenary considered Harmonized Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Bill, 2022 (HB. 1381) and approved Clauses 1-3 as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Short and Long Titles as recommended, explanatory memorandum as recommended.

Harmonized Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Bill, 2022 (HB. 1381) was read the Third Time and PASSED!

5. Federal Medical Centre Hong, Adamawa State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1264)

The Senate in Committee of the Whole and Plenary Federal Medical Centre Hong, Adamawa State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1264) and approved Clauses 1-26 as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Schedule as recommended, Short and Long Titles as recommended, Explanatory memorandum as recommended.

Federal Medical Centre Hong, Adamawa State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1264) was read the Third Time and PASSED!

ADJOURNMENT

Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi moved that Senate do adjourn Plenary till another legislative day.

Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe seconded. Plenary was adjourned to Tuesday, 15th February, 2022.

New Media Unit, Office of the President of the Senate

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