PROCEEDINGS OF THE NIGERIAN SENATE OF TUESDAY, 20TH APRIL, 2021
Welcome to a new Legislative Day in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, CON, Ph.D, led the Principal Officers into the Chambers, took the official prayers and began the day's proceedings at 10:37am.
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VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS
Senator Obinna Ogba moved for the adoption of Votes and Proceedings for Wednesday, 14th April, 2021.
The motion was seconded by Senator Nicholas Tofowomo.
LETTER FROM MR. PRESIDENT
Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, CON, Ph.D, read a letter from President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, requesting for the Confirmation of Appointment of Hon. Justice Salisu Garba Abdullahi as the Chief Judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
PETITIONS
Senator Ayo Akinyelure presented five petitions from the Office of the President of the Senate.
Petitions were laid and referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Privileges and to report back within four weeks.
Senator Kola Balogun presented a petition on behalf of the traders of Bodija International Market seeking Senate’s intervention on the invasion of the market by men of the Nigeria Customs Service on the midnight of March 31st and April 1st, 2021. They forcefully opened the traders’ shops and carted away many bags of rice, vegetable oil, bags of garri and millions of naira.
Petition was laid and referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Privileges and to report back within four weeks.
Senator ID Gyang presented two petitions from two Nigerian citizens:
1. Petition against the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company Limited Plc, over wrongful termination of appointment and Senate’s intervention to have the complainant reinstated;
2. Petition from one Mr. Samuel Ihensekhien against the brutal assault meted on him by the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Danladi Umar, on March 29th, 2021, at Banex Plaza in Abuja.
Petitions were laid and referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Privileges and to report back within four weeks.
Senator Aishatu Dahiru cited Order 43 to inform the Senate on the demise of Dr. Mahmoud Modibbo Tukur, former Minister of Commerce and Industry.
Senate observed a minute silence in honor of the deceased.
Senator Akon Eyakenyi, cites Order 43 to inform the senate on the demise of Senator Etang Edet Umoyo
Senate observed a minute silence in honor of the deceased.
PRESENTATION OF BILLS FOR FIRST READING
1. Federal College of Agriculture Kirikasamma, Jigawa State (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 382) by Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (Senate Leader)
Federal College of Agriculture Kirikasamma, Jigawa State (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 382) was read the First Time.
2. Dishonoured Cheques Act Cap D11 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 687) by Senator Tokunbo Abiru
Dishonoured Cheques Act Cap D11 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 687) was read the First Time.
3. Federal University of Agriculture, Mpu, Enugu State (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 690) by Senator Ike Ekweremadu
Federal University of Agriculture, Mpu, Enugu State (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 690) was read the First Time.
4. Compulsory Free Universal Basic Education Act Cap C52 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 691) by Senator Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo
Compulsory Free Universal Basic Education Act Cap C52 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 691) was read the First Time.
5. Public Complaints Commission Act Cap P37 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 692) by Senator Bassey Akpan
Public Complaints Commission Act Cap P37 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 692) was read the First Time.
PRESENTATION AND CONSIDERATION OF A REPORT
1. Report of the Committee on National Identity and National Population
Confirmation of the Nomination of Muhammad Dattijo Usman for Appointment as Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission by Senator Saidu Alkali
Senator Saidu Alkali moved that the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on National Identity and National Population on Confirmation of the Nomination of Muhammad Dattijo Usman for Appointment as Federal Commissioner representing Niger State in the National Population Commission
Senator Bima Mohammed Enagi seconded.
Senate resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider the report.
Senate reverted to Plenary to report progress.
The nomination of Muhammad Dattijo Usman was CONFIRMED as the Federal Commissioner representing Niger State in the National Population Commission.
CONSIDERATION OF BILLS FOR SECOND READING
1. A Bill for an Act to amend the Nursing and Midwifery (Registration Etc) Act Cap N143 LFN, 2004 and other matters connected thereto, 2021 (SB. 304) by Senator Hassan Mohammed.
Senator Ayo Akinyelure seconded. Said “I rise to strongly support this Bill for second reading. This Bill has not been amended since 1979 and the challenges of this profession need to be addressed by this National Assembly. I urge all my colleagues to support this Bill for second reading.”
The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Health to report back within four weeks.
2. A Bill for an Act to establish the Critical Infrastructure Protection, Coordination Committee, the Critical Infrastructure Protection Task Force and other matters connected therewith, 2021 (SB. 610) by Senator Sani Musa
Senator Sadiq Umar Suleiman seconded. Said: “In Nigeria today, we all agree that infrastructure is largely responsible for our underdevelopment. This Bill will solve all of the problems if passed. I therefore support the Second Reading of this Bill.”
The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Establishment and Public Service to report back within four weeks.
3. A Bill for an Act to establish the Integrated Data Management Commission as the body responsible for comprehensive collation, harmonization of certificates issued by statutory regulatory bodies, graduation based on compliance with enabling laws regulating corporate entities in Nigeria and other matters connected therewith, 2021 (SB. 102) by Senator Yusuf A. Yusuf
Senator Ibikunle Amosun seconded. Said: “Let me appreciate the sponsor of this Bill for bringing up this very important and strategic Bill. What he is trying to do is to take the body off almost all the layers in Nigeria business cycle. It is like creating a one-stop shop and it will bring sanity to the business environment. I want to urge my colleagues to support this important Bill.”
The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Establishment and Public Service to report back within four weeks.
4. A Bill for an Act to provide for National Livestock (protection, control and management e.t.c) Bureau for the purpose of Livestock identification, traceability registration, cattle rustling and for other related purposes, 2021 (SB. 471) by Senator Muhammad Bima Enagi
Senator Sabi Abdullahi seconded. Said: “Let me refresh our memory to the fact that this Bill passed through the Eighth Senate but unfortunately, it never went through. I want to say that this coming of this Bill is timely and should be supported.”
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. Fire Incidence in Namu Central Yam Market in Plateau State by Senator Nora Daduut
Senator Barau Jibrin seconded. Said: “The proper thing is to have fire station somewhere around markets and other important places. I think the proper thing to do is to assist the traders because allowing them to remain after this event without their means of livelihood will not augur well for their families and those relying on them.”
Senate resolved to:
i. Urge the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs; NEMA and other relevant government agencies to immediately provide relief materials to the traders as well as respond to the huge financial losses resulting from the fire outbreak, to provide succor to all those affected; and
ii. Urge the Federal Government to carry out any other immediate action which will improve the condition of living of the affected community, resulting from the fire outbreak.
2. Need for Liberalization of Cement Policy in Nigeria by Senator Lola Ashiru and five others
Senator Danjuma Goje seconded.
Senate resolved to:
i. Call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to provide more industrial incentives and industrial protection such as offering concessionary loans and larger tax incentives for new entrants in order to boost production of cements, reduce price and encourage more valuable producers in Nigeria.
ADJOURNMENT
Senate Leader moved that plenary be adjourned to another legislative day.
Minority Leader seconded.
Plenary was adjourned to Wednesday, 21st April, 2021.
Signed
New Media Unit
Office of the President of the Senate
Federal Republic of Nigeria
