#TodayInSenatePlenary
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NIGERIAN SENATE OF TUESDAY, 1ST JUNE, 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 10:57am.
VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS
Senator Ishaku Abbo moved for the adoption of Votes and Proceedings for Wednesday, 19th May, 2021.
The motion was seconded by Senator Moses Cleopas.
LETTER FROM MR. PRESIDENT
Confirmation of Appointment of Maj. Gen. Farouk Yahaya as the Chief of Army Staff of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
PETITIONS
1. Senator Ayo Akinyelure presented 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.
POINT OF ORDER
1. Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege cited Order 43 to notify the Senate on the gruesome murder of Alhaji Ahmed Gulak on May 30th, 2021 while on a national assignment on behalf of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review where he served as one of the consultants posted to the South East.
“The late Hon. Ahmed Gulak was a very committed, dedicated citizen of this country. Very distinguished politician, who made tremendous contribution at both the state level in Adamawa and the National Level. The murder of this Nigerian is something that our security agencies must unravel the murderer and the people behind the murder itself. This is necessary in all the murders and assassinations that take place in our country on almost a daily basis. Our security agencies, particularly our intelligence agencies must continue to fish out such issues even before they happen. Let me also join you in praying for the soul of Late Ahmed Gulak and also condole with his family, his State Government and the people of Nigeria.” – Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, CON, Ph.D
Senate observed a minute silence in his honour.
2. Senate Leader cited Order 42 and 52 to seek the Leave of the Senate to present a Motion on the boat mishap on the River Niger and Kanji Lake which led to the death of 90 people.
Senator Adamu Aliero seconded.
Senate resolved to:
i. Observe a minute silence for the deceased;
ii. Urge NEMA to come to the assistance of the victims with food and other forms of support to the bereaved families;
iii. Appreciate the work and quick response of the National Inland Waterway Authority and also the Hydroelectric Power Producing Development Area Commission (HYPADEC);
iv. Send a strong delegation to sympathize with the Governor of Kebbi State, the people of Kebbi State, the Emir of Yaure, and Ngaski Local Government Chairman;
v. Urge the National Inland Waterways to develop a standard protocol to regulate inland transportation and for rules that should guide boat operators in all our inland boats and also set up the necessary mechanism to ensure the compliance with these regulations;
vi. Urge the Federal Government to fund HYPADEC to make navigation safe and easy.
“Let me also join the Leader and all our colleagues who contributed to this motion that may the souls of those who perished in this accident rest in perfect peace.” – Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, CON, Ph.D
3. Senator Aishatu Dahiru cited Order 43 to inform the Senate on the demise of Alhaji Abdullahi Dan Buram, a former minister and one of the only two remaining from the cabinet of the late Premier, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardaunan Sokoto.
Senate observed a minute silence in his honour.
4. Senator Ali Ndume cited Order 43 to inform the Senate on the death of the nation’s 21st Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru, and 10 others who died in plane crash.
Senate observed a minute silence in his honour.
5. Senator Sabi Abdullahi cited Order 43 to inform the Senate on the issue of banditry as it affects Niger North and Niger East Senatorial Districts.
Senate observed a minute silence in honour of those who have lost their lives in the attack.
“We have observed about six one minute silence. It is very important that we step up our legislative intervention in ensuring that we protect the properties and lives of Nigerians to reduce the incidence of one minute silence. “ – Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, CON, Ph.D
6. Senator Ibikunle Amosun cited Order 42 and 52 to seek the leave of the Senate to present a motion on the rising cases of gas related explosions in Ogun State in the last two weeks where eight lives have been lost.
Senate resolved to:
i. Observe a min silence in honour of all the victims of the unfortunate explosions;
ii. Mandate the Senate Committee on Gas and industry to investigate the cause and causes of the recent cases of gas explosions in the 35 states of the federation and the FCT in order to find permanent and sustainable solution that will save lives of the people and property;
iii. Call on the Federal and State Fire Services to enforce the mandatory use of fire safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, and other safety equipment in homes and places of work;
iv. Urge the Standard Organization of Nigeria, the Department of Petroleum Resources, the National Orientation Agency, and marketers of gas and inflammable products to embark on an aggressive consistent sensitization and awareness campaign on safe ways on using gas cylinders and other inflammable materials to save lives;
v. Urge the Department of Petroleum Resources to:
a. Put in place system and structure with the enforcement of the federal government ban on consumer ownership of Liquefied petroleum Gas LPG cylinders to reinforce safety and cooking gas penetration into the country;
b. Step up the clamping down on illegal retailers of Liquefied petroleum Gas LPG cylinders who either operate without the valid license or who operate within residential areas or license plants who lack basic and standard minimum requirement like fire extinguishers, water sprinkler, temperature gauge, pressure and volume measuring equipment and among others.
PRESENTATION OF BILLS FOR FIRST READING
1. Nigerian Film Commission Bill, 2021 (HB. 324) by Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (Senate Leader)
Nigerian Film Commission Bill, 2021 (HB. 324) was read the First Time.
2. National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) Act 2007 (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 731) by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu
National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) Act 2007 (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 731) was read the First Time.
3. Federal College of Agriculture Shani, Borno State (Establishment) Bill, 2021, (SB. 732) by Senator Ali Ndume
Federal College of Agriculture Shani, Borno State (Establishment) Bill, 2021, (SB. 732) was read the First Time.
4. Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Aboh (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 733) by Senator Peter Nwaoboshi
Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Aboh (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 733) was read the First Time.
5. National Pediatric Centre, Yala, Cross River State (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 734) by Senator Stephen Odey
National Pediatric Centre, Yala, Cross River State (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 734) was read the First Time.
EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS
1. Executive Communication
Confirmation of Nomination of Mr. Kolawole Oladipupo Alabi as Executive Commissioner, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission by Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (Senate Leader)
Senate Leader moved that the Senate do consider the request of Mr. President C-in-C on the confirmation of the nomination of Mr. Kolawole Oladipupo Alabi as Executive Commissioner, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission in accordance with the provision of Section 5(1) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission Act, 2018.
Minority Leader seconded.
The request of Mr. President C-in-C was referred to the Committee on Trade and Investment for further legislative action to report back in two weeks
2. Executive Communication
2018-2020 Federal Government External Borrowing (Rolling) Plan by Senator Yahaya Abdulahi (Senate Leader)
Senate Leader moved that the Senate do consider the request of Mr. President C-in-C on the approval of Donor Fund Projects under the 2018-2020 Federal Government External Borrowing (Rolling) Plan.
Minority Leader seconded.
The request of Mr. President C-in-C was referred to the Committee on Local and Foreign Debt to report back within two weeks.
3. Executive Communication
External Borrowing of N2.343 Trillion (About USD6.183 Billion) in the 2021 Appropriation Act by Senator Yahaya Abdulahi (Senate Leader)
Senate Leader moved that the Senate do consider the request of Mr. President C-in-C on the External Borrowing of N2.343 Trillion (About USD6.183 Billion) in the 2021 Appropriation Act.
Minority Leader seconded.
The request of Mr. President C-in-C was referred to the Committee on Local and Foreign Debts to report back within two weeks.
PRESENTATION AND CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS
1. Report of the Committee on Health (Secondary & Tertiary)
Modibo Adama University Yola Teaching Hospital (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 630) by Senator Yahaya Oloriegbe
Senator Yahaya Oloriegbe moved that the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on Health (Secondary & Tertiary) on the Modibo Adama University Yola Teaching Hospital (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 630).
Senator Ibikunle Amosun seconded.
Senator Yahaya Oloriegbe laid and presented the report.
Senate resolved into the Committee of the Whole to consider the Report.
Senate reverted to plenary to report progress.
The Senate in the Committee of the Whole and Plenary considered and approved Clauses 1-4 as recommended, Explanatory Memorandum as recommended, Short and Long Titles as recommended.
Modibo Adama University Yola Teaching Hospital (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 630) was read the Third Time and PASSED!
2. Report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND
Federal University of Technology Ilaro, Ogun State (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 84) by Senator Ahmad, Babba Kaita
Senator Sadiq Suleiman moved that the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND on the Federal University of Technology Ilaro, Ogun State (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 84).
Senator Akon Eyakenyi seconded.
Senator Sadiq Suleiman laid and presented the report.
Senate resolved into the Committee of the Whole to consider the Report.
Senate reverted to plenary to report progress.
The Senate in the Committee of the Whole and Plenary considered and approved Clauses 1-28 as recommended, interpretation as recommended, Schedules 1-3 as recommended, Explanatory Memorandum as recommended, Short and Long Titles as recommended.
Federal University of Technology Ilaro, Ogun State (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 84) was read the Third Time and PASSED!
CONSIDERATION OF BILLS
1. A Bill for an Act to establish the National Emergency Medical Service Agency to be saddled with the responsibilities of coordination and handling of the emergency treatment of patients ranging from victims of road traffic accidents, home accidents and injuries, industrial work place accidents, to sufferers of acute emergency medical conditions that may lead to loss of life or limb; and the managing of emergency ambulance services for conveying emergency patients from the locations of their acute ill-health to designated hospitals for emergency medical attention across the federation and for related matters, 2021 (SB. 717) by Senator Yahaya Oloriegbe.
Senator Ibikunle Amosun seconded.
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 repeal the Bankruptcy Act of 1979 and enact a new Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act to make provision for corporate and individual insolvency; to provide for the rehabilitation of the insolvent debtor and to create the office of Supervisor of Insolvency and for matters connected therewith, 2021 (SB. 330) by Senator Biodun Olujimi.
Senate Leader seconded.
The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions to report back within four weeks.
MOTION
1. Urgent Need for a consolidated and effective economic and regulatory approach to address the infrastructure crisis in Nigeria’s transportation system by Senator Gershom Bassey and two others.
Senate resolved to:
i. Mandate the Committees on Legislative Compliance and National Planning to invite the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria and the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority; the Attorney General of the Federation; and the Honourable Ministries of Works and Housing, Budget and National Planning, and Transportation to address the Committees on the proposed legal and economic framework for the establishment of the newly created Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria Limited (InfraCorp) and articulate the regulatory parameters that will ensure a synergy between the powers and operations of the InfraCorp, and those of any existing or proposed institutions established pursuant to Legislation, in order to ensure seamless operations within the Nigerian Infrastructure ecosystem; and
ii. Mandate the Committees as named in Prayer (i.) to;
a. Review the existing legal framework regulating the financing, administration and management of the infrastructural development sector, in order to articulate an effective structure that secures a sustained source of funds for infrastructural development and create an enabling environment for private participation;
b. Identify and repeal archaic legislation and policies that are at odds with international best practices and impede on the establishment of a seamless framework for infrastructural development; and
c. Take the necessary steps to establish relevant legislation and policies that will promote a more effective and efficient infrastructural development ecosystem in Nigeria.
ADJOURNMENT
Senate Leader moved that all other items on the Order Paper be stood down till another legislative day.
Minority Leader seconded.
Plenary was adjourned to Wednesday, 2nd June, 2021.
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Signed
New Media Unit
Office of the President of the Senate
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