Amongst matterss addressed in the senate today are the establishment of the Nigerian Police Force training institute, the establishment of the South-west Development Commission, an additional supplemenetary budget for Abuja and confirmation of a presidential nominee.
- Passage of South West Development Commission bill
The senate has passed a bill to establish the South West Development Commission (SWDC) which will address the environmental, ecological, and development challenges facing the south-west region of Nigeria. The bill passed third reading on the floor of the senate after the chairman of the committee on special duties, Sen. Kaka Lawan (APC, Borno Central), presented the committee’s report. Lawan said the bill, if signed into law by the president, would address infrastructural deficits and tackle ecological problems in the south-west geo-political zone.
- Senate set to tackle illegal mining
As a means to tackle illegal mining as well as address mining accidents and other emergencies in the country, the senate has passed the second reading of a bill seeking to establish the Nigerian Mine Rangers Service (NMRS). The NMRS, according to the bill sponsor, Sen. Mohammed Onawo (PDP, Nasarawa south), is a specialised emergency response unit trained to curb illegal mining activities as well as rescue trapped miners, provide emergency medical care, investigate mining accidents and enforce compliance with mining regulations. In his lead debate on the bill, he said the proposed NMRS, when established, would be saddled with the responsibilities of safeguarding mining operations, enforcement of mining/environmental and safety regulations as well as promoting sustainable mining practices in Nigeria.
- Confirmation of NPC Commissioner
The senate has confirmed the nomination of Mrs. Olukemi Victoria Iyantan representing Ondo state for appointment as a Commissioner in the National Population Commission (NPC). OrderPaper recalls that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had sworn in 17 federal commissioners of the NPC, which he nominated in November 2024. However, three nominees were replaced and referred to the senate for screening. Presenting the report of the screening, chairman of the committee, Sen. Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi central) noted that there were some issues in Ondo and Osun state, hence the reason for the fresh appointment. According to him, the committee had carried out a thorough screening of the nominee’s credentials and had found no queries or petitions against her. Urging his colleagues to confirm the nominee, he stressed that the nominee was imminently qualified.
- Senate set to establish Nigerian Police Force training institute
The senate has passed for a second reading, a bill seeking to establish a Nigerian Police Force training institute to serve as a high-level center for the provision of professional training. The sponsor of the bill, Sen. Abdulhamid Mallam-Maidori (APC, Jigawa east) noted the importance of professional training in any professional field relevant to policing and law enforcement. According to him, the need is born out of an urgent need to reform professional life and enhance the capacity of the Nigerian police force to meet the dynamic security challenges of the country. The bill was thereafter referred to the committee on police affairs to report back within two weeks.
- 24 hours after presidential bill, senate passes approves new supplementary budget for Abuja
The senate has passed a bill seeking the approval of a N288 billion supplementary budget for the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Abuja. This followed the consideration and approval of the bill’s recommendation by all Senators present during Thursday’s plenary. The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio had on Wednesday, 25th September, 2024, read a correspondence addressed to the National Assembly from President Bola Tinubu dated September 19, 2024. Following the correspondence, the bill was immediately read for the first and second time and was thereafter referred to the Committee on FCT and FCT Area Council for further legislative duties. This fresh supplementary budget comes after the Senate had passed the sum of N98.5 billion Supplementary budget (Appropriation Bill) for FCTA in June.
- Senate adjourns plenary to observe independence day
At the end of the day’s plenary, the Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau who presided over the plenary, adjourned the next sitting to Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024 to celebrate Nigeria’s Independence Day which is observed on October 1st yearly.
BILLS CHART FOR THE DAY
Below is OrderPaper’s signature presentation of bills taken in Senate plenary today. Readers are invited to contact us for further information via info@orderpaper.ng or WhatsApp via +234 704 700 3031
