During the day’s plenary, President Bola Tinubu submitted a list of nominees to the senate for confirmation. Meanwhile, the Senate also passed two bills for second reading.
Nominees for regional development commissions
The senate received a request from President Bola Tinubu for the screening and confirmation of nominees for key positions in the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) and North-West Development Commission (NWDC). The request, which included chairpersons, executive directors, managing directors, and board members, was conveyed in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary.
For the SEDC, Emeka Nworgu was appointed as Chairman; Stanley Ohajuruka as Executive Director of Finance; Toby Okechukwu Executive Director of Projects; Sylvester Okonkwo as Executive Director of Corporate Services. Others are, Mark Okoye as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer; Chidi Echeazu and Clifford Ogbede as executive directors. Members of the board are, Ugochukwu Agballah, Okey Ezenwa, Hyacinth Ikpor, Ifeanyi Agwu, Nasiru Usman, Hamma Ali Kumo, Edward Onoja, Orure Inima, and Joke Adebayo-Chukwuma.
For the NWDC, Lawal Abdullahi was appointed as chairman; Abdullahi Ma’aji, a professor as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Members of the board are, Ja’afar Sadeeq and Yahaya Abdulhadi; Yahaya Namahe, Yahaya Abdulhadi, Muhammad Wudil, Shamsu Sule, Nasidi Ali and Aminu Suleiman.
President Tinubu urged the senate to expedite the confirmation process for the nominees.
Bill on Bayelsa university scales second reading
The senate has approved the second reading of a bill to establish the Federal University of Science and Technology in Korokorosei, Bayelsa State. The institution aims to advance teaching and research in science and technology.
Sen. Benson Friday (PDP, Bayelsa Central), who sponsored the bill, presented its general principles during Tuesday’s plenary. In his lead debate, the senator emphasised that the university would not be limited to serving the people of Bayelsa but would welcome students from across the country.
He highlighted the institution’s role in training young and older Nigerians in science and technology, noting that education is a critical driver of modern economic growth.
READ ALSO: Senate advances bill mandating 30% local processing of raw materials
Bill mandating 30% local processing of raw materials
The senate has passe the second reading of a bill seeking to mandate the domestic processing of at least 30 percent of raw materials before export.
This development came during Tuesday’s plenary session, following the presentation of a proposed amendment to the Raw Materials Research and Development Council Act, aimed at promoting local production and value addition.
Leading the debate, Sen. Peter Nwebonyi (APC, Ebonyi North) emphasised the bill’s potential to transform Nigeria’s economy. He argued that mandating local processing would strengthen domestic manufacturing, generate employment opportunities, reduce import dependency, and ease the pressure on foreign exchange.
Following extensive deliberations, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio put the bill to a voice vote with a majority of lawmakers voting in favor that the bill be passed for second reading. The bill was thereafter referred to the committee on science and technology to report back in 6 weeks.
BILLS CHART FOR THE DAY
Below is OrderPaper’s signature presentation of bills taken in the Senate plenary today. Readers are invited to contact us for further information via info@orderpaper.ng or WhatsApp via +234 704 700 3031.
