Proceedings Of The Nigerian Senate Of Thursday, 18th January, 2018.

Welcome to a new Legislative Day in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, led the Principal Officers into the chambers; took the official prayers; and began the day’s proceedings at 10.41am.

Senator Binta Masi Garba moved for the approval of votes and proceedings of Wednesday 17th January, 2018. Senator Joshua Lidani seconded.

OATH

Newly elected Senator representing Anambra Central, Victor Umeh took the oath of office.

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATION

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki read an Executive Communication from President Muhammadu Buhari on the 2017 Appropriation Bill of the Federal Capital Territory

The Executive Communication contained a Bill seeking to extend the 2017 Appropriation of the FCT till March 31st, 2018, “or such other time as the 2018 FCT Appropriation will come in effect — whichever is earlier.”

ANNOUNCEMENT

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki announced Senators Ahmad Lawan, Enyinya Abaribe, Bala Na’allah, Dino Melaye, Magnus Abe, Biodun Olujimi as members of the conference committee on constitutional review Bills and Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu as chairman of the committee.

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki spoke on National Assembly’s Passage of the PIG Bill

The President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki commended the Senate and the House of Representatives for the passage of the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB).

''Recall that in May 2017, in a historic move, the Senate passed the PIGB — achieving a feat that had tripped up previous chambers of the National Assembly.''

Speaking on the floor of the Senate at Plenary, the Senate President said:

“The Bill has now been passed in the House of Representatives and is now waiting the assent of the Mr. President. This is a great achievement for the 8th National Assembly, and we congratulate ourselves and all Nigerians for this feat.”

PETITIONS

Senator Sam Egwu raised a petition on behalf of a member of his constituency against the Nigerian Defence Academy on unlawful withdrawal and requested for reinstatement.

Senator Tayo Alasoadura raised a petition on behalf of a member of his constituency against the United Bank for Africa (UBA) on wrongful dismissal and nonpayment of salary.

Senator Atai Aidoko also raised a petition.

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki referred the petitions to the committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions to report back in two weeks.

POINT OF ORDER

Senator Ahmad Lawan cited order 53(6) and speaks as regards the resolution passed in the Nigerian Senate yesterday for a National summit on security infrastructure to hold Wednesday and Thursday next week seeking for an extension of two weeks to enable the Ad-Hoc committee have a proper planning and hold a summit that’s worth it. He said the date would be communicated as soon as possible.

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki asked the chairman Senate committee on Finance, Senator John Enoh why parastatals are having access to funds when their budget has not been approved here in National Assembly.

Senator John Enoh said he will look into the matter accordingly.

PRESENTATION OF REPORTS

1. Report of the committee on Women Affairs and Social Development on Nigeria’s participation at the 61st session of the Commission on the status of Women (UN-CSW-61) held at the United Nation Headquarters, New York, 13th, 24th March, 2017 by Senator Binta Masi Garba.

Senator Bassey Akpan seconded that the Senate do receive the report of the committee on Women Affairs and Social Development on Nigeria’s participation at the 61st session of the Commission on the status of Women (UN-CSW-61) held at the United Nation Headquarters, New York.

The Report was LAID.

2. Report of the committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND on the modalities of establishing Federal Polytechnics, Federal Colleges of Education and Universities across Nigeria by Senator Barau Jibrin.

Senator Sam Egwu seconded that the Senate do receive the report of the committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND on the modalities of establishing Federal Polytechnics, Federal Colleges of Education and Universities across Nigeria.

The Report was LAID.

BILLS FOR CONCURRENCE

1. National Road Funds (Est, etc.)Bill, 2018 (HB. 49 & 163) by Senate Leader.

National Road Funds (Est, etc.)Bill, 2018 (HB. 49 & 163) was read the Second Time.

2. Stamp Duties Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017 (HB. 889) by Senate Leader.

Stamp Duties Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017 (HB. 889) was read the Second Time.

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki referred the Stamp Duties Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017 (HB. 889) to the committee on Finance to report back in a week.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Senate dissolved into the committee of the whole for the clause by clause consideration of the National Road Funds (Est, etc.)Bill, 2018 (HB. 49 & 163).

Senate reverted to plenary and reported progress.

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki referred the National Road Funds (Est, etc.) Bill, 2018 (HB. 49 & 163) to the committee on Works for further legislative action.

CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS

1. Conference committee report on the environmental managers registration council of Nigeria (Est, etc.) Bill, 2018 (SB. 88) by Senator Gbenga Ashafa.

Senator Gbenga Ashafa presented the report and the report was approved.

2. Report of the committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters on the revised edition (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria) Bill, 2018 (SB. 391) by Senator Jide Omoworare.

Senator Jide Omoworare presented the report.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Senate dissolved into the committee of the whole for the clause by clause consideration of the revised edition (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria) Bill, 2018 (SB. 391).

Senate reverted to plenary and reported progress.

The revised edition (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria) Bill, 2018 (SB. 391) was read the THIRD time and PASSED.

“I want to thank the committee as a whole, with this Bill passed, every 10 years we can have a compilation of existing laws and new laws. This is an improvement in the constitution which will elevate our legal system.”- Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.

ADJOURNMENT

Senate Leader moved that all other items on the order paper be stood down to another Legislative day. Minority Leader seconded.

Plenary is adjourned to Tuesday, 23rd January, 2018.

#GavelBangs.

Signed:
New Media Department,
Office of the President of the Senate,
Federal Republic of Nigeria.