Welcome to a new Legislative Day in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON led the Principal Officers into the chambers; took the official prayers; and began the day’s proceedings at 10:46am.
Senator Nicholas Tofowomo moved for the approval of votes and proceedings of Thursday, 27th February 2020. Senator Kabir Barkiya seconded.
PETITION
Senator Ayo Akinyelure raised petitions on behalf of individuals seeking legislative intervention.
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON referred the petitions raised to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions to report in four (4) weeks.
PRESENTATION OF BILLS- First Reading
- 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) Bill, 2020 (SB. 324) by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.
1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) Bill, 2020 (SB. 324) was read the First Time.
- Federal College of Education (Special) Onueke Ezza South Ebonyi State (Est, etc.) Bill, 2020 (SB. 352) by Senator Obinna Ogba.
Federal College of Education (Special) Onueke Ezza South Ebonyi State (Est, etc.) Bill, 2020 (SB. 352) was read the First Time.
- Federal Medical Centre New-Bussa (Est, etc) Bill, 2020 (SB. 353) by Senator Aliyu Sabi.
Federal Medical Centre New-Bussa (Est, etc) Bill, 2020 (SB. 353) was read the First Time.
- 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) Bill, 2020 (SB. 335) by Senator Stella Oduah.
1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) Bill, 2020 (SB. 335) was read the First Time.
- Armed Forces Service Commission (Est, etc) Bill, 2020 (SB. 362) by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.
Armed Forces Service Commission (Est, etc) Bill, 2020 (SB. 362) was read the First Time.
CONSIDERATION OF BILLS- Second Reading
- A Bill for an Act to repeal the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act No. 19 of the 1995, enact the Nuclear Safety, Security and Safeguards Act and Re-establish the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority and for related matters, 2020 (SB. 19) by Senator Borofice Ajayi.
“I rise to support that this Bill be read the second time. This Bill is very important for the economy and the environment. This Bill is important for this country. It is very critical to look at the 1995 Act and review the current practice. When this Bill goes through public hearing there will be adequate contributions by various stakeholders.”- Senator Yahaya Oloriegbe.
“In passing this Bill, We should ensure that the Federal Ministry of Education forms part of the governing council.”- Senator Aishatu Dahiru.
“Now that the world has gone nuclear, there is need to ensure that operators of nuclear materials ensure safety of the environment and the people. I rise to support this Bill and ask my Distinguished colleagues to support this Bill.”- Senator Bassey Akpan.
A Bill for an Act to repeal the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act No. 19 of the 1995, enact the Nuclear Safety, Security and Safeguards Act and Re-establish the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority and for related matters, 2020 (SB. 19) was read the Second Time.
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON referred the Bill to the Committees on Petroleum Upstream and Science and Technology with the Committee on Petroleum Upstream as the lead Committee and to report in four (4) weeks.
- A Bill for an Act to establish the Nigerian Army University Biu to make comprehensive provisions for due management and administration and for related matters, 2020 (SB. 332) by Senator Ali Ndume.
“Academic activities have commenced in this school. What we are trying to do is to give it a legal framework. A university cannot exist without the legal framework and what this Bill seeks is to approve the legal framework. This is a National University for all Nigerians.”- Senator Adamu Aliero.
“I rise to lend my voice to support this Bill. It is a very straightforward Bill. This is an invitation to carry out a legislative intervention on the institution.”- Senator Abba Moro.
“This Bill will offer opportunities for more Nigerians who are interested in military affairs to get trained and also use skills and knowledge learned for self defense.”- Senator Sam Egwu.
“The University will allow people in that area to get knowledge on scientific research. I support this Bill that the university should be established in that particular area.”- Senator Francis Fadahunsi.
“70% of students in the military University in Biu are civilians. I wish to urge my colleagues to support the establishment of this university.”- Senator Kashim Shettima.
“There is nothing wrong in having Nigerian Army University but my advise here is they should be under one supervision. With this university being established, I think there is need for the entire defense related institutions to be under the Ministry of Defense.”- Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON.
A Bill for an Act to establish the Nigerian Army University Biu to make comprehensive provisions for due management and administration and for related matters, 2020 (SB. 332) was read the Second Time.
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON referred the Bill to the Committee on Army to report in four (4) weeks.
- A Bill for an Act to establish the Federal College of Agriculture, Bambam Gombe State, that shall provide full-time courses of Agriculture teaching, instruction and training in the sciences, social sciences, commerce, arts, applied sciences, management and humanities; and carry out research, innovation, development and adaptation of teaching techniques and other related matters, 2020 (SB. 263) by Senator Bulus Amos.
“This Bill will help in the diversification of our economy. It will help the people of Gombe state develop their economy and able bodied men will be engaged to support innovations like this.”- Senator Ibikunle Amosun.
“I rise to support this Bill in view of our quest for national economy and growth. I think this can only be achieved through institutional framework.”- Senator Emmanuel Bwacha.
“I rise to support this Bill and urge my colleagues to do same.”- Senator Francis Alimikhena.
“I think we need to diversify the economy and one of the area is through agriculture. This will also provide opportunities for the young people in the area that have ease of proximity to the location of the institution. It will also encourage Agro-allied production in Nigeria.”- Senator Isah Jibrin.
A Bill for an Act to establish the Federal College of Agriculture, Bambam Gombe State, that shall provide full-time courses of Agriculture teaching, instruction and training in the sciences, social sciences, commerce, arts, applied sciences, management and humanities; and carry out research, innovation, development and adaptation of teaching techniques and other related matters, 2020 (SB. 263) was read the Second Time.
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON referred the Bill to the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND to report in four (4) weeks.
- A Bill for an Act to provide for the establishment of the Federal University of Technology Yaba and for other matters connected there with, 2020 (SB. 85) by Senator Solomon Adeola.
“I am in full support of this Bill. I hope and pray when we pass this Bill it will not suffer another setback. Lagos deserves as many universities as possible. It is one of the greatest city in the world today and potentials of greatness are there.”- Senator James Manager.
“The institution needs upgrading for us to take Nigeria to where it should be.”- Senator Abdulfatai Buhari.
“I rise to support this Bill in its entirety. With the passage of this Bill, there will be opportunity for the school to be renamed and acquire more land to expand the experience they have gained in technology.”- Senator Ayo Akinyelure.
“Everybody knows the importance of having the necessary manpower that is well trained in technology. This Bill is to upgrade this institution to a university and allow for research so as to be able to get necessary manpower to drive the need for our nation.”- Senator Barau Jibrin.
“I support that this Bill be given expeditious passage.”- Senator Ibrahim Gobir.
“There is no way Nigeria can develop technologically without concentrating on science and technology. We are simply asking the federal government to upgrade the institution to a a full fledged University. I therefore support this Bill.”- Senator Adamu Aliero.
“When this college is upgraded, it must adhere strictly to technology. I hope that when we go into the public hearing these issues will be emphasized.”- Senator Boroffice Ajayi.
“We need to do something about technological advancement. I like to submit that this institution is long overdue for upgrade.”- Senator Kola Balogun.
“This is one Bill that is well focused in ensuring we upgrade the polytechnic to a university status. We should have this process as quickly as possible. We must focus and refocus our education system to provide for professionals who will acquire skills that will work for 21st Century. I think the time has come to insist that the Federal Ministry of Education and NBTE are kept on their toes to ensure institutions are restricted to those courses they have originally been established to produce. We have to review our curriculum, we have to have people who would ensure digital economy is working.”- Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON.
A Bill for an Act to provide for the establishment of the Federal University of Technology Yaba and for other matters connected there with, 2020 (SB. 85) was read the Second Time.
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON referred the Bill to the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND to report in four (4) weeks.
MOTION
- The need to complete the abandoned Greater Awka Water Scheme by Federal Ministry of Water Resources by Senator Uche Ekwunife.
“It is a very important motion and I am supporting it completely.”- Senator Mohammed Hassan.
“This is a motion that we as representatives of the people must take serious. It is funny to note that in this 21st century, children are still dying from waterborne diseases. I am pushing that this Senate should bring a strong resolution.”- Senator Elisha Abbo.
“The provision of water to Nigerian citizens is not the exclusive responsibility of the Federal Government. Federal government, State and Local Government have a responsibility. It is better we have water at a little bit of a price than not have it at all and pay for medications. I will advise we look at water resources Bill and present it to the Senate. There are so many abandoned water resources project. I think we can take one step at a time in addressing the abandoned water project across the country.”- Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON.
Senate resolved to:
Urge the Senate Committee on Water Resources to engage the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to ascertain the reason behind the abandonment of the project and explore the possibility of commencement of the project report to the Senate within four (4) weeks.
ADJOURNMENT
Senate Leader moved that all items on the order paper be stood down to another legislative day. Minority Leader seconded.
Plenary is adjourned to Wednesday, 4th March 2020.
Be the first to comment