Proceedings of the Nigerian Senate of Wednesday, 11th March, 2020

Proceedings of the Nigerian Senate of Wednesday, 11th March, 202

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 10:39am.

‪Senator Bulus Amos moved for the approval of votes and proceedings of Tuesday, 10th March 2020. Senator Ayo Akinyelure seconded.‬

PETITION
Senator Solomon Adeola raised a petition on behalf of a constituency member on his wrongful termination of appointment from Yaba College of Technology.

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON referred the petition to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions to report within four (4) weeks.

POINT OF ORDER
Senator Sandy Onor cites Order 43 and informs the Senate on the passing away of former Senator Ntufam Joseph Oqua Ansa who was a Senator from 1979 – 1983.

Senate resolved to:
Observe a minute silence in his honour.

Senate Leader, Abdullahi Yahaya cites Order 43 and requested for an additional week to complete its Committee’s assignment on meeting with heads of security and submit a report.

“You have one more week to finish your report.”- Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON.

PRESENTATION OF BILLS- First Reading

1. Finance Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 397) by Senator Abdullahi Yahaya.

Finance Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 397) was read the First Time.

2. Generating Set (Prohibition/Ban) Bill, 2020 (SB. 366) by Senator Bima Enagi.

Generating Set (Prohibition/Ban) Bill, 2020 (SB. 366) was read the First Time.

3. Advanced Healthcare Development Fund Bill, 2020 (SB. 371) by Senator Sandy Onor.

Advanced Healthcare Development Fund Bill, 2020 (SB. 371) was read the First Time.

4. ‪Abuja Geographical Information System (AGIS) (Est, etc) Bill, 2020 (SB. 391) by Senator Mohammed Hassan.‬

‪Abuja Geographical Information System (AGIS) (Est, etc) Bill, 2020 (SB. 391)‬ was read the First Time.

5. ‪Federal Polytechnic Dange, Sokoto State (Est, etc) Bill, 2020 (SB. 389) by Senator Ibrahim Danbaba.‬

‪Federal Polytechnic Dange, Sokoto State (Est, etc) Bill, 2020 (SB. 389) ‬was read the First Time.

6. ‪Nigeria Steel University, Ajaokuta, Kogi State (Est, etc) Bill, 2020 (SB. 393) by Senator Yakubu Oseni.‬

‪Nigeria Steel University, Ajaokuta, Kogi State (Est, etc) Bill, 2020 (SB. 393)‬ was read the First Time.

‪CONSIDERATION OF BILLS- Second Reading‬

1. ‪A Bill for an Act to amend the Finance Act, 2019 and other relevant tax status to provide clarifications regarding the tax incentives for agricultural production, the administrative effective date for the commencement of the increase in Value Added Tax to 7.5% and certain basic items exempt from Value Added Tax and for other connected matters, 2020 (SB. 397) by Senator Abdullahi Yahaya.‬

‪Senate Leader suspends Order 79 to enable the Senate consider this Bill for second reading as it also went for first reading today. Minority Leader seconds.‬

“This is a very straightforward amendment we are seeking for and I believe it is not controversial.”- Senator Solomon Adeola.

“Basically it is all about clarifications and if it is about that, there is nothing new and the Committee will bring the details. The amendment is for the good of all of us and I support it.”- Senator James Manager.

“We have not seen the clarifications this amendment is seeking. Let me see those clarifications so that we can take it one after the other.”- Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.

“We passed this Bill last year November and Mr. President signed it in December. I think we have something to celebrate here. I believe that this is a very straightforward Bill and our Committee on Finance will do a lot of nitty gritty.”- Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON.

‪A Bill for an Act to amend the Finance Act, 2019 and other relevant tax status to provide clarifications regarding the tax incentives for agricultural production, the administrative effective date for the commencement of the increase in Value Added Tax to 7.5% and certain basic items exempt from Value Added Tax and for other connected matters, 2020 (SB. 397) was read the Second Time.‬

‪Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON referred the Bill to the Committee on Finance to report within a week.‬

2. A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to make provision for the Financial Autonomy of Local Government Councils and for other matter, 2020 (SB. 109) by Senator Ahmad Babba Kaita.

A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to make provision for the Financial Autonomy of Local Government Councils and for other matter, 2020 (SB. 109) was read the Second Time.

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON referred the Bill to the Committee on Constitution Review.

3. A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to provide for the amendment of Section 54(1) and Section 96(1) therein, 2020 (SB. 74) by Senator Istifanus Gyang.

A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to provide for the amendment of Section 54(1) and Section 96(1) therein, 2020 (SB. 74) was read the Second Time.

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON referred the Bill to the Committee on Constitution Review.

4. A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to give Local Government Council direct control of their finances and other matters related thereto, 2020 (SB. 184) by Senator Uche Ekwunife.

A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to give Local Government Council direct control of their finances and other matters related thereto, 2020 (SB. 184) was read the Second Time.

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON referred the Bill to the Committee on Constitution Review.

5. A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to provide for an upward review of the derivation formula for the inclusion of Solid Minerals and Hydro Power in the derivation principle and for related matters, 2020 (SB. 218) by Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi.

A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to provide for an upward review of the derivation formula for the inclusion of Solid Minerals and Hydro Power in the derivation principle and for related matters, 2020 (SB. 218) was read the Second Time.

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON referred the Bill to the Committee on Constitution Review.

6. A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 CAP C23 LFN 2004 to make provisions for Right to Food and Food Security in Nigeria and for related matters, 2020 (SB. 240) by Senator Abdullahi Adamu.

A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 CAP C23 LFN 2004 to make provisions for Right to Food and Food Security in Nigeria and for related matters, 2020 (SB. 240) was read the Second Time.

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON referred the Bill to the Committee on Constitution Review.

7. A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to provide for the regulation of the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal and for related matters, 2020 (SB. 247) by Senator Ajibola Basiru.

A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to provide for the regulation of the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal and for related matters, 2020 (SB. 247) was read the Second Time.

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON referred the Bill to the Committee on Constitution Review.

8. A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to provide immunity for members of the legislature in respect of words spoken or written at Plenary Sessions or Committee proceedings and institutionalize legislative bureaucracy in the Constitution; and for related matters, 2020 (SB. 253) by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.

A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to provide immunity for members of the legislature in respect of words spoken or written at Plenary Sessions or Committee proceedings and institutionalize legislative bureaucracy in the Constitution; and for related matters, 2020 (SB. 253) was read the Second Time.

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON referred the Bill to the Committee on Constitution Review.

9. A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to preclude the Federal High Court from entertaining pre-election disputes emanating from Congress, conferences, conventions or other meetings convened by political parties for the purpose of electing members of its Executive Committees or other governing bodies and for related matters, 2020 (SB. 318) by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.

A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to preclude the Federal High Court from entertaining pre-election disputes emanating from Congress, conferences, conventions or other meetings convened by political parties for the purpose of electing members of its Executive Committees or other governing bodies and for related matters, 2020 (SB. 318) was read the Second Time.

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON referred the Bill to the Committee on Constitution Review.

10. A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to preclude the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory from entertaining pre-election disputes emanating from Congress, conferences, conventions or other meetings convened by political parties for the purpose of electing members of its Executive Committees or other governing bodies and for related matters, 2020 (SB. 319) by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.

A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to preclude the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory from entertaining pre-election disputes emanating from Congress, conferences,conventions or other meetings convened by political parties for the purpose of electing members of its Executive Committees or other governing bodies and for related matters, 2020 (SB. 319) was read the Second Time.

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON referred the Bill to the Committee on Constitution Review.

11. A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to preclude the High Court of a State from entertaining pre-election disputes emanating from Congress, conferences, conventions or other meetings convened by political parties for the purpose of electing members of its Executive Committees or other governing bodies and for related matters, 2020 (SB. 320) by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.

A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to preclude the High Court of a State from entertaining pre-election disputes emanating from Congress, conferences, conventions or other meetings convened by political parties for the purpose of electing members of its Executive Committees or other governing bodies and for related matters, 2020 (SB. 320) was read the Second Time.

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON referred the Bill to the Committee on Constitution Review.

12. A Bill for an Act to establish the North West Development Commission to act as a catalyst to develop the commercial and industrial potentials of the North West, to receive and manage funds from allocation of the Federation for the agricultural and industrial development of the North West and other related 2020 (SB. 207) by Senator Barau Jibrin.

“There is nothing to add here because Senator Barau has done justice to this proposed Bill. All regions of this country has proposed the setting up of a development agency, it is true that the North West is more populated and this is one thing that the development agency will take care of. We want to have an even development and therefore this Bill is timely.”- Senator Ahmad Babba Kaita.

“I am happy to support this Bill. Senator Barau has already identified all the advantages in this North West Commission. With the Commission on board the crime rate will reduce, with this the investors will move rapidly to the North West because of the mineral resources. I wholeheartedly support the move to establish this Commission.”- Senator Francis Fadahunsi.

“I rise to support this memorable and timely Bill. The Bill is very fundamental because if you look at the situation in the North West it is highly devastating. I support this Bill 100%.”- Senator Ibrahim Gobir.

“I like to commend the mover and co-sponsors of this Bill. There is a need to establish this Commission. This Bill will tremendously help the people in this zone.”- Senator Kabiru Gaya.

“Let me join my other colleagues in commending Senator Barau for coming up with this Bill to develop the North West zone of the country. Anything that will bring development to any part of the country should enjoy our support in this hallowed Chamber. For me, if we have everybody struggling to develop we should support them. When a place is not developed then you begin to see what we are seeing today. I, without any doubt will support this Bill because it will only bring development to the whole of the country.”- Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

“I support this Bill. This Senate is known for its concern with the challenges of Nigeria. The earlier we pass it, the better for us.”- Senator Ike Ekweremadu.

“The moment we have this Commission, there will be less complain from the zone. I urge all my colleagues to support development Commission Bill even from all other zones.”- Senator Abdulfatai Buhari.

A Bill for an Act to establish the North West Development Commission to act as a catalyst to develop the commercial and industrial potentials of the North West, to receive and manage funds from allocation of the Federation for the agricultural and industrial development of the North West and other related 2020 (SB. 207) was read the Second Time.

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON referred the Bill to the Committee on Establishment and Public Service Matters to report within four (4) weeks.

13. A Bill for an Act to repeal the Civil Aviation Act, 2006 and to enact the Civil Aviation Act for the regulation of Civil Aviation in Nigeria and for related matters, 2020 (SB. 195) by Senator Abdullahi Yahaya.

“I call on my colleagues to support this Bill.”- Senator Barau Jibrin.

A Bill for an Act to repeal the Civil Aviation Act, 2006 and to enact the Civil Aviation Act for the regulation of Civil Aviation in Nigeria and for related matters, 2020 (SB. 195) was read the Second Time.

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON referred the Bill to the Committee on Aviation to report within four (4) weeks.

MOTIONS

1. Urgent need to investigate the rehabilitation of Mararaba-Mubi-Michika-Bama road contract by Senator Elisha Ishaku.

“I stand to second this motion.”- Senator Abba Moro.

Senate resolved to:

1. Mandate the Committee on Works to engage the Ministry of Works and Housing to investigate why the work was abandoned and report back to the Senate.

“The Committee will meet with the Minister of Housing and Works to find out why the road is not working and why there are issues.”- Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON.

2. The urgent need to accelerate Human Capital Development in Nigeria by Senator Stella Oduah.

“I rise to support this motion.”- Senator Ibrahim Gobir.

“The Human capital Development hinges on education and health. Education is not a means to life, education itself is life. Our problem as a nation is that we do not understand the human capital development. There must be emphasis on human capital development to give to our nation what it needs to drive the economy. I rise to support this motion for all its importance. What I suggest is that we should support this motion and the Senate should set up a Committee on this Human Capital Development.”- Senator Rochas Okorocha.

Senate resolved to:

1. That the Senate Leader should lead an Ad-hoc Committee comprising of the following Committees; National Planning and Economic Affairs, Health, Education (Basic & Secondary) and Tertiary & TETFUND, Women Affairs & Youth Development, Employment, Labour & Productivity, Poverty Alleviation & Social Welfare, Sustainable Development Goals to convene a special policy round table on human capital development in Nigeria to identify policy measures that can enable Nigeria reap democratic dividends;
2. Urge the Federal Government to immediately set in motion the development of a national human capital development strategy and reform action plan and ensure immediate implementation of identified high-impact interventions across the country;
3. Urge the Federal Government to urgently review the national educational curricula to produce market-relevant graduates and in particular declare an emergency to address girl’s education in the country;
4. Urge the Federal Government to resuscitate manpower planning and scale up entrepreneurship and skills development programmed including technical and vocational education;
5. Urge the Federal Government to redouble it’s resource mobilization efforts and prioritize human capital development in resource allocation and improve the efficiency of resource use; and
6. Urge State Governments to urgently implement the high-impact interventions, prioritizing investment in human capital development, spending more on preventive healthcare, increasing education enrollment and reducing the number of out of school children and drop outs.

ADJOURNMENT
Senate Leader moved that plenary be adjourned to another legislative day. Minority Leader seconded.

Plenary is adjourned to Thursday, 12th March, 2020.