Senate President Ahmad Lawan led the Principal Officers into the Chamber, took the official prayers and began the day’s proceedings at 11:06am.

 

VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS

Senator Nora Ladi Daduut moved for the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings of Tuesday, 4th October, 2022.

Senator ID Gyang seconded.

 

PETITION

Senator Ayo Akinyelure submitted five Petitions from the Office of the Senate President:

1. A petition from Debo Adeniran against Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Abeokuta, Ogun state. A Clarion call on the Senate to intervene on issues that may lead to breakdown of law and order at Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta Ogun state.

2. A petition from Aniekan, Umoh against Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) for victimization of Mr. Aniekan Umoh, an appeal for accelerated attention.

3. A petition from E.C Igwekolo Esq. against Nigerian Shippers Council and Transport & Port Management System of Nigeria limited. Re: report on the petition by E.C Igwe Esq. On behalf of employers of Nigerian Shippers Council and Transport & Port Management System of Nigeria limited for alleged non-payment of salaries.

4. A petition from Suleiman Mohammed on behalf of Mr. Shedrach and Mrs. Peace Egbo against Mr. Peter Okofor-the Managing Director of Avastone Global Services LTD for defrauding and deceiving Mr. Shedrach and Mrs. Pea Peace Egbo with promise to build and deliver a four bedroom terrace duplex at No . A1, Dream Estates, Karimo District,Abuja to the tune of seventeen Million, Thirty Nine Thousand, Eight Hundred and Sixty Six Naira, Seventy Five Kobo (17,039,866.75)

5. A petition from Uche Alo Eqs. against Mr. Mohammed Bello Shehu. Letter of protest and objection to the Appointment of Mohammed Bello Shehu as the Chairman of Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to align with Constitutional provisions, Federal Character Principles, equity, natural justice and fairness.

Petition were laid and referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition to report back within four weeks.

 

POINT OF ORDER

Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi cited Order 41 and 51 to seek the leave of the Senate to present a motion on the poor condition of federal roads in Ekiti State.

 

Senate resolved to:

i. Urge the Minister of Works and Housing to address the deplorable condition of federal roads in Ekiti State and other parts of Nigeria;

ii. Urge the Ministry of Works and Housing to review the design and quality of federal roads in Nigeria by taking into consideration the subject matter of the motion;

iii. Urge the federal government to develop the bitumen and other raw materials for road construction in Nigeria;

iv. Urge the State Governments to be involved directly in inter-state roads repair in their respective State in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Works; and

v. Urge the federal government to explore the possibility of Public Private Partnership (PPP) in road construction.

 

PRESENTATION OF BILLS FOR FIRST READING

1. Federal College of Medical laboratory Science and Technology Jos Bill, 2022 (HB. 1421) by Senate Leader, Senator Ibrahim Gobir

Federal College of Medical laboratory Science and Technology Jos Bill, 2022 (HB. 1421) was read the First Time.

1. Federal University of Education Isiokolo, Delata State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1635) by Senate Leader Senator Ibrahim Gobir

Federal University of Education Isiokolo, Delta State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1635) was read the First Time.

1. Chartered Institute of Facility Management (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 191) by Senator Ali Ndume

Chartered Institute of Facility Management (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 191) was read the First Time.

1. Pandemic Response and Management Bill, 2022 (SB. 890) by Senator Sani Musa

Pandemic Response and Management Bill, 2022 (SB. 890) was read the First Time.

1. Nigeria Re-Insurance Corporation Act (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 946) by Senator Clifford Odia

Nigeria Re-Insurance Corporation Act (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 946) was read the First Time.

 

MOTION FOR RE-COMMITAL OF A BILL

1. Re-commital of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (Establishment) Bill, 2022 to the Committee of the Whole by Senate Leader, Senator Ibrahim Gobir.

Minority Leader, Senator Philips Aduda seconded.

Senate resolved to rescind its decision on the Bills as passed and re-commit same to the Committee of the Whole for re-consideration and passage.

Senate resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider the report.

Senate reverted to Plenary to report progress.

The Senate in Committee of the Whole and Plenary considered National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (Establishment) Bill, 2022 and approved Clauses 1-54 as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Schedules as recommended, Short and Long Titles as recommended, Explanatory Memorandum as recommended.

National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (Establishment) Bill, 2022 was read the Third Time and PASSED.

 

CONSIDERATION OF BILLS

1. A Bill for an Act to Establish the Nigeria Industrial Development Authority and other related matters connected therewith, 2022 (SB. 1050) by Senator Sani Musa

The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Industry to report back within four weeks.

1. A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Centre for Women Development Act, Cap N15, LFN 2004 to enhance the functions of the Centre and rename the Centre after Maryam Babangida, and for related matters, 2022 (SB. 1042) by Senator Betty Apiafi

The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development to report back within four weeks.

1. A Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal University of Agriculture and Maritime Studies, Mokwa, Niger State to make comprehensive provisions for its due management and administration and for related matters, 2022 (SB. 365) by Senator Bima Enagi

The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND to report back within four weeks.

 

PRESENTATION AND CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS

1. Report of the Committee on Finance

2023-2025 Medium-Term Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) by Senator Solomon Adeola

Senator Solomon Adeola moved that the Senate do receive and consider the Report of the Committee on Finance on 2023-2025 Medium-Term Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP)

Senator Albert Bassey seconded.

 

Senator Solomon Adeola laid and presented the report.

 

Senate approved:

i. That the daily crude oil production of 1.69mbpd, 1.83mbpd, and 1.83mbpd for 2023, 2024 and 2025 respectively be approved.

ii. That the oil price of $73per barrel of crude oil be approved as a result of continuous increase in the oil price in the global oil market and other peculiar situations such as continuous invasion of Ukraine by Russia as this will result in saving of N155 billion.

iii. That the exchange rate of N437.57 be sustained as contained in the MTEF FSP document with continuous engagements between the Central Bank of Nigeria and Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning with the view of bridging the gap between the official market and parallel market.

iv. That the projected GDP growth rate of 3.75% be approved.

v. That the Projected Inflation rate of 17.16% be also approved.

vi. That the projected New Borrowings of N8.437 trillion (including Foreign and domestic Borrowing) be approved, subject to the approval of the provision details to the borrowing by the National Assembly;

vii. Other parameters proposed to be approved in the 2023-2025 MTEF/FSP Document includes:

a. A retained revenue of N9.352 trillion as result of increase in the benchmark as the ceiling oil subsidy to the year in review;

b. Fiscal deficit of N11.3 trillion (including Foreign and domestic Borrowing), subject to the provision of details of the borrowing plan to the National Assembly;

c. Statutory transfers, totaling N722.11 billion, Debt Service estimate of N6.31 trillion;

d. Sinking fund to the tune of N247.7 billion;

e. Pension, Gratuities and Retirees Benefits of N827.8 billion; and

f. Aggregate FGN Expenditure of N19.76 trillion; made up of Total Recurrent (Non-debt) of N8.53 trillion; Personnel Costs (MDAs) of N827.8 billion; of Capital expenditure (exclusive of Transfers) N3.96 trillion; Special Intervention (Recurrent) amounting to N350 billion; and Special intervention (Capital) of N7 billion;

viii. The cost of Petroleum subsidy be capped at N3.6 trillion accordingly,

ix. Significant reduction in both waivers and tax exemptions of corporate organizations to cushion the effect of budget deficit.

x. All revenue generating agencies should reconcile their accounts with the Fiscal Responsibility Commission and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, the report of which should be submitted to the Committee of Finance for consideration and approval.

xi. That there should be common electronic platform for reconciliation amongst the government MDAs, OAGF and Fiscal Responsibility Commission for effective monitoring and remittances.

xii. That there should be strict compliance with the Constitution, Fiscal Responsibility Act and other extant laws by all agencies of the Government with regards to revenue remittances.

xiii. That the relevant oversight committees of National Assembly are at liberty to remove recycled projects in their budget proposal during the Committees’ budget defense.

xiv. Mainstreaming of annual GOEs’ budgets into the federal government budget processes to ensure the same level of scrutiny, procurement and monitoring exercise.

xv. That 10 out of the 63 GOEs be placed on cost of collections to serve as a test case for other GOEs which can be added in the future, the list of this GOEs includes: NCC, CAC, NPA, NIMASA, NUPRC, FIRS, CUSTOMS, NMPDRA, JAMB, NAFDAC, with immediate effect with the proposed Finance Bill 2023 coming up with the amendment of the existing Act of the above mentioned agencies.

 

1. Report of the Committee on Upstream Petroleum Sector

Confirmation of the Nomination of Muhammad Sambo Lamido for Appointment as Executive Commissioner, Finance and Accounts for the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission by Senator Albert Bassey

Senator Albert Bassey moved that the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on Upstream Petroleum Sector on the Confirmation of the Nomination of Muhammad Sambo Lamido for Appointment as Executive Commissioner, Finance and Accounts for the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.

Senator James Manager seconded.

Senator Albert Bassey laid and presented the report.

Senate resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider the report.

Senate reverted to Plenary to report progress.

The nomination of Muhammad Sambo Lamido was confirmed as Executive Commissioner, Finance and Accounts for the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.

 

1. Report of the Committee on Electoral Matters

Confirmation of Appointment as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by Senator Kabiru Gaya

Senator Kabiru Gaya moved that the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on Electoral Matters on the Confirmation of Appointment as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

i. Ibrahim Abdullahi, mni – Adamawa State – Renewal

ii. Obo. O. Effanga – Cross River State – Renewal

iii. Alh. Umar Ibrahim – Taraba State – Renewal

iv. Dr. Agboke Mitiu Olaleke – Ogun State – Renewal

v. Prof. Samuel E. Egwu – Kogi State – Renewal

vi. Onyeka Pauline Ugochi – Imo State – New Appointment

vii. Prof. Muhammed Lawal Bashar – Sokoto State – New Appointment

viii. Prof. Abayomi Salami – Oyo State – New Appointment

ix. Amb. Zango Abdussamadu Abdu, mni – Katsina State – New Appointment

x. Mrs. Queen Eliabeth Agwu – Ebonyi State – New Appointment

xi. Dr. Agunndu Oliver Tersoo – Benue State – New Appointment

xii. Yomere Gabriel Oritsemlebi – Delta State – new Appointment

xiii. Prof. Yahaya Makarfi Ibrahim – Kaduna State – New Appointment

xiv. Dr. Nura Ali – Kano State – New Appointment

xv. Agu Sylvia Uchenna – Enugu State – New Appointment

xvi. Ahmed Yushua Garki – FCT – New Appointment

xvii. Barr. Hudu Yunusa, mni – Bauchi State – New Appointment

xviii. Prof. Uzochukwu Ikemefuna Chijoke – Anambra State – New Appointment

xix. Mohammad B. Nura – Yobe State – New Appointment

 

Senator Frank Ibezim seconded.

Senator Kabiru Gaya laid and presented the report.

Senate resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider the report.

Senate reverted to Plenary to report progress.

The nomination of Ibrahim Abdullahi, mni from Adamawa State was confirmed as Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

The nomination of Obo. O. Effanga from Cross River State was confirmed as Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

The nomination of Alh. Umar Ibrahim from Taraba State was confirmed as Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

The nomination of Dr. Agboke Mitiu Olaleke from Ogun State was confirmed as Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

The nomination of Prof. Samuel E. Egwu from Kogi State was confirmed as Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

The nomination of Onyeka Pauline Ugochi from Imo State was confirmed as Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

The nomination of Prof. Muhammed Lawal Bashar from Sokoto State was confirmed as Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

The nomination of Prof. Abayomi Salami from Oyo State was confirmed as Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

The nomination of Amb. Zango Abdussamadu Abdu mni from Katsina State was confirmed as Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

The nomination of Mrs. Queen Elizabeth Agwu from Ebonyi State was confirmed as Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

The nomination of Dr. Agungu Oliver Tersoo from Benue State was confirmed as Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

The nomination of Yomere Gabriel Oritsemlebi from Delta State was confirmed as Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

The nomination of Prof. Yahaya Makarfi Ibrahim from Kaduna State was confirmed as Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

The nomination of Dr. Nura Ali from Kano State was confirmed as Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

The nomination of Agu Sylvia Uchenna from Enugu State was confirmed as Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

The nomination of Ahmed Yushua Garki from FCT was confirmed as Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

The nomination of Barr. Hudu Yunusa, mni from Bauchi State was confirmed as Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

The nomination of Prof. Uzochukwu Ikemefuna Chijioke from Anambra State was confirmed as Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

The nomination of Mohammad B. Nura from Yobe State was confirmed as Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

 

ADJOURNMENT

Senate Leader, Senator Ibrahim Gobir moved that Senate do stand down other items on the Order Paper till another legislative day.

Minority Leader, Senator Philips Aduda seconded.

Plenary was adjourned to Friday, 7th October, 2022.

 

Signed
New Media Unit
Office of the President of the Senate
Federal Republic of Nigeria