TheNewsGuru

Tag: bill

  • NCC assures of data availability, advances talks on licensing more Infracos

    Tony Ojobo, Director Public Affairs at the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has said the significance of data availability through robust broadband is a key resource to the building of a digital economy.

    Ojobo declared in a keynote address he delivered extemporaneously at a critical segment of the just concluded Digital PayExpo in Lagos tagged Data Fiesta.

    Data Fiesta, came up for the first time at the 17-year old event to demonstrate the importance of data and broadband infrastructure in the implementation of an impeccable payment systems in the country.

    Accordingly, Ojobo took the stage to engage the audience, giving anecdotal evidence of the value of data so notable in massive sales by Nigerian-based online malls such as Yudala, Jumia, Konga and among others.

    He noted that the huge online banking transactions that have reduced physical traffic to the banking halls, and the amazing innovations and creativity bolstered by access to data and the Internet are proofs of what is possible with good broadband and also speaks to greater opportunities in the future which are already seen in many start-ups businesses.

    “This explains why NCC is opening up new and additional spectrum bands as data needs are growing in order to increase availability of data,” Ojobo told the audience.

    He recalled the auction of frequencies in the 2.3GHz, 2.6GHz, the re-planning of the 800MHz for LTE services, the re-farming of older frequencies held by operators in the sector – all of which are earmarked for data – as concrete steps taken by the NCC to ensure availability of data.

    He added that there are also measurable derivable benefits for the data segment in the NCC’s technology neutrality stance.

    Ojobo said all these are proofs of NCC’s mindfulness of the centrality of data for economic growth and development.

    The NCC Director of Public Affairs also reminded the audience of the licensing of two infrastructure companies (Infracos) two years ago and stated that the action was designed to push the deployment of backbone fibre across the country, and informed the audience that NCC has instituted processes for the licensing of additional five Infracos for the same purpose and to strengthen the wireless technology resources available in the telecom sector.

    Ojobo told the audience that the Commission is also engaging every stakeholder to secure required collaboration in all its activities.

    He recalled the visits of Management of the Commission to some State Governors to ensure that operators are given necessary permits to deploy infrastructure in the States, and he said these efforts have yielded good results most recently in Ogun and Kano States.

    Ojobo also told the audience that NCC will continue to liaise with the National Assembly and other relevant institutions of government to ensure that the Bill on the Protection of Critical National Infrastructure is passed speedily to check the recurring vandalism and theft of telecom infrastructure and equipment because of the attendant disruptions the damage and theft of equipment impose on the quality of service.

     

  • Senate to partner Albinos in fight against stigmatization

    Senate President Bukola Saraki has said the Nigerian Senate will partner Albinos and other vulnerable groups in the country in a renewed effort to combat stigmatization.

    The Senate President made the statement in a meeting with the Albino Foundation in Abuja today.

    He said the essence of the meeting was to discuss the discrimination and stigmatization of albinos across the country.

    “This afternoon, I met with The Albino Foundation, led by Dr. Douglas Anele to discuss the discrimination and stigmatization of albinos across the country.

    “The meeting was aimed at discussing how the Senate can partner with albinos and other vulnerable groups to curb and limit their marginalization in Nigeria.

    “I assured the members of the Foundation that this Senate will always defend the rights of albinos and other vulnerable groups.

    “You are not alone. You will never be!” the Senate President said after the meeting.

    Moving forward, he said the Senate will work to ensure that albinos have the necessary empowerment opportunities, access to education and healthcare services that they need to live productive lives.

    “Additionally, once we receive the Bill on the Rights of Albinos that is currently in the House of Representatives, we will act on it immediately in the Senate!” he further stated.

     

     

  • JUST IN: Senate suspends bill proposing N5 levy per litre of fuel

    Following the public outcry that greeted the National Roads Fund Establishment Bill, the Senate on Thursday stepped down consideration of the report on the bill asking the Committee on Works to make “further consultations” on it.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the panel had specifically recommended multiple taxes, including a N5 levy on every litre of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) and Automobile General Oil (diesel) imported or refined in the country.

    The bill, which was sponsored by Chairman of the Committee on Works, Sen. Kabiru Gaya, has scaled first and second readings and has gone for public hearing.

     

    It was agreed that the panel should review the report.

    Details later…

  • Senate passes NFF Bill

    The Senate on Tuesday passed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Bill 2017 after third reading.

    The passage followed a clause by clause consideration of the bill and a voice vote by the lawmakers.

    Sponsor of the Bill, Sen. Obinna Ogba, had presented the report of the Committee on Sports and Youth Development before the passage.

    Presenting the report, Ogba, explained that it had become important to repeal the extant law guiding activities of football in the country in view of controversies surrounding its implementation.

    He said there had been series of court cases relating to football , which did not speak well of the country in the comity of nations.

    Ogba, who is the chairman of the committee, added that in view of the importance of football to national development, it was necessary to repeal the law to bring sanity to the system.

    He said that the passage of the bill would bring court cases to rest as issues regarding the NFF would be tackled by the Court of Arbitration and not regular courts.

    “It has become necessary to repeal the Extant Act. This is because it requires a lot of amendments to bring it into agreement with FIFA required international best practices. It is to give the desired boost it requires.

    “The Bill has no financial implication because it is only seeking for a change in the name of the football body in order to achieve greater and better results in future.

    “It seeks to ensure that only those who are actually involved in competitive football matches are members of the Federation and not just organisations and establishments as contained in the extant act.

    “The bill also makes provision for the election of a President to lead the Executive Committee as against the existing law where the governing body of the association is a board appointed from different organisations.

    “It further seeks to ensure mandatory systematic development of football through institutional, age and gender competitions.

    “Also, the bill makes provision for development of coaches and referees to enable them participate in international competitions,’’ he said.

    According to Ogba, the bill takesk care of funding, which has been a major problem in the country.

    He said unlike Nigeria, where the Federal Government was expected to fund football competitions and tournaments, countries like England, Spain, Italy governments were not involved in funding of football development.

    He said that in these countries, football was developed and funded by club owners through the establishment of feeder teams and signing on of identified star players.

    “This country has not achieved that and this is one of the objectives of the Federation.

    “The committee strongly believes that through this piece of legislation, the objectives as expressed in the long title of the bill and explanatory memorandum will be achieved,’’ Ogba said.

    He called on the House of Representatives to pass a similar bill to allow for concurrent and onward transmission to the Presidency for assent.

    Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, commended the committee for a job well done.

    He said the running of football in the country had not been in line with best practices, stressing that with the passage of the bill, problems associated with football development would be brought to rest.

    Saraki said, “The message here is for us to bring Nigeria in line with best practices and best ways to administer football in the country.

    “This has been an embarrassment over the years, but with the passage of this bill, the grey areas will be taken care of.’’ He said.

     

     

     

    NAN

     

  • JUST IN: Ortom signs anti-Open Rearing, Grazing bill into law

    JUST IN: Ortom signs anti-Open Rearing, Grazing bill into law

    Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State on Monday signed the bill prohibiting Open Rearing and Grazing into law.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the Benue State House of Assembly on Thursday, May 4 successfully passed the bill prohibiting Open Rearing and Grazing into law.

    Ortom, at a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, the Benue State capital on Monday described the development as a right step taken in a right direction.

    He said his administration would do all it would to protect the state from intruders and criminals.

    While thanking those who sponsored the bill, the governor urged them to continue to support his government’s vision of making Benue a great state.

    According to the bill, “Nobody will be permitted to carryout open grazing outside the permitted ranches.

    “Any person who contravene this act shall be guilty and upon conviction be sentenced to 5 years imprisonment with a fine of 1 million.

    “Where damage is done to the crops the farm will be evaluated and the manager of the livestock be compelled to pay.

    “Movement of livestock on foot within the state is hereby prohibited. Any person who contravene this shall pay be sentenced to one year imprisonment or pay a fine of 500k

    “Any livestock owner or manager who carries fire arms shall be treated under the penal code. All ranchers shall engage the services of security agencies.

    “Any person who rustles cattle shall be sentenced to 5 years imprisonment or pay a fine of 100k per cow. Any livestock wandering shall be impounded by the department of livestock.

    “Any livestock impounded and the owner not found shall be auctioned to the public and the proceeds be deposited into the state consolidated revenue account.

    “There shall be established a special open prohibition TAX FORCE they shall enforce this laws as stipulated.”

  • BREAKING: Ambode signs bill recommending death penalty for kidnappers

    BREAKING: Ambode signs bill recommending death penalty for kidnappers

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has signed into law a bill stipulating death penalty and life imprisonment for kidnappers.

    Signing into law, “The Prohibition of the Act of Kidnapping” on Wednesday, Ambode said it would address the issue of insecurity in the state.

    According to Ambode,” Security is of utmost importance to our administration and we are confident that this law will serve as a deterrent to anybody who may desire to engage in this wicked act within the boundaries of Lagos State.

    “The governor charged the judicial system in the state to execute the law to the letter and “make sure that any criminal caught faces the full wrath of the law.

    ” While we use this law to address the challenge of kidnapping and punish the criminals, we are also putting in place appropriate measures, particularly in our schools and other vulnerable targets, to prevent security breaches.”

    TheNewsGuru.com recalls that the Lagos State House of Assembly had on Thursday, January 5 passed a bill aimed at checking the spate of kidnapping in the state into law, with stiffer penalties including death sentence for offenders.

  • Bill to boost cassava farming scales second reading in Senate

    A Bill which seeks to encourage cassava farming on Wednesday scaled through second reading at the floor of the Nigerian Senate.

    The proposed legal framework sponsored by Senator Rose Oko (Cross River North) is titled “A Bill for an Act to provide for a legal framework for the cassava inclusion policy of the federal government to encourage cassava farming and for other matters connected therewith, 2017 (SB.152)”

    In her lead debate, Oko who spoke on the importance of the Bill, noted that it was timely, considering the Federal Government’s commitment towards diversifying the economy, using agriculture.

    Senator Jibrin Barau (Kano North) who spoke in support of the Bill, submitted that it “will create more jobs for youths who are interested in Agriculture.”

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu who presided over the plenary, however, referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Agriculture to report back in 4 weeks.

  • Brazil moves to increase retirement age to 65

    Brazil moves to increase retirement age to 65

    President Michel Temer of Brazil has on Tuesday submitted a bill to Congress that would raise the age of retirement in the country to 65.

    The draft bill, part of a pension reform plan, would apply to all men under 50 and women under 45, following 25 years of contributing to social security.

    “Men over 50 and women over 45 will be included in a transitional system, under which they will be subjected to a 50 per cent increase on their remaining contribution time,” according to the government news website.

    Government figures show the average age of retirement in Brazil is 58, among the lowest in the world.

    Those who have already retired and are receiving a pension will not be affected if the bill passes.

    “The first core principle (of the reform) is totally respect for all acquired rights,” Marcelo Caetano, the Finance Ministry’s Secretary of Social Security said.

    The bill includes automatic adjustment of the retirement age if life expectancy in Brazil, which is now 83, rises, with the government foreseeing two such adjustments by 2060.

    Pension reform is expected to reduce the country’s “social security costs by 700 billion reals in the first 10 years after approval,” or 205 billion U.S. dollars.

  • Bill seeking special economic status for states passes second reading at Reps

    Bill seeking special economic status for states passes second reading at Reps

    The House of Representatives on Wednesday, passed the second reading of a Bill seeking to grant special economic status to states with over 10 million inhabitants.

    The Bill, sponsored by Rep. Babajimi Benson (APC-Lagos) and three others, seeks to alter Sections 80 (1) and 162 (1) of the Principal Act in the 1999 Constitution.

    Presenting the bill during plenary, Benson said that there was need to give deserving states the needed support to develop critical infrastructure to cater for their rising population.

    According to him, any state with special economic consideration, by this bill, shall be granted 20 per cent of all proceeds accruing to the Federal Government from the state.

    “This is essential to mitigate the pressures of urbanisation, overcrowding and decaying infrastructure thus, reviving the economic potential of such states to contribute significantly to economic prosperity of Nigeria.

    “The premise of the bill is the designation of any state within the threshold of 10 million inhabitants as a megacity by the United Nations.

    “This bill will position Nigeria as a proactive country ready to address the urban challenges of overpopulation, poverty, infrastructure decay and environmental degradation,’’ Benson said.

    He emphasised the need to consider states such as Anambra for special economic status, in view of it having the biggest river port city located in Onitsha.

    He added that Kano should be considered for such status to economically regenerate the textile, apparel and footwear industry that played dominant role in the manufacturing sector.

    “Despite the revenue and ambience Lagos contributes to Nigeria, poverty and social exclusion remain the major challenges because of the decay in infrastructure, occasioned by over population.

    “The good that can be done in this regard is to compassionate all the states serving as melting points of our nation’s heterogeneous nature.’’

    The Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, therefore, referred the bill to the Special ad hoc Committee on Constitution Review for further legislative action.

  • Dogara rejects bills seeking establishment of new Agencies

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara has advocated for a stoppage of sponsorship of bills seeking the establishment of new government agencies.

    Dogara said this at a public hearing organised by the House Committee on Information and National Orientation, Ethics and values.

    The Speaker said this while delivering his opening remarks at a public hearing organised by the House Committee on Information and National Orientation, Ethics and values.

    Dogara explained that at a time the country is grappling with the effects of economic recession, it will be a waste of government funds to start financing establishing new agencies when existing ones can be made to undertake more functions.

    In his words: “As a parliament, we must weigh very carefully the cost of setting up new Government Agencies especially during this period of economic recession. Sometimes instead of establishing new agencies we may just amend the laws setting up similar existing agencies by incorporating the mandate of the new agencies in the old one. This is because to set up a new bureaucracy with complement of Directors, offices, equipment may be unnecessary.”

    The public hearing was aimed at collectively analysing the content of the four bills that have passed second reading at plenary and subsequently referred to the Committee for further legislative action, namely;

    (1) A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Broadcasting Commission Act (HB 168)

    (2) A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Regulation and Conduct of Broadcasting Profession in Nigeria (HB 150)

    (3) A Bill for an Act to Repeal Nigerian Films Corporation and Re-enact the Nigerian films Commission (HB 584)

    (4) A Bill for an Act to Establish the National Agency for Ethics and Values (HB 519).