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Tag: NASS

  • Finally, Senate confirms Uzor-Kalu as NASC Commissioner

    Finally, Senate confirms Uzor-Kalu as NASC Commissioner

    The Senate on Tuesday confirmed the appointment of Dr. Nnanna Uzor-Kalu as Commissioner in the National Assembly Service Commission.

    The Senate confirmed Dr. Nnanna Uzor-Kalu after the consideration of the report of the Committee on Establishment and Public Service of the Senate for the nomination of Uzor-Kalu for the National Assembly Service Commission.

    It could be recalled that Nnanna Uzor-Kalu’s name was dropped by the Senate Committee earlier during screening due to petition against t the Committee, but after a thorough investigation by the Committee he was cleared and his name submitted to the Senate for consideration and confirmation.

  • EXCLUSIVE: NASS Harmonisation Cttees on tax reforms set to pass four Bills on Thursday

    EXCLUSIVE: NASS Harmonisation Cttees on tax reforms set to pass four Bills on Thursday

    Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the National Assembly Harmonisation committees of both chambers will on Thursday pass four Bills on tax reforms in Nigeria.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG exclusively reports this was revealed in a closed door session of both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

    The harmonisation committees were inaugurated by the chairmen of Finance committees in the Senate wing.

    Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, on Tuesday revealed that barring any last minute delays, the Tax Reform Bills currently under consideration at the National Assembly will be harmonised before the end of the week and thereafter, a final copy transmitted to the President for his assent.

    Musa who is a Co-chair of the Conference Committee, dropped the hint while inaugurating the Senate and House of Representatives Conference Committee on the Nigeria Tax Reform Bill. He explained that the separate versions of the bills passed by both chambers have slight difference which the Conference Committee could harmonise under one day.

    He said that the short meeting held shortly after the inauguraton was to enable members of the Conference Committee seg the modalities for the consideration of the members.

    “The committee is hereby inaugurated. We are all aware of the assignment. These four bills are very important because the growth and sustenance of our economy depends on them. The economy depends on them. . However, whatever we are going to do must be done in the overall national interest. I believe that we can harmonise these bills in one day because the areas of difference are very small.

    “We only need a conducive environment to consider these bills and ensure we harmonise and pass the bills early enough for Mr President to assent to them as we mark two years anniversary of this administration, ” he said.

    Chairman of the House ov Representatives Commitee on Finance, Hon James Faleke who is also the Co-chair of the Conference Committee concurred witn the views of Musa but asked that the Secretariat of the Conference Commitee be given clear guidelines on how to pilot the affairs if the Commitee in order to work effectively, and achieve maximum results within the short time available to them.

    Other members of the committee drawn from both chambers expressed their readiness to hit the ground running o the bills harmonisaton exercise.

  • NASS proposes ‘equity trust fund’ to support youth

    NASS proposes ‘equity trust fund’ to support youth

    The National Assembly has proposed a bill titled the ‘Equity Trust Fund’ aimed at addressing the challenges faced by young Nigerians in accessing funding for their various endeavours.

    The assembly stated that, if passed into law, the dedicated fund would ensure sustainable job creation and economic growth.

    Sen. Saliu Mustapha, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture Production Services and Rural Development, gave the assurance at the National Young People’s Dialogue on Inclusive Food Systems.

    The dialogue was jointly organised by ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) and the Senate Committee on Agriculture Production Services and Rural Development.

    It had support from the German International Cooperation (GIZ) through its Sustainable Agriculture Systems and Policies (AgSys) programme.

    According to Mustapha, the fund is targeted at Nigerians aged 25 years and below.

    “We are working to establish a trust fund that consistently supports both young Nigerians and women in their respective fields of endeavour.

    “Such a fund would empower them to grow and excel in their chosen professions and businesses.

    “If we succeed in creating this dedicated fund, which would serve as a start-up grant, it will enhance economic growth and help reduce the current ‘japasyndrome’ in the country.

    “It will also create a more conducive environment for young men and women to thrive in their careers”.

    Mustapha noted that agriculture remains crucial to reducing poverty and driving economic growth in Nigeria, and emphasised that youths play a vital role in sustaining agricultural productivity.

    He highlighted that Nigerian youths, as key stakeholders in national development, bring valuable attributes such as resilience, resourcefulness, and perseverance.

    “Youth involvement in agriculture can address pressing challenges such as an ageing farming population and widespread youth unemployment.

    “To harness this potential, we need deliberate shifts in policy, targeted training, and promotion of agriculture among youths.

    “This includes providing support, resources, and opportunities that encourage their active participation”.

    He added that governments, organisations, and institutions must work together to create an enabling environment for youth involvement in agriculture.

    “Youth participation offers numerous benefits, including job creation, economic growth, and sustainable development.

    “Agriculture provides diverse employment opportunities, from crop and livestock production to agribusiness”.

    Mustapha further stated that by supporting young entrepreneurs, governments can empower them to start businesses, create jobs, and contribute to national food security.

    The dialogue, he explained, aimed to explore ways of ensuring increased youth participation in agriculture, reducing poverty, promoting economic growth, and generating employment opportunities for young people.

    He pointed out that Nigeria’s population is steadily increasing, thereby requiring a huge rise in food production.

    “Achieving food security is not only about producing more food but also about ensuring equitable access and distribution.

    “While sustainable agricultural practices have made progress, challenges persist; including climate change, limited arable land, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss.

    “Youth participation is critical to addressing these challenges. With their fresh perspectives, tech-savviness, and passion for sustainability, young people can introduce innovative solutions to the sector.

    “Nigeria’s vibrant youth population can be a catalyst for both economic growth and improved food production”.

    He acknowledged that Nigeria’s agricultural sector still faces issues such as an ageing farming population, limited access to modern farming technologies, and underutilised land.

    He stressed that improving agricultural productivity and value chains is essential for reducing unemployment, poverty, and food insecurity.

    “This dialogue seeks to proffer practical solutions to the barriers hindering effective youth participation in agriculture.

    “We aim to explore opportunities in youth entrepreneurship, value addition, and diversification in the sector.

    “By promoting youth engagement in agriculture, we can unlock sustainable development, economic growth, and job creation, ultimately leading to a more food-secure future for all”.

    Also, Mr Azubike Nwokoye, Food Systems Specialist at ActionAid Nigeria, spoke on the Nigerian Youth in Agritech and Innovation Programme.

    He said the overarching objective of the programme is to create sustainable jobs and livelihoods for young people in the agricultural sector, thereby contributing to economic growth.

    According to him, the specific goals include facilitating youth-focused policies and programme advocacywithin the agricultural space.

  • Enact law on state police now, northern govs, traditional rulers tell NASS

    Enact law on state police now, northern govs, traditional rulers tell NASS

    The Northern Governors’ Forum and the traditional rulers’ council in the region have reiterated their support for the creation of state police, with a call on the National Assembly to expedite action on the enactment of the legal framework for its take-off.

    This was part of their resolutions at their joint meeting held at Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House in Kaduna State on Saturday.

    In a communiqué read by the chairman of the forum and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, at the end of the meeting, the northern governors resolved to liaise with the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) to work out modalities of how to increase support to the federal security forces.

    They also resolved to strengthen peculiar local initiatives in combating all forms of security challenges by setting up inter-state platforms to coordinate surveillance on their joint borders.

    While they acknowledged the critical role of nonpartisan cooperation, collaboration, and peer review in effectively addressing the numerous developmental challenges confronting the northern region and the nation at large, the governors commended President Bola Tinubu for his sustained commitment to addressing the security challenges and infrastructural deficits in northern Nigeria.

    Speaking earlier in his opening remark, Governor Yahaya stressed the need for collective action to drive the region’s development and tackle insecurity, just as he condemned the recent attacks and killings in Plateau, Benue, Bauchi, Borno, and Yobe states.

    He therefore urged the Federal Government to review its security strategies, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the federal, state, and local security architectures.

    According to the Northern Governors’ Forum, the resurgence of Boko Haram activities in the northeast and violent killings in the north-central regions were major concerns that require immediate attention.

    “We must work together to address the security challenges facing our region. It’s imperative that we enhance our security measures to protect our citizens and ensure their safety,” he said.

    He commended President Tinubu’s commitment to Nigeria’s security while noting the need for more effective strategies.

    Governor Yahaya also expressed concern over the state of infrastructure in northern Nigeria, citing neglected projects such as the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail line and the Kano-Maiduguri expressway.

    The Kebbi governor advocated innovative financing options like public-private partnerships and infrastructure bonds to bridge the infrastructure gap.

    In his remarks, Kaduna State Governor and chief host of the meeting, Uba Sani, commended Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to addressing infrastructural deficits in the north.

    Sani praised Tinubu’s initiative to complete the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano dual carriageway project.

    “Mr President will go down in history as the leader who listened to the cries of the Northern people and took decisive action,” the governor said.

    He noted that the road connected the Federal Capital Territory to 12 states in the North Central, North West, and North East zones, serving as a vital link between the south and north.

    The governor emphasised the need for a roadmap to address security, peace, governance, and development issues in northern Nigeria.

    “We don’t have the luxury of time. Our people want results,” he stressed, urging the development of an implementation and funding strategy to drive progress.

    While welcoming his colleagues and traditional rulers to the meeting, he commended the chairman of the Gombe governor and the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, for their leadership.

    “We have made progress on many fronts. But challenges remain. I urge us to hasten the development of a roadmap to address issues of security, peace, governance, and development in northern Nigeria. Additionally, we must follow up on the roadmap with an implementation and funding strategy. We don’t have the luxury of time. Our people want results.

    “I must not conclude this welcome address without commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering commitment to addressing the infrastructural deficits in northern Nigeria. One of Mr President’s key interventions in our region is the long-abandoned Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano dual carriageway. The road connects the Federal Capital Territory to about 12 states in the North Central, North West, and North East Zones.

    “It serves as a vital link for travellers moving between the southern and northern parts of Nigeria. Mr President will go down in history as the leader who listened to the cries of the northern people and took decisive action. We owe Mr President a debt of gratitude,” he said.

  • HoR Minority Caucus demands immediate release of VDM, strongly condemns his arrest

    HoR Minority Caucus demands immediate release of VDM, strongly condemns his arrest

    The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has condemned in the strongest terms the arrest and continued detention of social campaigner and activist, Martins Otse, popularly known as Very Dark Man (VDM), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    In a statement jointly signed by the HoR caucus leaders, Rep Kingsley Chinda, Leader, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ali. Isa J.C Minority Whip, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Madaki., Deputy Minority Leader,,Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi
    Deputy Minority Whip, the opposition leaders saying:

    “The disturbing trend of security and law enforcement agencies deploying their powers arbitrarily against citizens exercising their rights to free expression poses grave threats to our democracy.

    “We must state clearly that such acts, cloaked in the guise of enforcement, erode public confidence in the rule of law and undermine the principles of accountability and transparency.

    The caucus insisted that: “The arrest of Mr. Otse which reportedly took place without the issuance of a warrant is a direct violation of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) that guarantees the liberty of the citizen except in accordance with the due process of law. Sections 35(1) and 35(3) of the Constitution stipulate the conditions under which a person may be deprived of their liberty and require that any person arrested must be informed promptly of the reasons for their arrest and any charges against them.

    “The EFCC, like every other agency of government, is bound by these constitutional provisions and must not act outside their bounds.

    “Moreover, the continued detention of Mr. Otse beyond the constitutionally permissible period of 24 to 48 hours without being charged to court is not only an abuse of power, it is also a blatant affront to the principles of natural justice and fair hearing.

    “The Constitution, under Section 35(4), provides that a person who is arrested or detained must be brought before a court of law within a reasonable time, which, in the case of an arrest without a warrant, shall not exceed two days.

    “Any deviation from this is a breach of the citizen’s fundamental rights and a descent into lawlessness.

    “As the voice of the opposition in the National Assembly, the Minority Caucus calls on the EFCC to immediately release Mr. Otse or charge him to court in accordance with the law.

    “Arbitrary arrests and prolonged detentions of citizens for expressing dissenting or unpopular views must have no place in a democratic society.

    “The preservation of liberty, due process, and respect for constitutional rights remain the bedrock of our republic. We will not stand idly by while state agencies abuse their powers to suppress voices that challenge the status quo in line with the laws.

  • May Day: Reps Minority Caucus commends workers sacrifices, urges FG to address economic challenges, pay living wage

    May Day: Reps Minority Caucus commends workers sacrifices, urges FG to address economic challenges, pay living wage

    As workers celebrate globally on May 1st, the House of Representatives Minority Caucus has commended Nigerian workers sacrifices, contributions to development urging the Federal Government to address growing economic challenges and pay living wage.

    This was contained in a solidarity message in commemoration of May Day by the Minority Caucus leaders, Rep Kingsley Chinda, Leader, Rt. Hon. Ali Isa J.C
    (Minority Whip) Rt. Hon. Aliyu Madaki (Deputy Minority Leader)
    Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi
    (Deputy Minority Whip) saying:

    “The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives, felicitates with Nigerian workers for its critical roles as a major contributor to national growth and development.

    “Today, gives us another opportunity to have sincere reflections, and objective introspection about the state of the nation; and acknowledge that the Nigerian workforce, being the engine room have collectively given its best in the circumstances.

    “The Caucus notes with serious concerns the disturbing social, economic, and political situations which are not only fearful, but also stifling the personal development of our people, particularly the workers. From galloping inflation to debilitating hunger, overarching hardship, and corrosive poverty, the Nigerian worker has been the main victims of these and more negative indices.

    “Deeply concerned about the decline of the economy, renewed insecurity, accentuating job losses, and numerous other indices of under-development which is affecting the performances of workers in maximally carrying out their functions as the backbone of government activities.

    “The Caucus urges Federal Government to take deliberate actions towards instilling confidence in workers.

    Also, there must be pro-active, and intentional decisions by the Federal Government in not just addressing these negative issues but seeking ingenious ways towards improving the remuneration, welfare packages, and other incentives of Nigerian workers who are entitled to living wage and not minimum wage.

    “Conscious of the fact that true nationhood is a collective, and continuous task, the Caucus enjoins the Federal Government to relate with the Nigerian Labour Congress, (NLC), Trade Union Congress, (TUC), and other relevant workers associations as major stakeholders in every efforts towards re-building, and re-positioning the country.

    “Also, these labour bodies and others; that are umbrella institutions for all Nigerian workers should show commitment, and considerations by collaborating effectively with the Federal Government where and when necessary.

    “As a responsive and responsible group, the Caucus is confident that when all stakeholders harness our strengths, Nigeria will progress from being a nation with enormous potential to one that will assume her rightful position among the comity of nations.

    “We wish members of the Nigerian Labour a very fruitful celebrations.

  • North-East NASS Caucus seeks zone’s inclusion in $530m SAPZ project

    North-East NASS Caucus seeks zone’s inclusion in $530m SAPZ project

    The North-East Caucus in the National Assembly have appealed for immediate inclusion of the zone in the 530 million dollar Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) project.

    Chairman of the caucus, Sen. Danjuma Goje, made the appeal at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday, following the flag-off of the construction of phase one of the project.

    Goje said that the appeal was part of their resolutions during an emergency meeting on the exclusion of the zone in the SAPZ programme.

    He expressed concern over the exclusion of the zone from the processing zones in spite of the zone’s enormous agricultural potential cutting across all sectors’ value chains.

    According to him, the call for inclusion is not only for fairness and inclusivity but also for actualisation of the lofty ideals of the present administration to industrialise Nigeria’s agricultural sector and create sustainable jobs in the country.

    “For a start, 530 million dollars is to be provided by the Federal Government, the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Islamic Development Bank (ISDB), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) for the SAPZ programme.

    “On April 8, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, in Kaduna state, flagged off the construction of phase one of the SAPZ, as part of the present administration’s plan to industrialise Nigeria’s agricultural sector and create sustainable jobs.

    “Seven states and the FCT have been selected for the programme.

    “The North-West and South-West have two processing zones each – Kaduna, Kano, Ogun, and Oyo states. The South-South, South-East and North-Central have one processing zone each.

    “Despite its enormous agricultural potential, the north east is conspicuously missing from the list of states allocated the processing zones.

    “SAPZ aims to transform Nigeria’s agriculture landscape through innovation, private-sector investments and strategic public partnerships.

    “The zones are designed to create agro-industrial hubs that integrate farmers with processors, reduce post-harvest losses and expand rural economic opportunities.

    “Our potential in all aspects of the agricultural sector cannot be over-emphasised,” he said.

    According to him, north-east zone is known for its enormous livestock and crop growth, contributing significantly to the country’s economic well-being and Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    “It is against this backdrop that we are extremely worried that our zone is excluded from the SAPZ programme regarded as “presidential priority project” and a direct response to the long-standing challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural value chain,” Goje said.

    He, however, commended President Bola Tinubu for making the programme a reality in the country.

  • WICKEDNESS! “How bandits k!ll my wife while I watch” – Released NASS Director narrates ordeal

    WICKEDNESS! “How bandits k!ll my wife while I watch” – Released NASS Director narrates ordeal

    …says I was chained for 32days

    A Deputy Director at the National Assembly Commission, Michael Adesiyan, has narrated his near-death experience in the hideout of bandits.

    Adesiyan was abducted from his Chikakore residence in Kubwa, a suburb in the nation’s capital, alongside his wife on January 26th, 2025 before he was rescued on April 7.

    The civil servant narrated his ordeal to journalists at National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Abuja, when fresh 60 kidnapped victims, who were rescued by the security forces were presented to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

    Adesiyan called on the federal government to immediately look for a way to disarm the criminals and educate them, and possibly reintegrate them back to the society, adding that “the bandits don’t know what they are doing.”

    According to him, his abductors were between the ages of 17 and 20, and they were stark illiterate people who were not aware of what they were doing, and could not even count N1 million let alone hundreds of millions they were asking as ransom.

    He specifically said they were chained for 32 days he spent in the abductors’ den, adding that they killed his wife in his presence.

    “I want to thank the government for rescuing us. I was chained for 32 days. I want to advise that the government should find away to disarm or arrest them (bandits), instead of confronting them.

    “They can send them to school. Some cannot even count one million. They are stark illiterates. They are young people of ages 17 and 21. They don’t know what they are doing.

    “So if they can bring them out, if they want to learn work (apprenticeship), they can let them do, retrain them, reorientate them, that they can be useful to themselves.

    “My advice is to, instead of killing them, arrest them, reorientate them. If you want to educate them, they can then work. That’s my advice,” he said.

    When asked why they were in a rush to tell their family members to pay ransom, he said, “When they kill someone in your presence, you would give them anything they want.

    “For instance, they killed my wife in my presence. If they request your head in that situation, you will give it to them.”

    Earlier, while giving a breakdown, the Coordinator, National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Maj. Gen Adamu Laka said the victims comprising 35 males and 25 females, were rescued on Monday April 7, by troops of 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, in a coordinated operation supported by other security and intelligence agencies.

  • Senate: Bill to enhance elections, cut costs passes second reading

    Senate: Bill to enhance elections, cut costs passes second reading

    A bill seeking to amend the Electoral Act 2022, has passed its second reading in the Senate.

    The bill seeks to address existing gaps, reduce election expenses, and allow elected officeholders to serve as ad hoc delegates in political party conventions.

    Its passage followed the presentation of the lead debate on the general principles of the bill by its sponsor, Sen. Saliu Mustapha (APC-Kwara), during Thursday’s plenary session.

    It is titled “A Bill for an Act to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to provide for the participation of elected officeholders as statutory delegates, the scheduling of Elections on the same day, and the Reduction of the Campaign Period, 2025.

    ”The proposed legislation seeks to enhance the electoral process and cut costs.

    Leading the debate, Mustapha noted that while the Electoral Act 2022 was a significant improvement over the repealed 2010 Act, it still contained notable gaps that needed to be addressed.

    “It is worth noting that despite its improvements, the 2022 Electoral Act has not significantly reduced the financial burden of elections on the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    “The proposed amendments aim to create a more efficient and cost-effective electoral process that will encourage greater citizen participation,” he said.

    He further highlighted the rising cost of elections in Nigeria, stating that the budget for general elections had surged from ₦1.5 billion in 1999 to ₦350 billion in 2023, an increase he described as unsustainable and detrimental to the democratic process.

    To mitigate these costs, Mustapha proposed holding all elections on the same day to minimise expenses associated with prolonged campaigns and staggered voting.

    “Same-day elections will not only help the government reduce costs but will also increase voter turnout and promote greater citizen engagement in the electoral process,” he added.

    Following deliberations, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the plenary, referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters for further legislative action.

  • Tinubu lauds NASS for ratifying Rivers state of emergency

    Tinubu lauds NASS for ratifying Rivers state of emergency

    President Bola Tinubu on Thursday lauded the National Assembly for ratifying the State of Emergency proclamation in Rivers State.

    In a statement by his spokesman, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President described the decision as a crucial step in restoring stability.

    He highlighted that the prolonged political crisis had paralysed governance and jeopardised national economic security for more than 15 months.

    He commended the leadership of the National Assembly, including Sen. Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, and Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives.

    He also praised other principal officers and members for prioritising the security and welfare of Rivers people over partisan interests.

    The President also acknowledged the lawmakers’ careful review of classified security briefings, emphasising the urgent need for intervention to prevent further escalation.

    “The crisis in Rivers was at a perilous tipping point, threatening the security of vital oil and gas installations and undermining the national economy.

    “This emergency measure is a lifeline to safeguard livelihoods, secure critical infrastructure, and restore democratic accountability,” Tinubu stated.

    He affirmed that the six-month emergency would empower the newly-appointed Sole Administrator to stabilise Rivers, address systemic breakdowns, and facilitate dialogue among conflicting parties.

    The President further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working closely with the National Assembly to advance peace, economic resilience, and equitable development across Nigeria.

    “This decision exemplifies what our nation can achieve when unity of purpose and patriotism guide the actions of leaders. We remain steadfast in pursuing a safer, more prosperous Nigeria,” he said.

    Tinubu also thanked Nigerians for their understanding and urged all stakeholders to support the restoration of peace in Rivers.