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Tag: Senate

  • Just in: After speedy passage of National Anthem Bill, Senate moves to strip CBN of autonomy

    Just in: After speedy passage of National Anthem Bill, Senate moves to strip CBN of autonomy

    …faces behind Bill revealed

    The Senate after an usual speed at passing the National Anthem Bill, has equally moved to strip the CBN of the final decision in setting interest rates, proposing a new team to be headed by the minister of finance.

    TNG recalls that in the ninth assembly serious efforts were made to naked the apex bank but it made a brick wall at the end of its tenure.

    Here’s all you should know on the new CBN Amendment Bill being sponsored by Senator Tokunbo Abiru:

    Title: An Act to Amend the Central Bank of Nigeria Act No. 7 of 2007 (To Further Empower The Bank To Carry out its Principal Objectives In Line With Section 2 Of The Act, Make The Bank More effective, and bring it in line with current realities, best practices, and other related matters).

    Key elements of the bill:

    Re-capitalisation
    The bill seeks to amend the CBN capital from one hundred billion to one trillion.

    Interim Board
    The President can constitute an interim board of the existing directors of the bank to carry out the functions of the board for not more than sixty (60) days.

    NASS Approvals
    The CBN budget is to be considered and approved by the National Assembly in line with the provision of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007.

    Introduces Chief Compliance Officer (COO)

    The COO shall at intervals of three months prepare a report on compliance by the Bank with the provisions of the Act covering the three months preceding the preparation of the report and submit the report to the Board, the President and the relevant Committees of the National Assembly.

    Tenure

    The Governor, Deputy Governors, and Chief Compliance Officer shall be appointed for a single term of six years and no more.

    Committee for Monetary and Fiscal Policies

    The bill seeks the establishment of a Coordinating Committee for Monetary and Fiscal Policies (which is different from the existing (Monetary Policy Committee). The Committee shall consist of:

    (a) the Minister of Finance, who shall be the Chairman;

    (b) the Minister of Industry Trade and Investment;

    (c) the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning;

    (d) the Governor of the Bank;

    (e) two external members of the Board of the Bank;

    (f) The chief Economic Adviser to the President

    (g) the Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission;

    (h) the Director-General Debt Management Office;

    The objectives of the committee shall be to set internally consistent targets of monetary and fiscal policies that are conducive to controlling inflation and financial conditions of sustainable economic growth.

    Experience and pedigree

    The Governor and deputy governors shall be persons of recognised financial experience with at least a recognized and verifiable economic and financial background of not less than 15 years. The Chief Compliance Officer shall be a person of recognized and verifiable legal and/or auditing experience of not less than 15 years experience in audit and/or legal practice in Nigeria.

    Elected office

    The CBN governor must resign or be removed if proven to hold an elected office or is officially running for an election (state or national).

    Gender Balance

    The bill seeks gender balance in the constitution of the CBN Board.

    Change of Naira notes

    The CBN must give one year’s notice before the implementation of a change of naira notes.

    Recommendation for removal by the National Assembly

    If at any time, the National Assembly thinks that the Bank has failed to comply with the provisions of the Act, it may by notice require the Board to make good or remedy the default within a specified time. Failure to ensure compliance with the National Assembly leads to a sanction by a warning letter to the Governor and if the failure persists for up to 21 days after such warning, a recommendation for suspension or removal from office will be written to the President.

    Refusal of Naira

    A person who refuses to accept the Naira as a means of payment or prices or denominates the cost of any product or service or consummates any non-export business in Nigeria other than in Naira is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of N500,000 (or 10% of the value of the transaction) or 6 months imprisonment.

    Buying and selling of Naira

    A person who buys/sells Naira notes at a mark-up is guilty of an offence and shall on conviction be liable to imprisonment for a term not less than six months or a fine not less than N500,000 or Ten per cent of the transaction value (which is higher).

    Faces behind the Bill

    The bill is sponsored by Senator Mikhail Adetokunbo Abiru (APC, Lagos East) and 31 others, including two of OrderPaper’s senators to watch out for: Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South) and, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central).

  • Sen Nwoko wants Senate to probe sack of 317 CBN workers

    Sen Nwoko wants Senate to probe sack of 317 CBN workers

    Sen. Ned Nwoko (PDP-Delta North), has criticised the recent sack of 317 workers of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and urged the Senate to investigate the purge.

    Nwoko disclosed on Tuesday in Abuja that the sack was “too hasty”, hence the need to probe the circumstances around it.

    He alleged that the apex bank did not consult with relevant stakeholders, including labour unions, before the exercise.

    “The Senate should mandate its committees on Employment, Labour and Productivity, as well as that of Public Service Matters, to investigate the terminations.

    “The committees should focus on the rationale behind the action, compliance with labour laws, and the broader socio-economic impact of the exercise,” he said.

    Nwoko explained further: “Between March 15 and April 11, 2024, the CBN sacked 117 staff members.

    “On May 24, the CBN sacked an additional 200 staff members, bringing the total number to 317.

    “From my finding, those mostly affected were directors, deputy directors, assistant directors, principal managers, senior managers and some lower workers.

    “The letters issued to the affected staff, including one dated May 24, from the Human Resources Department, cited the need to reorganise the organisation for effective operations, as the reason for the sack.

    “The letter had no further details. It did not offer specific reasons for the dismissal of each staff member.”

    Nwoko expressed fears that the principles of fairness and justice might have been compromised in the exercise.

    He opined that the “sudden termination will hurt the economic stability of the workers’ families”.

    Efforts to obtain CBN’s reaction to Nwoko’s claims proved abortive, but a top source, pleading anonymity, confirmed that some workers of the apex were recently laid off, but declined further details.

  • Senate passes bill returning Nigeria to old National Anthem

    Senate passes bill returning Nigeria to old National Anthem

    The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday passed the bill seeking to return Nigeria to the old National Anthem.

    This followed the adoption of the report of Senate Joint Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Legal Matters, Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs at plenary.

    Presenting the report, the Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Mohammed Monguno(APC-Borno) said the bill was first read at plenary on May 23.

    He said the bill, among others, sought to provide a legal framework for an Act to reinvent the old National Anthem titled “Nigeria We Hail Thee” which was adopted at Independence in 1960.

    He said the anthem was the official anthem of Nigeria until 1978, when it was replaced with the current “Arise O Compatriot.”

    Monguno said the aim was to adopt the old national anthem through legislation because of its contextual connotations and relevance to the current state of the country.

    “The bill is designed to promote national unity and cohesion through ideological and philosophical concepts of the rich historic and cultural heritage of Nigeria.

    “It will engender and inculcate a deep sense of patriotism, togetherness and oneness amongst citizens.

    “It is the first time the parliament is making a legal framework for a national anthem: all the steps of law making including public hearing have been undertaken,” he said.

    Monguno said the passage of the bill would provide the needed platform for sensitisation of the citizenry on the nation’s core value system by the National Orientation Agency (NOA).

    “Adopting the old national anthem will preserve and promote the country’s cultural heritage for future generations.

    “The bill is significance, as changing the national anthem will symbolise Nigeria’s transition towards greater unity, inclusivness and progress as a nation.

    “The adoption of the anthem certainly demonstrates Nigeria’s respect for its cultural traditions while also embracing positive changes within the society,” he said.

    The senator added that by the passage of the bill, an arbitrary change on national anthem would be avoided as it would be subjected to legislative process, thus setting a precedent.

    The President of Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, thanked the committee for its input on the bill.

    He also commended the various stakeholders’ that made inputes on the bill at the public hearing, saying that the bill was awaiting President Bola Tinubu’s assent.

  • Real reason Senate recalled Ningi from suspension

    Real reason Senate recalled Ningi from suspension

    The Nigeria Senate on Tuesday recalled Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP-Bauchi) who was suspended for three months over budget padding remarks.

    This followed the adoption of a motion by Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Abba Moro and co-sponsored by Senate Deputy Minority Leader, Sen. Olalere Oyewumi and Senate Minority Whip, Sen. Osita Ngwu during plenary, titled “The unconditional recall of Sen. Abdul Ningi”.

    Moving the motion, Moro said that Ningi, the former Chairman of the Northern Senators’ Forum was suspended for three months following a media interview he granted the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Hausa Service on March 9.

    “He alleged that about N3.7 trillion representing over 10 per cent of the 2024 budget was illegally inserted into the 2024 National Budget.

    “Ningi was asked to address his allegation of budget padding against the National Assembly, following a motion of urgent national importance moved by Sen. Solomon deola, Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations.

    “And failing to address the allegation, the Senate resolved to suspend Ningi for three months for violating legislative rules, misconduct and unethical behaviour for the interview he granted on BBC Media.

    “The said Ninigi, being under suspension, has spent over two months outside the precincts of the National Assembly Complex and needs to return to continue with his legislative activities as the senator representing Bauchi Central senatorial district.

    “Flowing from the above, the Senate Minority Leadership takes full responsibility for the actions of our colleague Ningi and apologizes on his behalf,” he said.

    Seconding the motion, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau said “This Senate is the highest assembly in our sovereign land of Nigeria. A Senate that is composed of men and women of wisdom.

    “I commend the minority leader and his team, the entire minority caucus and the entire leadership of the minority caucus.

    “This is because I know they acted based on the prompting of the members of the caucus for going in-between and for making sure they got to where we are now
    and by bringing forth this motion in a way that the resolution of the issue of Ningi’s suspension is resolved finally.

    “It is something they need to be commended for because they have gone to meditate and they are apologising on his behalf.

    “I urge the senate, the leadership having apologised on behalf of Ningi, we should accept this apology so as to strengthen our spirit of brothers that we are known for.”

    In his remarks, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio supported the claim.

    “Let me thank the majority leadership for this initiative.

    “And also note that it was this same Senate that set up a committee for you to mediate and then you were the chairman and then of course, this decision by the Minority leaders and the entirety of the Minority in the senate seems to have superseded the area and decision of the Senate.

    “So, I agree with you. He is a very resourceful senator and one of our own and the Senate is a family irrespective of the political divide, irrespective of the religious divide and irrespective of languages.

    “This happening today is in tandem with the spirit of what the national assembly, both the Senate and the House of Representatives have done by bringing back our own national anthem which simply says that though tribes and tongues may differ, in brotherhood we stand,” he said.
    Akpabio added:“The decision of the Senate today is clear evidence that this is one family and though we may come from different constituencies and different states, in brotherhood we stand.

    “I congratulate the senate for this decision and I agree that to err is human and to forgive is divine. Our distinguished brother, Sen. Abdul Ningi is hereby recalled to the senate to participate in all activities.”

  • BREAKING: Senate Pardons, recalls suspended Senator Abdul Ningi

    BREAKING: Senate Pardons, recalls suspended Senator Abdul Ningi

    The Senate has pardoned and recalled Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, who was suspended on March 12, 2024.

    Process was initiated on Tuesday after a motion moved by Deputy Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro, who expressed regret on behalf of the suspended senator. He pledged to assume full responsibility for Ningi’s actions, acknowledging the gravity of the suspension.

    The senator’s conduct during the period of suspension has been a matter of scrutiny and debate within the legislative body.

    The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, announced the unconditional recall of Ningi after a brief plea by some lawmakers.

    Akpabio emphasised the senator’s resourcefulness and described him as a valued member of the Senate, adding that the decision to recall Ningi transcends religious and ethnic divides.

    Ningi was recalled some two weeks to the end of his three-month suspension which is supposed to terminate on June 12, 2024.

     

  • You can’t stop Nigerians from trading in crypto – Senate

    You can’t stop Nigerians from trading in crypto – Senate

    The Senate Committee on Capital Market on Monday called for the regulation of Cryptocurrency to ensure some level of accountability and protection of investor’s fund.

    Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Osita Izunaso said this when he briefed newsmen in Abuja after the committee’s screening of Dr Emomotimi Agama, the newly appointed Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and three executive commissioners behind closed-door.

    “The issue of cryptocurrency must be regulated because Nigerians are trading in crypto.

    “Since Nigerians are trading in crypto, why are we not regulating it. Where is the money going to if we don’t regulate  activities in the crypto market.

    “You can’t stop them from trading in the crypto market. So because we can’t stop them, you have to regulate it,” he said.

    He also said that investing in stock exchange and capital market would help to boost Nigeria’s economy.

    “President Bola Tinubu has told Nigerians that he is looking for a  N1 trillion economy. That can only be done through the  stock exchange, through the capital market.

    “And I believe that we are going to see more of government activities in stock exchange, in capital market, in commodities exchange, in crypto.

    “This is because these are the areas that will further inject money into the system.

    “Because the problem we have is the problem of liquidity. We don’t have enough money, we don’t have enough liquidity in the system,” he said.

    He added:“That is what is crushing the naira and making the naira so little when it’s competing with other currencies. But if we develop our capital market, develop our crypto market, we will bring more liquidity into the system.

    “That will help to cushion all the problems we have.”

    Also speaking, Agama, promised to accelerate  development of the capital market in a manner that would boost wealth creation, attract investments and create jobs for Nigerians.

    “We are bringing on board innovation, development. We are going to change the narrative of the Nigerian capital market.

    “We are going to turn it around. That is the essence of our appointment by President Bola Tinubu. With this team, we assure Nigerians that we’re going to do the best that the President has the desire to do.

    “So, we should all wait to see what is going to happen. Our desire is to move this market forward. And to help in achieving the President’s N1 trillion economy in the shortest possible time.

    “Yes, the President is going to be a year in office in a few days. That is remarkable because as an anniversary giver, the President has given us to Nigerians to do the best to change the market,” he said.

    Agama also said  that the commission would introduce innovations programmes that would create world-class companies in such a way that would ensure redistribution of wealth.

  • Senate urges conversion of Oloibiri Shell Airstrip to NAF base

    Senate urges conversion of Oloibiri Shell Airstrip to NAF base

    The Senate has urged the Ministry of Aviation to handover the abandoned Shell Airstrip in Oloibiri, Bayelsa to the Nigerian Air Force for conversion into its base.

    his followed adoption of a motion at plenary on Thursday on urgent need for transformation of the abandoned Shell Airstrip at Oloibiri Oil Well one in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State to an Air Force Base.

    The motion was sponsored by Sen.SundayAgadaga ( PDP-Bayelsa).

    Presenting the motion, Agadaga said Shell Airstrip was constructed in 1958 following the first discovery of crude oil in 1956 at Oloibiri Oil well one.

    He said the airstrip, sitting on over 25 hecters of land has long been abandoned.

    He said said that the airstrip, while in effective operation, was a very valuable asset in the company’s oil exploration and exploitation activities in airlifting of personnel and equipment.

    He said during the years of its functionality, heavy duty equipment, company workers, captains of Industry, top government functionaries and diplomats resorted to the route for easy access to the Niger Delta region.

    He expressed regret that since the gradual decline of Shell’s operations in the area and final departure from Oloibiri oil field, the airstrip and the land where it operated has been abandoned and left desolate.

    “The land itself appears to have been sentenced to perpetual condemnation as no agricultural activity which is the economic mainstay of the local dwellers can be carried out anymore due to the concretized topography of the soil.”

    According to him, the abandoned airstrip poses environmental challenges and serious ecological complications to the Host Community as Shell has left the people in deprivation, squalor and lamentation after decades of operation.

    He said upgrading the abandoned airstrip to an airforce base would bring renewed hope to the people, restore life to the area and attract the following benefits to the country.

    “It will strengthen the security architecture of Nigeria as the creeks of Bayelsa up to Brass Island and the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in the gulf of guinea where the oil export terminal is located will be easily monitored and protected.”

    Agadaga said its evental upgrade would reduce the rate of oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

    This, he said would enhance surveillance activities in the numerous oil producing communities that constitute hub of oil industry activities in Nigeria.

    He said the airstrip ,if converted to an airforce base would attract more business opportunities in the area thereby creating additional jobs to boost economic growth of Nigeriaa and ease the cost of living of the people.

    Sen. Isah Jibrin(APC-Kogi) said he was neither in support or against the motion said the cost implications of converting the airstrip to an airforce base would be huge, adding that government may not be dispose to consider the cost involved.

    He said government may decide to confine the project on a long term basis, saying that he do not see the urgency in converting the airstrip to an airforce base at this period.

    Sen.Adams Oshiomole (APC-Edo)said the conversion of the airstrip to an airforce base holds great benefits for Nigerians and people of the region especially on quick intervention on insecurity issues.

    Sen.Maidoki Garuba (PDP-Kebbi) said the conversion would help strengthen security of the nation, check crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

    Sen.Victor Umeh(LP-Anambra)said there was need to preserve certain historical monuments,like Oloibiri, adding that the conversion of the airstrip to an airforce base would make Oloibiri a national monument, given its contribution as the first oil well in Nigeria.

    He said the conversion would also ensure further economic prosperity for the nation.

    President of Senate, Godswill Akpabio said efforts should be made to preserve historical monuments, like the Oloibiri Shell airstrip via its conversion to an airforce base.

    He also said the conversion to an airforce base would also ensure improved security in terms of emergency, given its closeness to the golf of guinea.

    Akpabio expressed hope that the government would see the need for the reconstruction of the airstrip to an airforce base to forestall challenges in the event of any mishaps.

    The Senate in its resolution urged all the oil companies, including the NNPCL,Shell and NDDC to contribute toward the conversion of the airstrip to a modern Airforce base.

  • Senate to probe abandoned projects in Nigeria

    Senate to probe abandoned projects in Nigeria

    The Senate on Thursday constituted an ad hoc committee to investigate the number of abandoned projects in the country.

    This followed the adoption of a motion by Sen.Jimoh Ibrahim (APC- Ondo)on the need to look into the 11, 856 mega projects abandoned by the Federal Government.

    Presenting the motion, Ibrahim said that in 2011, former President Goodluck Jonathan set up a Presidential Committee on abandoned projects in Nigeria.

    He said the committee visited the 36 states in Nigeria and identified 11,866 projects abandoned since Nigeria’s independence.

    He said that the reports indicated that 63 per cent of the entire projects since independence were abandoned.

    He said that even when a project was successfully delivered, it usually presented an overrun of about 40 per cent, with most delivered projects recording 10 per cent underperformance.

    Ibrahim said that the 63 per cent of projects abandoned in Nigeria was worse than any country under comparison.

    “The abandonment of the project is of significant concern because of project costs which constitute a significant part of the GDP. ”

    He said what was key was need to look inward at the infrastructure development as Foreign Direct Investment(FDI) declined from 8.8billon dollars in 2011 to 3.3 billion dollars in 2019.

    He said that government had the responsibility to set up a professional system that would deliver the critical value from major infrastructure development for its citizens .

    He said that for 66 per cent projects to be abandoned since 1960 was nothing less than a calamity that reduced Nigeria”s pride as a ‘Giant of Africa.

    He said that projects like the National Library, Lagos Badagry Express Road, Calabar Power Plant, Zungery Dam, Mambilla site, Otiukpo Dam, Nigeria Satellite, Nitel, Calabar sea Port, Abuja mass housing project to mention but few has remained abandoned till date.

    He said project abandonment was a syndrome of national development particularly when it was centred on basic infrastructure as over 66 per cent of ghe government projects had been abandoned since Nigeria’s independence in 1960.

    In his contribution, Sen. Orji Kalu (APC -Abia) said Nigeria cannot industrialise without steel production.

    “We should face steel production, If we don’t face it, we are wasting our time,if you check our debt repayment, it is coming on this project.

    “Why would Nigeria be suffering on what ought to have been done? We are supposed to convert that our money and build these industries for debt repayment on them and save the the interest we pay.

    “We should appeal to President Bola Tinubu, may be in 2026, 2027 budgets, we dedicate it to all these industries.

    ”They are our own. If we do not do it we will not move forward,” he said.

    Sen. Isah Jibrin(APC -Kogi) said the abandoned projects should be properly profiled and the viable ones be sold to bring return on investment.

    The Senate also in its resolution recommended appropriate actions to be taken to reduce project abandonment in Nigeria and how most of the projects can be recovered.

    President of Senate Godswill Akpabio in his remarks urged the committee to turn in its report in one month.

  • Bill for old National Anthem passes 2nd reading in Senate

    Bill for old National Anthem passes 2nd reading in Senate

    A bill to revert to Nigeria’s old National Anthem, on Thursday, passed second reading in the Senate.

    This followed the presentation of the lead debate on the general principles of the bill by the sponsor, the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele during plenary.

    The bill titled “A Bill for an Act to Provide for the National Anthem of Nigeria, and for matters related thereto, 2024” which was read for the first time on Thursday was given accelerated hearing.

    Presenting the bill, Opeyemi said that the bill sought to make provisions for Nigeria to revert to its old national anthem that would promote better symbol for unity, peace and prosperity- compared to the current one.

    He recalled that Nigeria had at independence in 1960, adopted the national anthem titled “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”.

    “The concept, phraseology and the ideological connotation of the anthem, conveyed and epitomised the significant historic heritage of our dear country, Nigeria.

    “The anthem upon rendition inspired and stimulated deep sense of patriotism in Nigerians. It was symbolic of Nigeria’s cultural heritage and nationhood.

    “In retrospect, the national anthem served as regular and constant reminder of our journey as a nation and provoked feelings of nostalgia and fond memories of the country’s early years”, he said.

    Opeyemi noted that at this momentous time in the nation’s history, “it is imperative that we utilise any platform that seeks to unite the country and promote patriotism among Nigerians.

    “Accordingly, the old National Anthem, as a symbol of national pride, has provided insights for patriotic reflections on our aspirations, values and hope for a united and prosperous Nigeria.

    “The rendition and musical accuracy of the anthem, is better in content and context than the current one.”

    “The new Anthem “Nigeria We Hail Thee” will inspire in us the zeal to build a fully integrated and indivisible nation, whereby all citizens will live in unity and harmony.

    “I implore you all my distinguished colleagues, to support the expeditious passage of this bill.

    “It is in line with the renewed reorientation of our collective values and national conscientisation efforts of the current administration.”

    Supporting the bill, Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim (APC-Ondo) queried the current anthem saying that the “language” of the anthem was “elusive”.

    Quoting one of the stanza of the anthem which is “Arise oh compatriot”, Ibrahim said “what about non compatriots. How do we convert them to become compatriots.

    “That is why I said this language is elusive. And it’s not good for any reason. The old anthem, Nigeria we hail thee, comes to the mind of Nigerians.

    “We must thrive as a nation, as a Senate to rise above elusiveness of language. This current national anthem has not solved any problem.

    “The only way to help our nation to grow is not to add to the complexity of argument around our nation”.

    For Sen. Victor Umeh (LP-Anambra), the old national anthem which we are seeking to bring back, is the national anthem that needs all the ingredients of a nation.

    “The citizens should be able to look up to the nation, Nigeria as their own country. That is why the opening says “Nigeria we hail thee. In other words, we are placing Nigeria above all considerations as citizens of the country.”

    He said that a national anthem was supposed to be motivational noting that the words contained in the old national anthem were motivational.

    “Aside from putting to bear our history, our composition as a people, It emphasises brotherhood”, Umeh said.

    Similarly, Sen. Diket Plang (APC-Plateau) said that unity could be acquired when there was brotherhood, and when there was brotherhood, there would be unity.

    “We have diversity. By the end of the day, we are binded by the fact that we are brothers. The reintroduction of brotherhood in our national anthem is very fundamental”, he said.

    In his remarks, President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio committed the bill to the Senate Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters and Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs to report back to the Senate as soon as possible.

  • Vandalisation of transmission lines: Senate urges FG’s urgent intervention in North East as blackout persists

    Vandalisation of transmission lines: Senate urges FG’s urgent intervention in North East as blackout persists

    …demands urgent construction of the Makurdi-Jalingo 330KV transmission line

    Apparently disturbed by the incessant vandalisation of towers and transmission lines in the North East of Nigeria, the Senate on Wednesday urged the Federal Government to intervene to ameliorate the incessant power blackout in the region.

    The Senate also directed that the Federal Ministry of Power to implement the recommendations outlined in Sections 209, 210, 211, 212, and 213 of the Electricity Act 2023 to enhance the security of transmission infrastructure. Also, to collaborate with security agencies and local vigilantes in host communities of TCN transmission lines to deter and prevent acts of vandalism.

    The Senate further resolved that the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Power to as a matter of urgency allocate funds to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to address the faults along the Jos-Gombe 330KV transmission line and restore power supply to affected areas, especially on all affected towers.

    Also directed the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to expedite the construction of the Makurdi-Jalingo 330KV transmission line, in alignment with the Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Programme (TREP) and the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), to connect the North-East region to the South-East transmission network.

    The motion promoted by Senator Haruna Manu representing representing Taraba Central Senatorial District and 16 Senators listed below from the geo-political zone on Wednesday moved on the motion tagged ‘URGENT NEED FOR THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TO ADDRESS THE VANDALIZATION OF TRANSMISSION LINES IN THE NORTH-EAST REGION OF NIGERIA’

    Co-Sponsors:

    Sen. David S. U Jimkuta (Taraba South)

    Sen. Isah Shaibu Lau (Taraba North)

    Sen. Abbas Aminu Iya (Adamawa Central)

    Sen. Amos Yohana (Adamawa North)

    Sen. Binos Dauda Yaroe (Adamawa South)

    Sen. Kaila Samaila Dahuwa (Bauchi North)

    Sen. Ahmed Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central)

    Sen. Shehu Buba Umar (Bauchi South)

    Sen. Goje Muhammed Danjuma (Gombe Central)

    Sen. Siyako Yaro Anthony (Gombe South)

    Sen. Dankwanmbo Ibrahim Hassan (Gombe North)

    Sen. Kaka Shehu (Borno Central)

    Sen. Monguno Muhammed Tahir (Borno North)

    Sen. Aliyu Ndumi (Borno South)

    Sen. Geidam Ibrahim (Yobe East)

    Sen. Ahmed I. Lawan (Yobe North)

    Sen. Ibrahim Muhammed Bornai (Yobe South)

    Manu submitted that “the vandalization of critical electricity transmission infrastructure poses a significant threat to the economic prosperity, public health, safety, and security of the North-East region of Nigeria;

    Noting that” recent incidents of vandalization along the Jos-Gombe 330KV transmission line have resulted in severe disruptions to power supply. This has affected millions of residents, hospitals, commercial activities, communication networks, public safety, and the overall well-being of the people in Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Taraba, Yobe, and Borno States.

    And the frequent vandalization of transmission lines especially the destruction of TCN towers, not only disrupts the electricity supply in the affected states but also compromises essential services such as healthcare and education. It also exacerbates insecurity issues, and imposes a heavy financial burden on public resources for the repair and replacement of infrastructural damages.

    The indirect effects of power outages on food production further strain the food inflation of the country, impacting the availability and affordability of agricultural products, particularly in the North-East region, which is a major cultivator and producer;

    The Taraba born Senator further explained that the proposed alternative transmission line route, namely the construction of the Makurdi-Jalingo 330KV transmission line, offers a viable solution to mitigate the risks of vandalization and improve the resilience and reliability of the electrical infrastructure in the region.

    Stressing that “by investing in alternative transmission routes and enhancing security measures, we can safeguard the well-being of our communities, promote economic stability, and ensure the reliable supply of electricity for all residents and businesses.

    Rounding up Senator Manu said that” it is profitable for the nation to enhance accessibility and affordability of high-quality power supply services to support these states and their citizens;