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Tag: Senate

  • Customs under Senate’s heavy scrutiny over set target

    Customs under Senate’s heavy scrutiny over set target

    Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) came under heavy scrutiny on Monday as it presented its ₦6.584 trillion revenue target and ₦1.132 trillion expenditure plan for 2025 before the Senate Committee on Customs and Excise.

    While the Service was commended for surpassing its 2024 revenue target, senators raised serious concerns over what they described as unjustifiable spending spikes and a lack of ambition in projected revenue growth.

    According to the proposal, the NCS is targeting a total revenue of ₦6.584 trillion, comprising ₦3.835 trillion from the Federation Account, ₦1.081 trillion from the Non-Federation Account, and ₦1.650 trillion from Import VAT.Expenditure is projected at ₦1.132 trillion, to be sourced from 4% Free On Board (FOB), 2% Nigeria Trade Summary (NTS) share, and allocations for ongoing capital projects.

    The breakdown indicated that Personnel Costs stood at ₦247.16 billion, while Overhead is to gulp ₦239.97 billion and Capital Projects: ₦645.42 billion.

    A deeper dive reveals significant allocations for salaries, pensions, NHIS, and an eyebrow-raising ₦169 billion in “miscellaneous” overhead, prompting senators to question the justification for such a large, undefined expense.

    Responding to lawmakers’ queries, Deputy Comptroller General Jibo Bello clarified that the Customs Service does not set its revenue targets.

    “Targets are determined by the Medium-Term Revenue Framework (MTRF) and assigned by a federal committee based on past performance,” he explained.

    “The 2024 target increased by 21.2 per cent, not two per cent as earlier suggested.”Bello also defended the 2025 expenditure hike, noting that Customs received only ₦290 billion of the ₦706 billion approved for 2024 due to the suspension of the four per cent FOB funding mechanism included in the newly signed Customs Act.“The 2025 budget is based not on projected revenue, but on expected FOB funding already appropriated by Parliament,” he said.

    “Personnel costs also increased due to salary adjustments and associated percentage-based contributions to pension, NHIS, NSITF, and ITF.

    ”While acknowledging the Service’s performance in 2024, senators were critical of the modest 7% growth projection for 2025 and the steep 60% jump in expenditure.“You collected ₦6 trillion in 2024, yet you project only a slight increase for 2025. That’s not acceptable,” one lawmaker noted.

    “Meanwhile, your expenditure is leaping from ₦706
    billion to ₦1.1 trillion. How do you justify that?

    ”The personnel budget also drew fire for jumping from ₦94 billion to ₦247 billion, despite only 3,927 recruits being added to a workforce of 16,245.Another senator questioned the rationale behind the ₦239 billion overhead, including routine expenses such as computers, vehicles, fuel, and travel.“What is the lifespan of your computers? Every year you procure new ones, pushing your overhead through the roof,” a visibly frustrated senator asked.Beyond figures, lawmakers also called on the NCS to advocate for reforms. One senator referenced declining imports through Lagos ports due to surcharges on used vehicle imports.“Importers are diverting to the Benin Republic to avoid excessive charges,” the senator said.

    “If Customs wants to grow revenue, it must engage the legislature to review these fees.”A controversial line item listed ₦169 billion for “financial miscellaneous services”, which lawmakers insisted was too vague and should be better defined.The committee also criticised the current revenue model that sets hard collection targets for Customs.“When you cap their targets, they hit the mark and stop. But if they’re allowed to collect freely and retain their seven per cent cost of collection, they’ll be motivated to do more,” one senator argued.

    The committee is expected to continue its scrutiny in the coming days, focusing on cost-efficiency, internal reforms, and revenue projections.As one lawmaker put it, “Customs has the potential to do more — but this budget must reflect that ambition.

  • Constitution review: Senate announces public hearings for 6 geo-political zones

    Constitution review: Senate announces public hearings for 6 geo-political zones

    The Senate Committee on Review of 1999 Constitution will hold public hearings on the proposed constitution amendments between July 4 and July 5 in all the six geo-political zones of the country.

    Chairman of the committee and Deputy Senate President, Sen. Barau Jibrin, disclosed this in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, in Abuja on Sunday.

    Barau said that the public hearings would hold simultaneously in Lagos (South-West), Enugu (South- East), Ikot Ekpene (South -South, Jos (North- Central) Maiduguri, (North-East) and Kano (North- West).

    According to him, the zonal public hearings are convened to gather the inputs of citizens on the proposed amendments to the country’s constitution.

    He said that the public hearings would examine critical national issues, including local government autonomy, electoral and judicial reforms, state creation, state police and inclusive governance.

    Barau said one of the bills proposed the establishment of local government councils as a tier of government to guarantee their democratic existence and tenure.

    This, he said, was part of a renewed push for full autonomy for all the 774 local government councils in the country.

    Barau said that the second bill on local government reforms sought to create an independent National Local Government Electoral Commission (NALGEC) to organise, conduct and supervise local government elections.

    “Also to be considered during the zonal public hearings are two bills on security and policing for the establishment of state police and state security council to coordinate internal security policies at the sub-national level.

    “In the area of fiscal reforms, six bills are going to be considered, including the one to empower the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission to enforce compliance of remittance of accruals into and disbursement of revenue from Federation Account,” he said.

    The lawmaker further stated that a bill on fiscal reforms to alter the provisions of the constitution to specify period within which the president or governor of a state would present the appropriation bill before the national assembly or houses of assembly would be discussed at the hearing.

    “The committee will also consider a bill to provide additional seats for women in the national and state houses of assembly.

    “A bill for an act to alter the constitution to establish the National Council of Traditional Rulers, the State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Local Government Council of Traditional Rulers will also be considered,” he said.

    Barau said that a proposal for amendment of the 1999 Constitution to allow for independent candidacy at all levels of election would be also be discussed.

    ” This is just as a bill for diaspora voting to enfranchise Nigerians abroad has been listed for consideration.

    “The hearing will consider over 20 bills seeking to overhaul the country’s judiciary, including timelines for judgment delivery and expanded jurisdiction for election tribunals.

    “Proposals have been made to transfer items like labour and shipping from the exclusive to the concurrent legislative list,” he added.

    The senator said that the committee would also discuss 31 proposals on state creation, with five requests each from the South-West, South-South and North-Central geo-political zones.

    According to him, the committee has received seven requests from the north-east, six from the north-west and three from the south-east for state creation.

  • Constitution Review: Senate holds public hearing in 6 Geopolitical Zones

    Constitution Review: Senate holds public hearing in 6 Geopolitical Zones

    The Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution is set to organise a comprehensive 2-day Zonal Public Hearing in the country’s six geo-political zones to gather Nigerians’ input on the proposed constitutional amendments.

    The committee, chaired by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin, said the public hearing which will be held simultaneously in Lagos (South West), Enugu (South East), Ikot Ekpene (South South, Jos (North Central) Maiduguri, (North East) and Kano (North West), is convened to gather the inputs of citizens on the proposed amendments to the nation’s Constitution.

    The hearing, scheduled for July 4th and 5th, 2025, will examine critical national issues, including local government autonomy, electoral and judicial reforms, state creation, state police and inclusive governance.

    The Special Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, said one of the bills, proposes the establishment of Local Government Councils as a tier of government to guarantee their democratic existence and tenure.

    This is part of a renewed push to grant full autonomy to the country’s 774 Local Government Councils.

    The second bill on local government reforms seeks to create an independent National Local Government Electoral Commission (NALGEC) to organise, conduct and supervise local government elections.

    Also to be considered during the zonal public hearing are two bills on security and policing for the establishment of state police and state security council to coordinate internal security policies at the sub-national level.

    In the area of fiscal reforms, six bills are going to be considered including the one to empower the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission to enforce compliance of remittance of accruals into and disbursement of revenue from the Federation Account and streamline the procedure for reviewing the revenue allocation formula.

    Also, on fiscal reforms, a bill to alter the provisions of the constitution to specify the period within which the president or the governor of a state shall present the appropriation bill before the National Assembly or House of Assembly will be discussed during the hearing.

    In a fresh move toward gender equity, the Committee will also consider a bill to provide additional seats for women in the National and State Houses of Assembly.

    To strengthen traditional institutions, a Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution to establish the National Council of Traditional Rulers, the State Council of Traditional Rulers, and the Local Government Council of Traditional Rulers would also be considered.

    On electoral reforms, a proposal seeking the amendment of the 1999 Constitution to allow for independent candidacy at all levels of election, from local councils to the presidency, will also be discussed at the public hearing. This is just as a bill for diaspora voting to enfranchise Nigerians abroad has been listed for consideration.

    The hearing will consider over 20 bills seeking to overhaul the country’s judiciary, including timelines for judgment delivery and expanded jurisdiction for election tribunals.

    In a bold push for devolution of powers, proposals have been made to transfer items like labour and shipping from the Exclusive to the Concurrent Legislative List.

    Also to be considered during the public hearing are 31 proposals on state creation, with five requests each from the South West, South South, and North Central geopolitical zones. The committee has received seven requests from the North East, six from the North West, and three from the South East.

    The committee stressed the importance of public engagement in shaping the country’s constitution, calling everyone to participate during the zonal public hearing.

  • ESEME EYIBOH: The 10th Senate: Two Years of Purposeful Leadership and Legislative Milestones

    ESEME EYIBOH: The 10th Senate: Two Years of Purposeful Leadership and Legislative Milestones

    By Hon Eseme Eyiboh

    As Nigeria marks 26 years of uninterrupted democracy and commemorates the second anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, it is timely to reflect on the pivotal role played by the 10th Senate under the leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio. In two years, the Red Chamber has emerged as a beacon of legislative activism, fostering good governance through robust lawmaking, strategic oversight, and statesmanlike diplomacy.

    From the beginning, the 10th Senate has exhibited uncommon legislative energy. With 844 bills introduced, 96 passed, and 52 assented to by the President, the upper legislative chamber has shown a commitment to addressing critical national issues. The laws span a wide spectrum—education reform, tax modernization, regional development, and enhanced local government autonomy—each crafted to deepen Nigeria’s democratic and developmental trajectory.

    Among the key proposals still under deliberation is the Constitutional Amendment Bill, a potentially historic legislation seeking a single six-year presidential term, transition to a parliamentary system, and increased representation for women in governance. Other notable bills include the Police Act Amendment Bill, the National Ranchers Commission Bill, the NIMC Act Repeal Bill, and those advocating for Diaspora Voting and Special Legislative Seats for Women—all reflecting a Senate attuned to the evolving aspirations of Nigerians.

    In a significant effort to overhaul Nigeria’s tax administration, the Senate adopted the harmonized version of the Tax Reform Bills proposed by President Tinubu. The Bills include the Joint Revenue Board ( Establishment) Bill, 2025, Nigeria Revenue Service ( Establishment ) Bill, 2025, Nigerian Tax Administration Bill, 2025, and Nigerian Tax Bill, 2025. The Bills, which are ready to be transmitted to the President for assent, will have tremendous impact on the economy by improving government Internally Generated Revenue, IGR. The reforms will also encourage domestic investment, streamline tax collection among the three tiers of government and eliminate double taxation. Additionally, the Law will close loopholes in Nigeria’s tax administration system, reduce tax burden on low income earners and improve their disposable income.

    In all, the tax incentives are expected to promote economic diversification by enhancing investments in key sectors. Senate President Akpabio must be commended for his tact and ingenuity in handling the affairs of the Parliament that doused the initial misgivings in some quarters, including the Lawmakers, when the Bills where sent to the National Assembly. As at today, 17th June, 2025, the assented Bills received are: Federal College of Education, Bende, ( Establishment ) Bill, 2025, Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences , Item Bende, ( Establishment ) Bill, 2025, and Federal University, Okigwe, ( Establishment ) Bill, 2025.

    Beyond lawmaking, Senator Akpabio has advanced a new model of Executive-Legislative engagement—one built on mutual respect rather than blind acquiescence. Under his stewardship, the Senate has secured improved budgetary allocations to the Armed Forces, Police, and intelligence agencies to tackle insecurity. Notably, his deft handling of the fuel subsidy removal crisis—through mediation and wide consultations—helped ease national tension and facilitated legislative buy-in for a tough, yet necessary policy shift.

    Internally, the 10th Senate under Akpabio has matured into a united front. By deliberately allocating committee chairmanships across party lines and prioritizing national unity, he has ushered in an era of legislative harmony, replacing the factional wrangling that plagued past assemblies. This spirit of inclusivity was symbolically underscored when he ordered the restoration of the official portrait of former Senate President Bukola Saraki, a gesture that helped heal political wounds and uphold institutional continuity.

    A landmark achievement of the current Senate is its commitment to restoring fiscal discipline by returning Nigeria to the January–December budget cycle. Senators, often working late nights and public holidays, ensured timely passage of Appropriation Bills. This has enabled early budget implementation, especially for capital projects—a critical boost for economic planning and delivery.
    In the realm of oversight, the Akpabio-led Senate has raised the bar.

    When Nigerians grappled with persistent fuel scarcity, the Senate leadership embarked on a strategic visit to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

    That fact-finding mission not only exposed systemic irregularities in the oil sector but led to a decisive Presidential directive mandating NNPCL to sell crude to the refinery in naira, ultimately helping stabilize fuel prices.
    Perhaps what stands out most in Akpabio’s stewardship is his ability to navigate Nigeria’s complex political landscape with bipartisan finesse. Twice in two years, his colleagues have passed a vote of confidence in his leadership—a testament to his inclusive style, strategic acumen, and unwavering focus on national progress.
    As the 10th Senate continues its legislative journey, it remains an indispensable pillar in the realization of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. With Senator Akpabio at the helm, the Senate is not just a lawmaking body, but a dynamic engine for reform, stability, and transformation—working, as always, in the service of the Nigerian people

    Hon.Eseme Eyiboh is the Special Adviser, Media/Publicity and official Spokesperson to the President of the Senate

  • SSDC: Senate screens Nwuche, Usoro Akpabio as Chairman, MD, others

    SSDC: Senate screens Nwuche, Usoro Akpabio as Chairman, MD, others

    Nigerian Senate screened Hon. Chibudom Nwuche (Rivers State as Chairman) and Usoro Offiong Akpabio (Akwa Ibom State as Managing Director) of the South South Development Commission (SSDC).

    Also screened were the Executive Directors of the Commission: Marcus Nie Eji in charge of Projects (Rivers); Aganaba Preye Steven – Social & Human Capital Development (Bayelsa); Dr. Timi Alari Ayibatonye – Corporate Services (Delta); Joseph Ugheoke – Commercial & Environmental Development (Edo) and Amb. Sony Abang – Finance (Cross River).

    Other nominees are Larry Odey (Cross River); Charles Zuofa (Bayelsa); Dr. Nkereuwem Ebong (Akwa Ibom); Chika Chinedu (Rivers); Femi Oise (Edo); Dr. Charles Sylvester Enukhowhate (Delta); Tijani Yahaya Kaura (North-West); Tabitha Iliya Sallah (North-East); Alh. Yusuf Rasaq Amao (North-Central); Joseph Mmama (South-East), and Bukunola Braimoh (South-West).

    However, Miss Akpabio who hails from Uruan Local Government Area was nominated in May 2025 for the plum job in the newly created Commission by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Usoro Akpabio is a seasoned energy and public sector professional with over 17 years of impactful experience spanning oil and gas trading, government relations, business development, and public-private sector collaborations. She most recently served as Group General Manager, Trading, Government and Client Relations at Century Energy Group, where she also held strategic oversight roles in a gas subsidiary and contributed significantly to stakeholder engagement, regulatory compliance, and cross-border energy negotiations.

    She has acted as a Senior Strategic Consultant to a major refinery project in Nigeria, leading operational and legislative integration efforts that helped align production strategies with government policy frameworks and regional supply agreements. Her work has included coordinating high-level engagements with the National Assembly and advancing compliance with international product standards.

    Usoro’s petroleum industry involvement includes oil field services, terminal and pipeline operations, as well as FPSO liaison roles, where she ensured safety, environmental compliance, and effective coordination between offshore and onshore teams.

    The Chairman of the Senate committee on the SSDC, Senator Benson Kombowei urged nominees to execute developmental projects that would address the issue of economic sabotage, environmental degradation and infrastructure decay bedeviling the Niger Delta region

  • Just in: FG arraigns Senator Natasha for alleged defamation

    Just in: FG arraigns Senator Natasha for alleged defamation

    The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has been arraigned before Justice Chizoba Orji of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court for alleged defamation.

    The lawmaker was arraigned on Thursday by the Federal Government on three counts bordering on alleged defamation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.

    The government accused the Senator of “making imputation knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm the reputation of a person”, citing Section 391 of the penal code, CAP 89, laws of the federation, 1990. The offence is punishable under Section 392 of the same law.

    The list of witnesses showed that Akpabio and Bello would testify during the trial.

    One of the charges was linked to an allegation by Akpoti-Uduaghan, wherein she accused the Senate President and the former Kogi governor of plotting to assassinate her.

  • National Awards: True dividend of democracy must go beyond symbolic recognition-Sen Ojudu

    National Awards: True dividend of democracy must go beyond symbolic recognition-Sen Ojudu

    Senator Babafemi Ojudu has said national Awards should reflect true dividend of democracy and must go beyond symbolic recognition.

    Ojudu in a statement he personally signed entitled:’Democracy, Conviction, and the True Meaning of Honor’ declaring that:

    ” It must be seen in:
    • A free and fair electoral process where every vote counts;
    • Strong and accountable political institutions;
    • An economy that allows citizens to live with dignity;
    • A society where life and property are secure;
    • And a government that listens and responds to the people it serves.

    “This, I believe, is the legacy that those of us who fought for democracy envisioned. And this, I hope, is the path the current administration will embrace.

    He said: “In recent days, there has been considerable public reaction to the list of honorees announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in commemoration of Democracy Day. Understandably, questions have been raised about the omission of some individuals who paid dearly in the struggle for democratic governance in Nigeria.

    “Let me begin by extending my heartfelt congratulations to my colleagues—Dapo Olorunyomi, Bayo Onanuga, Kunle Ajibade, Seye Kehinde, and many others—who have been deservedly recognized for their courage and contribution to the fight for democracy.

    “Their recognition is also, in many ways, recognition of all of us who walked that difficult road. Any honor extended to them is an honor I proudly share.

    “That said, I feel compelled to clarify that my involvement in the pro-democracy movement was never motivated by the expectation of a national honor. I did what I did—risking my life, enduring imprisonment, torture, and other deprivations—not for reward, but out of conviction and in obedience to my conscience. I believed then, as I still do now, that the Nigerian people deserve freedom, dignity, and the right to determine their future.

    Ojudu further explained that “It would be unrealistic, especially in the African political context, to expect magnanimity from a sitting President toward individuals who have been openly critical of his policies or withheld support for his political ambitions.

    “I did not vote for this President in 2023 and have remained vocal about the direction of his administration. I understand, therefore, the political nature of recognition and take no offense in being omitted from the list. As a matter of fact, I remain grateful to the previous administration under President Muhammadu Buhari, which honored me with the national award of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in 2023. While I did not set out in search of accolades, I accepted that honor in the spirit of national unity and recognition of a shared history.

    “As we celebrate our colleagues who have been recognized, I believe we should collectively call on President Tinubu to bestow the greatest honor possible—not just on individuals, but on the entire Nigerian populace. That honor lies in good governance.

    “Nigerians today are facing hardships that, in many cases, rival or even surpass the difficulties experienced under military rule. From economic instability to growing insecurity, from lack of access to basic services to a feeling of disenfranchisement, the promise of democracy seems distant for many of our fellow citizens.

    The true dividend of democracy must go beyond symbolic recognition.

  • JACKSON UDOM: Akpabio: Diary of a legislative czar in the Red Chamber

    JACKSON UDOM: Akpabio: Diary of a legislative czar in the Red Chamber

    By Jackson Udom

    Exactly two years today, 13th June, 2025, Senator Godswill Akpabio, clocks two years in office as the President of the 10th Senate and Chairman, National Assembly of Nigeria, having contested, won and sworn-in on the 13th of June 2023.

    As the President of the 10th Senate, the Ukana-born lawyer cum politician has in the last 730 days demonstrated exceptional leadership, navigating complex legislative processes with finesse which has no doubt been marked by significant achievements, showcasing his ability to balance competing interests and drive national development.

    Akpabio’s journey as Senate President began with a clear vision for Nigeria’s future. He faced numerous challenges, including resistance from within his party and opposition from other stakeholders. However, his strategic approach and ability to build consensus helped him overcome these obstacles with the stout support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the party leadership.

    Having gotten the overwhelming support of his colleagues to emerge the President of the Senate and the number three citizen of the country, Akpabio swung into action by ensuring that all contending interests and tendencies before his emergence were brought into one united fold.

    The issue of committee chairmanship which had in the past caused early crisis between senators and the leadership was clinically and meticulously handled by Akpabio with an all inclusive allocation of committee heads and their deputies and at the end of the rigorous exercise, both the ruling and oppostion lawmakers, had no reason to want to reinvent the banana peels which hallmarked past Senates

    With the unity among the Senators as encouraged by Akpabio through his all inclusive running of the Senate, lawmakers have no reasons not to give their best in the areas of lawmaking and oversights functions.

    Under the Akpabio leadership, in the period under review, the Senate has passed several landmark bills, including the 2025 national budget. He successfully navigated the contentious issue of fuel subsidy removal, securing legislative backing and explaining the economic rationale behind the policy.

    ECONOMIC REFORMS
    The Akpabio leadership of the Senate, has been instrumental in driving economic reforms, prioritizing critical sectors like infrastructure, education, healthcare, and defense. His emphasis on fiscal responsibility and transparency has improved budget implementation and accountability.

    NATIONAL SECURITY
    The Senate, under Akpabio’s leadership, has approved significant funding increases for the military, police, and intelligence agencies. This demonstrates his commitment to addressing emerging security threats and promoting national stability.

    PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AND TRANSPARENCY
    In the last two years on the saddle, Akpabio has prioritized transparency and engagement with the Nigerian people. He has used media relations to address national concerns and clarify the Senate’s position on key issues, building public trust in the legislative process.

    Akpabio’s leadership style can be characterized as inclusive, strategic, and results-driven. He has demonstrated an ability to balance competing interests, build consensus, and drive national development. The Akpabio model offers valuable lessons for future legislative leaders, emphasizing the importance of Strategic planning and vision, Inclusive decision-making and consensus-building, Transparency and accountability, and effective communication and public engagement.

    As Akpabio’s tenure continues, his legacy as a transformative leader will be cemented in the overall interst and benefitsof Nigerians. The Akpabio model provides a framework for future leaders to build upon, promoting good governance and national development in Nigeria.

    Udom, is Special Assistant, Media To The President Of The Senate.

  • Democracy Day: Akpabio pays tribute to Tinubu as architect of Nigerian democracy

    Democracy Day: Akpabio pays tribute to Tinubu as architect of Nigerian democracy

    The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has commended President Bola Tinubu as one of the architects of Nigeria’s democracy and taking courageous decision as the leader of Nigeria.

    Akpabio made the commendation in his remarks at the joint sitting of the House of Representatives and the Senate which was addressed by President Tinubu as part of the activities to mark the 2025 Democracy Day celebration.

    According to Senator Akpabio, the National Assembly is proud to host you, our President, our compatriot, and one of our own, as you fulfil the solemn constitutional duty of addressing the nation.

    “This chamber honours you not merely as the President, but as one of the architects of the very democratic foundation we commemorate today. Under President Tinubu’s leadership, we have seen transformation in his bold approach to difficult reforms.

    “From unifying the foreign exchange market, to local government autonomy, to the formation of the regional development commissions, to Nigerian Education Loan Fund, to removing fuel subsidies, to attracting foreign investments, to tax reforms, this administration has not shied away from the hard decisions required to stabilize and grow our economy.

    “These efforts are gradually restoring investor confidence, laying the foundations for long-term prosperity, and refocusing government expenditure toward productive investments.

    “Mr President we commend you for your boldness, your vision, and your unwavering belief in Nigeria’s future.Likewise, the 10th National Assembly,” he said.

    Akpabio also described Tinubu as a great democrat who suffered personal loses for democracy to thrive in Nigeria. “Many, including Your Excellency, stood tall in those days of darkness. While others chose silence or compromise, you chose courage.

    “At great personal cost, NADECO which you were part of, helped sustain the flame of liberty when it was most at risk of going out. So as we mark this day, let us remember those who bled so we could vote.

    “Those who took risks so we could speak. Those who were buried so that freedom might rise. Let us also pay tribute to all those who played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s democratic transition.This year’s theme—“26 Years of Democracy: Renewing Our Commitment to National Development”—is not a slogan. It is a call to purpose,” he said.

    Akpabio also listed some of the achievements of the NASS, ahead of its second anniversary on June 13. “From its inception, the 10th Senate demonstrated a renewed vigor for addressing the country’s complex challenges through purposeful legislation.

    “This commitment is reflected in its extraordinary output: a total of 844 bills have been introduced within its first two years—an unprecedented figure that underscores the Senate’s proactive posture in tackling pressing national issues.

    “Out of this impressive volume, 107 bills are currently at the committee stage, undergoing the necessary scrutiny and stakeholder engagement that ensures quality legislation, 206 bills are awaiting first reading, reflecting a robust pipeline of legislative ideas prepared for formal introduction, and 409 bills have advanced to second reading.

    “Notably, the Senate has passed 96 bills, a record for any Nigerian Senate at this stage of the legislative cycle. Even more significantly, 52 of these bills have been assented to by the President, translating into enforceable laws that will shape governance, economic development, public welfare, and national security.

    “These bills include the National Education Fund, local government autonomy bill, regional development commissions, tax reforms, universities and tertiary institutions, agricultural institutions etc.

    “Moreover, the Tenth Senate has acted decisively on 26 Executive Bills, showcasing a healthy balance of cooperation and oversight in its engagement with the executive arm.

    “These executive-sponsored legislations address key policy areas and benefit from the Senate’s thorough review and refinement before passage.

    “Beyond bills, the 10th Senate has received a total of 80 petitions from citizens and civil society. This is a testimony to public trust in the institution. Of these, 18 petitions have been fully adopted, providing redress, transparency, and institutional accountability,” he said.

    As part of activities marking Nigeria’s 2025 Democracy Day celebration, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu conferred national honours on dozens of distinguished Nigerians, including posthumous awards for late pro-democracy activists, politicians, journalists, and civil rights leaders.

    The honourees were described by the President as ‘heroes and heroines of democracy.’ Tinubu noted that the awards serve as a tribute to the sacrifices made in the struggle to entrench and sustain democracy in Nigeria.

    The presiding officers of the National Assembly were formally decorated by the President with the award of national honours earlier conferred on them.

  • Senate approves N1.8trn 2025 FCT Statutory Appropriation Bill

    Senate approves N1.8trn 2025 FCT Statutory Appropriation Bill

    The Senate has approved N1.8trillion for the 2025 Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Statutory Appropriation Bill.

    This followed the presentation of the report of Committees on FCT on the bill by Chairman of the Committee Sen.Bomai Ibrahim(APC-Yobe)at plenary on Wednesday.

    Ibrahim in his report said the Senate and the House Committee on FCT met with the Honorable Minister and other relevant officials of the FCT administration to deliberate on the appropriation bill.

    He said the breakdown of the budget includes personnel cost of N106 billion,overhead of N352 billion, total recurrent was proposed for N502 billion, while capital expenditure proposed was N1.3trillion.

    He said the total personal cost constitutes 8.29 per cent of the budget while the total recurrent of the budget constitute 27.69 per cent while the total capital was 72.31 per cent.

    He said out of the 72.31 per cent, 85 per cent of the capital. was dedicated to ongoing projects,adding that only 50 per cent of the capital was for new projects.

    According to him, the best practice for budget framework was usually 70 per cent for capital and 30 per cent for recurrent.

    He, however, said it was commendable that FCT budget has 72.32 per cent for capital and 27.69 overhead.

    “This shows that the structure of the budget is in conformity with the best practice,” he said.

    Contributing ,Sen.Barau Jibrin(APC-Kano) said the leadership of FCTA has done well in the administration of the FCT.

    He said senate should support the laudable efforts of the FCT minister and his team to improve infrastructure development by approving the budget.

    Senate thereafter passed the 2025 FCTA 2025 statutory appropriation bill.