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Tag: Senate

  • Senate urges Military to reinforce troops in Borno, Yobe to counter Boko Haram resurgence

    Senate urges Military to reinforce troops in Borno, Yobe to counter Boko Haram resurgence

    The Nigerian Senate has called on the military to urgently deploy more personnel—fully equipped and strategically positioned to Borno and Yobe states in the North-East to tackle the renewed threat posed by Boko Haram insurgents.

    This appeal followed the killing of 12 soldiers by insurgents in Marte, Borno State, and was made during Tuesday’s plenary session. The Senate also directed its Committees on Army and Air Force to oversee and ensure compliance with the directive.

    The resolution stemmed from a motion titled “The Resurgence of Boko Haram in Borno and Yobe,” moved by Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno), and co-sponsored by lawmakers representing the affected states.

    In presenting the motion, Senator Monguno recalled that just a few years ago, Boko Haram had control over two-thirds of Borno’s Local Government Areas. However, combined efforts by the military and the Civilian Joint Task Force eventually reclaimed those territories and restored a degree of peace in both Borno and Yobe.

    He explained that after this progress, the military shifted its tactical command to the North-West to address rising cases of kidnapping and banditry. Unfortunately, this redeployment has coincided with a resurgence of Boko Haram activities in the North-East, including the deadly May 12 attack in Marte.

    Senator Monguno raised alarm over the group’s renewed strength and evolving tactics, including the use of drones for surveillance and attacks, as well as the planting of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), which cause significant casualties and disrupt transportation.

    He stressed the urgent need for the military to return in full force to the North-East, with advanced technology and necessary equipment to combat the insurgents’ growing sophistication.

    “A robust military presence in the North-East is critical to containing the renewed threat of Boko Haram,” he emphasized.

    Following the debate, the Senate adopted the motion’s two resolutions through a voice vote presided over by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau.

  • Senate urges inclusion of local governments in FAAC

    Senate urges inclusion of local governments in FAAC

    The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to ensure that representatives from each Local Government Council (LGC) and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Councils are included in the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC). This follows a recent Supreme Court ruling affirming the constitutional right of LGCs to receive direct allocations from the Federation Account.

    The Senate’s resolution came after it passed a motion sponsored by Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, during Tuesday’s plenary session. The motion, titled “The Urgent Need to Alter the Composition of FAAC by Including Representatives of Local Governments and Area Councils,” was presented by Senator Isah Jibrin (APC-Kogi) on behalf of Barau.

    Senator Jibrin emphasized that Local Government Councils, as recognized in Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution, constitute the third tier of government and should therefore be direct beneficiaries of Federation Account allocations.

    He referenced the recent Supreme Court judgment, which declared that states have no legal claim over funds allocated to LGCs. The court affirmed that direct payment to LGCs aligns with the constitutional framework and supports the efficient distribution of federal resources. It further ruled that the current practice of routing LGC allocations through state governments is ineffective.

    Senator Jibrin pointed out that Section 5 of the Allocation of Revenue Act (1981) currently limits FAAC membership to representatives of the federal and state governments, excluding local governments. He argued that this is now at odds with Sections 162(5) and (6) of the Constitution, as interpreted by the Supreme Court’s July 2024 judgment.

    He stressed the need to amend the Act to reflect this updated constitutional interpretation and ensure that each state and the FCT have a representative from their LGCs or Area Councils included in FAAC deliberations to protect their interests.

    In a related development, the Senate also passed the second reading of a bill to establish the Yaba Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies in Lagos. Sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, the bill outlines provisions for the institution’s management and operations. It has been referred to the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund for further review.

  • Senate passes other Tax Reform Bills

    Senate passes other Tax Reform Bills

    The Senate on Thursday passed the remaining two Tax Reform Bills after a clause-by-clause consideration in the committee-of-the-whole.

    The Bills are the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill, 2025 and Nigeria Tax Bill, 2025.

    The development came barely 24 hours after the Upper Chamber passed the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025 and the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill 2025.

    The Senate deleted  contentious and ambiguous clauses  in the two Bills and set up a conference committee to reconcile the differences in the Senate version and the one already passed by the House of Representatives.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio who presided over plenary, lauded the lawmakers for their sacrifice in ensuring that the tax system in Nigeria meets international standard.

    “These four executive bills seek to transform and modernise the tax system in Nigeria,” Akpabio said.

    Speaking to reporters after the plenary, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa explained that his panel did its best to ensure the taxation system in Nigeria meets international standard.

    He said: “What we did was to look at the tax bills and do the needful.

    “President Tinubu brought the tax reform bills to see how his government could bring economic development.

    “We underwent a public hearing and had a retreat with 76 organisations present.

    “Religious leaders and other relevant stakeholders were also in attendance. We also agreed that the Nigerian Revenue Service will need at least six directors.”

    Musa said the senators recommended that the President needs to appoint a chairman and create an ombudsman to arbitrate and adjudicate on tax-related matters.

    He harped on the need for the establishment of a tax tribunal, which he said cannot be overemphasised.

    “It is not à court of record. We have looked at the issue of VAT, coĺlection of taxes, development levy and inheritance tax which had been expunged.

    “I believe Nigerians wiĺl see something nice from this. We also commend the President for giving a level playing field to all,” he said.

    He said the conference committee would reconcile the amendments carried out by both chambers of the National Assembly,

    Members of the conference committee named by Akpabio include: Senators  Abba Moro, Abdulaziz Yari, Enyinnaya Abaribe, Yahaya Abdullahi, Sani Musa, Adetokubo Abiru, Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, Asuquo Ekpenyong, Jim Kuta, Gbenga Daniel, Osita Izunaso, Solomon Adeola,  Adams Oshiomhole, Babangida Uba, and Mohammed Tahir Monguno.

     

  • Senate passes 2 key Tax Bills

    Senate passes 2 key Tax Bills

    The Senate passed two of the four Tax Reform Bills on Wednesday. These are expected to reform Nigeria’s tax laws.

    Lawmakers approved the bills after considering and adopting recommendations from the Senate Committee on Finance, led by Sen. Sani Musa.

    The four key bills are: the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill, 2025; the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025; the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill; and the Nigeria Tax Bill.

    However, only the Bill to Repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service Act and enact the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025, was approved.

    The second approved bill is the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill. This Act covers the assessment, collection, and accounting for revenue accruing to the federation, federal, states, and local governments.

    It also prescribes the powers and functions of tax authorities and other related matters.

    Sani, presenting the report, said the bills aimed to reform Nigeria’s tax framework, strengthen institutions, and improve accountability and compliance.

    Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, congratulated the Senate, the Finance Committee, and the Elders Committee for their leadership and wisdom in passing the bills.

    He noted that there were initially disagreements and rancour. However, the Senate stood firm, establishing the Elders Committee to address contentious areas and consult various stakeholders.

    Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced that the remaining two bills would be considered in plenary on Thursday.

    He commended the Finance Committee and senators for their thorough work. Akpabio also thanked the “elder senators” who addressed areas of contention through meetings and consultations.

    Akpabio expressed optimism that the tax laws would revolutionise and optimise tax collection nationwide.

    He also assured that the bills would benefit all Nigerians, dispelling rumours they were designed to favour a specific region.

  • Finally, Senate passes two tax reform Bills

    Finally, Senate passes two tax reform Bills

    The Senate has passed two out of four major tax reform bills, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing overhaul of the nation’s tax administration framework.

    The two bills, one seeking to repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act and another to establish the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill 2025 along with the Nigeria Revenue Service Bill 2025, were passed following a clause-by-clause consideration during the Committee of the Whole and their subsequent third reading on the Senate floor.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had in October 2024 transmitted the four tax reform bills to the National Assembly for consideration and passage.

    However, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, commended the progress, expressing optimism that the reform bills would not only enhance governance but also revolutionise tax collection and distribution across the country.

    These bills will add immense value to governance and transform how taxes are collected and shared in Nigeria,” he said.

    He further assured that the remaining two bills would be finalised tomorrow (Thursday), even if it required extended sitting hours.

    “We are committed to concluding the outstanding bills tomorrow, even if we have to stay here until 10 p.m.,” Akpabio said.

  • Senate sets up committee to oversee emergency rule in Rivers

    Senate sets up committee to oversee emergency rule in Rivers

    The Senate has set up an 18-member committee to oversee the implementation of emergency rule in Rivers, following the suspension of democratic government in the state.

    President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, made the announcement at the resumption of sitting on Tuesday after the Easter recess.

    Akpabio stressed the need for having a committee like that of the House of Representatives to oversight the functions of the Sole Administrator and the Rivers State Government under emergency rule.

    He named the chairman of the committee as the Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, and the Deputy Minority Whip, Sen. Rufai Hanga.

    Other members are: Sen. Adamu Aliero (PDP- Kebbi), Sen. Osita Izunaso (APC-Imo), Sen. Osita Ngwu (PDP-Enugu), Sen. Kaka Shehu (APC-Borno), Sen. Aminu Abbas (PDP-Adamawa) and Sen. Adetokunbo Abiru (APC-Lagos).

    Sen. Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC-Ondo), Sen. Sani Musa (APC-Niger), Sen. Simon Lalong (APC-Plateau), Sen. Asuquo Ekpeyong (APC-Cross River), Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo) are also members.

    The remaining members are: Sen. Ireti Kingibe (LP-FCT), Sen. Onyekachi Nwaenboyi (APC-Ebonyi), Sen. Idiat Adebule (APC-Lagos), Sen. Ede Dafinone (APC-Delta) and Sen. Mohamed Maidori (APC-Jigawa), while Mr Charles Bala will serve as the Clerk/Secretary of the committee.

    “If there is need to review, it will be after further consultations with our colleagues. But in the meantime, they have to get to work immediately,” Akpabio.

  • Senate resumes with focus on tax reform, Rivers crisis, other key National issues

    Senate resumes with focus on tax reform, Rivers crisis, other key National issues

    As the Senate reconvenes following the Eid-el-Fitr and Easter recess, it is set to prioritize the passage of the 2024 Tax Reform Bills, address the political turmoil in Rivers State, and tackle the resurgence of Boko Haram and other security challenges, particularly in the Northeast.

    Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, in a statement issued Monday in Abuja, outlined the legislative body’s agenda, emphasizing its commitment to advancing national priorities. He stated, “The National Assembly resumes plenary today, May 6, 2025, to pursue the mandate entrusted to us by the Nigerian people.”

    Top on the agenda is the continued consideration and passage of the Tax Reform Bills, deemed essential for overhauling the nation’s tax system and boosting federal revenue. Bamidele noted that the reforms would support all tiers of government in implementing development projects and delivering democratic dividends.

    In addition to economic matters, the Senate plans to collaborate with the Executive to resolve ongoing socio-political tensions across the country, particularly the conflict in Rivers State. Bamidele stressed the need for dialogue and reconciliation among stakeholders to ensure lasting peace and stability.

    He also highlighted the Senate’s concern over rising insecurity in several regions, including Benue, Borno, Katsina, and Plateau states. The Senate intends to engage with security stakeholders to develop effective strategies for managing the crisis and combating terrorism nationwide.

    During the recess, the Presidency announced several key appointments. The Senate will now begin the screening of nominees, including those selected for leadership roles in the South-South Development Commission.

    Bamidele further disclosed that the constitutional review process, led by Deputy Senate President Senator Barau I. Jubrin, will be accelerated to enhance Nigeria’s federal structure. Additionally, the Senate will initiate the review of the 2022 Electoral Act to improve transparency and credibility in future elections.

    He concluded by emphasizing the need to expedite consideration and passage of several critical bills affecting various sectors of the economy. Committees will also be encouraged to hold public hearings to ensure citizen participation in the legislative process.

    As the Senate reconvenes following the Eid-el-Fitr and Easter recess, it is set to prioritize the passage of the 2024 Tax Reform Bills, address the political turmoil in Rivers State, and tackle the resurgence of Boko Haram and other security challenges, particularly in the Northeast.

    Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, in a statement issued Monday in Abuja, outlined the legislative body’s agenda, emphasizing its commitment to advancing national priorities. He stated, “The National Assembly resumes plenary today, May 6, 2025, to pursue the mandate entrusted to us by the Nigerian people.”

    Top on the agenda is the continued consideration and passage of the Tax Reform Bills, deemed essential for overhauling the nation’s tax system and boosting federal revenue. Bamidele noted that the reforms would support all tiers of government in implementing development projects and delivering democratic dividends.

    In addition to economic matters, the Senate plans to collaborate with the Executive to resolve ongoing socio-political tensions across the country, particularly the conflict in Rivers State. Bamidele stressed the need for dialogue and reconciliation among stakeholders to ensure lasting peace and stability.

    He also highlighted the Senate’s concern over rising insecurity in several regions, including Benue, Borno, Katsina, and Plateau states. The Senate intends to engage with security stakeholders to develop effective strategies for managing the crisis and combating terrorism nationwide.

    During the recess, the Presidency announced several key appointments. The Senate will now begin the screening of nominees, including those selected for leadership roles in the South-South Development Commission.

    Bamidele further disclosed that the constitutional review process, led by Deputy Senate President Senator Barau I. Jubrin, will be accelerated to enhance Nigeria’s federal structure. Additionally, the Senate will initiate the review of the 2022 Electoral Act to improve transparency and credibility in future elections.

    He concluded by emphasizing the need to expedite consideration and passage of several critical bills affecting various sectors of the economy. Committees will also be encouraged to hold public hearings to ensure citizen participation in the legislative process.

  • Deputy Chief Whip defends men’s rights in Senate: ‘Glad women have condemned behaviours of their own’

    Deputy Chief Whip defends men’s rights in Senate: ‘Glad women have condemned behaviours of their own’

    Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, said on Wednesday that men’s rights in Nigeria should not be undermined while protecting women’s rights.

    Nwebonyi (APC–Ebonyi North) made the call at Nkaliki, headquarters of Abakaliki Local Government Area, while distributing farm inputs to farmers across four LGAs in his district.

    He expressed concern over recent Senate events, which he said signalled negatively for women’s political participation and appeared to undermine the rights of men.

    “I support women’s rights, but not at the expense of men’s rights,” Nwebonyi stated while addressing the gathering.

    He criticised situations where women made unfounded allegations or rudely interrupted men during Senate sessions, calling such acts unacceptable.

    “We’re glad that many women have also condemned these behaviours from a few of their own,” he added.

    The senator said that recent developments had ensured equal respect for the rights of both men and women in the country.

    “We must respect one another, especially our mothers. However, arrogant individuals should be removed from leadership,” he remarked.

    Nwebonyi encouraged Nigerians to embrace agriculture, noting the government’s commitment to diversifying the economy under President Bola Tinubu.

    “Agriculture was once Nigeria’s economic backbone before oil was discovered,” he said.

    He added that he distributes farm inputs annually to support local farmers in his constituency, who largely rely on farming.

    He emphasised the need for timely distribution of inputs to ensure farmers benefit during planting seasons, not during harvest periods.

    The senator also urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Tinubu’s administration, which he said is working to improve citizens’ wellbeing.

    Chief Ebere Nwogba, Chairman of Abakaliki LGA, thanked the senator and promised continued support for his initiatives.

    Mrs Chioma Nwafor, a beneficiary, also expressed gratitude and pledged to use the distributed items effectively and responsibly.

    NAN reports that several farmers received inputs including fertilisers, rice seedlings, herbicides, and more.

    Recalls that the senator was recently involved in verbal exchanges with several prominent women in the country.

  • Senate postpones resumption of plenary sittings to May 6

    Senate postpones resumption of plenary sittings to May 6

    The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has announced a postponement in date of resumption of plenary sittings from April 29 to May 6, 2025.

    The announcement was contained in an internal memo dated April 20, 2025, addressed to all senators and signed by the Senate Clerk, Andrew Ogbonna Nwoba.

    The memo is reproduced in extenso hereunder:

    “Distinguished Senators,

    “I am directed to inform you that the resumption of plenary sittings of the Senate, earlier scheduled for Tuesday 29th, April 2025, has been rescheduled to Tuesday, 6th May 2025.

    “This postponement is made to allow Distinguished Senators, stay with their constituents, during the International Workers’ Day public holiday, in the first week of May, and to further enhance constituency engagements.

    “Distinguished Senators are kindly requested to take note of this postponement, while regretting any inconvenience, the change might have caused.”

  • NASS drafting law on state police – Senate leader, Bamidele

    NASS drafting law on state police – Senate leader, Bamidele

    The Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, has disclosed that the National Assembly is in the process of developing legal frameworks for the creation of state police.

    He said that the establishment of the state police will serve as part of measures to address insecurity in the country..

    Bamidele made this known on Sunday in a statement in Abuja through his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs.

    He also celebrated with Christians worldwide to mark Easter asking leaders across boards to shun divisive agenda and narratives that could compound the country’s challenges.

    Bamidele urged Nigerians at large “to consciously reflect on the virtues of Jesus Christ; learn from His consecration and live His life of purpose rooted in the pursuit of justice love and redemption for humanity”.

    ” In spite of the animosity He suffered and opposition He faced, Jesus Christ consciously sought and secured freedom for the captives, peace for the troubled, comfort for the sorrowful, love for the dejected, justice for the oppressed and hope for those who are in despair.

    “In Nigeria today, Christ’s example clearly presents us a glimpse of how we should live together.

    “As compatriots and not competitors, collaborators and not combatants, comrades and not contenders in the task of building a viable and virile federation that will serve the interest of all.

    “The recent killings in Benue and Plateau states outrightly negated the virtues of peace and love that Jesus Christ taught during His days.

    “The recurrent utterances by some political and sectional figures also belied the values of courage, perseverance and tolerance He evidently lived for.

    “No country develops as a result of one section rising up against another vice versa.

    “The Authority of the National Assembly is in the process of developing legal frameworks for the establishment of state police as one of the measures to address insecurity in the country.

    “We urge security agencies to work together as a team to track and apprehend all the masterminds and sponsors of terror attacks nationwide.

    “We appeal to some political actors that always lash on the country’s challenges to push divisive narratives to learn from the example of Jesus Christ.

    “Such actors are no longer playing opposition politics, but simply taking advantage of the country’s internal conditions in the pursuit of their own parochial political outcomes”.

    He further said that Nigeria is our ultimate project and as a parliament, we are committed to the actualisation of this project.

    “This is evident in all the legislative initiatives we are pushing since the birth of the 10th National Assembly. And our goal is to build a federation that will be noted for peace, progress and prosperity anywhere in the world.

    “Regardless of their ethnicity, politics and religion, all actors should shun all forms of divisive utterance and join forces against the common foes of Nigeria and not to subvert our effort to build a strong and virile federation”.

    NAN reports a State Police Bill, was sponsored by a former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu (PDP, Enugu).

    The bill seeks to establish the Federal Police, State Police, National Police Service Commission, National Police Council, and State Police Service Commission for the states.

    It was first introduced to the eighth Senate on June 12, 2018 but did not scale through. Ekweremadu was the chairman of the constitution review committee at the time.