Tag: National Assembly

  • National Assembly Transmits Electoral Bill To Buhari For Assent

    National Assembly Transmits Electoral Bill To Buhari For Assent

    The National Assembly has transmitted the Electoral Bill 2021 to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent.

    The Senior Special Adviser to the President on the National Assembly Senator, Babajide Omoworare, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

    He said this is in pursuance of Section 58 (3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended and the Acts Authentication Act 2004.

    The National Assembly had last week completed work on the amendment of the Electoral Act bill which grants the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) powers to deploy electronic transmission of election results.

    NASS and indeed many Nigerians are hoping President Buhari will give his assent to the electoral act amendment bill in time to ensure INEC prepares well ahead for the 2023 general elections.

  • FCT Minister presents N 67b budget proposal to National Assembly

    FCT Minister presents N 67b budget proposal to National Assembly

    By Joyce Remi- Babayeju

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mallam Muhammed Musa Bello has presented the sum of N 67 billion budget to the National Assembly.

    Bello on Tuesday informed the joint house of Senate and House of Assembly that it is to spend the sum of N64,861,604,695.00 (Sixty Four Billion, Eight Hundred and Sixty One Million, Six Hundred and Four Thousand and Six Hundred and Ninety Five Naira) for its 2022, National Priority Projects.

    According to the Minister noted that the figure was already contained in the 2022 Appropriation Bill presented to the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari on 7th of October 2021 adding that the National Budget estimates of the FCT leveraged the 2021-2022 Medium Term National Plan (MTNDP) of the Federal Government.

    Further more the Minister explained that the priority of the of the MTNDP is the completion of on-going critical projects that will have the greatest impact on the citizenry and accordingly, the 2022 FCT budget estimates targets the sustained completion of 18 priority projects both within the Federal Capital City (FCC) and the satellite towns.

    According to him, part of the administration’s priority projects include the installation of solar street lights along various roads in the satellite towns; provision of roads, water and electricity supplies to the resettlement site of Galuwyi Shere (Phase II); Rehabilitation and upgrading of street lighting facilities within the FCC; Design/ construction of dam, treatment plant, tanks and other bulk water supply infrastructure to Karshi; Abuja Light Rail Transit Phase II Addendum 1-2 (2); and the Rehabilitation of Federal Government Buildings amongst others.

    Bello said that the construction of the Mpape –Shere Galuwyi road is a bold initiative of the Administration is aimed at a successful resettlement process of original inhabitants in about 16 communities while the implementation of the Abuja Light rail Mass transit Phase II Addendum 1-2 (2) will fund the completion of a remaining 5.76km rail line thereby extending the rail line from Baizango to the Kubwa station.

    He explained that the Greater Abuja Water supply project is a bilateral initiative to enhance water supply in the FCT to supply potable water to 33 Districts covering Gwarimpa, 1 and 2, Utako, Dutse, Gudu Kaura, Wuye, Mabushi, Jahi, Kado , Karmo, Lokogoma, Kabusa, Dape amongst others.

    Bello disclosed that the 2021 Appropriation Act gulped the sum of N37, 430,762,421.00 in infrastructures development in the FCT , with N30,147,069,087.06 released for budget performance of 81%. while the actual utilization as at September 30 2021 stood at N18,350, 329,852.46 representing 60% of the sum released.

  • President Buhari Present 2022 Budget To National Assembly

    President Buhari Present 2022 Budget To National Assembly

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday presented a total budget of N16.39 trillion for the year 2022 to the National Assembly.

    The Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, said the National Assembly is committed to passing the budget before the end of year.

    Speaking at the assembly chambers, the President tagged the appropriation bill “a Budget of Economic Growth and Sustainability.”

    He said the budget will focus on diversifying the economy, with robust MSME growth; investing in critical infrastructure; strengthening security and ensuring good governance; enabling a vibrant, educated and healthy populace; reducing poverty; and minimizing regional, economic and social disparities.

    “Defence and internal security will continue to be our top priority,” the President said. “We remain firmly committed to the security of life, property and investment nationwide.

    “We will continue to ensure that our gallant men and women in the armed forces, police and paramilitary units are properly equipped, remunerated and well-motivated.”

    He also noted that the 2022 budget is the first time in Nigerian history, “where MDAs were clearly advised on gender responsive budgeting.

    “These are part of critical steps in our efforts to distribute resources fairly and reach vulnerable groups of our society,” he said.

    Read President Buhari’s full budget speech here:

    2022 BUDGET SPEECH Budget of Economic Growth and Sustainability

    Delivered By:

    His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari

    President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

    At the Joint Session of the National Assembly, Abuja

    Thursday, October 7, 2021

    PROTOCOLS

    1. It is my great pleasure to be here once again to present the 2022 Federal Budget Proposals to this distinguished Joint Session of the National Assembly.
    2. Distinguished and Honourable leaders, and members of the National Assembly, let me start by commending you for the expeditious consideration and passage of the Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2021. This further underscores your commitment to our collective efforts to contain the COVID-19 Pandemic and address the various security challenges facing our country.
    3. I will also take this opportunity to thank you for the quick consideration and approval of the 2022-2024 Medium-term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper. Our hope is that National Assembly will continue to partner with the Executive by ensuring that deliberations on the 2022 Budget are completed before the end of this year so that the Appropriation Act can come into effect by the first of January 2022.
    4. The 2022 Budget will be the last full year budget to be implemented by this administration. We designed it to build on the achievements of previous budgets and to deliver on our goals and aspirations as will be reflected in our soon-to-be launched National Development Plan of 2021 to 2025.
    5. Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members, in normal times, I make use of this opportunity to provide an overview of global and domestic developments in the current year, a summary of our achievements, and our plans for the next fiscal year.
    6. However, these are exceptional times. The grim realities of COVID-19 and its lethal variants are still upon us. From President to Pauper, the virus does not discriminate.
    7. This is why our country still maintains its COVID -19 guidelines and protocols in place to protect its citizens and stop the spread of this disease.
    8. Over the past few days, we have consulted with the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 and the leadership of the National Assembly on how best to present the 2022 budget proposal keeping in mind the deep-rooted traditions in place and the guidelines for safe mass gatherings.
    9. We ultimately decided that the most responsible and respectful approach was to hold a shorter than usual gathering while allowing the Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning to provide fuller details of our proposals in a smaller event.
    10. I am sure many of you will be relieved as my last budget speech in October 2020 lasted over fifty minutes.
    11. Still, over the next few minutes, I will provide key highlights of our 2021 performance as well as our proposals for 2022.

    PERFORMANCE OF THE 2021 BUDGET

    1. The 2021 ‘Budget of Economic Recovery and Resilience’ is based on a benchmark oil price of 40 US Dollars per barrel, oil production of 1.6m b/d, and exchange rate of 379 Naira to US Dollar. Furthermore, a Supplementary budget of 982.73 billion Naira was recently enacted to address exigent issues in the Security and Health sectors.
    2. Based on the 2021 Fiscal Framework, total revenue of 8.12 trillion Naira was projected to fund aggregate federal expenditure of 14.57 trillion Naira (inclusive of the supplementary budget). The projected fiscal deficit of 6.45 trillion Naira, or 4.52 percent of GDP, is expected to be financed mainly by domestic and external borrowings.
    3. By July 2021, Nigeria’s daily oil production averaged one 1.70million barrels (inclusive of condensates) and the market price of Bonny Light crude averaged 68.53 US Dollars per barrel.
    4. Accordingly, actual revenues were 34 percent below target as of July 2021, mainly due to the underperformance of oil and gas revenue sources. Federal Government’s retained revenues (excluding Government Owned Enterprises) amounted to 2.61 trillion Naira against the proportionate target of 3.95 trillion Naira for the period.
    5. The Federal Government’s share of Oil revenue totalled 570.23 billion Naira as of July 2021, which was 51 percent below target, while non-oil tax revenues totalled 964.13 billion Naira. The poor performance of oil revenue relative to the budget was largely due to the shortfall in production as well as significant cost recovery by NNPC to cover the shortfall between its cost of importing petrol and the pump price.
    6. The National Assembly will recall that in March 2020 the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency announced that the price of petrol would henceforth be determined by market forces.
    7. However, as the combination of rising crude oil prices and exchange rate combined to push the price above the hitherto regulated price of 145 Naira per litre, opposition against the policy of price deregulation hardened on the part of Labour Unions in particular.
    8. Government had to suspend further upward price adjustments while engaging Labour on the subject. This petrol subsidy significantly eroded revenues that should have been available to fund the budget.
    9. On a positive note, we surpassed the non-oil taxes target by eleven (11) percent in aggregate. The sustained improvement in non-oil taxes indicates that some of our revenue reforms are yielding positive results. We expect further improvement in revenue collections later in the year as more corporate entities file their tax returns and we accelerate the implementation of our revenue reforms.

    Improving Revenue Generation and Administration

    1. We have stepped up implementation of the strengthened framework for performance management of government owned enterprises (GOEs), with a view to improve their operational efficiencies, revenue generation and accountability. The 50% cost-to-income ratio imposed on the GOEs in the Finance Act 2020 has contributed significantly to rationalizing wasteful expenditures by several GOEs and enhanced the level of operating surpluses to be transferred to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF). I solicit the cooperation of the National Assembly in enforcing the cost-to-income ratio and other prudential guidelines during your consideration of the budget proposals of the GOEs, which I am also laying before you today.
    2. On the expenditure side, as at end of July 2021, a total of six point seven-nine (6.79) trillion Naira had been spent as against the pro-rated expenditure of seven point nine-one (7.91) trillion Naira. Accordingly, a deficit of four point one-seven (4.17) trillion Naira was recorded as at end of July 2021. The deficit was financed through domestic borrowing.
    3. Despite our revenue challenges, we have consistently met our debt service commitments. We are also up to date on the payment of staff salaries, statutory transfers, and overhead costs. As at (4th of October 2021, a total of 1.732 trillion Naira had been released for capital expenditure.
    4. I am pleased to inform you that we expect to fund MDAs’ capital budget fully by the end of the fiscal year 2021.
    5. Capital releases thus far have been prioritised in favour of critical ongoing infrastructural projects in the power, roads, rail, agriculture, health and education sectors.
    6. We have made progress on the railway projects connecting different parts of the country. I am glad to report that the Lagos-Ibadan Line is now completed and operational. The Abuja-Kaduna Line is running efficiently. The Itakpe-Ajaokuta rail Line was finally completed and commissioned over thirty (30) years after its initiation.
    7. Arrangements are underway to complete the Ibadan-Kano Line. Also, work will soon commence on the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Line and Calabar-Lagos Coastal Line, which will connect the Southern and Eastern States to themselves and to the North.
    8. Progress is also being made on several power generation, transmission, and distribution projects, as well as off-grid solutions, all aimed towards achieving the national goal of optimizing power supply by 2025.
    9. I am again happy to report that we continue to make visible progress in our strategic road construction projects like the Lagos – Ibadan expressway, Apapa – Oworonsoki expressway, Abuja – Kano expressway, East-West Road and the second Niger bridge. We hope to commission most of these projects before the end of our tenure in 2023.
    10. The Pandemic revealed the urgent need to strengthen our health system. Towards this end, we constructed 52 Molecular labs, 520 bed intensive care units, 52 Isolation centres and provision of Personal Protective equipment across 52 Federal Medical Centres and Teaching Hospitals.
    11. We continue to push our expenditure rationalization initiatives which we commenced in 2016. For example, on personnel costs, the number of MDAs captured on the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System increased from 459 in 2017 to 711 to date.
    12. The recent passage of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, and consequent incorporation of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation should also result in rationalisation of expenditure, as well as increased investments and improved output in the oil and gas industry.
    13. Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members, you will agree with me that a lot has been accomplished over the last year but there is still much to be done. I will now proceed with a review of the 2022 Budget proposal.

    THEME AND PRIORITIES OF THE 2022 BUDGET

    1. The allocations to MDAs were guided by the strategic objectives of the National Development Plan of 2021 to 2025, which are:

    a. Diversifying the economy, with robust MSME growth;

    b. Investing in critical infrastructure;

    c. Strengthening security and ensuring good governance;

    d. Enabling a vibrant, educated and healthy populace;

    e. Reducing poverty; and

    f. Minimizing regional, economic and social disparities.

    1. The 2022 Appropriation therefore is a Budget of Economic Growth and Sustainability.
    2. Defence and internal security will continue to be our top priority. We remain firmly committed to the security of life, property and investment nationwide. We will continue to ensure that our gallant men and women in the armed forces, police and paramilitary units are properly equipped, remunerated and well-motivated.
    3. The 2022 budget is also the first in our history, where MDAs were clearly advised on gender responsive budgeting. These are part of critical steps in our efforts to distribute resources fairly and reach vulnerable groups of our society.

    PARAMETERS AND FISCAL ASSUMPTIONS

    1. Distinguished Members of the National Assembly, the 2022 to 2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper sets out the parameters for the 2022 Budget as follows:

    a. Conservative oil price benchmark of 57 US Dollars per barrel;

    b. Daily oil production estimate of 1.88 million barrels (inclusive of Condensates of 300,000 to 400,000 barrels per day);

    c. Exchange rate of four 410.15 per US Dollar; and

    d. Projected GDP growth rate of 4.2 percent and 13 percent inflation rate.

    2022 REVENUE ESTIMATES

    1. Based on these fiscal assumptions and parameters, total federally-collectible revenue is estimated at 17.70 trillion Naira in 2022.
    2. Total federally distributable revenue is estimated at 12.72 trillion Naira in 2022 while total revenue available to fund the 2022 Federal Budget is estimated at 10.13 trillion Naira. This includes Grants and Aid of 63.38 billion Naira, as well as the revenues of 63 Government-Owned Enterprises.
    3. Oil revenue is projected at 3.16 trillion, Non-oil taxes are estimated at 2.13 trillion Naira and FGN Independent revenues are projected to be 1.82 trillion Naira.

    PLANNED 2022 EXPENDITURE

    1. A total expenditure of sixteen point three-nine (16.39) trillion Naira is proposed for the Federal Government in 2022. The proposed expenditure comprises:

    a. Statutory Transfers of 768.28 billion Naira;

    b. Non-debt Recurrent Costs of 6.83 trillion;

    c. Personnel Costs of 4.11 trillion Naira;

    d. Pensions, Gratuities and Retirees’ Benefits 577.0 billion Naira;

    e. Overheads of 792.39 billion Naira;

    f. Capital Expenditure of 5.35 trillion Naira, including the capital component of Statutory Transfers;

    g. Debt Service of 3.61 trillion Naira; and

    h. Sinking Fund of 292.71 billion Naira to retire certain maturing bonds.

    Fiscal Balance

    1. We expect the total fiscal operations of the Federal Government to result in a deficit of 6.26 trillion Naira. This represents 3.39 percent of estimated GDP, slightly above the 3 percent threshold set by the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007. Countries around the world have to of necessity over-shoot their fiscal thresholds for the economies to survive and thrive
    2. We need to exceed this threshold considering our collective desire to continue tackling the existential security challenges facing our country.
    3. We plan to finance the deficit mainly by new borrowings totalling 5.01 trillion Naira, 90.73 billion Naira from Privatization Proceeds and 1.16 trillion Naira drawdowns on loans secured for specific development projects.
    4. Some have expressed concern over our resort to borrowing to finance our fiscal gaps. They are right to be concerned. However, we believe that the debt level of the Federal Government is still within sustainable limits. Borrowings are to specific strategic projects and can be verified publicly.
    5. As you are aware, we have witnessed two economic recessions within the period of this Administration. In both cases, we had to spend our way out of recession, which necessitated a resort to growing the public debt. It is unlikely that our recovery from each of the two recessions would have grown as fast without the sustained government expenditure funded by debt.
    6. Our target over the medium term is to grow our Revenue-to-GDP ratio from about 8 percent currently to 15 percent by 2025. At that level of revenues, the Debt-Service-to-Revenue ratio will cease to be worrying. Put simply, we do not have a debt sustainability problem, but a revenue challenge which we are determined to tackle to ensure our debts remain sustainable.
    7. Very importantly, we have endeavoured to use the loans to finance critical development projects and programmes aimed at improving our economic environment and ensuring effective delivery of public services to our people. We focused on;

    a. the completion of major road and rail projects;

    b. the effective implementation of Power sector projects;

    c. the provision of potable water;

    d. construction of irrigation infrastructure and dams across the country; and

    e. critical health projects such as the strengthening of national emergency medical services and ambulance system, procurement of vaccines, polio eradication and upgrading Primary Health Care Centres across the six geopolitical zones.

    Innovations in Infrastructure Financing

    1. In 2022, Government will further strengthen the frameworks for concessions and public private partnerships (PPPs). Capital projects that are good candidates for PPP by their nature will be developed for private sector participation.
    2. We will also explore available opportunities in the existing ecosystem of green finance including the implementation of our Sovereign Green Bond Programme and leveraging debt-for-climate swap mechanisms.

    Enhancing Revenue Mobilisation

    1. Our strategies to improve revenue mobilisation will be sustained in 2022 with the goal of achieving the following objectives:

    a. Enhance tax and excise revenues through policy reforms and tax administration measures;

    b. Review the policy effectiveness of tax waivers and concessions;

    c. Boost customs revenue through the e-Customs and Single Window initiatives; and

    d. Safeguard revenues from the oil and gas sector.

    1. Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members, I commend you for the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021. It is my hope that the implementation of the law will boost confidence in our economy and attract substantial investments in the sector.

    Finance Bill 2022

    1. In line with our plan to accompany annual budgets with Finance Bills, partly to support the realization of fiscal projections, current tax and fiscal laws are being reviewed to produce a draft Finance Bill 2022.
    2. It is our intention that once ongoing consultations are completed, the Finance Bill would be submitted to the National Assembly to be considered alongside the 2022 Appropriation Bill.

    CONCLUSION

    1. Mr. Senate President, Mr. Speaker, Distinguished and Honourable Members of the National Assembly, this speech would be incomplete without commending the immense, patriotic, and collaborative support of the National Assembly in the effort to deliver socio-economic development and democracy dividends for our people.
    2. I wish to assure you of the strong commitment of the Executive to strengthen the relationship with the National Assembly.
    3. Nigeria is currently emerging from a very difficult economic challenge. We must continue to cooperate and ensure that our actions are aimed at accelerating the pace of economic recovery so that we can achieve economic prosperity and deliver on our promises to the Nigerian people.
    4. The fiscal year 2022 is very crucial in our efforts to ensure that critical projects are completed, put to use and improve the general living conditions of our people.
    5. It is with great pleasure therefore, that I lay before this distinguished Joint Session of the National Assembly, the 2022 Budget Proposals of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
    6. I thank you most sincerely for your attention.
    7. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
  • Buhari Seeks National Assembly approval for fresh external loans of $4bn, €710m

    Buhari Seeks National Assembly approval for fresh external loans of $4bn, €710m

    President Muhammadu Buhari has requested the National Assembly to approve for it $4,054,476,863 and €710 million.

    Buhari is also seeking the nation’s legislature’s approval for grant components of $125 million in the 2018-2020 external rolling borrowing plan.

    This is contained in a letter addressed to both chambers of the National Assembly and read on the floor at the resumption of plenary by the presiding officers on Tuesday.

    Part of the letter read, “I write on the above subject and submit the attached addendum to the proposed 2018-2020 external rolling borrowing plan for the consideration and concurrent approval of the senate for the same to become effective.

    “The distinguished Senate President may recall that I submitted a request on 2018-2020 borrowing plan for the approval of the senate in May 2021.

    “However, in view of other emerging needs and to ensure that all critical projects approved by Federal Executive Council as of June 2021 are incorporated, I hereby forward an addendum to the proposed borrowing plan.

    “The projects listed in the external borrowing plan are to be financed through sovereign loans from the World Bank, French Development Agency, EXIM Bank and IFAD in the total sum of $4,054,476,863 and €710 million and grant components of $125 million.”

  • ‘National Assembly spends just 2 per cent of annual budget’ – Gbajabiamila

    ‘National Assembly spends just 2 per cent of annual budget’ – Gbajabiamila

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Saturday, said the National Assembly spends less than two per cent of the national budget, wondering why no one is asking questions about the remaining 98 per cent.

    Gbajabiamila said this as his reaction to a statement credited to the Vice-Chancellor of Ahman Pategi University, Patigi, Kwara state, Professor Mahfouz Adedimeji, who opined that Nigeria runs the most expensive National Assembly in the world.

    The university boss and the Speaker both spoke at the 10th annual symposium of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, B-Zone, in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

    Prof. Adedimeji, who was the guest lecturer at the occasion touched on the theme, ‘Saving a nation on the precipice: between re-federation and secessionalism.’

    Adedimeji had emphasised the need to rejig the operations of the legislature in Nigeria, stating that the nation’s parliament is the most expensive in the world.

    “With due respect to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nigeria spends the highest amount of money on the legislators in the world and the National Assembly consumes more money than any other parliament in the world.

    “A unicameral legislature with two representatives from each state is sufficient. The National Assembly should have less than 100 members, including Abuja,” the varsity don’t said in his lecture.

    However, Gbajabiamila absolutely disagreed with the Vice-Chancellor, describing his perception as wrong.

    Gbajabiamila who was represented as the Chairman of the occasion by Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka of Ifo/Ewekoro constituency, mentioned that the money budgeted for the National Assembly was two per cent of the total budget.

    “No one till today has actually sat down to go into research and define the meaning of legislators.

    “The money being spent on the national assembly is less than two per cent of the total budget of this country; but nobody, has ever looked at what is happening to the remaining 98 per cent. And when you say National Assembly, you are not talking about legislators, who are the lawmakers only. You are also talking about the National Assembly Commission, you are talking about everything, all encompassing,” he said.

    The Speaker regretted that no one had ever sat down to go into research and define what the National Assembly actually means.

    He charged Nigerians to change the perception that Nigeria runs the most expensive National Assembly in the world.

  • Buhari Dines With N/Assembly Members, Vows To End Insecurity

    Members of the 9th National Assembly comprising 109 senators and 360 members of the House of Representatives met with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Aso Villa in Abuja last night.

    This was the first time in recent history that members of the two chambers of the National Assembly would meet with the president at the State House.

    What obtained before was for the president to address a joint session of the legislators at the National Assembly especially during budget presentation.

    Recall that the Senate had on April 27, 2021, reached a resolution for the leadership of the upper chamber to work towards a meeting with the president to enable all 109 senators to discuss security issues in the country.

    Almost all the six geopolitical zones are faced with challenges like banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, agitations by secessionists, among others.

    We must end insecurity – Buhari

    During a dinner held at the State House Conference Centre, President Buhari expressed the readiness of his administration to use everything within its powers to end insecurity in the country and bring perpetrators of criminal activities to book.

    He said ‘‘Insecurity, manifesting as insurgencies, banditry, kidnapping and urban crime of all sorts is the single most difficult challenge we face today.”

    Buhari expressed concern that insecurity had inhibited government’s ability to build infrastructure, provide the much needed social services to the people and to attract investments that drive innovation, create industries, and provide jobs and create wealth.

    ‘‘Some of the people who perpetrate these various manifestations of insecurity do so for profit, others, in the name of discredited ideologies.

    ‘‘Whatever their motivations may be, their actions are an existential threat to our country. In the circumstances, we must do everything within our power, without consideration of distractions, to put an end to their activities and bring them to book.

    ‘‘We cannot allow ourselves to be distracted from this objective, or waver in our commitment, and I am confident that together we will triumph in our present efforts,’’ he said in a statement issued by his spokesman, Femi Adesina.

    Buhari, who lauded the 9th National Assembly for discharging their legislative duties with maturity and competence, described the legislature as ‘‘full partners in national development.’’

    He particularly commended the minority parties in the legislature for their cooperation and support for government programmes.

    ‘‘Our ability to govern in the best interests of the Nigerian people depends to a great deal on effective collaboration and partnership between the Legislature and the Executive.

    ‘‘The obligation to check and balance each other is not an invitation to conflict and it should not be characterised by quarrelsome disagreement when consultation, engagements and compromise have proven time and again to be a more effective approach.

    ‘‘In the 9th Assembly, you have distinguished yourselves by your conduct in office, by the scale and quality of your legislative interventions and by your capacity for engaging with the difficult questions facing the country with maturity and competence,’’ he said.

    The president, while commending the leadership of the National Assembly under Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila for their dedication through challenging times, told the legislators: ‘‘You have also, succeeded in overcoming the political and other obstacles that have for two decades, inhibited the much-needed reforms of our oil and gas industry, resulting now in the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).”

    Our meeting beyond dinner party – Lawan

    While speaking, Senate President Ahmad Lawan said the dinner was beyond eating as the purpose was to bring together the arms of government that had worked so closely.

    According to him, since the beginning of the Fourth Republic in 1999, no government was so challenged by a paucity of funds and myriads of other challenges facing the country.

    He said although members of the National Assembly belonged to different political parties, they worked in brotherhood, standing together and ensuring that they were able to deliver when necessary.

    Lawan noted that the Senate and the House of Representatives had worked together seeing to the demolition of the “demons” that stopped the passage of critical bills such as the PIB and others in the past.

    He said the legislators worked as Nigerians and as people who were there to ensure the good governance of the country.

    He stressed the need for more money for security as he noted that “There is no better investment in Nigeria today than investment in security,” hoping that security would have more money in the 2022 budget.

    Lawan observed that the nation’s economy survived many shocks because the legislature passed the national budgets in time in the last two years.

    It’s gratifying to sit together- Gbajabiamila

    In his remarks, Gbajabiamila said it was a delight that they could sit with executive, not over official matters but to eat.

    He said he was proud of House members, singling out opposition members who he said were engaging in constructive opposition “as they watch their number deplete.”

    “As we move towards 2023, I hope their colour will change. I wait on them.”

    He praised the effort of the National Assembly especially on the passage of the PIB, assuring that before the National Assembly goes on break on Thursday, the Electoral Act amendment would be passed.

    Legislators from all political parties in the legislature were invited to the event.  It was the first time members of the National Assembly from across parties would be hosted by the president in the presidential villa.

    Buhari had previously hosted the leadership of the legislature and only members of the ruling APC from time to time.

    Also present at Tuesday’s occasion was Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, ministers and other senior administration officials.

    Why House leadership met with Buhari earlier

    Earlier yesterday, Speaker Gbajabiamila and other leaders of the House of Representatives met with the president at about 2 pm.

    They submitted the report of the Special Committee on National Security to President Muhammadu Buhari after it was adopted by the House earlier at yesterday’s plenary.

    The report contained far-reaching recommendations by the committee which was chaired by Speaker Gbajabiamila on how to tackle the growing insecurity in Nigeria.

    The committee had held a Special Summit on National Security in Abuja on May 25, where major stakeholders examined the security challenges of the country and came up with recommendations as part of the legislative interventions to address the situation.

    The report, which is divided into two parts, has seven (7) recommendations for legislative actions and nineteen (19) others for executive actions. Giving a synopsis of the work of the committee before the report was passed, Gbajabiamila recalled how the House was disturbed over the rising security challenges and had to respond within the means available to it to support the executive arm.

    “The committee met with experts and came up with several recommendations on the legislative steps to be taken and the executive steps to be taken to address insecurity”, the speaker stated.

    19-point recommendations submitted to president

    The report recommends immediate enhanced training for the police mobile unit to improve their capacity to deal with insecurity.

    It recommends that “A special team of 40,000 Police Mobile Unit officers should undergo this special training. 1,000 should then be deployed to every state for immediate operations. North East, South West, South East can receive the officers remaining out of the 40k.”

    The committee recommends that the executive “Creates a new team under the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to train and work with the guards of Nigeria’s forest. This unit will collaborate with the current forest guards who will remain under the control of States.

    “Encourage the Intelligence Agencies (working with the National Security Adviser and the Chief of Defence Staff) to initiate a screening and vetting program of all frontline officers of the Nigerian military to fish out moles and double-agents who have so far compromised most efforts at combating insecurity and win the war against insurgents and terrorists.”

    The committee further recommended that the executive should strategically initiate a “Presidential police reform initiative that will be resident in one central place within the Presidency.”

    “Also, an operational specialised unit should be established within the NPF to champion and drive all the change initiatives (based on a Presidential Policing Reform Roadmap) from within the institution,” it added.

    The House also recommended the direct use of the Nigerian Police Trust Fund to procure some of the immediate equipment needed by the rank-and-file police officers in Nigeria.

    It added that the intervention will include the procurement of modern critical equipment for the Nigeria Police Force as specified by the leadership of the NPF.

    It also called for consideration to use Private Defence Contractors for targeted security operations to combat insurgency and terrorism especially.

    The report also urged the executive to use all means at its disposal, while legislation is pending, to require the creation of a protocol that will compel intelligence sharing among all security agencies.

    The report also recommends the deployment of Early Warning Systems nationwide including installation of CCTV cameras and other surveillance, satellite and electronic equipment along major highways, public places, and major cities and borders.

    “Establish and strengthen a National Crisis Centre (NCC) within the Nigerian Police. The NCC will be the national coordinating centre for all civil security response actions and monitoring of resolutions of such with monthly reporting on all incidents. It will also be the central place for any Nigerian to report major security incidents.

    “Through an Executive Order, initiate a Civilianisation program in all our security agencies. This should compel the agencies to use civilian staff to perform most back-office and non-tactical duties. This initiative will free up thousands of security personnel for frontline duties immediately.

    “Encourage and resource the National Orientation Agency and the Federal Ministry of Information to begin a structured strategic Communication and orientation campaign using all available media channels and platforms to promote peaceful coexistence and national unity.

    “Support for the creation of Local Security Committees in all 774 Local Government Areas. This panel should include traditional rulers, religious institutions, and local opinion leaders. This should be managed by the NPF as part of its Community Policing mandate.

    “The use and development of grazing reserves and ranching should be pursued in lower population areas. Pilot schemes should commence immediately in all states that are positively disposed to it.”

  • National Assembly Should Avoid a Legislative Coup Against Nigerians on Electronic Transmission of Election Results – TBAN

    National Assembly Should Avoid a Legislative Coup Against Nigerians on Electronic Transmission of Election Results – TBAN

    The media have recently reported that the much-anticipated Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2021 does not provide for the electronic transmission of election results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Section 50 (2) of the said bill states that: “Voting at an election under this bill shall be in accordance with the procedure determined by the commission, which may include electronic voting, provided that the commission shall not transmit results of elections by electronic means.”

    This provision, or any other with the same intent, is troubling for many reasons. One, electronic transmission of election results is a popular demand by Nigerians who are keen to see significant improvements in the country’s electoral processes and outcomes. To pass a law to deny the wish of the people is tantamount to a legislative coup by the National Assembly. This must be avoided.

    Two, the National Assembly will further erode its credibility if it decides against a reasonable and popular legislative demand. This will further delegitimise the country’s democracy.

    Three, by specifically disallowing INEC from using electronic means to transmit election results, the National Assembly would be passing a law that hamstrings an institution of the state from carrying out its function to the best possible outcome.

    Four, without electronic transmission of results, a new electoral law would, at best, only introduce cosmetic changes, while essentially helping to perpetuate rigging of elections.

    In an earlier advocacy statement by To Build A Nation (TBAN) on this subject, we outlined the benefits of electronic transmission of results in drastically curbing election rigging and violence, including arsonist attacks on INEC’s facilities and polling materials. Electronic transmission of results is also an important framework for enabling diaspora voting.

    Our findings confirm the availability of practical and inexpensive technological solutions for electronic transmission of election results from any polling unit in the country where voting is actually possible. Therefore, the excuse of impracticality of transmitting election results by electronic means only denies the reality.

    The National Assembly should no longer delay the passage of the new electoral bill with a provision for electronic transmission of results. The INEC needs time to be able to operationalise this and other provisions of a new Electoral Act ahead of the 2023 general election.

  • Lawan To FG: N/Assembly Won’t Approve Frivolous Loan Requests

    Lawan To FG: N/Assembly Won’t Approve Frivolous Loan Requests

    Senate President Ahmad Lawan has said the National Assembly would only approve loans they could ascertain their targeted projects, saying there would be no frivolous support of intents of the executive.

    Lawan was addressing reporters after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari to discuss important national issues, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    He said the National Assembly would always observe due diligence before giving approval to the executive for any loan request.

    He said such requests would be subjected to thorough scrutiny to be sure they are necessary and when approved, the use of the loans would be monitored through oversight.

    He said as a poor country, Nigeria would only be able to meet most of its development targets by acquiring loans as it could not over-tax the citizens and yet unable to strike public/private partnerships because of the unfavourable atmosphere across the country.

    “So, we’ll not be frivolous and will not take it lightly to just approve any loan. Our options are really very limited as a country. First, we don’t have the necessary revenues, Nigeria is poor, we shouldn’t deceive ourselves.

    “Nigeria is not rich, given the circumstances we live in, given the challenges we have; our resources are so low, our revenues are so low and therefore the option of not doing anything, just to sit because we have no money, we shouldn’t go for infrastructure development is not even an option worthy of consideration. You cannot keep the economy stagnant.

    “Two, you cannot, in my view and judgment, tax Nigerians further for you to raise the money for infrastructure development. Other countries do that, but we have serious situation across the country, so you cannot put taxes on people.

    “The other option is public-private partnership. You need to create the environment to attract investors to come into our country because of the security challenges we face today. Not many investors would like to come to Nigeria, in fact, even those inside Nigeria may not like to invest properly in this sector of infrastructure development.

    “So, the only option left is for us to borrow, borrow responsibly, utilise prudently and economically, and ensure that the projects are self-sustaining that they can pay back the loans that Nigerian economy will benefit from the implementation of such infrastructure development.

    “So, that’s the only option we have and I believe that Nigerians will understand, of course, it’s not desirable, it’s not something that we like too, no Nigerian would like to have, in fact, even an individual not like to be on loan, but when you must, then you have to, and I want to be very practical here that we do so with that feeling of ‘this is our country, we must move forward, we must provide the enabling environment for our economy to grow and Nigeria to develop,” said Lawan.

  • National Assembly overdue for rehabilitation – Lawan

    National Assembly overdue for rehabilitation – Lawan

    Senate President Ahmad Lawan on Wednesday said the National Assembly Complex is overdue for rehabilitation.

    Lawan spoke following a point of order moved by the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi.

    Abdullahi had complained that some media reports about the leakage and flooding of the chambers due to a heavy downpour on Tuesday, were full of inaccuracies and therefore impugned the integrity of lawmakers.

    Details shortly…

  • Parents Of Abducted Kaduna Students Protest At National Assembly

    Parents Of Abducted Kaduna Students Protest At National Assembly

    Parents of the abducted students of the College of Forestry Mechanization Afaka in Kaduna State have occupied the National Assembly complex, Abuja, in protest.

    The protesters which include members of the Students Union Government (SUG) of the institution are lamenting over what they described as the negligence of the state and Federal Government in securing the release of the children.

    They chanted songs of solidarity and displayed placards demanding prompt rescue of the students.

    “Education is our right! Safety is our right! Freedom is our right!, Free Afaka 29! ” the parents and students chanted as they marched to the National Assembly.

    Parents and members of the Students Union Government (SUG) of College of Forestry Mechanization Afaka during the protest. PHOTO: Sodiq Adelakun/Channels Television.

    The protesters joined by the Publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore and Deji Adeyanju had earlier gathered at the Unity Fountain before proceeding to the National Assembly complex.

    The main entrance of the National Assembly was however manned by security agents who denied the protesters entrance.

    On 11th March, 39 students of the Federal College of Forestry Mechanization Afaka in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State were abducted from their hostels by bandits dressed in military uniform.

    Ten of the students were released in two batches of five each but 29 others have remained in captivity.