PROCEEDINGS OF THE NIGERIAN SENATE OF Tuesday, 20th December, 2022

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TodayInSenatePlenary  PROCEEDINGS OF THE NIGERIAN SENATE OF Tuesday, 20th December, 2022

Welcome to a new Legislative Day in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria!  


Senate President Ahmad Lawan led the Principal Officers into the Chamber, took the official prayers and began the day's proceedings at 11:00am.


VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS 

Senator Hezekiah Dimka moved for the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings of Wednesday, 14th December, 2022.


Senator Nicholas Tofowomo seconded.


EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATION

Senate President Ahmad Lawan read a letter from President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR on the Transmission of Finance Bill 2022 to the National Assembly for consideration and passage into law in support of the 2023 Budget.


The Bill was referred to the Committee on Finance to report back tomorrow based on the Senate Standing Order 1(b).


POINT OF ORDER

Senator Uche Ekwunife cited Order 41 and 51 to seek the leave of the Senate to present a motion on the urgent need for the Accountant General of the Federation to capture the recruited Staff of Nnamdi Azikwe Federal University for the past two years.


Senator Uche Ekwunife, in her motion, said that in 2019, the University’s Governing Council embarked on recruitment exercise for teaching and non-teaching staff for the University but the recruited staff have not been properly captured and not been paid since two years that they have been working.


Senator Orji Uzor Kalu seconded the motion. 


Senate resolved to:


i. Direct the Accountant General of the Federation to as a matter of urgency, to ensure that the said recruited staff of UNIZIK are captured by IPPIS for immediate payment of their salaries and also to consider other recruited staff of universities across the country with similar problem.


PRESENTATION OF BILLS FOR FIRST READING

1. Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology Eka-Midim, Akwa-Ibom State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 2085) by Senate Leader, Senator Ibrahim Gobir


Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology Eka-Midim, Akwa-Ibom State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 2085) was read the First Time.


2. Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1024) by Senate Leader, Senator Ibrahim Gobir


Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1024) was read the First Time.


3. Federal Medical Centre Act (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1665) by Senate Leader, Senator Ibrahim Gobir


Federal Medical Centre Act (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1665) was read the First Time.


4. National Research Institute for Chemical technology (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 1084) by Senator Sadiq Umar


National Research Institute for Chemical technology (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 1084) was read the First Time


5. Nigerian Content in Programmes, Contracts, Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation (NOPCESTI) (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 1085) by Senator Sani Musa


Nigerian Content in Programmes, Contracts, Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation (NOPCESTI) (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 1085) was read the First Time.


MOTION FOR RE-COMMITAL

1. FCT Health Insurance Agency Bill, 2022 


Senate rescind its decision on the Bills as passed and re-commit same to the Committee of the Whole for re-consideration and passage.


Senate resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider the report.


Senate reverted to Plenary to report Progress.


The Senate in Committee of the Whole and Plenary stood down the consideration of FCT Health Insurance Agency Bill, 2022 till another legislative day for further legislative action.


CONSIDERATION OF BILLS FOR SECOND READING

1. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, Cap C15, LFN 2004, and to enact the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act and for other mattes connected therewith, 2022 (SB. 1072) by Senate Leader, Senator Ibrahim Gobir


“This amendment of this Bill has been top of the agenda. I rise to second and support this Bill.” –Senator Chukwuka Utazi

The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions to report back within two weeks.


2. A Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal orthopedic Hospital Ukpor, Anambra State and for other related matters, 2022 (SB. 598) by Senator Ifeanyi Ubah


“I rise to express my support for this Bill and to urge the Senate to allow it pass through Second Reading and subsequently pass it into law.” – Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe


The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Health to report back within two weeks.


PRESENTATION AND CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS

1. Report of the Committee on Niger Delta

Confirmation of the Nominations of the following persons for Appointment as Chairman and Members of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by Senate Leader, Senator Amos Bulus


Senator Amos Bulus moved that the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on Niger Delta on the confirmation of the Nominations of the following persons for Appointment as Chairman and Members of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)


i. Lauretta Ifeanyi Onochie – Chairman – Delta State – South-South


ii. Dimgba Erugba – State Representative – Abia State – South-East


iii. Dr. Emem Wilcos Wills – State Representative – Akwa-Ibom State –South-South


iv. Elder Sen. Dimaro Denyanbofa – State Representative – Bayelsa State – South-South


v. Hon. Orok Duke – State Representative – Cross River State – South-South


vi. Dr. Pius Egberanwen Odudu – State Representative – Edo State – South-South


vii. Engr. Anthony Okanne – State Representative – Imo State – South-East


viii. Hon. Gbenga Edema – State Representative – Ondo State – South-We


x. Alh. Mohammed Kabir Abubakar – Zonal Representative – Nasarawa State - North Central 


xi. Alh. Sule-Iko Sadeeq Sani Sami – Zonal Representative – Kebbi State – North-West


xii. Prof. Tahir Mamman, SAN, OON – Zonal Represenative – Adamawa State – North-East


xiii. Chief Dr. Samuel Ogbuku – Managing Director for a term of two years, to complete the unexpired term of his predecessor in office – Bayelsa State – South-South


xv. Charles B. Ogunmola – Executive Director (Projects) – Ondo State – South-West


Senator Akon Eyakenyi seconded.


Senator Amos Bulus laid and presented the report.


Senator Amos Bulus, in his presentation, said that during the screening exercise, two of the nominees - Dr. Pius Egberanwen 

Odudu and Engr. Anthony Okanne were absent and there was no information explaining their absence from Senator Babajide Omoworare, Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on National Assembly Matter. 


“We have all listened to the report just laid by the Chairman and the lead agreement for its adoption. I think this is a fitting moment to commend the President. Finally, we have Mr. President’s nominations to properly constitute the Board and Management of the NDDC as required by the Act. Those who would constitute this Agency should be people who are from the area and who feels the pains. We should have a Clause in our resolution calling on the now President and future Presidents who will have to implement the Act to comply with the nominations who should come from oil producing areas.”– Senator Seriake Dickson


“I rise to support that the Senate go through the various names, approved and confirmed them as given to us by the Committee. Whatever will form a bottleneck to these nominations, I think we should leave it. I agree with my brother that we should follow the Law. In doing the right thing with the law, we have to define which is the oil producing community.” – Senator George Sekibo


This report would have been very beautiful if the Chairman had referred to our decision in Ondo State that the three Senators declined to support the nomination. The whole world is watching us. The Chairman should have submitted a meaningful report that would have portrayed what happened. I believe the Chairman did not do justice to this report and it is very unfortunate.” - Senator Nicholas Tofowomo


Senate resolved into Committee of the Whole


Senate reverted to Plenary to report progress.


The Nomination of Lauretta Ifeanyi Onochie from Delta State representing South-South was CONFIRMED as Chairman of the NDDC


The nomination of Dimgba Erugba from Abia State representing South-East was CONFIRMED as member in the NDDC.


The Nomination of Dr. Emem Wilcos Wills from Akwa-Ibom State representing South-South was CONFIRMED as member in the NDDC.


The Nomination of Hon. Orok Duke from Cross River State representing South-South was CONFIRMED as member in the NDDC.


The Nomination of Hon. Gbenga Edema from Ondo State representing South-West was CONFIRMED as member in the NDDC.


The Nomination of Elekwachi Dinkpa from Rivers State representing South-South was CONFIRMED as member in the NDDC.


The Nomination of Alh. Mohammed Kabir Abubakar from Nasarawa State representing North Central was CONFIRMED as member in the NDDC.


The Nomination of Alh. Sule-Iko Sadeeq Sani Sami from Kebbi State representing North-West was CONFIRMED as member in the NDDC.


The Nomination Chief Dr. Samuel Ogbuku from Bayelsa State representing South South was CONFIRMED as a Managing Director for two years to complete the unexpired term of his predecessor in office – Bayelsa State – South-South


The Nomination of Major General Charles Airhiavbere from Edo State representing South South was CONFIRMED as Executive Director (Finance) in the NDDC.


The Nomination of Charles B. Ogunmola from Ondo State representing South West was CONFIRMED as Executive Director (Projects) in the NDDC.


Senate stood down the nominations of  Dr. Pius Egberanwen Odudu from Edo State, and Engr. Anthony Okanne from Imo State because they didn’t appear for Screening.


“At last, we have the NDDC getting proper management and more and I believe that time is of essence here. These confirmed Chairman and members should hit the ground running. So much time has been lost. I believe that from now until when their tenure will expire, they have a lot of work to do. Let’s see NDDC as a development institute rather than a cash cow. To those that will be taking over the mantle of leadership, I also want the Executive arm of government to send the the copies of the forensic audit of the NDDC to both members of the National Assembly.” – Senate President Ahmad Lawan


2. Report of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions by Senator Ayo Akinyelure

Senator Ayo Akinyelure moved that the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Co Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions in respect of a petition from Sir Daniel N. Chukwudozie on behalf of Hardy Oil Nigeria Limited, Bayelsa Oil Company Limited (BOCL) and Century Exploration and Production Limited (CEPL)  against the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) (formerly known as Department of Petroleum Resources) for alleged illegal and fraudulent renovation of Atala Marginal Field (OML46) and its re-awarded to Halken Exploration and Production Limited by NUPRC in breach of due process and presidential directive.


Senator Gershom Bassey seconded.


Senator Ayo Akinyelure laid and presented the report.


Senate approved the recommendations of the Committee.


3. Report of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

National Food Safety and Quality Bill, 2022 (SB. 589) by Senator Yahaya Abdullahi


Senator Bima Enagi, Vice Chairman of the Committee, moved that the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Co Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development on the National Food Safety and Quality Bill, 2022 (SB. 589).


Senator Nora Ladi Daduut seconded.


Senator Bima Enagi laid and presented the report.


Senate resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider the report.


Senate reverted to Plenary to report Progress.


The Senate in Committee of the Whole and Plenary considered National Food Safety and Quality Bill, 2022 (SB. 589) and approved Clauses 1-55 as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Schedule as recommended, Explanatory Memorandum as recommended, Long and Short Titles as recommended.


National Food Safety and Quality Bill, 2022 (SB. 589) was read the Third Time and PASSED!


BILLS FOR CONCURRENCE 

1. Federal College of Education Dengi, Plateau State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1871) by Senate Leader, Senator Ibrahim Gobir 


Federal College of Education Dengi, Plateau State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1871) was read the Second Time.


2. Federal Polytechnic Nyak-Shendam (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1897) by Senate Leader, Senator Ibrahim Gobir


Federal Polytechnic Nyak-Shendam (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1897) was read the Second Time.


3. Chartered Institute of Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Risk Management (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1707) by Senate Leader, Senator Ibrahim Gobir


Chartered Institute of Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Risk Management (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1707) was read the Second Time


4. Export Prohibition Act (repeal) Bill, 2022 (HB. 29) by Senate Leader, Senator Ibrahim Gobir


Export Prohibition Act (repeal) Bill, 2022 (HB. 29) was read the Second Time.


5. Business Facilitation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, 2022 (HB. 2015) by Senate Leader, Senator Ibrahim Gobir


Business Facilitation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, 2022 (HB. 2015) was read the Second Time.


Senate resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider the five Bills.


Senate reverted to Plenary to report Progress.


i. Federal College of Education Dengi, Plateau State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1871)


The Senate in Committee of the Whole and Plenary considered Federal College of Education Dengi, Plateau State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1871) and approved Clauses 1-21 as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Explanatory Memorandum as recommended, Long and Short Titles as recommended.


Federal College of Education Dengi, Plateau State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1871) was read the Third Time and PASSED!


ii. Federal Polytechnic Nyak-Shendam (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1897)


The Senate in Committee of the Whole and Plenary considered Federal Polytechnic Nyak-Shendam (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1897)  and approved Clauses 1-27 as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Schedule as recommended, Explanatory Memorandum as recommended, Long and Short Titles as recommended.


Federal Polytechnic Nyak-Shendam (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1897) was read the Third Time and PASSED


iii. Chartered Institute of Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Risk Management (Establishment) Bill, 2022

The Senate in Committee of the Whole and Plenary considered Chartered Institute of Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Risk Management (Establishment) Bill, 2022  and approved Clauses 1-20 as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Schedule 1-3 as recommended, Explanatory Memorandum as recommended, Long and Short Titles as recommended.


Chartered Institute of Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Risk Management (Establishment) Bill, 2022 was read the Third Time and PASSED!


iv. Export Prohibition Act (repeal) Bill, 2022 (HB. 29)


The Senate in Committee of the Whole and Plenary considered Export Prohibition Act (repeal) Bill, 2022 (HB. 29)  and approved Clauses 1-3 as recommended, Explanatory Memorandum as recommended, Long and Short Titles as recommended.


Export Prohibition Act (repeal) Bill, 2022 (HB. 29) was read the Third Time and PASSED!


iv. Business Facilitation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, 2022 (HB. 2015)


The Senate in Committee of the Whole and Plenary considered Business Facilitation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, 2022 (HB. 2015)  and approved Clauses 1-9 as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Schedule as recommended, Long and Short Titles as recommended.


Business Facilitation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, 2022 (HB. 2015) was read the Third Time and PASSED!


ADJOURNMENT

Senate Leader, Senator Ibrahim Gobir moved thatPlenary be adjourned till another legislative day. 


Minority Leader, Senator Chukwuka Utazi seconded.


Plenary was adjourned to Wednesday, 21st December, 2022.


Signed 

New Media Unit

Office of the President of the Senate

Federal Republic of Nigeria

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