FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKE-OGUN BILL PASSED!

 #TodayInSenatePlenary

PROCEEDINGS OF THE NIGERIAN SENATE OF WEDNESDAY, 2ND DECEMBER, 2020

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

Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, Ph.D, CON led the Principal Officers into the chambers; took the official prayers; 

and began the day’s proceedings at 10:50am.

VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS

Senator Yakubu Oseni moved for the adoption of votes and proceedings for Tuesday, 1st December, 2020. 

The motion was seconded by Senator Betty Apiafi.

PETITIONS

Senator Barinada Mpigi raised a petiion on behalf of his constituent who was illegally arrested and imprisoned in Mozambique 

Petition was laid and referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Privileges and to report back within four weeks.

 PRESENTATION OF BILLS

1. Finance Bill, 2020 (SB. 585) By Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (Senate Leader)

   Finance Bill, 2020 (SB. 585) was read the First Time.

2. NDLEA Act CAP N30 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 582) By Senator Uba Sani

   NDLEA Act CAP N30 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 582) was read the First Time.

3. Nation Wide Toll Bill, 2020 (SB. 583) By Senator Ibikunle Amosun

   Nation Wide Toll Bill, 2020 (SB. 583) was read the First Time.

4. FCT Boderline Communities Development Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 584) By Senator Sani Musa

   FCT Boderline Communities Development Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 584) was read the First Time.

5. National Human Rights Commission Act CAP N46 2004 (Repeal & Enactment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 586) by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele

   National Human Rights Commission Act CAP N46 2004 (Repeal & Enactment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 586) was read the First Time.

CONSIDERATION OF BILLS

1. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Capital Gains Tax Act; Companies Income Tax; Personal Income Tax Act; Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Establishment) Act; Customs and Excise Tariff, etc (Consolidated) Act; Value Added Tax; Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act; Nigeria Export Processing Zone Act; Oil and Gas Export Free Zone Act; Fiscal Responsibility Act; Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020; and Public Procurement Act; in order to make further provisions in connection with Federal Government Financial Management; Public Revenue and other relevant matters connected therewith, 2020 (SB. 585) by Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (Senate Leader)

Minority Leader seconded.

"I rise to support some of the highlights of this Bill. This is the time for us to expand our revenue net so that government can be able to finance some of the challenges of infrastructural development...If we want a change and we want to expand the net, it must be holistic." - Senator Smart Adeyemi 

I wish to commend some of the ways the Executive has put before us, measures to fund the 2021 budget. Some of them are really commendable. But Some of the ways here might be counter productive. I want to single out the use of unclaimed dividend to fund the 2021 budget. I think it should be reviewed by the Executive because if eventually  the owner of these funds come up to claim them, the fund will not be readily available for use. I urged the Federal Government to look at something like the Pension Fund Administrative instead of hoping on the unclaimed fund." -  Senator Suleiman Kwari 

"Let me commend the Executive for bringing this Bill. This reflects a dynamic system that is responsive. One very point that this bill seeks to attend to is to enable us create jobs and ensure infrastructural development. Let me say very clearly that the issue of SMEs being given a boost here is a very strong innovation. The small and medium enterprise absorbs more than half of the workforce." - Senator Sabi Abdullahi

"There is need to review our tax system. This will go a long way to stimulate the economy. Unofficially, the global economy is collapsing as a result of the pandemic. We need to put provisions in place to stimulate the economy. There is need for us to raise more fund. Some of these provisions by the Executive cannot give us the kind of fund we need. " - Senator Solomon Adeola

"We have what we call autonomous consumption. Those who come to the National Assembly hoping that they will run into a Senator who will give them fifty thousand to go and feed. How do the tax system capture such peoples? Because if we don't do something a lot of people will continue to deviate into that system and it will become difficult to control." - Senator Gabriel Suswam

"The Finance Bill (Amendment) is coming at the right time. So many countries are going into recession; the same thing as we are today. We have to look inwardly to see how we can support our economy. This Finance Bill is coming at the right time. But my major concern is the issue of collection and remittance from all those revenue generating agencies. This Bill should look into that. This Finance Bill should make a provision whereby all these revenues that are being generated should go to TSA immediately. Most countries today operate the same thing and it works for them. If it works for them, I see no reason why it should not work here. I believe if we look at these areas, the Finance Bill will make us exit recession as quickly as possible." - Senator Sani Musa

"We need to increase our revenue and to increase our revenue we must create a system that is friendly, not a system that people will run away from. A lot of things are happening in our banking sector. These days, a lot of people are afraid to invest in shares. Some that died, their next of kin could not access the shares. We need to create a system that will provide jobs for our youths. Let us encourage our medium and small scale enterprises, they are the one that will make our people to work. Just as Senator Suswam said, a lot of people are out there begging. Nobody likes to beg. We Need to take actions that will better the lives of our people." - Senator Ibikunle Amosun

"There is shortfall in revenue from oil and there is need to look inward. The informal sector has not been captured in this Bill. Our ports are very expensive, that is why many importers are now running to neighboring ports to clear their goods and bring into the country without paying import duty. There is need to make our ports more friendly so businesses can thrive in these ports. There is need to look at ways of reducing import duty. There is need for us to look into the way we can reduce import duty so importers can be encouraged to bring in their goods. Doing that will increase revenue collection by Customs Service." - Senator Adamu Aliero

"Whatever we do with taxation must be people friendly. No tax regime should be oppressive to our people. One way to make this happen is to interrogate this Bill and put it into public domain and allow sufficient people to contribute. We must not hurry this bill. It is important that we put it into public test and see what the Nigerian people will say. We must ensure that the people of Nigeria are carried along." - Senator Ike Ekweremadu

The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committees on Finance, Customs, Trade and Investment to report back within two weeks with Committee on Finance as Lead Committee

2. A Bill for an Act to provide for the establishment of University of Aerospace and Aeronautics Oka Akoko and for matters of administration, discipline of students and for other connected matters therewith, 2020 (SB.409) by Senator Ajayi Borrofice

"Aerospace means a lot to us in Nigeria and now that our airports are developing gradually, it will open up Africa. So I support this Bill." Senator Nicholas Tofowomo

A Bill for an Act to provide for the establishment of University of Aerospace and Aeronautics Oka Akoko and for matters of administration, discipline of students and for other connected matters therewith, 2020 (SB.409) was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND and to report back within four weeks.

3. A Bill for an Act to provide for Legal Framework to establish the Federal Medical Centre Owutu Edda and for related matters, 2020 (SB. 295) by Senator Michael Nnachi

"I rise to second this Bill. I believe that we are all aware that the recent pandemic has taken a great toll in the lives of our people. Some of these deaths are caused by the inability of patients to access medical services. I believe that in accepting that this Bill be read the second time, this Assembly would have gone one step further in convincing Nigerians that we attend to their wellbeing." - Senator Abba Moro

"I rise to support this very important lead debate on the establishment of Federal Medical Centre, Owutu Edda in Ebonyi State. Senator Nnachi has done a very good job and I want to commend him for this. The need to access the Federal Medical Centre is of paramount importance." - Senator Sam Egwu

"I commend Senator NNachi for bringing up this Bill. Provision of good medical facility in any community cannot be overemphasized. When people have good medical facility, they will live a good life and the community will experience development." - Senator Akon Eyakanyi 

A Bill for an Act to provide for Legal Framework to establish the Federal Medical Centre Owutu Edda and for related matters, 2020 (SB. 295) was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Health, Secondary and Tertiary to report back in four weeks

CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS

1. Report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND

Federal University of Environmental Technology Saakperwa Tai Ogoni, Rivers State (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 200) 

by Senator Babba Kaita Ahmad

- That the Senate do consider the report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND on the 

Federal University of Environmental Technology Saakperwa Tai Ogoni, Rivers State (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 200)

2.  Report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND

Federal University of Agriculture and Technology Oke-Ogun, Oyo State (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 159) by Senator Babba Kaita Ahmad

- That the Senate do consider the report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND on the 

Federal University of Agriculture and Technology Oke-Ogun, Oyo State (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 159)

Senator Tolu Odebiyi moved that the Senate do consider the reports of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND on:

1. Federal University of Environmental Technology Saakperwa Tai Ogoni, Rivers State (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 200)

2. Federal University of Agriculture and Technology Oke-Ogun, Oyo State (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 159)

Senator Elisha Abbo seconded.

Senate resolved into Committee of the Whole for the clause by clause consideration of the reports of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND on:

1. Federal University of Environmental Technology Saakperwa Tai Ogoni, Rivers State (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 200);

2. Federal University of Agriculture and Technology Oke-Ogun, Oyo State (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 159).

Senate reverted to plenary to report progress.

Federal University of Environmental Technology Saakperwa Tai Ogoni, Rivers State (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 200) was read the Third Time and Passed. 

Federal University of Agriculture and Technology Oke-Ogun, Oyo State (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 159) was read the Third Time and Passed. 

MOTIONS

1. Approval for the restoration of Two (2) State Constituencies from Ushongo State Constituency of Benue State and the restoration of Agasha State Constituency from Guma State Constituency in compliance with the decisions of the Courts and Section 115 of the Constitution by Senator Gabriel Suswam

"I stand to second the motion as presented by Senator Suswam. The highest court in the land has given approval and so I ask my colleagues to join us in supporting this motion so things could be done normally." - Senator Orker-Jev

"I rise to lend my voice and my support to the motion ably moved by Senator Suswam. I do so because this motion is very timely and apt. We have a similar situation in my home state. I rise to support this motion while awaiting to include that of my state in the additional prayer." - Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege

"I rise to support this motion. There is no doubt that the suppression of these two state constitueuncies have deprived these people of effective representation in Benue State House of Assembly. I therefore lend my voice for the restoration of these constituencies." - Senator Abba Moro

Senate resolved to:

i. Approve the restoration of Mata State Constituency from Ushongo State Constituency as directed by the Federal High Court comprising:

 i. Ikov (2);

 ii. Mbagba (07);

 iii. Mbagwaza (08);

iv. Mbayegh (10); and

v. Uange (11).

ii. Approve the restoration of Mbagwa State Constituency from Ushongo State Constituency as directed by the Federal High Court comprising:

i. Artikyese (01);

ii. Lessel (03)

iii. Mbaaka (04)

iv. Mbaanyam (05)

v. Mbaawe (06); and

vi. Mbakuha (09);

iii. Approve the restoration of Agasha State Constituency by altering the boundaries of the current Guma State Constituency to create two State constituencies namely: Agasha State Constituency comprising Saghev, Ndzorov, Kaambe and Abinsi council wards, Guma State constituency comprising Uvir, Mbadwem, Mbabai, Mbawa, nyiev and mbayer/yandev council wards;

iv. Direct the Independent National Electoral Commission to comply with this resolution to ensure the restoration of Mata and Mbagwa State Constituencies from Ushongo State and the restoration of Agasha State Constituency from Guma State Constituency, to be effected in the next State House of Assembly election after the current life of the Benue State House of Assembly in compliance with Section 115 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended; and

v. Seek the concurrence of the House of Representatives in line with Section 115 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.

2. Need for the Re-construction and Dualization 0f Kano - Dmbatta - Kazaure - Daura - Niger Boarder Road by Senator Barau Jibrin

Senate resolved to:

i. Urge the Federal Ministry of Works to designate the road for immediate Re-Construction and dualization; and

ii. Urge the Federal Government to allocate adequate funds in the 2021 budget, currently being prepared, for the reconstruction and dualization of the Kano - Dmbatta - Kazaure - Daura road.

3. The urgent need for priority attention and completion of the Yenegwe-Okaki-Kolo-Nembe-Brass Road in Bayelsa State by Senator Degi-Eremienyo Biobarakuma

Senate resolved to:

i. Commend the Federal Government on efforts at building and maintaning critical road infrastructure in various 

regions of the Country;

ii. Urge the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Works to make adequate provision in the 2021 Budget to expeditiously execute the Yenegwe-Okaki-Kolo-Nembe-Brass Road with the aim of completing it before the end of 2023; and

iii. Urge the Federal Government to classify the Yenegwe-Okaki-Kolo-Nembe-Brass Road as a top priority project.

4. Urgent need to deal with the outbreak of a strange ailment said to be Yellow Fever, ravaging Epeilo-Otukpa and 

Itabono-Owukpa communities in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State by Senator Abba Moro

Senate resolved to:

i. Urge the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Arbovirus and Vector Research Centre (NAVRC) to investigate each case and respond to outbreaks;

ii. Urge the Federal Ministry of Health to mobilize focal persons to the are to quickly complement the efforts of the Benue State Government to ascertain the nature of the ailment;

iii. Urge the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to promptly take action to contain the disease and see to the

treatment of victims and protect others from further contracting it;

iv. Further urge the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Primary Health Care Development Agency 

(NPHCDA), to synergize and support the people of Benue South Senatorial District and in particular theEpeilo-Otukpa and Itabono-Owukpa communities, to treat, prevent and or reduce the number of cases and deaths; and

v. Further urge the Federal Ministry of Health to immediately activate and set up a multi-agency yellow fever Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) in Benue South, should the result come out positive for yelloe fever, to conduct mass vaccination and  awareness campaigns in Benue South Senatorial District, being that yellow fever is a completely vaccine-preventable disease as a single shot of the yellow fever vaccine protects for a lifetime; and 

vi. Urge the Federal Government to approve a special grant to tackle the strange ailment in research and providing remedial solutions.

ADJOURNMENT

Senate Leader moved that Senate do adjourn plenary till another legislative day. Minority Leader seconded.

Plenary was adjourned till Thursday, 3rd December 2020. 

#GavelBangs

#TodayInSenatePlenary

Signed 

New Media Unit

Office of the President of the Senate

Federal Republic of Nigeria