The 10th Senate, under the leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio, has made significant strides in its third-quarter activities, particularly in relation to its oversight responsibilities, national security, and legislative actions. This period has witnessed a number of landmark resolutions, motions, and investigations, showing how the Senate, through its legislative process, has worked to address some of the nation’s most pressing issues. Here’s an overview of the key actions taken during this period, as well as their impact on Nigeria’s development.
Senate Tackles Issues in NIPOST and Steel Industry
One of the most notable actions taken by the Senate during this period was its investigation into the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST). The Senate, having launched a probe into the state of NIPOST’s restructuring, uncovered that the Ministry of Finance had released N10 billion for the restructuring and recapitalization of the service, but the funds were mismanaged. According to findings, two NIPOST subsidiaries, NIPOST Properties and Development Company, as well as NIPOST Transport and Logistics Services Limited, were used to facilitate fraudulent activities.
In response to these findings, the Senate called for the dissolution of these companies. The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) responded by revoking the certificates of incorporation of the implicated firms. This action demonstrated the Senate’s commitment to transparency and accountability in government-run institutions, showing that it will not tolerate the misuse of public funds.
The Senate also focused on Nigeria’s steel industry, which is essential for the nation’s industrial development. Despite being blessed with abundant natural resources, Nigeria continues to spend a staggering $3.3 billion annually on steel imports. The Senate highlighted the decline of key steel plants, particularly the Ajaokuta Steel Company, which has been inactive since the departure of its foreign partner, Tyamzhpromexport (TPE), in 1994. The Senate called for a strategic plan to revitalize the steel industry, and shortly after, the federal government announced that it had re-engaged TPE to resuscitate Ajaokuta Steel. This move was a direct result of the Senate’s diligent oversight and advocacy.
Focus on National Security
National security has been another major focus for the 10th Senate. Despite numerous reports and public outcry over increasing insecurity in Nigeria, the Senate noted that little action had been taken by the government to tackle the menace of terrorism, especially the activities of herdsmen and other criminal groups. In its third-quarter review, the Senate once again called for a more robust and comprehensive response to the issue of insecurity.
In an effort to address these challenges, the Senate reviewed reports from previous sessions and held extensive deliberations with the presidency and key security agencies. These discussions included stakeholders from the security services, national security agencies, and ministers from relevant government departments. Through this collaboration, the Senate aims to ensure that security measures are taken seriously at all levels of government.
The Senate also emphasized the need to increase the number of police officers to better combat kidnappings, armed robbery, and other forms of criminal activity. In addition, the Senate urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure that emergency numbers for ambulances and fire services are functional and easily accessible in times of crisis. This is in line with their ongoing efforts to improve the country’s emergency response system.
Insecurity in Various Regions
In the course of addressing national security, the Senate took a close look at specific areas facing acute security challenges. These included communities in Benue, Ekiti, Plateau, and other states affected by attacks from suspected herders and terrorists. The Senate expressed its concern over the brutal killings, kidnappings, and bomb explosions that have led to a rising death toll across the country.
In response, the Senate made a series of recommendations aimed at improving security, including the recruitment of more police personnel and the provision of additional resources for the security forces. The Senate also called for enhanced security measures in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other areas experiencing persistent violence.
Additionally, the Senate discussed the growing problem of child abduction and trafficking, particularly in the FCT, where 40 children went missing in recent months. The Senate called on the relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to locate and rescue the missing children and to bring those responsible to justice.
Education and Social Development
Another significant area of focus for the Senate in the third quarter was the issue of out-of-school children. With millions of children lacking access to quality education due to poverty and insecurity, the Senate resolved to work closely with the Ministry of Education and various stakeholders to address the root causes of this crisis. The Senate highlighted the need for targeted intervention programs to provide education to children, especially in rural and conflict-prone areas.
Furthermore, the Senate continued to advocate for the rights and well-being of host communities in areas like the Delta-North senatorial district. The Senate investigated the challenges these communities face in gaining full access to electricity from the Okpai Independent Power Plant. The resolution called for urgent action to address these concerns, ensuring that host communities benefit from the resources in their area.
National Tragedies and Memorials
During the third quarter, the Senate also took time to reflect on the deaths of several prominent Nigerians. The passing of former senators, as well as the tragic deaths of Chief Herbert Wigwe and his family in a helicopter crash in the United States, were acknowledged by the Senate. In honor of the deceased, the Senate called for memorials, such as renaming Senate committee rooms after the late senators and renaming a Navy school in Akwa Ibom in memory of Senator Bob Ittak Ekarika. The Senate also requested a thorough investigation into the cause of the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Chief Wigwe and his family.
Legislative Actions and Budget Approvals
On the legislative front, the Senate passed several important bills and budget approvals. One of the key actions was the extension of the implementation period for the 2023 Appropriation and Supplementary Appropriation Acts, giving the federal government more time to execute the national budget. The Senate also approved the 2024 budgets for the Federal Capital Territory, the Federal Inland Revenue Service, and the Nigeria Customs Service.
Additionally, the Senate passed a series of bills aimed at improving the country’s economic and social infrastructure. These included the National Centre for the Coordination and Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Bill, the National Assembly Library Trust Fund Act amendment, and the Student Loans Bill, which seeks to provide loans for Nigerian students pursuing higher education. The Senate also passed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Trust Fund Bill, which aims to provide financial support for skill acquisition and empowerment programs for corps members.
The third quarter activities of the 10th Senate have shown that it is committed to addressing the needs of the Nigerian people. Through its investigations, motions, and legislative actions, the Senate has proven that it is serious about holding government institutions accountable, ensuring national security, and improving the lives of Nigerians. However, as demonstrated in its ongoing work, there is still much to be done, especially in ensuring that the executive follows through on its commitments in response to the Senate’s resolutions.
If the Senate continues on this path of collaboration with the executive, as seen in the case of the Ajaokuta Steel revival and the NIPOST probe, there is hope that Nigeria can make substantial progress in tackling its socio-economic challenges. With the right actions and sustained commitment, the 10th Senate may very well play a key role in shaping the future of the nation.
