The Senate is the heart of Nigeria’s legislative process, where laws are created to shape the future of the country. The president of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, shared a bold vision for the 10th Senate, one that aims to guarantee food security for all, eradicate poverty, create substantial job opportunities, and improve access to capital for entrepreneurs. Akpabio’s vision speaks to a nation where politics is inclusive, security is robust, and corruption has no place in society. But does this vision offer any real hope for Nigeria? Let’s take a closer look at the first session of the 10th Senate and assess its actions, challenges, and potential for meaningful change.
The Role of the Senate in Nigerian Governance
The success of the Senate in delivering on its agenda largely depends on the cooperation it receives from both the public and the executive branch of government. When citizens trust their lawmakers and the executive respects legislative efforts, progress in governance becomes achievable. However, the power dynamics in Nigeria complicate this cooperation. The presidency holds significant influence over governance, making it difficult for the legislature to challenge certain actions or hold the executive accountable. This creates a situation where collaboration between the executive and legislative arms is necessary to achieve tangible results for the people.
One notable point is that the federal government has yet to fully implement a budget it originated. Although the Senate has managed to align the budget cycle with the January-December calendar, the budgets for 2023 are still in effect until mid-2024. This highlights a major issue in governance: the delay in implementing policies and spending plans, which can hinder the country’s progress.
Despite these challenges, the Senate has made several interventions that aim to improve the welfare of citizens and address critical issues like infrastructure, security, and economic development.
Addressing the Needs of the People
The Senate’s primary focus during its first session has been on the welfare and safety of Nigerians. Early on, it adjusted the 2022 supplementary budget to allocate funds for palliatives aimed at cushioning the impact of the fuel subsidy removal. The Senate also approved additional funding for the National Social Safety Net Programme to help vulnerable Nigerians meet their basic needs. Additionally, they amended the National Social Investments Programme Agency Act to improve the effectiveness of this program.
One of the Senate’s key actions was to reject proposed electricity tariff increases by the Distribution Companies. This was seen as a bold stand in support of the people, as the cost of living continues to rise, and many Nigerians are already struggling with high utility costs.
The state of Nigeria’s road infrastructure also came under scrutiny. Many federal roads are in disrepair, which hampers economic growth and development. The Senate took action by compiling a list of all affected roads and erosion sites across the country and forwarded it to the executive for urgent intervention. Even though the 2024 budget has yet to be fully implemented, some of these roads are already being repaired, showing that the Senate’s advocacy for infrastructure is beginning to yield results.
In response to the growing security challenges in Nigeria, the Senate reviewed past internal security reports and presented recommendations to the presidency. It also called for a national policy to improve coordination between various security agencies. In addition, the Senate is working on a bill that discourages open grazing, a key factor in the ongoing conflict between farmers and herders.
Tackling Economic Challenges
The Senate has taken a proactive approach to investigating Nigeria’s economic issues, particularly those that have been longstanding problems. One of the major areas of concern was the management of loans disbursed by the Development Bank of Nigeria and other related institutions. The Senate conducted inquiries into the contracts awarded for the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s refineries, most of which have not been completed despite the massive financial investments made over the years.
The Senate also investigated Nigeria’s subsidy regime, which has led to enormous financial losses, and the persistent issue of crude oil theft in the Niger Delta. The Senate’s investigations are critical for uncovering inefficiencies and corruption that have negatively impacted Nigeria’s economy. For instance, the Senate’s probe into the N30 trillion “Ways and Means” obligation highlighted questionable financial practices that led to significant losses.
Another area of investigation involved the mismanagement of funds meant for the restructuring of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST). The Senate discovered that N10 billion released by the Ministry of Finance for this purpose was misused, leading to the revocation of certificates for companies involved in the fraud.
The Senate has also been at the forefront of advocating for the revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Company, which has seen over $8 billion in investments without producing any steel. This issue, among many others, shows how the Senate is holding the executive accountable and pushing for actions that could drive economic recovery.
Addressing Social Issues
Beyond economic and infrastructure concerns, the Senate has also been focused on social issues affecting Nigerians. One of the Senate’s major interventions has been in addressing the plight of out-of-school children. The country faces an education crisis, with millions of children not attending school due to various factors, including poverty and insecurity. The Senate has called for more investment in education and greater attention to the needs of disadvantaged children.
The Senate also took action on the issue of unpaid pensions, which has left many retirees and their families struggling. They highlighted the difficulties pensioners face in accessing their entitlements, calling for prompt payment of pensions and gratuities.
In terms of employment, the Senate has advocated for policies that promote fairness and equal opportunities. It rejected the idea of state-based recruitment, which has led to imbalances in employment across Nigeria. Instead, the Senate called for a more inclusive recruitment process, with candidates selected from each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas to ensure a fair representation of all regions.
Moreover, the Senate has worked to ensure that Nigerians’ rights are protected. For instance, it called for an end to police extortion and harassment of motorists, as well as abuses by customs officials. It also advocated for measures to promote local manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports, which could stimulate economic growth and create jobs.
Legislative Reforms and New Initiatives
In terms of legislative work, the Senate has been busy passing bills aimed at improving governance. Several key bills were passed, including amendments to the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and the Electricity Act. These amendments are intended to strengthen the operations of these institutions and improve their effectiveness.
The Senate also passed bills to establish new educational institutions, including universities and polytechnics, to meet the growing demand for higher education in Nigeria. Other significant bills include the National Youth Service Corps Trust Fund, which aims to provide sustainable funding for skills development and empowerment for young Nigerians.
One of the Senate’s more ambitious proposals is the creation of a National Internship and Unemployment Benefit Scheme, which would provide financial support to unemployed Nigerians while helping them gain valuable work experience.
