House of Reps Approves 2025-2027 Budget Framework 

The House of Representatives has approved the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper for the years 2025 to 2027.  The approval came with a mandate for several committees to investigate allegations involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).  Reports from the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation, and Fiscal Responsibility Commission claim that NNPCL has withheld ₦8.48 trillion, citing petrol subsidies.  Furthermore, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative’s report suggests that NNPCL failed to remit $2 billion (₦3.6 trillion) in taxes to the federal government. The committees are also instructed to verify the total unremitted revenue from the sale of petrol between 2020 and 2023. READ ALSO: Edo State Names Suleiman Aledeh as New Broadcasting Chief The approved framework includes projections for oil benchmarks, domestic oil production, GDP growth, exchange rates, and inflation for the next three years.  These figures include an oil benchmark of $75 per barrel for 2025, 2026, and 2027, and GDP growth rates of 4.6%, 4.4%, and 5.5% for the respective years.  The exchange rate is set at ₦1400/USD, subject to review in 2025. Inflation is projected at 15.75% for 2025, decreasing to 14.21% in 2026, and 10.04% by 2027.

Senate Reconstitutes Ad-hoc Committee to Probe Economic Sabotage in Petroleum Industry

The Senate has reconstituted its Ad hoc Committee to Investigate Alleged Economic Sabotage in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry contrary to reports that some stakeholders were working to stop the oil probe. The upper chamber also communicated the decision to reconstitute to the House of Representatives with a view to conducting a more holistic investigation that would sanitise the petroleum industry. At a session presided by the Deputy President, Senator Barau Jubrin, announced these decisions yesterday after the Leader of the Senate/Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele sponsored a motion on the need for the two chambers to jointly conduct the oil probe. In his motion yesterday, Bamidele observed that the House of Representatives had debated on the same subject and also constituted its ad-hoc committee to investigate it. He observed that there “is need for the Ad-hoc Committees of the two chambers to work together to avoid duplication in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.” He further called for the committee to be reconstituted and be named as “National Assembly Joint Ad-hoc Committee to Investigate Alleged Economic Sabotage in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry”. After Bamidele’s presentation, the Senate recaptioned the title to “National Assembly Joint Ad-hoc Committee to Investigate Alleged Economic Sabotage in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry”. The upper chamber also resolved “to communicate its decision to the House of Representatives for the purpose of constituting the equal number of an ad-hoc committee that will working with the Senate.” While Senator Opeyemi Bamidele will still chair the National Assembly Joint Ad-hoc Committee to Investigate Alleged Economic Sabotage, its members include Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi; Senator Mohammed Monguno and Senator Solomon Olamilekan. Other members include: Senator Plang Diket, Senator Ipalibo Banigo; Senator Khabeeb Mustapha; Senator Adams Oshiomhole; Senator Williams Eteng Jonah; Senator Adetokunbo Abiru; Senator Osita Izunaso; Senator Sahabi Ya’u; Senator Ahmed Abdul Ningi and Senator Suleiman A. Kawu. The lawmakers agreed further that the resolution of the Senate be communicated to the House of Representatives, following which the Joint Ad-hoc Committee will be inaugurated by the presiding officers of both chamber The Senate had on Wednesday, 3rd July 2024 debated a motion on the urgent need to investigate the Importation of Hazardous Petroleum Products and Dumping of Substandard Diesel into Nigeria moved by Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River North). The Senate had on Thursday, 11th July 2024 recaptioned the title of the Ad-hoc Committee to Ad-hoc Committee to Investigate Alleged Economic Sabotage in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry. After holding meetings with key stakeholders in the petroleum sector, the Bamidele Committee put its activities on hold with conducting a joint session with the lower chamber and providing workable antidotes to a myriad of challenges in the industry.

War against Drug abuse hots up as NASS seeks Parents’ Inclusion

The National Assembly Thursday stepped up the war against drug abuse and trafficking by seeking for inclusion of parents in the battle. Call for parents’ inclusion in the war by the National Assembly came from its joint committee on Drugs and Narcotics during one day sensitization programme organised in collaboration with National Association of Nigerian Drugs Monitoring ( NANDRUM). In his speech at the event themed : ” Parents Inclusion in the Fight Against Drug Abuse and Reckless Behaviours “, the President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly , Godswill Akpabio, said involvement of parents in the fight very necessary and critical . Akpabio who was represented by the Deputy Leader of the Senate , Senator Lola Ashiru , said the epidemic of drug abuse and trafficking, should be tackled right from the home fronts led by Parents. ” Getting parents involved in the fight against drug abuse is taking the battle to the basis and tackling the menace right from the home front since those indulging in it, come from different homes before hitting the streets as drug addicts or traffickers . ” The theme of today’s sensitization programme on the dangers of drugs abuse , is very apt and very necessary for effective fight against the menace of drug abuse . “The fight against drugs abuse is indeed , a fight for our posterity requiring parents to be on the front lines being the guiding force in their Children’s lives . ” I urge all parents to take up this mantle of responsibility with unwavering determination sice the greatest gift any parent can give to Children is not riches but the spirit of adventure, the virtue of integrity and the gift of courage . ” Let us equip our children with the required tools they need to navigate life ‘s challenges without falling victim to the perils of drug abuse “, he said . In his remarks , on behalf of Chairmen , Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Drugs and Narcotics , Mallam Isa Garba , said the sensitization programme was collaboratively organized to step up the fight against drug abuse .

Senate Begins Screening Of Seven Ministerial Nominees

The Senate has begun the screening of seven ministerial nominees named last Wednesday by President Bola Tinubu. The screening exercised was held at the red chamber on Wednesday after it was postponed on Tuesday. The upper legislative house began with Nentawe Yilwatda, the nominee appointed to replace Betta Edu as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. The Senate suspended its rule to admit the ministerial nominees. Other appointees for screening are Bianca Odumegu-Ojukwu nominated as the Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Maigari Dingyadi nominated as the Minister of Labour and Employment, Jumoke Oduwole nominated as the Minister of Industry. Idi Maiha as Minister for the newly created Livestock Development Ministry, Yusuf Ata as the Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development, with Suwaiba Ahmad as Minister of State Education. Last Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu sacked five ministers, re-assigned 10 ministers to new ministerial portfolios and appointed seven new ministers for Senate confirmation.

Police arrest Abia lawmaker over assault on cab driver

The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Police Command on Monday said it has arrested a lawmaker for assaulting a driver in the nation’s capital. Josephine Adeh, the spokesperson for the Abuja Command, confirmed that Alex Mascot Ikwechegh has been arrested. She said Ikwechegh is “at the Maitama Police Station undergoing questioning”. The Police spokesperson explained in the statement that the cab driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, reported the matter to the Command. “Preliminary investigations indicate that Mr. Abuwatseya was delivering a package to Hon. Ikwegh when a dispute arose concerning the method of delivery. During this altercation, Mr. Abuwatseya was reportedly physically assaulted. “The FCT Police Command expresses grave concern over Hon. Ikwegh’s dismissive attitude toward the office of the Inspector General of Police following the incident. “After allegedly slapping the victim, he reportedly remarked with contempt, ‘You can go ahead and call the Inspector General of Police,’ demonstrating a troubling disregard for the authority of law enforcement. “Currently, the suspect is at the Maitama Police Station undergoing questioning,” the statement read. The statement added that the Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Olatunji Disu, has mandated a thorough investigation into the matter. “The Command is committed to conducting an impartial investigation and ensuring justice in all cases. Upon completion of the investigation, appropriate legal action will be taken.”

Presidency reaffirms commitment to harmony at the National Assembly

The Presidency has strongly refuted reports suggesting the deployment of security agents to obstruct senators from carrying out their legislative duties. It denied knowledge or deployment of agents to obstruct alleged impeachment plot against the Senate President. In a statement issued by Senator Basheer Lado, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Presidency dismissed these claims as baseless and urged the public to disregard them. Senator Lado emphasized that there is no discord among the senators and that the legislative body remains united in its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s democracy. He stressed that the reports of tension or a rift within the National Assembly are entirely unfounded. “The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is fully committed to fostering a harmonious working relationship among the senators. He recognizes the crucial role the Senate plays in driving legislative progress and is dedicated to ensuring that this collaboration is built on mutual respect, dialogue, and shared goals for the peace, progress, and prosperity of all Nigerians,” Senator Lado stated. He further clarified that any security presence within the National Assembly Complex is strictly routine, aimed at ensuring the safety and protection of lawmakers and staff, and not for any interference in legislative matters. The statement reassured the public that the Senate continues to function freely and without hindrance, and urged citizens to disregard the misleading reports, which could harm the integrity of the legislative process. This reaffirmation from the Presidency underscores its commitment to maintaining a stable and cooperative relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government.

Senators Pass Vote Of Confidence On Akpabio

Senators have overwhelmingly passed a vote of confidence in Senate President Godswill Akpabio. This decision follows speculation about an impending impeachment by some of his colleagues. On Wednesday, various online media outlets reported that the presidency had deployed numerous operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) to the National Assembly Complex to disrupt the Senators’ constitutional duties, including efforts to remove Akpabio. However, Akpabio refuted these claims, asserting that the Senate remains united. The presidency also issued a statement clarifying that there are no threats of impeachment against Akpabio.

Senate Debunks Impeachment Plot Reports 

President of the Senate , Senator Godswill Akpabio has dismissed a widespread news alleging that security agencies have taken control of the National Assembly to prevent a possible impeachment of the President of the Senate. Senator Akpabio was presiding over plenary when his attention was drawn to the speculations on social media. He described it as fake news fabricated by mischief makers. The President of the Senate urged members of the public to disregard such news and warned all those circulating deliberate falsehood to refrain from such acts. Senator Akpabio explained that there is peace in the Senate and there is no consideration for an impeachment by any section of the parliarment. However, the Matter has been referred to the Senates Committee on Public Services for Further investigation and legislative action

Senate President’s Office Debunks Viral Video 

The office of Senate President Godswill Akpabio has responded to a viral video that misrepresents his comments about food and economic challenges.  According to Akpabio’s media aide, Jackson Udom, the video in question is a manipulated version of a lighthearted conversation among Senate members shortly after Akpabio’s inauguration in June 2023.  Udom clarified that the clip was part of a private discussion where Akpabio jokingly suggested his colleagues take advantage of a dinner organized for them, given the current economic climate.  He criticized the dissemination of this doctored footage as a harmful attempt to tarnish Akpabio’s reputation and cause embarrassment to him and his constituents. Udom called for a balanced portrayal, urging media outlets to publish corrections alongside the misleading video to address the negative implications it has had on public perception.  He stressed the importance of context in such communications, asserting that the original remarks were never intended for public scrutiny. ReplyForwardAdd reaction

Honour NASS Invitations – Presidency tells MDAs

The Presidency on Monday admonished heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), to honour invitations by the legislature in line with existing harmonious working relationships between the two arms of government. The admonition is coming 24 hours after the Senate committee on Ethics , Code of Conduct and Public Petitions threatened issuance of a warrant of arrest against those ignoring its invitations . In a statement, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Senate Matters , Senator Basheer Lado, said collaboration between the two arms of government is very critical for actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President. He said : ” The President’s Renewed Hope Agenda is built on the premise of quick and efficient governance, one that brings tangible democracy dividends to the people without delay. “A critical part of realizing this vision involves a proactive, respectful, and transparent relationship between government bodies and the Senate in its oversight role. “The Office has noted some concerns that some agencies may not have consistently adhered to Senate invitations or requests for appearances before committees. “While we acknowledge that competing official engagements may sometimes make it challenging for agencies to respond promptly to Senate invitations, it remains essential that these opportunities for engagement are prioritized to demonstrate our continued collective commitment to accountability and good governance. “Engaging with Senate committees is an important opportunity for agencies to showcase their dedication to public service and accountability, while further reinforcing the people’s confidence in government”. He added that his office will continue working for the very important constructive collaboration between Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments and Agencies, and the National Assembly, particularly its Senate committees, as a cornerstone of good governance and accountability