senate - Housing TV Africa

Tinubu Moves to Establish State Police as Constitution Amendment Bill Reaches Senate

housingtv — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:31:33 +0000

President Bola Tinubu has transmitted a Constitution Alteration Bill to the Senate seeking the establishment of state police, marking a significant step toward restructuring Nigeria’s security architecture.

The proposed legislation aims to amend relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution to create a legal framework for state-controlled policing across the federation.

The move follows repeated calls by the President for constitutional reforms that would allow states to play a greater role in securing their territories amid rising security challenges.

Earlier in February, Tinubu urged the National Assembly to consider constitutional amendments to enable state police, describing the reform as necessary to address terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes across the country.

During his Democracy Day address, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to defeating insecurity, declaring that terrorists, bandits and their sponsors would face the full weight of the law.

He also stated that more than 13,000 terrorists had been neutralised within the last year, while noting a decline in terrorism-related deaths compared to previous years.

However, he acknowledged that the continued captivity of schoolchildren abducted in parts of Oyo and Borno States remains a painful reminder of Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges.

The state police proposal has gained momentum in recent months, with both chambers of the National Assembly advancing constitutional amendment processes aimed at decentralising policing powers.

The Senate is expected to reconvene for an emergency plenary session as lawmakers move to deliberate on the bill, which is regarded as one of the most far-reaching security reform proposals in the country’s democratic history.

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Senate Moves to Shift 2027 Presidential, NASS Election Date Over Ramadan, Lent

housingtv — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 14:10:08 +0000

The Senate on Tuesday initiated moves to shift the date for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections originally scheduled for February 20, 2027.

The proposed change is being considered during plenary as part of deliberations on the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2026, through a process of rescission and re-committal.

The motion was moved by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, who drew attention to the coincidence of the planned election date with the 2027 Ramadan period.

According to him, the overlap could negatively affect voter turnout, logistics, stakeholder participation, and the overall inclusiveness of the electoral process.

“The Senate notes that the coincidence of the elections with the Ramadan period could adversely affect voters turnout, logistical coordination, stakeholder engagement, and the overall inclusiveness and credibility of the electoral process,” he said.

Bamidele also noted that the election date falls within the 2027 Christian Lenten season.

The Independent National Electoral Commission had earlier announced February 20, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections.

Further details on the proposed new date are expected as Senate deliberations continue.

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Tension in Senate as Lawmakers Clash Over Election Results Transmission Clause

housingtv — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 13:42:08 +0000

The Nigerian Senate witnessed a tense and rowdy session on Tuesday as lawmakers clashed over a proposed amendment to the Electoral Act, specifically concerning the electronic transmission of election results from polling units.

During an emergency sitting to adopt the Votes and Proceedings of the February 4th session, the Red Chamber revisited a controversial clause that had initially excluded mandatory real-time electronic transmission of results. Senator Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno) had moved a motion to rescind the earlier decision, prompting heated debates among senators.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio read out the revised Section 60(3), but some lawmakers expressed discomfort with specific language in the amendment. Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe later called for a point of order to allow individual votes, citing divisions under Order 70, though he subsequently withdrew the motion.

“The disagreement highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring transparency and efficiency in Nigeria’s electoral process,” political analysts said, noting that electronic results transmission remains a key demand of civil society groups and voters alike.

The session underscores growing calls for legislative reforms aimed at modernizing election management and promoting accountability across Nigeria’s voting system. Observers warn that unresolved disputes over electronic transmission could impact future electoral credibility if not adequately addressed.

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Senate Summons Aviation Minister, Airlines Over Soaring Airfares Ahead of Festive Season

housingtv — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 07:10:55 +0000

The Senate on Tuesday summoned the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, alongside major airline operators and regulators, following widespread public outrage over the rapid increase in domestic airfares ahead of the Christmas and New Year travel season.

The decision followed a motion sponsored by Senator Buhari Abdulfatai, who warned that the skyrocketing prices pose a threat to national mobility and could disrupt holiday travel plans for millions of Nigerians.

Recent price checks show that one-way tickets on several domestic routes—especially those heading to the South-South and South-East—have risen by as much as 200 per cent. Many fares now exceed N300,000, compared to an average of N120,000 before the yearly travel rush. Tickets for the Abuja–Lagos route were also reported between N400,000 and N600,000, raising further concern among passengers already struggling with rising living costs.

During plenary, Abdulfatai said the Senate had received numerous complaints from Nigerians who can “no longer afford domestic air travel,” despite insecurity and poor road conditions that make flying the safer option.

His concerns were echoed across the chamber. Senator Adamu Aliero described the fare increase as “unacceptable,” while Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi noted a “400 per cent jump,” blaming delays in establishing a national carrier. He urged the minister to take decisive action to protect consumers.

Senator Solomon Olamilekan reminded lawmakers that airline operators had enjoyed several government concessions, including waivers on spare parts, and should not burden citizens with excessive pricing.

However, Senator Orji Kalu defended the operators, citing rising operational costs driven by the high price of aviation fuel and imported spare parts. His stance was strongly opposed by several lawmakers who insisted the hike was unjustifiable.

In its resolution, the Senate directed Keyamo, airline operators, regulatory agencies, and all relevant stakeholders to appear before the appropriate committees this week. The lawmakers expect clear explanations for the price hikes and immediate plans to stabilise fares ahead of the Christmas and New Year travel boom.

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Senate Raises Alarm Over $303bn Missing From Crude Oil Proceeds

housingtv — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 05:55:50 +0000

The Senate has revealed that about $303 billion in proceeds from stolen crude oil transactions both local and international remain unaccounted for.

This disclosure came on Wednesday as the upper chamber received an interim report from its Ad Hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft and Related Sabotage in the Niger Delta, chaired by Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North).

According to the report, forensic investigations conducted by independent consultants uncovered missing funds of $22 billion, $81 billion, and $200 billion across different periods.

The committee recommended that the Federal Government enforce internationally recognized crude oil measurement standards at all production and export terminals. It also urged the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to deploy modern measuring technologies or transfer the task to the Weights and Measures Department under the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment.

To curb theft, the report further proposed the deployment of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and an integrity pipeline monitoring system, as well as the establishment of a Maritime Trust Fund to enhance maritime infrastructure, safety, and security.

The committee also called for the creation of a special court to expedite the prosecution of crude oil thieves and their collaborators. It advised immediate implementation of the Host Communities Development Trust Fund under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to reduce sabotage and hand over abandoned wells to modular refineries for local production.

During deliberations, several lawmakers expressed mixed reactions to the report.

Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) cautioned that while the committee could trace losses, it lacked constitutional power to recover stolen funds.

Senator Olamilekan Adeola (Ogun West) urged the consultants to name the companies and individuals involved.

Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin (Kano North) clarified that the National Assembly could only recommend recovery to the executive arm.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the committee’s efforts, directing it to continue investigations and present a comprehensive final report before any recommendations are adopted.

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Senate Seeks Greater Transparency in Public Procurement

housingtv — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 04:58:21 +0000

The Senate has renewed its call for transparency and strict adherence to due process in Nigeria’s public procurement system, insisting that every government expenditure must yield measurable results.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Procurement, Senator Olajide Ipinsagba (Ondo North), made this known at a two-day retreat for committee members in Abuja.

He said public procurement is central to translating government policies into real development outcomes and must therefore uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability.

While acknowledging progress made through the Public Procurement Act 2007 and the Bureau of Public Procurement, Ipinsagba said deeper reforms were needed to strengthen compliance and efficiency.

He urged stakeholders to align Nigeria’s procurement practices with global standards and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

Earlier, Barrister Kelechi Kingsley, CEO of Leadbold Resource Consulting Ltd, said the retreat was designed to enhance the committee’s capacity in oversight and ensure value for money in public spending.

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Reps Halt Consideration of Senate Bills over Delayed Action on 146 House Proposals

housingtv — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 15:28:59 +0000

The House of Representatives has suspended further consideration of Senate-originated bills in protest against the Senate’s prolonged inaction on 146 bills transmitted from the House for concurrence.

During plenary on Wednesday, lawmakers expressed deep frustration over what they described as consistent neglect by the Senate, prompting a resolution to step down Senate-sponsored bills pending action on House-originated legislation. The decision followed a motion moved by Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda and supported by several other lawmakers.

The tipping point came during deliberations on a Senate bill seeking to amend the Federal Orthopaedic Hospital Management Act to establish a facility in Obokun, Osun State, sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele. In a symbolic move, House Leader Julius Ihonvbere stepped down another Senate bill aimed at establishing a Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences in Egbe, Kogi State.

Chinda, in a rare gesture of protest, reluctantly seconded the bill for second reading, noting, “We don’t get the same treatment at the Senate.” He later withdrew his support entirely, insisting the House should demand a formal dialogue with Senate leadership.

Other lawmakers echoed the concern. Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante (Rivers) recalled that his bills had languished in the Senate since early 2024 and were never listed for concurrence, citing a similar experience during the 9th Assembly. Hon. Ahmed Jaha (Borno) recommended a reciprocal approach, proposing that the House refuse to consider Senate bills until mutual legislative respect is restored.

Speaker Tajudeen Abbas confirmed the House had 146 bills awaiting Senate concurrence, including more than ten of his own. “Some of these have been there for over six months without a single response,” he lamented, describing the situation as troubling.

Ahmed Satome, Chairman of the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, suggested setting a statutory timeline for concurrence, after which bills could be assumed approved in the absence of Senate action.

Following further debate, the Speaker ruled in favour of Chinda’s revised position—to step down Senate bills and seek a resolution with the Red Chamber leadership. He urged calm but affirmed that unless concrete commitments were made by the Senate, the House would withhold concurrence on all future Senate bills.

The standoff highlights a growing institutional tension between Nigeria’s two legislative arms and signals potential delays in the legislative process unless both chambers reach a resolution on bill concurrence procedures.

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Senate Decries Killings in Benue, Calls for Urgent Security Action

housingtv — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 11:37:20 +0000

The Nigerian Senate has expressed deep frustration over the continued spate of killings across the country, particularly in Benue State, stating that Nigerians are weary of mourning and condolence visits.

Speaking during a media briefing on Tuesday, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, described the latest attack in Benue—where over 100 people reportedly lost their lives—as a grim reminder of the country’s worsening security challenges.

“The Senate and Nigerians are tired of mourning victims of senseless violence. We must move beyond condolences and take decisive steps to end this bloodshed,” Adaramodu said.

He emphasized that community-based security must be part of the solution, stressing the importance of local involvement in addressing insecurity. According to him, the National Assembly has already appropriated substantial resources to bolster the nation’s military and security agencies.

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“We are not only saddened—we are disturbed. Security is local, and the involvement of traditional rulers, communities, and civil society is essential. The killings must stop,” he added.

In response to the Benue tragedy, the Senate announced plans to send a delegation to the state for a solidarity visit. More critically, Adaramodu revealed that the Senate is organizing a national security summit aimed at fostering collaboration among stakeholders including civil society groups, media, women, youth, and security agencies.

“This is not just a military issue. It’s a national concern that demands inclusive dialogue and immediate solutions,” he noted.

Beyond security concerns, Adaramodu highlighted the legislative achievements of the 10th Senate over the past two years. According to him, 844 bills were introduced, 96 passed, and 55 have been signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. These include 26 executive bills, 205 establishment bills, and 548 amendment bills.

He said the performance underscores the Senate’s commitment to delivering governance through legislative action.

Despite the legislative progress, the Senate insists that peace and security must be restored for any development to be meaningful. “Enough is enough. We can’t continue moving from one mass burial to another,” Adaramodu said.

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Senate Targets Fruit Sellers Using Harmful Chemicals for Artificial Ripening

housingtv — Wed, 21 May 2025 16:48:01 +0000

In a move aimed at protecting public health, the Nigerian Senate has initiated steps to criminalize the artificial ripening of fruits using hazardous chemicals. Lawmakers say the practice, which has become widespread among fruit vendors, poses serious health risks and must be curbed with tougher regulations and penalties.

At its recent plenary session, the Senate directed its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters—chaired by Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC, Ondo Central)—to examine existing laws and propose amendments that would impose stricter punishment on individuals or businesses found engaging in chemical ripening.

The decision followed a motion presented by Senator Anthony Ani (APC, Ebonyi South), titled “Urgent Need to Investigate and Halt the Unwholesome Practice of Chemical Ripening of Fruits in Nigeria.” He highlighted that while fruit ripening is a natural biological process that enhances taste and nutrition, the growing use of substances such as calcium carbide and other toxic agents to accelerate ripening is endangering lives.

According to Senator Ani, these chemicals, though banned or strictly regulated in many countries, continue to circulate freely in Nigerian markets due to lack of enforcement and awareness. He warned that substances like calcium carbide often contain harmful contaminants such as arsenic and lead, which can lead to cancer, organ failure, and other severe health complications.

In response, the Senate summoned the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, to appear before its committees on Health and Agriculture. She is expected to explain the agency’s current strategies and future plans to tackle the issue.

The Upper Chamber also directed NAFDAC, alongside the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and the National Orientation Agency (NOA), to intensify public sensitization campaigns on the health hazards associated with chemically ripened fruits.

Furthermore, it urged regulatory bodies to enhance surveillance at fruit markets and ports to prevent the sale and importation of contaminated produce—especially fruits like apples that are sometimes preserved with unsafe substances.

Lawmakers noted that although some fruit-ripening agents such as ethylene are considered safe, their high cost has led vendors in developing countries to resort to cheaper, toxic alternatives. The Senate emphasized that while chemically treated fruits may appear more appealing, they often lack nutritional value, spoil faster, and pose a direct threat to consumers.

The motion was widely supported by Senators, many of whom expressed alarm over the increasing use of harmful ripening methods and the long-term impact on public health.

The Senate’s action marks a critical step toward reforming food safety regulations in Nigeria, with a strong focus on safeguarding consumers and restoring confidence in the country’s agricultural value chain.

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Senate Flags N800bn Power Sector Debt Amid Mounting Tariff Shortfalls

housingtv — Mon, 19 May 2025 14:02:02 +0000

The Nigerian Senate has raised alarm over a deepening financial crisis in the country’s electricity sector, revealing that the Federal Government’s debt to power generation companies has surged by ₦800 billion in 2025 alone.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, made this known during a media chat at a retreat organised by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in Ikot-Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, over the weekend. The event was convened to explore sustainable solutions to the ongoing challenges plaguing Nigeria’s power sector.

According to Senator Abaribe, the federal government currently owes an estimated ₦200 billion monthly due to tariff shortfalls. He disclosed that no payments have been made to power producers so far this year, compounding the sector’s longstanding financial burden.

“There’s a serious liquidity crunch affecting the power sector,” Abaribe stated. “Generation companies are owed enormous sums, and the distribution companies are not faring any better. The government has already accrued ₦800 billion in debt this year alone, on top of an outstanding ₦3 trillion from previous years.”

He warned that this growing debt has implications for the entire electricity value chain, including gas suppliers who power the generating stations. “Gas suppliers cannot continue providing gas indefinitely without payment,” he added.

Despite the grim financial picture, Abaribe expressed cautious optimism. He called on both federal and state governments to collaborate and make bold policy decisions, especially now that Nigeria operates a multi-tier electricity market.

“We must ask ourselves: Do we subsidise fuel for mobility, or do we focus on subsidising electricity that fuels homes, businesses, and industries?” he posed.

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, also addressed the forum, highlighting progress made under the current administration, particularly in boosting power generation. However, he acknowledged that funding constraints and widespread vandalism of infrastructure remain major obstacles.

“Only in Nigeria do we witness the scale of sabotage seen in our energy infrastructure,” the minister noted.

Adding a state-level perspective, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno—represented by Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi—stressed the role of consistent electricity supply in empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which he described as vital to economic growth.

Participants at the retreat expressed hope that collaborative efforts and expert contributions would pave the way for meaningful reforms to stabilize the power sector and restore investor confidence.

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