Senate
Senate tells Tinubu to upgrade Eastern Rail Line to Standard Gauge
The Senate hasaskef President Bola Tinubu to upgrade Eastern Rail Line (traversing Port Harcourt to Maiduguri) from Narrow Gauge to Standard Gauge Rail.
The red chamber also called on the Federal Government to suspend the purported planned rehabilitation of the outdated Narrow Gauge Rail from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri.
It equally called on the federal government to instead make arrangements for the proper funding of the construction of Standard Gauge Rail in the Eastern Rail Line as well as the acquisition of modern coaches.
The Red Chamber further urged the Committee on Land Transport to ensure that all five geo-political zones within the Eastern Rail Line Corridor benefit from the ongoing railway standardization and modernization programme of the Federal Government.
The resolutions came after a motion sponsored by Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) and co-sponsored by 34 other senators across the geo-political zones at plenary on Wednesday
Umeh, in the notion noted that the Eastern Rail Line which serves 4 geopolitical zones of South South, South East, North Central and North East, runs from Port Hacourt, through Enugu, Markurdi, Jos, Bauchi and Maiduguri, is the longest and one of the oldest rail lines in Nigeria.
He said in 2017 the Federal Government got a loan of $6.8 Billion (US Dollars) for Standardization and modernization of the Nigerian railways network.
According to him the Federal Government embarked on modernization of the following rail lines: Abuja-Kaduna, Ajaokuta-Itakpe-Warri, Lagos-Ibadan, Kaduna-Kano and Kano Maradi in Niger Republic, which have been completed or nearing completion and operational with new coaches.
Unfortunately, Port Harcourt to Maiduguri line remains the only Narrow Guage rail line in Nigeria, he said.
He observed that in April 2022 the Federal Government awarded a failed contract sum of $3.2 million for rehabilitation and reconstruction of a Narrow Gauge rail line instead of Standard Gauge rail line from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri “which has been vandalized, abandoned and overgrown with weeds and trees”.
The motion which was overwhelming supported by the senators was described by the Senate President Godswill Akpabio as “a national, patriotic for the entire country” saying the rail line can “serve more than half of the country”.
Akpabio recalled how he used the rail in those good old days to travel to Port Harcourt, adding “what is worth doing is worth doing well and communicate Senate position to Tinubu”.
Speaking with journalists after plenary, Umeh expressed happiness that the motion was overwhelmingly supported by senators from all the geo-political zones.
He expressed the hope that the present Tinubu government with the renewed hope agenda will modernize the rail line to boost the economy of that corridor.
In a historic move, the Nigerian Senate on Tuesday passed a bill for the first reading that is seeking to create Ijebu State from the existing Ogun State. The bill, titled “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2024 (Creation of Ijebu State),” was sponsored by Senator Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East Senatorial District.
During the plenary session, Senate Majority Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, introduced the bill as the “fourth order of the day,” with Senate President Godswill Akpabio presiding over the proceedings. The bill successfully passed its first reading, setting the stage for further legislative deliberations.
The push for Ijebu State creation is part of a broader national discussion on state creation aimed at fostering local governance, improving political representation, and boosting regional development. Proponents believe that Ijebu State would bring about greater administrative efficiency and promote economic growth in the region.
The legislative journey for state creation involves multiple stages, including further readings, committee reviews, and constitutional amendments. Approval requires a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly and endorsement by at least 24 state Houses of Assembly.
If successful, Ijebu State would become Nigeria’s 37th state, underscoring ongoing efforts to address regional demands for administrative autonomy and improved governance.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded the National Social Investment Programme Agency Establishment Amendment Bill 2024 to the Senate for legislative approval. The proposed amendment aims to strengthen the framework for implementing the government’s social welfare programmes, ensuring greater transparency and efficiency.
In a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary, President Tinubu explained that the amendment seeks to designate the National Investment Register as the primary tool for targeting beneficiaries of social investment initiatives. This measure, he said, would ensure that welfare programmes are data-driven and deliver effective social protection to Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens.
“The amendment will make our social and welfare programmes more transparent, efficient, and impactful in addressing the needs of vulnerable Nigerians,” the President stated.
He further noted that the request was made in accordance with Section 58(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and urged the Senate to give the bill urgent consideration.
The proposed amendment, if passed, will improve the management and delivery of social investment programmes, enhancing their capacity to combat poverty and inequality across the country. The Senate has referred the bill to relevant committees for review and is expected to deliberate on the proposal in subsequent sessions.
This development indicates that the Tinubu’s administration is commited to leveraging technology and data to optimize the impact of its social welfare initiatives.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded a request to the Senate for the confirmation of nominees for the positions of Commissioners in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a letter addressed to the Senate President, Tinubu stated that the request complies with the provisions of Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.
The nominees for confirmation included Mr. Tukur Abdurazak Yusuf – National Electoral Commissioner, representing the Northwest, Professor Sunday Ajah – National Electoral Commissioner, representing the Southeast and Saseyi Fayemi
Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ondo State
The President expressed hope that the Senate would consider and confirm the nominees in its usual expeditious manner.
The letter concluded with Tinubu extending his assurances of highest consideration to the Senate President and distinguished senators.
The Senate President referred the matter has been referred to the Senate Committee on INEC and Electoral Matters for further deliberation, with instructions to report back to the full assembly promptly.
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