Senate
N5bn allocation to revamp Obudu Cattle Ranch excites senate panel
****Umeh makes case for Diasporan Commission
Senate Committee on Appropriation has has given its approval to the allocation of N5 billion in the capital budget of the Ministry of Tourism for the revamping of Obudu Cattle Ranch in Cross River state.
This was disclosed when the Chairman Senate Committee on Tourism, Senator Ireti Kingibe presented the report of her committee as the Appropriation Committee started receiving reports from its subcommittees on Monday.
Initially when Kingibe mentioned the capital allocation, some senators expressed concerns that such huge sum will be allocated to a single project in a geo-political zone at the detriment of other zones.
However, Senator Patrick Ndubueze said allocating the N5b to make Obudu Cattle Ranch come alive will enhance tourism and will be of economic benefits for the country as it will generate revenue for the country.
The Chairman of the Committee, Solomon Olamilekan said if you want to drive tourism and make it profitable, “we should do more”, adding that “with the amount given to industry, we are not yet there”.
The total budget of the ministry is N11b with N5b of it as grant from partners.
In another development, the Senate Committee on Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) and Non-governmental Organisations (NGO) has made strong case for proper funding of NIDCOM.
Chairman of the Committee, Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) pleaded with the Appropriation Committee to increase the capital budget from N652 million to N4.9 billion for five new line items, which need to be funded so that NIDCOM/NGO should have enough funds to support its programmes.
Umeh said NIDCOM has a lot to do for Nigerians living in foreign countries need attention when they in one trouble or another and that requires money.
He gave example of 136 Nigerians in Ethiopian prisons who live in sub human condition, adding that it requires a lot of money to visit them and fight their cause.
Therefore, Senate called for an independent budgetary provisions for Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), via separating its budget from the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Senator Victor Umeh made the call on Monday in Abuja, while presenting budget defence report of the committee before Appropriation Committee.
“The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) should have an independent budget from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, since it is a commission established by act of the National Assembly.
“There are other agencies who do not do much as NIDCOM, but have independent budgetary provisions”.
He said Nigerians in Diasporial were contributing to the nation’s development maximally, adding that 24billion dollars was remitted to Nigeria in 2022 by the diasporians.
He said despite the huge remittance the allocation to the commission has remained too paltry to take care of the needs of the commission in the discharge of its mandate.
Umeh said that Nigerians, who generate money from diasporial have various needs and challenges that require NIDCOM attention and supervision, saying that the commission was not adequately funded to discharge the duties.
According to him, there is need to provide funds also to organise Diasporia Investment Summit in Canada, America, United Kingdom, in America, and other parts of the world to bring Nigerians together to partner Federal and state governments for investments.
This, he said could also help drive the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
“This one is critical, Diasporial Investment Summit, that one has economic value, you can not quantify the amount of money they remit to Nigeria, 24b dollars in 2022 alone.”
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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