Category: Legislative

House of Reps Committee slams MSC over ₦3 Trillion Scandal, threatens sanctions for continued defiance

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), a leading global shipping firm, has once again defied the Nigerian Parliament by refusing to honour an invitation from the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions.   Despite being issued a mandatory summons to appear before the Committee on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, MSC failed to show up marking its second consecutive snub of the National Assembly.   The hearing followed a formal petition submitted by the Citizens WhistleBlowers Coalition (CWC) on June 18, 2025, which accused MSC of serious infractions including illegal and…

Senate flags gaps in past constitution amendments, seeks broader consensus on governance reforms …as Lagos, traditional rulers, state assemblies back ongoing review process

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Senate has expressed concern that previous amendments to the 1999 Constitution failed to resolve several critical governance issues affecting the Nigerian federation, despite multiple efforts by the National Assembly.   This observation was made on Friday in Lagos during the South-West zonal public hearing on the review of the Constitution, held at Water Crest Hotel, Ikeja. Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, represented by the Senate Leader and Committee Vice Chairman, Senator Opeyemi…

Senate President Akpabio mourns late Super Eagles Goalkeeper Peter Rufai

Lukman Laleye Babalola

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has joined millions of Nigerians in mourning the death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper and national football legend, Peter Rufai, who passed away at the age of 61.   In a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, Senator Akpabio described Rufai as a symbol of national pride and one of the finest goalkeepers in Nigeria’s football history.   “Peter Rufai’s contributions to Nigerian football are unforgettable. I recall his electrifying performances for Stationery Stores…

Senate begins Constitution Review in Lagos, considers State Police, Electoral,and Fiscal Reforms

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Senate has commenced a nationwide public hearing on the amendment of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), with the South-West zonal session kicking off in Lagos on Friday, July 5, 2025.   The hearing, aimed at gathering public input on critical proposals such as the creation of additional local governments, the establishment of state police, and major electoral and fiscal reforms, is taking place at Water Crest Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.   Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, the Leader of the Senate and South-West Zonal Chairman of the Constitution…

Constitution Review: Deputy Speaker Kalu unveils 86 Bills, calls for Nationwide Public Input

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a major step toward constitutional reform, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, on Wednesday unveiled a compendium of 86 bills currently under consideration for the amendment of the 1999 Constitution.   Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, alongside other members of the committee, Kalu emphasized the importance of public engagement in the reform process. The unveiled document, which contains explanatory memoranda, long titles, and detailed analyses of each bill, is intended to…

Neglecting Science and Technology will hinder Nigeria’s growth — Senator Iya Abbas Warns

Emporium Reporters

By James Isaac, Abuja     Chairman of the Senate Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation, and Senator representing Adamawa Central, Aminu Iya Abbas, has warned that Nigeria’s development aspirations will remain out of reach unless deliberate investments are made in science, technology, and innovation. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain expressed concern over Nigeria’s poor funding of research and development, noting that meaningful economic transformation cannot occur without prioritizing scientific advancement. “There will be no appreciable growth in the economy if we fail to channel efforts into funding research…

Africa unites against Colonial Legacy as Nigerian Senate hosts Continental Forum on Reparation and Repatriation

Emporium Reporters

In a landmark effort to address the long-standing legacies of colonialism and chart a new course for justice, the Nigerian Senate Committee on Reparation and Repatriation hosted a high-level consultative forum with African diplomats at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja. The one-day forum convened envoys from across the continent to deliberate on reparative justice, the restitution of looted cultural assets, and the adoption of unified strategies to redress centuries of historical exploitation. Chairman of the Senate Committee, Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, in his welcome address, emphasized the importance of African…

National Assembly New Media Forum honours Senator Neda Imasuen at Birthday ….. Commends Lawmaker for legislative excellence, transparency, and media-friendly engagement

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Assembly New Media Forum (NANMF) on Monday honoured Senator Neda Bernards Imasuen, representing Edo South Senatorial District, with a special birthday recognition, commended his dedication to legislative excellence and consistent partnership with the media.   The brief but symbolic event held at the National Assembly complex in Abuja featured the presentation of a custom-designed recognition card to the lawmaker by members of the Forum.   Chairman of NANMF, Mr. Clement Nwabuko, described Senator Imasuen as a friend of the media who has demonstrated uncommon openness, accessibility, and responsiveness…

Akpabio commissions Kugbo Bus Terminal, reaffirms Tinubu’s Commitment to Modern Infrastructure and Public Safety

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on Saturday commissioned the Kugbo International Bus and Taxi Terminal in Abuja, reaffirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to prioritizing public safety and national development through investment in modern infrastructure.   Speaking on behalf of President Tinubu at the well-attended event, Senator Akpabio said the project represented a bold step towards fulfilling the Renewed Hope Agenda, which placed premium importance on revamping Nigeria’s critical public infrastructure.   “President Tinubu has made it clear that no nation can achieve meaningful progress without modernizing…

Benue-born Technocrat, Rawlins Agada, appointed Clerk of the Nigerian Senate

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Assembly Service Commission has officially appointed Mr. Rawlins Emmanuel Agada as the new Clerk of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in the history of legislative service in the country.   Mr. Agada, a native of Ipari Otukpa in Ai-Oodo, Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State, is a seasoned legislative expert with decades of experience in parliamentary administration. His career has been defined by exceptional service, reform-driven leadership, and international legislative engagements.   Over the years, he has held several strategic…