Category: Legislative

Hon La’ori drives reform in Reps’ Petitions Committee, lays five new reports, promises weekly submissions

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, led by Hon. Kwamoti Bitrus La’ori, has continued its momentum of transparency and responsiveness with the presentation of five new reports during Wednesday’s plenary session. Hon. La’ori, who assumed chairmanship of the committee on May 13, 2025, pledged to maintain a steady weekly presentation of petitions, ensuring faster consideration and fair resolution of all matters referred to the committee. Among the latest reports presented was a petition filed by Hon. (Prof.) Paul Sunday Nnamchi on behalf of the Gutenberg Print Professionals Association…

Akpabio tasks State Assemblies on Accountability, Citizens’ Welfare

Emporium Reporters

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged State Houses of Assembly to strengthen their oversight functions to ensure that public funds are effectively utilised to improve the welfare of citizens and create jobs.   He made the call at the 2025 Convocation Ceremony of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies in collaboration with the University of Benin, held in Abuja on Monday.   Represented by Senator Aminu Iya Abbas, Akpabio said the 10th National Assembly had, through effective oversight, contributed to increased government revenue, which had in turn led…

Senate pushes for Transparency, Efficiency in Public Procurement …Vows to ensure every Naira spent delivers value

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Senate has called for greater transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to due process in Nigeria’s public procurement system to ensure that every naira spent translate into tangible development outcomes.   Speaking at a two-day retreat for members of the Senate Committee on Public Procurement held at Fraser Suites, Abuja, the Committee Chairman, Senator Olajide Ipinsagba (Ondo North), stressed that effective procurement practices are vital to good governance and national development.   He described public procurement as “the mechanism through which government policies are transformed into tangible services, infrastructure, and…

Reps moves to stop arbitrary rent increases, sets 20% limit

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The House of Representatives has moved to curb the rising trend of arbitrary rent increases across Nigeria, proposed that future rent adjustments should not exceed 20 per cent of the existing rate, regardless of property upgrades or other factors.   This followed a motion moved by Hon. Bassey Akiba, representing Calabar Municipality/Odukpani Federal Constituency, on the “Need to Regulate Arbitrary Rent Increase and Protect Tenants from Exploitation.”   Lawmakers urged the Federal Government to intensify affordable housing programmes, encourage low-cost home ownership, and ease pressure on the rental market through…

Senate approves life imprisonment for child defilers

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Senate has passed a landmark bill prescribed life imprisonment for anyone found guilty of sexually defiling a minor, in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s child protection framework.   The bill, approved during Tuesday’s plenary, stipulates that any man or woman who engages in sexual intercourse with a minor will face life imprisonment without the option of a fine.   Leading the debate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) argued that the defilement of minors should be treated differently from rape, describing it as a heinous act that…

Akpabio celebrates Gen. Gowon at 91, describes him as a beacon of unity and national healing

Lukman Laleye Babalola

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has felicitated with former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, on the occasion of his 91st birthday, described him as a symbol of unity, peace, and national reconciliation. In a personally signed congratulatory message issued on Sunday, Akpabio lauded the former Nigerian leader for his steadfast commitment to the peace and unity of the nation, noting that his post-civil war policy of “No Victor, No Vanquished” remained one of the most enduring legacies of national healing. “On behalf of my family, constituents, the…

Speaker Abbas hails CDS Musa for prioritising troop welfare, commissions new military facilities in Abuja

Emporium Reporters

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has commended the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, for making personnel welfare a cornerstone of his leadership and a driving force behind military effectiveness. Abbas gave the commendation during the commissioning of newly built officers’ accommodation at the Niger Barracks Extension and a link road connecting Mambilla Barracks with other defence facilities in Abuja.   He described the projects as a testament to visionary leadership that recognized welfare as pivotal to morale, cohesion, and operational performance within…

Senate moves to end ASUU strike, seeks diplomatic resolution …meets varsity union leaders, pledges to mediate with FG over pending issues

Emporium Reporters

By James Isaac, Abuja     The Senate has begun moves to end the two-week warning strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), as it seek a diplomatic resolution to avert further disruption of the nation’s academic calendar.   At a meeting held on Friday, October 17, 2025, the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND, chaired by Senator Muntari Dandutse, engaged the ASUU leadership in Abuja to find common ground between the Federal Government and the university union.   Speaking at the meeting, Dandutse said…

Nigeria on path to prosperity under Tinubu’s leadership — Akpabio

Emporium Reporters

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said Nigeria is on a steady path to prosperity and global recognition under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Akpabio stated this in Abuja during an event organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), led by its Director-General, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman. He commended President Tinubu’s leadership, described it as purposeful and reform-driven, and said the country has continued to witness progress in governance, economy, and institutional development. “Nigeria is becoming a better country for prosperity under President Tinubu. The National…