Tag: Senate

Senate confirms Ayo Omidiran as FCC Chairman, clears 37 Commissioners …Akpabio hails Onyesoh’s outstanding leadership in screening process

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Senate has confirmed Hon. Ayo Hulayat Omidiran as Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), alongside 37 Commissioners representing the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in a major step toward revitalising the agency responsible for equitable representation in federal appointments.   The confirmation followed the adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs, chaired by Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh (Rivers East), which screened all nominees on November 13.   Presenting the report, Senator Onyesoh said every nominee appeared before the…

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…

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…

Senate demands justice for slain Two-year-old, orders NDLEA to pay ₦200m,treat injured sibling abroad

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance has summoned the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to appear before it on October 28, following its alleged failure to comply with a Senate resolution directing the payment of ₦200 million compensation to the family of a two-year-old child, Omhonria O. Onosereba Ivan, who was reportedly killed during an NDLEA operation.   The Committee also reaffirmed the Senate’s directive for the immediate sponsorship of medical treatment abroad for the victim’s sibling, who sustained a severe eye injury during the same operation. Chairman of…

Senate to screen INEC Chairman nominee, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, tomorrow

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Office of the Secretary for Research and Information in a release addressed to members of the press and the general public , said that the Senate will conduct the screening of Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan SAN, the nominee for Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Thursday, October 16th, 2025. According to Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, Director of Information, the screening will take place at the Senate Chamber, National Assembly Complex. “Members of the Senate Press Corps are kindly requested to provide their usual media coverage to ensure…

HallowMace Foundation Africa urges peace as Senate unseals Senator Natasha’s Office

Lukman Laleye Babalola

HallowMace Foundation Africa has commended the National Assembly leadership for unsealing the office of Senator Natasha, describing the move as a significant step towards restoring normalcy and productivity within the legislature. In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Amb. Anderson Osiebe, and Head of Public Communications Desk, Amb. Oguh Hyginus John, the Foundation lauded the leadership of the National Assembly for demonstrating maturity despite pending court issues. The group, however, appealed to Senator Natasha to consider withdrawing her court case to pave the way for absolute peace, unity, and…

Senate calls for immediate implementation of 4% FOB Policy, seeks monthly Customs budget reports

Lukman Laleye Babalola

By James Isaac,Abuja       The Joint Committee on Customs and Excise of the National Assembly has called for the urgent implementation of the 4% Free On Board (FOB) policy and directed the Nigeria Customs Service to submit monthly performance reports on the 2024 budget.   The resolution followed an interactive session on Monday at the National Assembly involving lawmakers, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, and the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.   Chairman of the Committee, Senator Jibrin Isah…

Senate demands Accountability from NNPCL Over N210trn Audit Query …Clarifies funds are unaccounted for, not stolen …Insists GCEO Ojulari must appear before Public Accounts Committee

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has clarified that the N210 trillion flagged in audit reports spanning 2017 to 2023 as a financial infraction against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is unaccounted for, not stolen. Chairman of the Committee, Senator Aliyu Wadada Ahmed (Nasarawa West), stated this during an investigative session with top management staff of NNPCL on Thursday. He reaffirmed that the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the company, Engr. Bayo Ojulari, must appear before the committee to address the audit concerns. The committee had earlier,…

Senate recommends N200m compensation for family of Toddler killed by NDLEA in Delta

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Senate has recommended a compensation of N200 million for the family of a two-year-old boy who was killed by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) during a raid in Asaba, Delta State.   This was disclosed on Thursday by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen, while addressing journalists after the Senate considered two separate petitions, one of which involved the child’s tragic death.   Senator Imasuen revealed that the NDLEA admitted responsibility for the killing and…

Senate launches probe into ₦1.3 Trillion Crypto Scam, slams Regulatory failure

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Senate has launched a far-reaching investigation into the rise of Ponzi schemes and unregulated digital investment platforms following the collapse of Crypto Bullion Exchange Civics, which allegedly defrauded Nigerians of over ₦1.3 trillion.   The motion initiating the probe was moved on Wednesday by Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos East) and co-sponsored by Senator Osita Bonaventure Izunaso (Imo West). It received unanimous support from lawmakers across party lines, who expressed alarm over the growing exploitation of vulnerable Nigerians through fraudulent investment schemes operating under the guise of digital…