Nigeria’s 2017 Budget Process: Change in the right direction


By ‘Demola Adeyeye-- Without doubt, the 2017 Appropriation Process has so far been without the several controversies that trailed the 2016 Process. This can be attributed to no less than the better rapport between the Presidency led by President Buhari and the National Assembly as led by Senate President Saraki. Even with the physical absence of President Muhammadu Buhari who is on medical vacation; the cordial relationship has been extended to Acting President Yemi Osinbajo towards ensuring the appropriation process is smooth all the way from its presentation to passage into law.

One major expectation when the 2017 Budget becomes law is for it to lead Nigeria out of recession; such that skyrocketing prices of goods and products crash and the exchange rate stabilizes. It has been identified that the most economically feasible way forward out of recession is through increased spending by Government. However, it will do us a lot of good as a nation if this increased spending is towards the purchase of goods, payment for procurements and contracts as well as provision of services done by our local Manufacturers and Industrialists.

The MDAs of the executive arm should as a matter of priority latch on to the different initiatives such as #MarketNigeria, #BuyNaijaToGrowTheNaira and #MadeInNigeria which have been envisioned and championed by members of the legislative arm and actually put government word into action. The executive both at the Federal and State levels should indeed take it as prerogative to engage local manufacturers in procurements of the many things to buy in the course of the 2017 Fiscal Year. From Police, Military and NYSC Uniforms/Kits to Computers and Softwares, Photocopiers, Clothes, Chairs, Tables, Printing Papers and even Toiletries should all be locally sourced.

In fact, the words of Senate President Bukola Saraki while opening the recent maiden three day public hearing on the 2017 budget pointed out the policy implementation direction which he expected the Federal Government to take at this crucial time. Dr. Saraki did not mince words in saying that “the 2017 capital budget proposal is intended to support activities that will help to speed up the diversification of the economy and the promotion of the non-oil sector, as well as create jobs for our youth. Accordingly, it is expected that “Made-in-Nigeria” (that is, domestic production of food, materials and other commodities) will be encouraged”.

The 8th National Assembly has also been able to galvanize unprecedented support across different strata of society through the involvement of the tax paying public in the 2017 appropriation process; an obvious improvement over the engagement of CSOs which was convened by Senate President Bukola Saraki during the 2016 Budget process. In normal climes, this involvement should even begin while the Budget Office prepares the medium term expenditure framework / fiscal strategy paper and the draft budget and the transparency on the budget which is actually a public document be further entrenched during the legislative process. For me personally as a Nigerian who is particularly interested in the workings of the legislature in our nascent democracy, the open mic forum which drew representatives from diverse labour unions, academics, civil society organizations as well as government officials is a trailblazer.

The Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki after the presentation of the 2017 Appropriation Bill to the Joint Session of the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday 14th December, 2016, had hinted that “when the current National Assembly introduced the Civil Society Public Hearing on the Budget initiative, the idea was to open up the budgeting space by incorporating the Civil Society into the budget process, thereby ensuring greater transparency and accountability. We are proud to say that this engagement has come to stay as a crucial part of our budget approval process”.  This, he again reiterated while opening the three day public hearing on Monday 13th of February, 2017 that “through this engagement, and others to come, we hope to increase the efficiency of government and its responsiveness to citizens needs as well as improve overall transparency and accountability in governance”. This people participation in the appropriation process by the 8th National Assembly is change in the right direction.

The forum which afforded several organizations such as the Centre for Social Justice, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre and BudgIT amongst others a platform to pinpoint suspicious, repeated, frivolous and needless estimates in the Budget also allowed others with vested interests such as the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Action Aid, Wellbeing Africa, Millennium Agenda Nigeria, Development Agenda, Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth and Advancement and the Academic Unions of Research Institutions et al speak on areas of interest which they wanted the budget to focus on. The public hearing also gave different executive parastatals the ample opportunity to respond to the several misconceptions on the line items that make up government spending.

It is with high hopes that Nigerians believe that all of the Senate Committees which have been meeting with MDAs for their budget defense will extend oversight to ensure quality locally manufactured products are extensively patronized and that the Almighty Joint Appropriation Committee co – chaired both by Former Gombe State Governor and Senator representing Gombe Central, Danjuma Goje and Honourable Mustapha Bala Dawaki will heed the recommendations of the public hearings and ensure a thorough fine – tuning of the 2017 budget such that by the time it comes out from the legislative mining process, it will indeed lead Nigerians out of the current economic abyss we unfortunately find ourselves.

*‘Demola loves the Legislature. He tweets via @AAAdeyeye and can be reached on demmyadeyeye@gmail.com

*2017 Budget, Buhari's Letters Dominate Senate's Resumption of Plenary*



The 8th Senate returns to regular business on Tuesday as it continues work on the 2017 budget and several economic priority bills which are at different stages of their passage. Its President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki will also read the two pending letters from President Muhammadu Buhari on extension of his holiday in London and the nomination of Justice Walter Onoghen as Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

On February 2nd, the Senate adjourned its normal plenary session schedule for three weeks to enable members participate in their various committees for the defence of budget estimates by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). Also within the period, for the first time in the history of the Nigerian parliament, the House of Representatives and the Senate held a joint three-day Appropriations Committee public hearing on the 2017 budget.

“By all accounts the public hearing event was an outstanding success” said the Senate President. “Federal ministers, private sector leaders, civil society organizations and others all participated in what I like to call the ‘people’s budget’ process”, Saraki noted. Government officials were on hand to defend their budget proposals and answer questions. CSO’s, academics and professionals associations offered commentary on their views and critique of the budget.

“It is the intention for the public hearing exercise to be institutionalized as a yearly exercise to promote government transparency and greater public participation in the process” he added.

The Senate President said “it is very important for the executive branch and the legislature to continue to work together to get the spending plan right. The months of collaboration will determine the extent to which the appropriations spending begins to grow the economy and create jobs.”

From tomorrow, various committees are expected to start submitting reports to the Committee on Appropriations based on schedule earlier provided as a result of the conclusion of budget defence by MDAs.

This will be followed by compilation of the reports by the Appropriation committee and engagement with the leadership of the Senate and interface with some committee where necessary. The last stage of the budget process will be laying of report at plenary by the Appropriation Committee as well as the consideration and passage of the Appropriation Bill.

Simultaneously, the Senate will also begin to consider several economic reform bills that form the basis of the Red Chamber’s priority economic agenda. This coming week alone may see two such bills, the Independent Warehouse Regulatory Agency Act and the Company and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), come up during plenary session.

End

Signed

Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi
Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Publicity

*#MadeInNigeria: More cooperatives and associations embrace idea of promoting Made in Nigeria goods*


The #MadeInNigeria Initiative of Nigeria's Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki is being warmly received nationally, as various women's cooperatives and associations embrace the home-grown #madeinnigeria campaign; Recently, the The Executive Leadership of the Women Food Sellers Association paid a courtesy call to the Wife of the Senate President, Her Excellency Mrs. Toyin Saraki on Tuesday, the 14th of February 2017, to signal their support for the ongoing campaign of the Nigerian Senate under the leadership of Senate President Bukola Saraki.

The Women Food Sellers Association commended the foresight of the Made In Nigeria Campaign as an economic intervention to protect Nigerians from the hardship of the ongoing recession, which they stated had caused food prices to rise, which they hoped would be restored to previous levels as the economy improves.

The Courtesy Call had Mrs. Saraki who is also the Chair of the Forum of Senators’ Wives and Founder of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, assuring the women of a future collaboration in promoting made in Nigeria products; especially made in Nigeria foods, by collaborating together to make this campaign a success in highlighting Nigerian culinary delicacies from every part of the country to be duly represented, showcased, promoted and made available both nationally and internationally, while urging the association members to promote nutritional content in food preparation, to combat common conditions such as iron-deficiency anaemia, easily prevented through use of ugwu (pumpkin leaf) in cooking, in an ancillary nutrition "Green Food Steps" campaign.

Speech By Saka Babatunde At The ‘‘Harnessing Available Opportunities For Start-Up Growth’’ Workshop Hosted By The Kwara State Government Through The Office Of The Senior Special Assistant On Youth Empowerment And Kwara Agro Mall In Collaboration With Founders Hub And Alumni Of Tony Elumelu Foundation, 14 February 2017
PROTOCOLS
During the 2017 United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum in New York, the Administrator of UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), Helen Clark declared: ‘‘To meet the vision of the 2030 Agenda, all youth must be engaged and empowered. Much more civic and political space is needed for young people – at the local, national, regional and global levels’’. The need to harness and strengthen one of Africa’s most vulnerable populations is the reason why we are here today. We are here today because we believe in youth empowerment and development. Today, this Business Ideation and Planning Workshop will serve as a soft launching pad for the youth to engage in vibrant and profitable discourse with drivers and leaders of youth development and share ideas on innovation aimed at accessing the over 80 percent of business funding windows available across the globe.
According to statistical records on Trading Economics ‘‘youth unemployment rate in Nigeria increased to 24 percent in the second quarter of 2016 from 21.50 percent in the first quarter of 2016. Youth unemployment rate in Nigeria averaged 17.51 percent from 2014 until 2016, reaching an all time high of 24.00 percent in the second quarter of 2016 and a record low of 11.70 percent in the fourth quarter of 2014. This scary statistics shows that the young people of today face the likelihood of becoming victims of both unemployment and restiveness. However, the youth can choose to solve this huge economic and social disaster by waiting for non-existent white collar jobs and ephemeral ‘handouts’ or they can decide here and now to use their skills, creative energy and potential productively.
Nobody is born with entrepreneurial powers but you the youth can tap into the power of innovation and creativity and cause things to happen. It is in line with this over arching mindset that here in kwara state, the Government has conceived a brain child aimed at marching the youth out of the doldrums. This initiative tagged ‘KWAYEP’ (Kwara Youth Empowerment Programme) is a Sustainable Economic and Start-up Growth Agenda which cannot be achieved without the committed and cooperative effort of the youth. KWAYEP needs the resourcefulness and strength of kwara’s youthful population to drive development at both state and national levels. Hence, we are here today to call on you the youth to rise up and discover the innovative YOU and begin to play key roles. You can do it!
It is my delight to inform you that KWAYEP is a platform with six (6) linked areas of work:
Promoting Entrepreneurship Education through Basic Enterprise Training and Business development
Providing a forum for youth mindset re-orientation to positivity in collaboration with NGOs, Faith-based organisations, Foundations and CDAs
Providing vocational skills programmes, Agripreneurship (Off-taker Demand Driven Agriculture) and Technopreneurship (in partnership with INTEL Incorporation) platforms for youth on merit basis
Providing digital vocational training programmes and One-Stop Resource Centre for youth development through empowerment workshops, seminars, fairs, leadership development initiatives, basic educational upgrading, career information and employment services with special emphasis on employers partnership, resume and interview success hints.
Ensuring data generation and updating
Ensuring sustainable training programmes for NPower beneficiaries
I wish to place it on record that this privileged meeting will be incomplete if I fail to mention various initiatives and intervention schemes achieved on Youth Empowerment since inception of the Ahmed Administration from its first tenure in 2011. These programmes and projects have aided to reduce unemployment and curb youth migration and restiveness. The Kwara Bridge Empowerment Scheme (KWABES) launched in September 2011 recruited the first set of 2, 000 beneficiaries across the 16 LGAs of the State. Some of the operational mandate of the scheme included absorbing over 1, 400 youth into permanent employment and providing a landmark for sustainable youth empowerment planning and effective allocation of human capital resources in the state.
Other intervention schemes included the deployment of 100 youth to the New Yidi Fish Farm and the Malete Integrated Youth Farm; the coordination of 20 youth for YOUWIN project and 10 youth for the FG (Federal Government) Youth in Agriculture; the Kwara Youth Entrepreneurship (KYE) training of 150 youth in collaboration with KWASU; training of 15 youth at the National Power Training Institute (NAPTIN); and the training of 20 youth in honey production at Tampafu, Patigi LGA of Kwara State.
Others were the inclusion of the State in the World Bank YESSO (Youth Employment Social support Operations); ICT training; QuickWin, a rapid and affordable programme launched in 2014 as an umbrella intervention scheme for five core areas of Clean and Green, Environmental Corps, KWARTMA, KWABES and Entrepreneurship; training of 500 youth in three identified vocations (catering & hotel management, aluminium fabrication and painting) across the 16 LGAs by ITF and supported by the State government; training of over 30 beneficiaries in the CBN YIEDP (Youth Innovative Entrepreneurship Development Programme) in October 2016; and the newly commissioned International Vocational and Technical College (IVTec) Ajase-Ipo. At a public function few days ago, His Excellency, Dr. Abdulfatai Ahmed was reported as saying, ‘‘Youth and other middle class personnel now have an opportunity to acquire world class, business relevance, vocational skills here in Kwara State.’’
CONCLUSION
Indeed, youths face a number of challenges but they have a lot of opportunities. We are here today to rekindle the innovative and the creative in you. Innovation demands hard work and you have it in you to harness your strength and creativity without waiting for anyone. We need you the youth to drive an ‘INNOVATIVE and NOVEL KWAYEP’. We are here because we believe in you. As you leave here today, remember the time is now. Use your savvy, skills and strength for sustainable and innovative start-up growth.

Early Morning Surprise Visit For Safe Delivery: Toyin Saraki Comes To The Aid Of Pregnant Mother Of Triplets Before Caesarean Section Surgery

The expectant mother was all smiles as she welcomed the wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Toyin Saraki yesterday at the Maitama General Hospital at a surprise early morning visit before she went in for caesarean surgery which saw her deliver a set of triplets, safely.

The Founder and President of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa had yesterday paid the urgent visit to Mrs Olivia Plangnaan Sunday who has been a student of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa’s MamaCare Antenatal and Postnatal Education Classes Program which caters for expectant mothers from the antenatal stage through to the postnatal stage. an ongoing program in Her Excellency’s Foundation.

The wife of the Senate President who obviously was filled with joy after the surgery later took to her Instagram page to welcome the new set of triplets; two girls and a boy.

It was later learnt that Mrs Saraki's early morning visit to the expectant mother was made en route to Abuja airport, when she had received a distress call that the expectant mother needed surgical delivery, which was unaffordable to Mrs Olivia Plangnaan Sunday, a pure-water seller and her husband, which would have resulted in a life-threatening delay.

Mrs Saraki, herself twice a mother of twins, made an on-the-spot donation to cover the hospital costs for the mother's surgery and special care of the newborns.

Wellbeing Foundation Africa Mamacare Midwife Trainer Rita Momoh and MamaCare Lactation Counselors, again, visited the mother of the triplets to support the upkeep and postnatal wellbeing of the mother and newborn triplets. They were received by the Matron of the ward, Mrs Vera Chinyere Nwuzor

Kindly pick up a copy of today's Guardian Newspaper to read my latest publication on the Power Sector Reforms.

Link below:

[s]Senate, Power Sector Reforms and the Rest of Us, By Wale Bakare[/s]

https://guardian.ng/opinion/senate-power-sector-reforms-and-the-rest-of-us/

*Buhari is Healthy, No cause for alarm, Says Saraki*

Myself, Rt Honorable Speaker Yakubu Dogara and leader of Senate, Senator Ahmed Lawan paid a visit to President Buhari in Abuja House in London.

We were delighted to see that President Buhari is doing well, was cheerful and in good spirits.


The president I saw today is healthy, witty and himself.

The presiden’ts absence and imminent return shows that there is no vacuum in government and our system of democracy is working with all organs of government fulfilling their mandate. And let me use the time tested cliché, there is no cause for alarm!


Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki
President of Senate and Chairman National Assembly

The National Assembly just concluded the first of its kind 3 Day three day public hearing on the 2017 Budget. The Public Hearing which was aimed at allowing members of the public to make contributions to the proposed budget before passage into law.  The Public Hearing is also a testament to the leadership and foresight of the commitment of the Chairman of the National Assembly, Senator Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki to transparency and people participation in Government.  

The Public Hearing was officially opened by Senate President Bukola Saraki with remarks by Speaker Yakubu Dogara and attended by other members of the Senate and House of Representatives Leadership, Chairmen of the Appropriation Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives, Senator Danjuma Goje and Honourable Mustapha Dawaki, members of the Joint Senate and House of Reps Committee on Appropriation as well as numerous Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members.  

The Executive Arm was ably led by Honourable Minister for Budget and Planning, Senator Udo Udoma Udo and included the Honourable Minister of State, Hajia Zainab Ahmed; Honourable Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Audu Ogbeh and Director General of the Budget Office, Mr. Ben Akabueze.

The Public Hearing which featured several interactive sessions also had presentations taken including the following:

            DAY 1

            Chairman: Senator Danjuma Goje –Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation.

1.      Hajia Zainab Ahmed –Honourable Minister of State, Budget and Planning.

BUDGET ADDRESS

2.      Dr. Obadiah Mailafia –Former Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria and CEO, Centre for Policy and Economic Research.

PUBLIC FINANCE IN THE CONTEXT OF ECONOMIC RECESSION: INNOVATIVE OPTIONS

3.      Associate Professor Nazifi Abdullahi Darma –Dept of Economics, University of Abuja.

THE KEY CHALLENGES OF PLANNING OF PLANNING AND BUDGETING IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY OF SOCIAL SAFETY NET PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION IN NIGERIA

4.      PRESENTATIONS

NIGERIAN UNION OF PENSIONERS, CIVIL SOCIETY LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY CENTRE, CENTRE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE, ACTION AID, MILLENIUM AGENDA NIGERIA, AFRICA CENTRE FOR LEADERSHIP STRATEGY AND DEVELOPMENT, DEVELOPMENT AGENDA, VOICE AND ACCOUNTABILITY PLATFORM.

 

DAY 2

Chairman: Hon. Mustapha Bala Dawaki – Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation.

1.      Professor Danbala Danju – Managing Director, Nigeria Agricultural Bank.

INNOVATIVE FINANCING FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA IN THE CONTEXT OF ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION

2.      Dr. Benjamin Anyele – Chairman, Health Sector Reform Coalition.

3.      Mrs. Toyin Saraki – Founder, Wellbeing Africa Foundation.

4.      Dr. Ayo Teriba – CEO, Economic Associates.

THE ROLE OF THE LEGISLATURE IN ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT ISSUES AND KEY INNOVATIONS FOR EFFECTIVENESS.

5.      Mr. Seun Onigbinde – Lead Partner, BudgIT Nigeria.

BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS FOR 2017 BUDGET PROJECT TRACKING

6.      PRESENTATIONS

CIVIL SOCIETY GROUPS

 

DAY 3

Chairman: Senator Danjuma Goje with the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Muhammad Sali present

1.      Engineer Y.Y. Sanni – Niger State Representative.

2.      Mr. Theophilus – Member, Academic Union of Research Institutions.

3.      Mr. Kadiri Haruna – President, National Association of Nigerian Students.

4.      Reports by Syndicate Groups

5.      Closing

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senbator Danjuma Goje in closing the 3-Day Public Hearing thanked everyone for the success of the maiden event and reads recommendations. He further assures that input will be collated, that the Appropriation Committee will ensure the use of its legislative powers effectively and urged Nigerians to reach out to the Budget Office of the Federation for any clarification on the 2017 Budget as he officially closed the event.

*REMARKS BY HIS EXCELENCY, PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE, SENATOR (DR.) BUKOLA SARAKI, AT THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY 2017 BUDGET HEARING, 13TH FEBRUARY, 2017.*

1. Protocols.

2. It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to this 3-day National Assembly’s 2017 Budget hearing organized by the Joint Committees of Appropriations. This is the first public hearing on the Budget that brings together all stakeholders involved in the budget process.

3. Distinguished Guests,
We are at a crucial stage in our national development. This cannot be overstated! You will agree with me that the current state of the economy is needing of, among others, a credible budget that will stimulate real economic activities, fix our critical infrastructure and provide cushion for the poor and vulnerable.


The challenge, however, is how best to ensure that the Budget is utilized as an effective policy in achieving these.

4. It is my belief that the public budget, if well-crafted and implemented, remains the most potent fiscal policy instrument of government in delivering socio-economic benefits in an all-inclusive manner; and, the best way to achieve this is to ensure that all stakeholders are made a part of the decision-making process especially as it relates to the provision of public services and distribution of social benefits.

5. It is, therefore, in line with this belief that the 8th National Assembly deemed it necessary to bring Government, Civil Society Organisations, Private Sector, and other key actors in the economy to deliberate on the Budget proposal. Through this engagement, and others to come, we hope to increase the efficiency of government and its responsiveness to citizens needs as well as improve overall transparency and accountability in governance.



6. Distinguish Ladies and Gentlemen,
The issues challenging the economy are well-known to us: from low government revenues, shortages in foreign exchange supply, and slowdown in economic activities to rising unemployment and cost of living; we are all affected in one way or another. With key economic indicators heading south, there is no better opportunity to reset the fundamentals of our economy.

7. What we have before our consideration is the 2017 Budget proposal of N7.298 trillion, which we believe has been designed based on a medium-term recovery and growth plan. At the various sub-Committees, we are objectively reviewing the planned expenditures especially as it relates to its feasibility and relevance in delivering the broad objectives of the Budget which are to:
i. Pull the economy out of recession;
ii. Invest in the people of Nigeria; and,
iii. Lay the foundations for a diversified, sustainable and inclusive growth.


8. On a more specific note, the 2017 capital budget proposal is intended to support activities that will help to speed up the diversification of the economy and the promotion of the non-oil sector, as well as create jobs for our youth. Accordingly, it is expected that “Made-in-Nigeria” (that is, domestic production of food, materials and other commodities) will be encouraged. In addition, 2017 capital budget proposal is intended to engender private sector partnership in infrastructure as well as other critical sectors of the economy such as agriculture, manufacturing and services.

9. However, the extent to which the budget proposal will succeed in achieving its overall objective of pulling the economy out of recession depends on a number of imperatives. These include:
i. how well the capital spending targets critical sectors of the economy;
ii. how much of the capital allocation is devoted to real developmental projects as against administrative capital project;



iii. the level of detail provided in the budget that will aid proper oversight of budget implementation; and, ultimately,
iiii. the realization of projected revenues and borrowings.

10. As most of you may have observed, while government has made efforts to ensure that provisions in the Budget proposal aligns with the arching goal of pulling the economy out of recession and laying the foundations for diversified growth, certain provisions are clearly off the path. The Budget must address the critical issues setting back our national growth and development.

11. In this regard, the 8th National Assembly will continue to support government’s economic recovery and growth effort. To this end, we will ensure that proposed projects and programmes, and their estimated expenditure are in sync with Government’s priorities. Beyond that, we will also ensure that, in line with the amended Procurement Act, a sizable part of the capital expenditure is retained within the country as Government patronizes “Made-in-Nigeria”.



12. In addition, the National Assembly will continue to focus on priority Bills that will loosen the structural bottlenecks that are impeding the ease-of-doing business in the country. These priority Bills, among which, include: National Transport Commission bill; National Road Fund Bill; National Road Authority Bill; National Inland Waterways Bill; Nigerian Ports and Harbours Authority Bill; Infrastructure Development Commission Bill, Petroleum Institution and Governance Bill; Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Bill will unstiffen the investment climate in critical sectors of the economy.

13. What we want to build is a better Nigeria, and we all have a part to play.
14. I therefore enjoin us to feel free and be constructive in our deliberations as this will not only enhance the outcome of this interactive session but engender the attainment of the development interest of Nigerians.


15. I look forward to your very valuable and intuitive contributions in this 3-day Budget hearing, and assure you that your suggestions will be carefully utilized in ensuring we deliver a budget that address our real development issues and sets us on the path of recovery and sustainable inclusive growth.

16. Thank you and God bless you!


PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE

*Senate to Hold Public Hearing on #2017Budget Monday* Will be available via live streaming

The 8th Senate will on Monday hold a first-of-its-kind public hearing on the 2017 Appropriation Bill submitted to the legislature by President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to a statement by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, the Public Hearing is aimed at allowing stakeholders and members of the public to make contributions to the proposed legislation before passage by the National Assembly.

Over the past week, the Senate has suspended regular plenary sessions in order to give all committees an opportunity to conduct adequate oversight and for ministries, departments and agencies of the federal government to defend the allocations included in the estimates submitted to the legislature by President Muhammadu Buhari. The joint public hearing, will push the budget defense a step further by allowing members of the public to weigh-in constructively on ways to improve the appropriations bill.

“This will be the first time something like this is happening,” Abdullahi said, “It’s a testament to the leadership and foresight of the Senate President, and the commitment of the 8th Senate as a whole to ensure that the budget is passed transparently — with adequate feedback from the general public.”

The Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, stated that the historic public hearing on the budget was aimed at ensuring more citizen-participation in the legislative processes.

“We will continue to create platforms such as these, that will allow the general public to play a role in what we do here,” the Senate President said, “Moving forward, the public can expect that we will continue this practice of having an open budget hearing where every-day Nigerians are primary contributors.”

END

Signed:

Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi
Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs

Saraki Appoints Baba Ahmed as Chief of Staff

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has appointed Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed, as his new Chief of Staff.

In a statement by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki said the appointment takes immediate effect.

Baba Ahmed, 61, was educated at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, London School of Economics and University of Sussex, both in the United Kingdom. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree.

A consummate public servant and intellectual, he started his working career as a lecturer with the then University of Sokoto now known as Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, before joining the Kaduna State Civil Service. He later transferred his service to the Federal Civil Service where he rose to become Permanent Secretary.

He was permanent Secretary at various times in the Presidency and later Ministry of Commerce and Industry. He later became Secretary of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He is a holder of the national honour of Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR).

The new Chief of Staff to the Senate President is a columnist with the Daily Trust newspapers.

*REMARK BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE, HIS EXCELLENCY SENATOR (DR.) ABUBAKAR BUKOLA SARAKI, CON AT A 2-DAY STAKEHOLDERS INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE/ WORKSHOP ON THE NIGERIAN POWER SECTOR FOR THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY*

PROTOCOL

1. I am very delighted that we are gathered together today to seek a solution to one of, if not the most significant challenge to our quest for economic development; the issue of providing adequate power for our economy.

2. The Nigerian power sector in spite of the enormous resources committed to it within the last 14 years has remained in a perilous state, delivering very disappointing results. Today, we are on the verge of a total systemic breakdown and I see this as an opportunity to stop this train from derailing completely.

3. Opportunities for both the Legislature and Executive to come together to forge a solution to this perennial problem have been wasted in the past. We cannot afford to waste the opportunity we have now. We owe it to the people who have entrusted us with the privilege of working out solutions to their problems by electing us to our various offices that we are hard on our heels to bring them solutions not complaints.

4. However, we cannot shy away from the fact that inexcusable mistakes have been made in the past that brought us to this point and we must be willing to face up to them and clearly delineate them in order to ensure that we do not return to the mistakes of the past. Clearly some of these where innocent mistakes, others were rather the product of selfish interests, some fraudulent, some borne out of ignorance and others glaring lack of capacity apparent from day one. All of these combined has brought us to the mess we now have to face up to.

5. To get out however, sacrifice has to be made and borne by all. We must agree to put Nigeria first and our contributions to this must be genuine. Yes, some will lose money, jobs may be lost, investment gestation may extend but government must as well be sincerely committed to providing the right environment and fulfill its part of the deal without equivocation. Unless all players speak frankly, open-mindedly and honestly we will not get the right solutions. I am going to lead the way in being blunt and specific in my contribution starting with these remarks and hopefully that will set the tune for not-so-politically-correct deliberations here.

6. Where we are is not an accident. We walked our way into the landmine we are facing with the decisions we made in the past. While privatization is a right policy recipe to pursue in order to put in place a power sector that can galvanize our economy, we forgot that the participation of the private sector is not an end in itself. We neglected that unless this is done, observing transparency, competition, transaction integrity we might end up with a sector worse than the past. We sold the discos to individuals and parties who had no idea about running a proper power distribution business. Licenses were issues based on cronyism rather than capital adequacy, market experience and capacity to deliver. Agreements were faulty and transaction integrity hardly imperative.

7. The BPE did things that were inexcusable. To imagine that even the sale proceeds of about $4bn was solely spent towards the payment of pensions and staff. Not one single kobo was expended towards catalyzing the sector back to life. GENCOS bought generating units without a clear assurance of source of gas to fire plants and government had no active roadmap for delivery of a gas market infrastructure to make this happen. Yet gas companies and the IOCs were exporting our gas out of our shores to create gas markets elsewhere in Europe and Asia while we languished in darkness as a result of incessant, persistent and erratic power outages. In the face of all these our people continued to be called upon to bear inexplicable bills estimated beyond rationale service value.

8. While we are at the problem, the implications all of these have created has continued to mount on all fronts with stagnating growth statistics, loss of SME jobs in a country with a large and rapidly growing population, factories shutting down in growing numbers, dwindling family investable income and opportunities mostly due to the high cost imposed by inadequate electricity supply. Indeed, the link between electricity supply and economic development is such that the health of the industry is a matter of deep and personal concern to all citizens.

9. Finally, let me reiterate the urgency of this gathering in human terms. Wherever you go in the country nothing represents the failure of government and leadership in the mind of Nigerian like the epileptic power situation in the country. Fixing it is at the highest priority list of our people. In other words, our people are demanding that we do all that is in our power to reverse this long and unenviable power sector blight. We must get it right. The first step is this forum.

10. This National Assembly is fully ready to support and drive every actionable initiative that is expected out of this interactive session to boost the power sector significantly. We will be relying heavily on your wisdom and input, to craft the right legislative initiatives that will help us deliver a new and more reliable Nigerian power sector for the Nigerian economy.

Thank you for coming.


Senator (Dr.) Abubakar Bukola Saraki CON
President of the Senate, and Chairman National Assembly

*APC ON SENSITIZATION TOUR ACROSS KWARA SOUTH*

The Kwara South Senatorial Chairman, Alhaji Jimoh Balogun has began a tour to the 83 wards across the seven local government areas of Kwara South.

The tour, according to the Chairman, is to create awareness among party faithful and to strengthen the Saraki Political Structure.

Alhaji Balogun yesterday started the tour at Oyun LG, where he visited Erin North and Erin South Wards. Along with him was the Oyun LG TIC Chairman and other party elders.

Alhaji Balogun while addressing the APC party faithful, called for unity of purpose and urged them to shun any act capable of causing division among members.

Balogun urged the party members and the entire Kwara Southerners to be ready for the coming council elections. He sounded it loudly to the ward executives the need for them to solidify their bases and ensure a landslide victory for the party in the council elections.

He emphasized strongly that Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki remains the party Leader in the State and no member should be allowed to be used against the structure.

He called for support for the Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed led administration as he further assured them of more developmental projects across the state.

Saraki: Senate Working To Reposition Transport Sector

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has said that the Senate is presently working on critical legislation to reposition the nation's transportation sector.

Saraki disclosed this when the National Executive Committee of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), led by its National President, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq visited him in Abuja.

The Senate President who was decorated as the Grand Patron of the association by Sadiq, during the visit, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sanni Onogu, stated that the National Assembly, under his leadership, will spare no effort to ensure that the transport sector is working effectively.

Saraki said: "In the Senate already, our main focus is to see how we can encourage more private sector participation in the transport sector and that is why we have about six different bills in the transportation sector.

"They include the Transport Commission Bill, Federal Roads Authority Bill, Roads Fund Bill, Ports and Harbour Bill and the Railway Bill. All these are meant to improve the Transport sector and help businesses in the country," he said.

He said that the National Assembly will continue to encourage entrepreneurs to manufacture cars locally at affordable prices.

"We still believe that we can provide the enabling environment that will make the price of new vehicles almost the same as some of the second hand cars that are being imported to check the idea where vehicles that have been condemned in other parts of the world are brought here," he said.

He called on the warring factions within RTEAN to sheathe their swords and work together to provide better services to Nigerians even as he promised to intervene to see that peace returns to the union.

"I want to appeal to the two factions of your association to come together under one umbrella. I think it is very important," he said. "I made a special exception in seeing your association today because generally we have a procedure here that we do not see one faction or the other. But we will try and encourage you to come together.

"I hope by the next time you will be here you will come as one united body. We will play our own role in ensuring that that happens because we know that keeping your association going keeps the transport sector going, provide better opportunities in jobs and ease the burdens in travel for our people," he added.

The Senate President also thanked the leadership of the union for making him the Grand Patron of the association.

Earlier, Sadiq urged the Senate President to intervene in the leadership crisis rocking the association in order to to bring about a united union.

He said the visit was meant to interface with the Senate on the plight of the association and to partner with the National Assembly in the struggle to end the present economic recession and its adverse effect on the transport sector.

He listed the challenges confronting stakeholders in the transportation sector to include insecurity, transit crimes, highway robbery, poor road network, decayed infrastructure and roads furniture.

"We therefore urge the National Assembly to partner with our association to make roads and motor parks safe," Sadiq said.

END

Signed:

Sanni Onogu
Chief Press Secretary to the Senate President

TOYIN SARAKI WELCOMES GLOBAL COMMITMENTS FROM DAVOS AND THE AFRICAN
UNION SUMMIT; AFFIRMS PRIMARY HEALTHCARE, IMMUNISATION AS SMART
NECESSARY INVESTMENTS

Thursday 2 February, WBFA Global Office, London, UK

Toyin Saraki, the Founder-President of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa
has welcomed the African Union's launch of two significant health
commitments at this year's African Union Summit as smart and necessary
investments towards universal health. The Union pledged to create " an
agency to tackle global threats such as Ebola, and to make immunisation
available throughout the continent by 2020".

In her opinion editorial for Reuters , Mrs. Saraki, an Inaugural Fellow
of the newly launched West African Academy of Public Health, and Chair
of Nigeria's Primary Healthcare Revitalisation Support Group, reflecting
on the key pronouncements emerging from global and regional leaders at
the just concluded Davos Meetings and the AU Summit, declared:

"As Chair of the Nigeria's Primary Healthcare Revitalisation Support
Group, I believe that primary healthcare investment, both from the
private and public sector, is key to ensuring universal healthcare for
all Nigerians."

"At the World Economic Forum (WEF) last week, healthcare leaders discussed the
'Hospital of the Future', and the panelist Dr.Elizabeth Nabel noted
that: "We would like to take healthcare delivery systems as much into
the homes and into the communities as possible because we believe we
can deliver better care at lower costs. If you believe in value-based
healthcare, the definition being patient measured outcomes defined by
cost. We believe that outcomes will be better delivered in the homes and
communities rather than hospitals. " "

Following WEF and the AU Summit Mrs. Saraki noted: "From a social investment perspective it is also a huge opportunity to
see a social impact return on money invested. The nature of primary
healthcare - the ability to monitor and manage delivery of, for example,
the Wellbeing Foundation Africa's Mamacare antenatal and postnatal
health access through birth preparedness classes, or by the USAID-funded
MPowering Healthworkers Program which engaged mobile-technologies in
training midwives in Ondo State of Nigeria- means that money invested
in, can be quantified by results gained. For innovative social impact
investors, there is an opportunity here for collaboration between both
the central and state level governments in Nigeria to fund real change."

Mrs. Saraki continued "The imperative of fulfilling rights-based social contracts with
citizens should rightly be fulfilled at the most accessible, visible and
tangible levels, for the battle to deliver good health and a great
education will be won (or lost) at the strata of primary healthcare and
early childhood development through primary education."

"By changing course and delivering on existing domestic and
international commitments to invest in health, education, and fight
corruption, the Government of Nigeria has the opportunity to save
millions of lives, leverage on in-country, regional and global support
for health, and build a more productive, prosperous and secure Nigeria. ended Mrs. Saraki"


To read Toyin Saraki's full article here:
http://news.trust.org/item/20170202221551-hjdlu/

- ends-

#BLOCKBUSTER #EXCLUSIVE: BUHARI’S NEW OIL MAFIA

http://theeditorialng.com/2017/02/01/exclusive-buharis-new-oil-mafia/

APC Hail Nigeria-Niger Crude Oil Pipeline, Refining Plan



The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun on Wednesday welcomed ongoing bilateral discussions between Nigeria and the Republic of Niger which will result in piping crude oil from the Republic of Niger for refining at the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC).



This followed a courtesy visit on the APC National Chairman by the Republic of Niger, Minister of Petroleum, Foumakoye Gado and Ambassador of the Republic of Niger to Nigeria, H.E. Mansour Maman Hadj Daddo at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.



The APC National Secretary, Hon. Mai Mala Buni; APC National Treasurer, Alh. Bala Mohammed Gwagwarwa and the Chief of Staff to the APC National Chairman, Edwin Ikhinmwin were present at the courtesy visit.



The Nigerien petroleum minister, who doubles as the scribe of the country’s governing Party for Democracy and Socialism (PNDS-Tarayya), stated that the cordial executive relationship between the two countries should be replicated at Party level.



Gado said: “We are here to strengthen the relationship between the two countries specifically the political parties of both countries. We acknowledge the cordial relationship between the President of Republic of Niger and Nigeria hence the need for us to come to the Party to strengthen the relationship. We believe that the cordial executive relationship between the two countries should be replicated at Party level.



“It is line with this understanding that the two leaders (Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari and Nigerien President, Mahamadou Issoufou) agreed to channel crude oil from Republic of Niger to the Kaduna refinery for refining. We have had discussion with the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Maikanti Baru to facilitate the plan.



“The project is unprecedented because in Africa we are used to exporting crude oil instead of refining it within the continent. This is the first time two countries are coming together for this sort of bilateral crude-refining arrangement.”



The Nigerien petroleum minister who sought the support of the APC in ensuring the success of the plan told Odigie-Oyegun that another meeting was scheduled with his counterpart, Nigeria’s Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu.



The APC National Chairman thanked Niger for the cordial relationship and cooperation with Nigeria particularly in the fight against the insurgency in Nigeria’s North East.



He said: “Between the Republic of Niger and Nigeria, the bonds have been long-standing. One was not surprised when President Muhammadu Buhari came into office and one of the first things he did was to go round our neighbouring states because we live together, we interact together and we need each other.



“Infact, one must say thank you over the collaboration on the insurgency. The collaboration of the neighbouring countries has made it possible to contain and militarily defeat the insurgents. At that level, I am glad that the presidents of both countries are in very close terms. I want to thank you for also taking up this collaboration at the Party level. I want to assure you that we will live up to the challenge and reciprocate this wonderful gesture that you have started today. I will make sure that the conversation between our Parties is strengthened.



“It is already bearing fruit with the proposal for Republic of Niger to supply crude to the Kaduna refinery. For us it will make great economic sense for the refinery in Kaduna to function properly. Moreso, in the face of disruptions we have in the southern parts of our country. It is a major economic advantage for that project to be expedited and come to fruition as soon as possible. At the Party level, we assure you that everything will be done to ensure that those who are involved expedite the discussion and agreement so that the plan can be made operational as soon as possible.”

 

PHOTO CAPTION



DSC_3384: National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun (right) receiving the Republic of Niger, Minister of Petroleum and scribe of the country’s governing Party for Democracy and Socialism (PNDS-Tarayya) Foumakoye Gado, when the latter paid a courtesy visit on the APC National Chairman at the Party’s National Secretariat on Wednesday in Abuja.

*Saraki Accepts Chief of Staff's Resignation*

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has accepted the resignation from office of his Chief of Staff, Senator Isa Galaudu.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki said Galaudu first mentioned his decision to step down for personal reasons last November and that they both agreed on his final exit at the end of January.

Saraki thanked the outgoing Chief of Staff for his commitment and dedication to duty while also directing the Deputy, Hon. Gbenga Makanjuola to act in that position pending the appointment of a substantive Chief of Staff.

*FCDA Did Not Pay Us Any Money as Rent, Says NASS Leadership*

The leadership of the National Assembly yesterday dismissed as outright falsehood a claim in a report credited to a group known as Citizen Action to Take Back Nigeria (CATBAN) and published by an online medium, Sahara Reporters, in which it was alleged that the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Speaker, Rt. Jon. Yakubu Dogara, and their deputies, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and Rt. Hon. Lasun Yusuff collected money from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) as rent for their accommodation.

In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Senate President on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, the leadership of the National Assembly stated that though the four presiding officers are legally entitled to official accommodation, they have been living in their personal residences and do not get paid by any federal government agency.

"There is no truth to the claim by this group. In fact, during the preparation of the budget, the Senate President and Speaker directed the FCDA to remove the ten billion naira voted for the construction of their official residence to save cost. The current leadership of the National Assembly will not be part of any illegal payment to anybody", stated Olaniyonu.

Signed

Yusuph Olaniyonu
Special Adviser ( Media and Publicity)

*Saraki Urges NGOs to Partner with Govt on North-East Crisis*

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has advised all humanitarian agencies and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) operating in the Northeast region of the country to always liaise with government agencies to help ease administrative bottlenecks in the cause of their duties.

The Senate President, while receiving the Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), Ms. Ertharin Cousin, who led other members of WFP to the National Assembly, urged humanitarian agencies to always collaborate with security agencies so as to ensure their safety at every point during their stay in the country.

While responding to comments by the WFP Executive Director, Saraki said such collaboration with different levels of governments in the country would help ease some of the administrative challenges the NGOs may encounter in their line of duty, especially on security and importation of their equipment.

According to the Senate President, "the collaborative efforts will help us play our part very well by providing the necessary counterpart initiatives", he said.

The Senate President also called for a sustained humanitarian effort to address the challenges facing Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Northeast, while urging the WFP to help ensure that the food crisis in the IDP camps are reduced.

Earlier, the WFP Executive Director complained that her organisation encountered some administrative bottlenecks in the importation of the equipment needed in the course of its duties and sought the intervention of the Senate President to ease the challenges.

Ms. Cousin said the WFP is providing high yield seedlings to the displaced persons in the Northeast, explaining that the intervention is to ensure food security in the region.

She explained that over one million people had benefited in the provision of assorted seedlings and that between January and April this year the number would increase from 1.3 million to 1.8 million following the joint efforts with the various States' Ministries of Agriculture.

END
Signed:
Chuks Okocha
Special Assistant to the Senate President on Print Media

Tired of the recession in Nigeria?

Please follow the link to lend your support to #MadeInNigeria to get Nigeria out of recession.



https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/52608-made-in-nigeria-campaign

*SENATE PROCEEDINGS FOR THURSDAY 26TH JANUARY 2017*
#TodayInPlenary

Senate President Bukola Saraki leads the Senate Leadership into the Chambers and takes the Official Prayer.

Senator Kabir Marafa moves for the approval of the Votes and Proceedings of Wednesday 25th January, 2017. Senator Abubakar Sani Danladi seconds.


*MOTION*

1. Irregularities In The Award Of Contracts By Bureau Of Public Procurement (BPP).

Senator Dino Melaye notes that Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) wrote a Letter of No Objection to contract requests of the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing (FMPWH) but later wrote that it cant be granted.

Senate notes that BPP contravened the Public Procurement Act and directly awarded over-inflated contracts to companies not recommended.

Senator Dino Melaye points out that this is just one of the many irregularities that the Bureau of Public Procurement is doing.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu seconds the motion on the irregularities in the awards of contracts by the Bureau of Public Procurement.

Senator Barnabas Gemade also lends his voice to the motion. He says the dry season should be used well for construction.

Senate President Bukola Saraki puts the question and Senate directs the Public Procurement Committee to carry out a comprehensive investigation.


*POINT OF ORDER*

Senator David Umaru who chairs the Judiciary Committee raises a Point of Order informing the Senate that Federal Judges are not owed Salaries.


*CONSIDERATION OF BILL*

Senator Baba Kaka Bashir opens the floor on the 2017Budget. He speaks on the travails of the people of Borno State and the North East in general.
Senator Mohammed Hassan speaks on retained revenue, development indices and tasks Committees to look at the 2017Budget estimates line by line.

Senator Abdullahi Adamu commends President Muhammad Buhari for narrowing the gap between recurrent and capital expenditures.

Senator Adamu says Nigeria should prepare for any difference in policy of the USA due to the new administration in place.

Senator Adamu supports borrowing for development but seeks more funding for Agriculture. He also expects railway development in the North Central.

Minority Leader Senator Godswill Akpabio now takes the Floor. He says "the 2017 Budget might end up as a Budget of Stagnation instead of Growth".

Senator Akpabio says that the 2017 Budget will rather threaten development due to plans for local and foreign borrowing.

Senator Akpabio adds that the militancy challenge of the Niger Delta must be resolved to ensure Government meets its targeted revenue projections.

Senator Akpabio cautions that we will be digging a deeper hole in 2017 through the 2017 Budget to fill existing holes.

Senator Ibrahim Gobir speaks on the 2017 Budget capital expenditure estimates for defense, agriculture, health, social security et al.

Senator Gobir insists that we should only borrow for developmental purposes and not for consumption. #2017Budget.

Senator Garba Binta speaks on the need for critical infrastructure development, diversification and provisions in the 2017 Budget for the North East.

Senator Garba Binta says the MTEF spanning 3Years that was recently passed must be used to adjudge the budget.

Senator George Akume speaks on the high inflation rate of 18% adding that the several foreign exchange rates are creating confusion.

Senator Akume speaks on the need to ensure rail development in the North Central and supports the development of the North East.
#2017Budget.

Senator Shaaba Lafiagi says the Rice Anchor Borrower's Programme by the Central Bank should be expanded to include other crops to stem importation.

Senator Ben Murray Bruce speaks on the foreign exchange regime with an analogy of 9 Songs by 9Bands & 9Dances playing same time. #CommonSense

Senator Ben Murray Bruce says a Mortgage Housing Scheme from Pension Funds payable via single digit interest rates over 20Yrs be made available.

Senator Yahaya Abdulahi tasks Senate Committees on due diligence in the course of the passage of the 2017 Budget into law.

Senator Yahaya Abdulahi speaks on the need to ensure ongoing projects are finished and finished projects paid for. He also harps on Reorientation.

Senator Abdullahi Gumel thanks President Muhammadu Buhari for the 2017 Budget. He speaks on the need for functional Local Government Administration and Housing.

Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim says he is happy about the increase in the capital expenditure in the 2017 Budget over previous budgets.

Senator Bukar Ibrahim adds that the estimate for Solid Minerals should be increased and that free, compulsory basic education be encouraged.

Senator Nazif Suleiman tasks the Senate to work assiduously toward the passage of the 2017 Budget. He also speaks on the need for an open budgetary process via public hearings on the different sectors by Committees. He also comments on Job Creation and Skill Acquisition.

Senator Adesoji speaks on the need to entrench stronger institutions to ensure the 2017 Budget implementation. He also expresses fear on the deficit.

Senator Adesoji tasks Government on improving the tax system and commends the executive for the N50 Billion Textile Industry Intervention Fund.

Senator Kabiru Gaya notes that the 2017 Budget can actually be financed by looted funds that have been recovered and not necessarily by loan.

Senator James Manager notes that the 2017 Budget should indeed be focused at stimulating the private sector. He adds that Nigeria must be serious with diversification and increase allocations to agriculture & tourism. He harps on the need to sue for peace in the Niger Delta.

Senators Hope Uzodinma and Ben Uwajumogwu comment on the projected impact of the 2017 Budget on the people.

Senator Omo Agege believes the 2017 Budget is good for business and will bring us out of recession noting the 24% increase in capital expenditure.

Senator Ahmed Abubakar speaks on the need to optimize taxation to improve revenue generation for the 2017 Budget.

Senator Theodore Orji commends the 2017 Budget for plans for Public Private Partnership (PPP) Small and Medium scale Enterprise (SMEs) funds to boost product export and payment of debts.

Senator Orji says the allocation to Agriculture is paltry and should be increased. He also harps on the need for peace in the Niger Delta.

Senator Jonah Jang says the Senate should redirect priorities to ensure that the 2017 Budget helps recover Nigeria from recession.

Senator Foster Ogola says the 2017 Budget does not favour the Niger Delta and that the budget should have an economic recovery master plan.

Senator Yusuf Abubakar notes that looking at Foreign Exchange rates, the 2017 Budget is smaller than the 2016Budget and we need to look at the fiscal policy.

Senator Gbolahan Dada notes that the Lagos-Kano rail line doesnt cut through some important states & speaks on the need to buy #MadeInNigeria.

Senator Abdulllahi Danbaba says its necessary to define the 2017 Budget objectives but fears if we will be able to achieve revenue targets.

Senator Mustapha Bukar says Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has to be reviewed through consumption of Made In Nigeria goods and funds in Central bank should be pumped into the economy.

Senator Danjuma La'ah says the implementation of the 2016 Budget is poor; expressing fear on the implementation of the 2017 Budget when passed.

Senator Isiaka Adeleke1 is impressed with Special Programmes, Housing Plans and allocations for Bank Of industry and Bank Of Agriculture. He says oil target is realistic.
Senator Isiaka Adeleke1 points out on Power that some Electriçity Distribution companies (DISCOs) remitted less than they earned while challenging Senate on budget process reform.

Senators Jeremiah Useni and Abubakar Sani Danladi also commented on the 2017 Budget.

Senator Gershom Bassey notes that the 2017 Budget is smaller than last year's. He tasks the Central bank of Nigeria to come up with more complimenting policies.

Senator Ahmed Ogembe speaks on the need to revamp the Ajaokuta Steel Industry which has the potentials to create as much as three (3) Million jobs.
Senator Ahmed Ogembe adds that the recurrent expenditure in the 2017 Budget should be reduced and capital expenditure adequately increased.

Senator Obinna Ogba says the 2017 Budget allocation to youth development is abysmally low and fears the short and long term consequences.

Senator Ogba notes that more projects should be included for the South East. He also speaks on the need for a South East Development Commission.

Senator Abdulaziz Nyako speaks on the need to increase the 2017 Budget allocation for National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to take adequate care of Internally Displaced persons (IDPs) in the North East.

Senator Isah Misau says it is beyond just bringing the 2017 Budget but about actual implementation of the figures in the budget. He laments on the activities of Procurement Officers. He says Senate must monitor the N500 Billion Social Intervention Funds and also halt ephemeral purchases.

Senator Isah Misau insists that the Senate should hold the allocation of agencies under Federal Government officials accused of corruption and diverting funds.

Senator Andy Uba speaks on the need to sustain peace in the Niger Delta in order to ensure increased oil production.
#2017Budget

Senator Uba also speaks on need to increase allocation towards completing the second Niger Bridge.

The 2017 Budget now passes Second reading in the Senate. Senate President Bukola Saraki refers it to the Appropriations Committee and other Sub-Committees.

Senate President Bukola Saraki thanked all Senators for their contributions on the 2017 Budget as its committed to the Appropriations Committee and Others.
Senate President Bukola Saraki charges Senators to objectively review revenue projections and expenditure proposals of the 2017 Budget.

Senate President Bukola Saraki says the 2017 Budget will lay a foundation for economic recovery as we push towards encouraging made in Nigeria goods.

Senate President Bukola Saraki charges committees to be vigilant and look out for duplication of expenditures on items such as computers and cars.

Senate President Bukola Saraki also charges his distinguished colleagues to ensure they block leakages and see to independent revenues by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Senate President Bukola Saraki also tasks Senators to focus on ensuring infrastructures are adequately budgeted for.

Senate President Bukola Saraki adds that the 2017 Budget process will include innovations such as public hearings on the 2017Budget.

Senate President Bukola Saraki also asks Senators to ensure equitable distribution of projects across all zones and make the 2017Budget even better.

Senate President Bukola Saraki announces the reshuffling of the leadership of some Senate Committees.

1. SDG Committee Chairman - Senator Atai Aidoko

2. Interior Committee Chairman - Senator George Sekibo

3. INEC Committee Chairman - Senator Ali Ndume

4. Defense Committee Chairman - Senator Abu Kyari

5. FERMA Committee - Senator Magnus Abe

*ADJOURNMENT*

Senate Leader, Ahmed Lawan now moves that other items on the Order Paper be stepped down to another Legislative day. Senate President Bukola Saraki puts the question and Plenary is adjourned to Tuesday 21st February, 2017 to allow the Committee Work on the 2017Budget.

#GavelBangs

*Leave Me Out of Baseless Rumour, Says Saraki*

My attention has been drawn to a speculation on some online media about supposed meeting of some Governors who held Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to ransom and sought for Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki to take over the Presidency.

My first initial reaction was to ignore this empty rumour but after being inundated with calls from across the country and abroad, it became necessary for me to make clarifications from our own end.

It is a good thing that the Presidency had dismissed the speculation and showed that there is no substance to it. However, i feel it should be known that those behind this baseless, empty and unintelligent mischief are those who do not love this country.

Such suggestions as contained in the speculation can only bring ill-will, disunity and crisis to the country and i therefore advise the sponsors to desist immediately. More importantly, these trouble makers should refrain from linking Senator Saraki's name to their evil plot.

*LG Service Commission Holds Parley with the Union Leaders; Promises Better Welfare*

The Board of the Local Government Service Commission headed by Hajia Adebayo Nike Sarat in their quest to finding lasting solutions to the various challenges confronting the LG organized a meeting with the various staff unions under the commission. The meeting was well attended by the leaders of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Medical and Health Union of Nigeria, Kwara State Chapter, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Kwara State Local Government Pensioners Association of Nigeria.

The union leaders sang a solidarity song for the Chairman, LG Service Commission, Hajia Adebayo Nike Sarat and other members of the Board in recognition of her participatory role as one of them. This was immediately after the opening prayer by Comrade Ibrahim Fatai Agboola Balogun aka Mr. FAB which was followed by the general introduction.

The Permanent Secretary of the Commission in his opening remark eulogised the Executive Chairman LG Service Commission. She referred to her as a Comrade who associates herself with the union activities and as a woman who has deep passion for the Labour Unions.

The Executive Chairman, started her address with a solidarity song and sounded very elated to associate with the Labour Union (NULGE).

The meeting we basically centred on ways for the Commission to collaborate, sensitize, cooperate and to form a synergy with the Labour Unions for the success of the Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed led administration.

"The Labour Union is a factor to reckon with for the success of any administration", she added.

The Chairman also took time to explained the State of things at the Commission and the level of things in the State.

While talking about the reforms mapped out by her Commission, Hajia Sarat said: "I share in your plight because we are one big family. We want to work with you on how to move the LG forward for the benefit of all and to regain the known integrity of the LG."

She urged the Union Leaders to exhibit professionalism that will enhance productivity at the Local Government.

"It is a pity the economy recession has bitten harder and more felt at the local government areas but very soon we shall get out of this. It is temporary and not permanent. The Executive Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed has promised to do more to assist the local government to give it more life."

She noted that the union and the workforce remain a very strong body and even the engine room of any government.

She urged the local government workers through their Labour Union Leaders on Lateness, absenteeism, and on the need to change for better to add more value and move the State forward for the benefit of our unborn children.

The Chairman of the Commission, Hajia Sarat, promised better welfarism for the Local Government workers, and advised the Labour Leaders the need to talk to other members of the LG workforce to be up and doing.

On training, she was optimistic that things will get better soon and necessary training and retraining will be made available to staffers.

On promotion, she assured that the Local Government 2016 promotion letters will be out next week and 2017 promotion exercise will start soonest.

At the meeting, she dwelled extensively on the need for the autonomy of the LG to improve the quality of governance as the third tier of government. This, she said, was in line with the political will of the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki to pave way for legislation for easy passage of the bill.

She however, noted that the Commission shall embark on familiarization tour very soon to the local government councils. She therefore, charged the Union Leaders to monitor their followers to enhance more productivity.

Hajia Sarat commended the retirees and pensioners for their understanding and selfless services they have rendered to the state and shared in their plights. She assured that their coming onboard will surely change things for the better for all.

LG Desk Officers in charge of the Pensioners were charged to improve on their work or get replaced to cater for the yearning of the Senior Citizens.

On retirement, she urged that the list of intending retirees for each year should be submitted not later than February of that same year for onward processing. She disclosed that there shall be seminars and conferences for the intending retirees to guide them on life after service.

In her speech, Hajia Sarat appreciated the Political Leader of Kwara State, the Senate President Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (Advocacy for Better Society - ABS) and the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed (Sai Maigida) for being gender friendly Leaders. It was noted that her appointment as Chairman of the Commission marked the first of it kind for a woman to head such position in Kwara State.

Hajia Sarat appreciated the union leaders for honouring the call and banked on the hope that they will give her the necessary support to move the LG councils forward in discharging both the community and social services to the people.

She sought for their cooperation, advice, support, as her seat remains a temporary one but any mark left will definitely remain indelible.

She urged the different unions to be united in their plans and actions to always achieve the desired results.

The Chairman NANAM, Kwara State Chapter, called for a repeat of this meeting from time to time.

One of the NULGE executives called for the extension of beneficiary of the training to cover also the staffers between levels 1 - 7.
Also called for the recalculation of training fund from monthly allocation at the JAAC meeting. There were deliberations on the house loan and the National Housing Fund for the LG workers.

The Union Leaders commended Governor Ahmed on the regular promotion of the LG workers and urge the government to sustain it. They equally called for more enabling environment for the workers, while joined the retirees in their plight, called on Governor Ahmed to look their side and stop the dichotomy between them and their counterparts in the State level.

The union leaders called on the government to put the Pensioners as the First Class citizens in the work force of the state and the LG. The call became necessary because the Pension House remains the final abode to all serving workers of both the State and the the ones in the LGA. Saying, "Rest is Sweet after Labour."

In all, the union leaders assured the Commission of their support and cooperation.

Alhaji S. A. Ahmed Former DPM of Ilorin West, described the Executive Chairman, Hajia Sarat as an intelligent, hardworking, gallant, tough and strong woman of many virtues whom she has worked with for many years at the LG before his retirement many years back. He prayed to God Almighty to strengthen, guide and protect Hajia Sarat in her new assignment as the Executive Chairman of the LG Service Commission.

The Chairman while reacting to the various points raised by the union leaders, noted that a committee will be set up including one representative each from the LG unions to look into the problem of Insurance and National Housing Fund of the LG.

Hajia Risikat Abdullah, the Permanent Commissioner Member l, of the LG Service Commission, assured the union leaders and the entire LG workers that things will improve with their new Board at the Commission.

Sarat remains the first woman ever to head the LG Service Commission in Kwara State.

The Permanent Secretary in his votes of thanks appreciated the Executive Chairman and the cooperation of the Union Leaders. He described Hajia Sarat led Board in the Commission as the best he has ever worked with in his entire career.
He, therefore, called for a special prayers for the Chairman and her other Board Members to succeed in their given assignment at the LG Service Commission.

*Senate Proceedings for Wednesday 25th January, 2017*

#TodayInPlenary


Senate President Bukola Saraki leads the Senate Leadership into the Plenary and takes the official prayer.


Chief Whip, Senator Olusola Adeyeye calls the Senate to Order for Plenary to begin. 

Senator Wamakko Aliyu moves for the approval of Votes and Proceedings of Tuesday 24th January, 2017. Senator Matthew Urhoghide seconds.


*Announcement*

Senate President, Bukola saraki welcomes the visiting students of the University of Benin Students' Union to the Senate.

 
*Petitions*

Senators George Sekibo, Ben Uwajumogu and Senator

Ohuabunwa present petitions from their respective constituencies.

The Petitions are all related to the Senate #EthicsPPPCttee for further legislative action.

Senator Dino Melaye raises a Point of Order on infraction and corruption between the Federal Ministry of Works, Power and Housing (FMPWH) the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) on selected contracts.

Senator Dino Melaye speaks on the FMPWH road contracts already given out, revoked, and subsequently inflated by the BPP.

Senator Dino Melaye says the Senate will continue to point it out when they see or smell corruption.

Senate President, Bukola Saraki notes the Point of Order and puts the question for Senate to take the Point of Order at the next Legislative day.

 
*Consideration of a Bill - The #2017Budget*


Senate President Bukola Saraki now calls on Distinguished Senators to make their individual contributions to the #2017Budget.

Senator Olanrewaju Tejuoso speaks on the need to have at least 1% allocation of the #2017Budget to the Health Sector.

Senator Tejuoso also harps on the need for increased personnel provisions for salaries to avoid incessant strikes in health sector in 2017.

Senator Nelson Effiong speaks on the focus of the #2017Budget on local workforce. He commends the 5% VAT which will build investor confidence.

Senator Effiong also commends the increase in budgetary allocations of the Amnesty Programme from N45B in 2016 to N65B in #2017Budget.

Senator George Sekibo speaks on the low capital expenditure in the #2017budget while warning that Nigeria is indeed broke and has no money.

Senator Sekibo says there is an increased personnel cost in the #2017budget even when we say we are saving costs and says contractors should be paid.


Senator Bassey Akpan laments the high #2017budget deficit and the poor management of foreign exchange rates, fiscal and monetary policies.

Senator Bassey however commends the increased #2017budget allocation towards increasing Agricultural Production.

Senator Gbenga Ashafa commends the Executive for bringing the #MTEF in good time as well as keying-in to the revamp of railways.


Senator Gbenga Ashafa says we must compare the #Budget2016 performance with the estimated allocations in the #2017Budget.

Senator Gbenga Ashafa adds that President Muhammadu Buhari should tell Nigerians how much funds they have recovered in order to ensure transparency

Senator Shehu Sani says he hopes the allocation to Education in the #2017Budget will address the basic issues in the sector.

Senator Yele Omogunwa speaks on the factual data & statistics of unemployed, widows et al for National Planning and #2017budget implementation.

Senator Omogunwa notes that Budgets doesn't have maximal impact due to corruption. He says corruption should be legalized/liberalized then.

Senator Jide Omoworare speaks on the need to reduce recurrent and increase capital expenditure. He says Government has to spend more.

#2017budget

Senator Jide Omoworare add that the allocations for Bank of Industry and Bank of Agriculture should be increased as we move towards diversification, PPP and Concessioning.


"The Peace in the Niger Delta Region should be sustained and the time line on #MTEF and Budgets be reviewed." -Senator Jide Omoworare

Senator Jide Omoworare says there is a need to look at developmental planning from the past and improve on it for the future.

Senators Wamakko Aliyu and Phillip Aduda also comment on the #2017Budget. Senator Aduda speaks on infrastructure development in the FCT.

Senator Jibrin Barau focuses more on allocations to education in the #2017Budget. He says the recently created universities need more funds.

Senator Mao Ohuabunwa speaks on the need to ensure implementation of the National Health Act and increase allocations to Health Sector.

Senator Ohuabunwa also says Power is indeed important and should be removed from the FMPWH. He also speaks on the need for Youth Development.

Senator Dino Melaye says "truth be told, the #2017Budget is too ambitious" and that "we borrow to swagger". He harps on Agric. development.

Senator John Enoh speaks as a professional in developmental economics focusing on the need to increase salaries and wages; high personnel costs; deficit budget; borrowing and revenue projections towards the implementation of the #Budget2017.

Senator Ali Ndume raises a Point of Order that he hasn't been called for his contributions on the #2017Budget.

Senate President Bukola Saraki says he is following the list before him and he will call Senator Ndume in due time.

Senator Biodun Olujimi asks about the success or otherwise of the Treasury Savings Account. She says the Federal Government is paying lip service to diversification.

Senator Emmanuel Bwacha asks "who precisely is the #2017Budget meant for - Nigerians or the foreigners that have moved into Nigeria?".

Senator Solomon Yayi Adeola says he is surprised that the #Budget2016 of 'Change' has metamorphosed into the #2017Budget of 'Recovery and Growth'.

Senator Adeola speaks on the need for the National Assembly Budget and Research Office to vet the #2017Budget statistics from the Executive.

Senator Alimikhena says allocations for Housing Sector, the Benin-Okene road dualisation and the Inland Waterways be increased.

Senator Bala Ibn Na'Allah says the foundation for the debate on the #2017Budget was laid from the #MTEF passed by the Senate.

Senator Na'Allah says distinguished Senators are indeed speaking their mind on revenue and expenditure expectations from the #2017Budget.

Senator Matthew Urhoghide speaks on the non-implementation of the Abuja Declaration on allocations to the Health Sector.

Senator Urhoghide says the 8th Senate owes Nigerians a duty to do the right thing by allocating for basic health infrastructures #2017budget.

Senator Sola Adeyeye says Nigeria is a pathetically poor country with an entire education budget of N448B being 20% of that of Harvard University.

Senator Adeyeye says there is increased debt servicing in the #2017budget. He says the Cost of Government must be reduced.

Senator Adeyeye also says we must strengthen our private sector. Power, Road, Railway and Refinery Infrastructure must be developed.

Senator Ali Wakil speaks on the need for road and power infrastructure for his people in Bauchi State.


Senator Abu Ibrahim appreciates President Muhammadu Buhari for plans towards stabilizing the country. He speaks on Social Intervention Plans.

Senator Ali Ndume says that the budget passed annually by the Senate so far lacks details. He says Senators need to know the sub-heads.

Senator Ndume adds that there must still be increased allocations towards the humanitarian crisis in the North East.

Senators Clifford Ordia and Atai Aidoko also comment on the #2017Budget regarding solid minerals and diversification of the economy.

Senators Ibrahim Kurfi and Robert Boroffice speak on the #2017budget. Senator Boroffice speaks on Industrialization and revamping Free Trade Zones.

Senator Buhari Abdulfatai speaks on the need for actual implementation of the #2017budget and build power, road and rail infrastructures.

Senate Leader moves that Senate suspend its relevant rules so they can sit beyond 2pm. Minority Leader seconds.


Senator Sam Anyanwu says Nigeria has to come out of recession. He says Power Infrastructure needs to be sorted.

 
Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi says about 45% of youths are unemployed and asks what programmes are being arranged for these youths.


Senator Abdullahi says the Senate should play its part towards ensuring Nigeria moves out of Recession.

Senator Ty Kaura speaks on the need to narrow the disparity in exchange rates, diversification and how to prioritize as we are in recession.

Senator Emmanuel Paulker says it is dangerous that the success of the #2017Budget rests on external factors i.e. access to loans.

Senator David Umaru speaks on the Suleja-Minna Road; board appointments and allocations to National Emergency Management Agency. He asks if Zero Budgeting was used.

Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso speaks on the need for the Senate to ensure the passage of the #2017Budget as soon as possible.
 
*Adjournment*

Senate Leader now moves that Plenary be adjourned to the next Legislative day to continue #2017Budget debate.

Minority Leader seconds.

Senate President Bukola Saraki puts the question and plenary is adjourned toThursday 26th January, 2017.

#TodayInPlenary
*NIGERIAN SENATE PROCEEDINGS FOR TUESDAY 24TH JANUARY, 2017.*

Senate President Bukola Saraki leads the Senate Leadership into Plenary. He takes the Official Prayers.

*EXECUTIVE SESSION*
Senate moves into an executive session.
Senate resumes from its closed door session.
Senate President Bukola Saraki reports progress that at the closed session, deliberations were taken on issues bothering on the workings of the Senate in particular and the National Assembly in general.

*APPROVAL OF VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS*
Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso moves for the approval of the Votes and Proceedings of Thursday, 19th January, 2017. Senator Rose Oko seconds.

*EXECUTIVE COMUNICATION*
1. Senate President Bukola Saraki reads a letter from President Muhammadu Buhari on the re - nomination of Mr. Ibrahim Magu for confirmation as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes and other related offences Commission EFCC.

2. Senate President Bukola Saraki reads another letter from President Buhari on its decision of 15th December, 2016 reached on the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engr. Babachir Lawal on the Mounting Humanitarian Crisis in the North - East.
In his letter, President Buhari notes that he's unable to act on the Senate recommendations on SGF Engr. Babachir Lawal based on the following reasons;
i. The letter says only 3 out of the 9 members of the Ad-hoc Committee appended their signature to the report and thus makes it a minority report.
ii. It also states that Engr. Babachir Lawal was not given an opportunity to defend himself before the Ad-hoc Committee.
iii. The Company alleged to be owned by Mr. Babachir Lawal was not invited to defend itself on the allegations laid since its decision forms the fulcrum of the Senate's resolution on the committee report.

*ANNOUNCEMENTS*
1. Senate President announces that the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC invites distinguished Senators of the Nigerian Senate to contribute to the ongoing constitution review.

2. Senate President Bukola Saraki also announces a meeting of the Northern Senators Forum and a meeting of the All Progressives Congress National Assembly Caucus.

*POINT OF ORDER*
1. Senator Shehu Sani raises a point of order on the letter from President Buhari on the Senate recommendations on the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engr. David Babachir Lawal and says “everything in that letter is a lie”. Senator Sani adds that "Corruption in the Judiciary & others is treated with Insecticide while corruption in the Government (Executive) is treated with deodorant.”
Senator Sani further stated that Engr. Babachir Lawal was invited before the committee and his Permanent Secretary received the letter and acknowledged receipt while also stating that adverts appeared in three newspapers where Engr. Lawal and others connected were also invited. Senator Sani says he will make available a copy of the invitation letter sent to SGF Babachir Lawal to the Clerk of the Senate.

2. Senator Dino Melaye raises a point of order on the cyber space attack in the last one week. He says provocative pictures and videos from the Rwandan Genocide are being circulated and labelled as those Killed in #SouthernKaduna. Senator Melaye notes that such pictures and statements from clerics can lead to religious crisis.
Senate President Bukola Saraki notes the petition and urged increased tolerance to avert crisis.

3. Senator Mao Ohuabunwa says security agencies must be called to order to avoid civil unrest and break down of law and order. "We are in a democracy, killings in Onitsha, Enugu, PH and others by security agencies are getting rampant". – Senator Ohuabunwa

*PRESENTATION OF REPORTS*
1. The Report of the Committee on Customs and Excise on the Nigerian Customs Service Management Act Bill 2017 (SB.247) is laid.

2. The Report of the Committee on Ethics and Privileges and Public Petitions on several petitions before the Committee is laid.

*CONFIRMATION OF NOMINATION*
Senate Leader Ahmed Lawan reads President Buhari's request on the confirmation of the nomination of Mr. Aghatise Erediauwa for re-appointment as Executive Director of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC). he Nomination is hereby referred to the Committee on Banking, Insurance and other financial institutions for further legislative input.

*CONSIDERATION OF BILL - #2017BUDGET*
A Bill for an Act to authorize the issue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation - Total sum of N7,298,507,709,937 with Statutory Transfers of N419,020,684,000, Debt Servicing of N1,663,885,430,499, Sinking Fund for Maturing Bonds: N177,460,296,707, Recurrent (Non-Debt) Expenditure: N2,979,151,756,196 and Contribution to the Development Fund for Capital Expenditure: N2,058,989,578,536. #2017BUDGET

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe opens the floor. In his contribution to the #2017Budget, he says the more things change the more they remain the same. "We are nation that joke a lot; we are going in the wrong direction. N1.3B is too outrageous for catering equipment. Every year, computers are budgeted for" – Senator Abaribe. He adds that 5 BMW cars, 5 Toyota Land Cruisers, etc. are outrageous.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu says "We have started well, no missing #2017Budget, all information produced, improvement arising from the last budget. I have a problem with the social intervention program; it is not sustainable with the tax regime". Senator Ekweremadu says that we continue to borrow without industrialisation as 30% of the budget will be used to service debt in 2018.

Senator Barnabas Gemade says regardless of the recession, we can balance borrowing with revenue. Senator Gemade says BOI and BOA should be major players and development bank should be involved to boost the economy. #2017Budget

Senator Rose Oko speaks in support of the #2017Budget by making references to the oil price regime, barrel per allocation, cost of production and exchange rate. Senator Joshua Lidani commends President Buhari on the #2017budget and says that it will go a long way in promoting growth to develop the economy. "FG has no business in funding schools, it should be the States. Substantial grants should be allocated to the power sector." - Senator Lidani

Senator Chukwuka Utazi says the essence of having supplementary budget is to make up for shortfalls. He notes that N50b is too small for education. He adds that N140bn is also too much for the Defence Ministry as such an amount should go into job creation and youth empowerment. #2017Budget

Senators Suleiman Adokwe and Fatimat Raji-Rasaki also take turns to contribute to the #2017Budget. Senate President Bukola Saraki takes more contributions and says that further deliberations on the #2017Budget will continue tomorrow.

Senate Leader Ahmed Lawan moves that other items on the Order Paper be stepped down to another legislative day. Senate President Bukola Saraki puts the question and plenary is adjourned to Wednesday 25th January, 2016.

#GavelBangs

THE RAILWAY REVOLUTION WE NEED - Senator 'Gbenga Ashafa

 

Dear Nigerians, Let me seize this opportunity to once again wish you a Happy New Year. Indeed 2016 was a very challenging year for all of us, but I believe that with the efforts of both the Government and the private Sector, we should experience a more prosperous 2017.

 

Towards the end of last year, Nigeria was and is still faced with a major transportation challenge to wit: the impending closure of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. This impending closure is attributed to the urgent need to rehabilitate the only runway servicing the airport.

 

From Thursday 12th January 2017 to Tuesday, 17th January, 2017, the Nigerian Senate engaged the stakeholders in the Sector with a view to considering other options available to the millions of Nigerians that would be affected by the Six Week Closure of the airport. The whole essence of this engagement was to find the least stressful alternative that would benefit the country.

 

I have given the forgoing preamble mainly to further underscore the need to quickly and speedily reinvigorate our Rail Transportation Sector, in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Railway Bill, 2016. To achieve this, our counterparts in the House of Representatives will have to hasten up to pass their version of the Bill so that the harmonised version can then be forwarded to Mr. President for his assent.

 

You will recall that the Nigerian Senate on July 21, 2016 passed the Nigerian Railway Corporation Bill, 2016. The new bill is poised to replace the antiquated Railway Corporation Act of 1955.

 

The new railway bill sponsored by Senator Andy Uba from Anambra state laid the ground work for the reengineering which the Senate Committee on Land Transport which I chair had to do to achieve the quality of the legislation that was eventually passed. I must once again commend my colleagues on the committee and the technical committee that worked with us leading to the passage of the Nigerian Railway Bill, 2016.

 

Basically, the passed bill is a departure from the old order, which shut private investors out of the railway business. The new bill, among other things, seeks to open up the railway business to private investors, and to distinguish the regulator – which is the government – from the operator.

 

I remain a strong believer in the primacy of the railway. It is my belief as well that the Railways remain a critical infrastructure that will extenuate Nigeria’s motley transportation problems. Hence, I am dedicated to leading the charge for the “revolutionalisation” of the system.

 

Last year, I expressed my thoughts on the same subject in an essay entitled, ‘Time has come to open up our railway to private participation’, which was published a few days before the passage of the bill in July 2016. Given the situation we have found ourselves in now, I deem it necessary to quote some of the thoughts expressed therein, hereunder.

 

“Government after government has invested even more in road expansion projects. The result as can be observed in the case of Lagos and Abuja has been a gradual occupation of the expanded roads with more cars. This is attributable to rural-urban migration as well as population explosion across the nation,”.

 

“Mass transit remains a very pivotal aspect of the development of any city. It plays a critical role in enhancing productivity of the state by ensuring the movement of the largest number of people from point A to Point B within the shortest possible time. It also reflects the quality of life and the value placed on the unit citizen by any responsible government.

 

“You will agree with me that the most effective means of transporting large quantities of humans, goods and services within any country is via rail. This is why whenever the topic of mass transit is discussed; rail transportation must be given its pride of place.”

 

Now, with the impending closure of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, a frontal focus on the railway is more than ever germane. The goal is not to have just functional railways, but to have trains that are as fast and effective as those we see outside Nigeria.

 

I believe that the private sector has a pivotal role to play in turning around the fortunes of the Nigerian Railway System. To achieve this, the Senate has taken the lead in giving the executive the requisite Legislative Support to attract Foreign and local investments into the sector. This was the prime goal, when the Senate committee on Land Transport, worked round the clock to ensure the passage of the Railway Bill in good time.

 

 

The imminent total closure of the second busiest airport in Nigeria has caused unrest for many Nigerians and foreigners going by their outcry. Imagine if we had an effective rail system whereby cities, states and communities are linked.  A sturdy railway system or a faster train traversing the Abuja to Kaduna corridor, the consequences of the total closure  of the Abuja Airport would be minimal and frequent travelers might not feel much pain or discomfort.

 

The time for linking every Nigerian artery by rail is now.



Senator Gbenga Ashafa represents the good and industrious people of Lagos East Senatorial District in the Senate. He is also the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Land Transport.

-- 

Atiba Temitope.
Senior Legislative Aide

Today on ‪#BillTracker: Nigerian Political Debates Commission Bill‪#PolDebateBill SB. 101 sponsored by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North)



*Track Record*

First Reading -Thursday 15th October, 2016

Second Reading - Wednesday 12th October, 2016

 
*Current Status*:

‪#PolDebateBill SB. 101 has been forwarded to the Committee on INEC and Establishment for further Legislative action.


“The ‪#PolDebateBill is to establish a Commission to be responsible for the organization of Debates for Candidates of Political Parties.”

“The ‪#PolDebateBill Commission to be created will ensure that Presidential and Gubernatorial Candidates as well as their running mates debate”

“The ‪#PolDebateBill when passed will strengthen Nigeria's democracy and bring it in conformity with worldwide practice in other democracies”

“The USA had its first Presidential debates as far back as 1960 and it was broadcast live with 66Million Viewers”

“Debates are part of the de facto election process even in the USA as candidates' performance determines votes”

“Regular Debates enables electorates know about the personality of the candidates and their characteristics to national issues.”

“The Debate will be used to sample the candidates' knowledge on issues such as economy, education, health et al”

‪”#PolDebateBill will allow insight into candidates' response to pressure and will also ensure agenda setting for the winner of the election”

‪#PolDebateBill will offer electorate the chance of voting along ideological lines and not on ethnic or religious allegiances”


“Kenya for example has a mandatory debate for presidential hopefuls; Nigeria should copy this through the ‪#PolDebateBill SB 101”


“The ‪#PolDebateBill will also strengthen the Nigerian election debate and stop the gale of candidates boycotting debates”


“Ultimately, ‪#PolDebateBill will offer a chance to evaluate election candidates and lead to development of strong democratic institutions”


“The ‪#PolDebateBill will also neutralize the patronage system that makes ascension to power turbulent”

*Group Lauds Senate Over Pro-masses Acts*
...Passes Vote of Confidence On Saraki

A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), the Umuigbo Progressive Network, at the weekend lauded the Nigerian Senate for its proactive and pro-masses action even as it passed a vote of confidence on Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki's for his progressive leadership style.

The group noted that since its inauguration in June 2015, the 8th Senate has continued to pursue legislative actions that will promote economic diversification, boost business-sector growth, investor-driven economy, encourage Infrastructural development, build the confidence of investors, adherence to the rule of law and strengthen constitutional democracy.

The Umuigbo Progressive Network in a letter jointly signed by its National President, Barr Obi Mac Oscar Uchenna and Public Relations Officer, Arch. Sylvester Ogbu, said the commendation became necessary in view of the many acts of the Senate tailored to address crucial issues with direct positive impact on the people.

"Amid the many challenges plaguing the Nation, Dr. Saraki has continued to be pro-people as seen in the activities of the National Assembly," the group said. "Under his leadership, we have seen the Senate sit up to the real business of legislation that have seen many bills, petitions, motions and oversight functions come alive.

"These legislative actions have been designed to: Promote economic diversification, boost business-sector growth and Investor-driven economy, encourage Infrastructural development, formulation of legislations that will build the confidence of investors and adhere to rule of law and practice of constitutional democracy.

"We applaud His Excellency, Dr. Bukola Saraki and the 8th Senate for their interventions in the following: Labour disputes, CBN Forex Policies, Excessive tuition fees for tertiary institutions, PMS Price crisis, NERC electricity tariff and Made In Nigeria Campaign.

"The Senate leadership under Dr. Saraki directed the Nigerian Customs to stop forthwith the planned ban on importation of cars through the land borders. This is not only pro-people but altruistic in every sense. The Senate has also in its bid to ensure it lives up to its bidding as 'the Senate of the People of Nigeria' tasked the Ministry of Aviation to find other means of retaining the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport billed for repairs other than moving the activities to Kaduna international Airport.

"This is to forestall the untold hardship this act will inflict on the Nigerian people, her visitors and the international community. The recent economic legislations passed by the Senate that will create about 7.5million jobs nationwide for our teeming young people is not only commendable but also historical. We are upbeat that Dr. Saraki’s Leadership of the Senate at this time is timely and most envisioned.

"The Ilorin-born lover of young people and Chairman of the National Assembly, promised Nigerians transformational economic policies in 2016 and these he has been doing meticulously despite the distractions that characterised his assumption of office."

While saying that the group passed a vote of confidence on Saraki for his visionary leadership, the group added: "It is on good record that, since his emergence as the Senate President, and in keeping to terms with the public mandate that produced him, he made it a point of duty to post daily activities of the upper legislative chamber.

"This feat is sui generic and in keeping to terms with the principle of running an open administration as the Senate of the people to enable input from members of the society and to show his commitment to transparency and public accountability. We trust you to continue to steer the ship of the National Assembly to transforming a Nigeria we will all be proud to call our own", the Umu Igbo group stated.

*Senate and its Compassionate Motions*





0

Motions and bills are the lubricants of democracy and democratic governance. They are the ingredients which the legislature uses to weave and sustain democracy.

A parliament is usually assessed by the number of motions, bills and other interventions from it that impact positively on the lives of citizens. Though motions are not laws, they are persuasive and tend to put pressure on the executive to do the bidding of the electorate.

The eighth Senate led by Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki has been consistent with issues that affect the members of the senatorial districts.

One motion in recent times that has raised a lot of concern is the one on the federal government’s directive banning the importation of vehicles through the land borders. The Senate reacted through a motion because of the dire consequences of the bill on Nigerians, especially, the immediate loss of over 500,000 jobs. It was in view of this that the Senate moved to halt the implementation of this directive.

In the motion, the Senate, mindful of the negative effect of the directive, called on the federal government to suspend action on enforcement of the ban on the importation of vehicles through land the borders. The motion sponsored by Barau Jibrin (APC-Kano) was co-sponsored by four other senators at plenary last week. It sought to mandate the Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariff to investigate the circumstances that led to the ban by the federal government.

In the lead debate on the motion, Jibrin said people engaged in the business of vehicle importation and handling services in the border areas were already losing their jobs. He maintained that it was not economically expedient to ban the importation of vehicles through the land borders based “on the allegation that the importation of vehicles through land borders no longer holds good prospect for the revenue generation because of large scale evasion of import duties.”

Jibrin said, “Rather than stop or suspend the importation of vehicles, it would make better economic sense to allow the importation of vehicles through one border post in each geopolitical zone.”

The chairman, Senate Committee on Poverty Alleviation, Senator Ali Wakili, while supporting the motion, said from his experience as a one-time controller of customs, “It will be very difficult for us to impose this ban. The Custom Service will be overstretched; there will be hostilities from the border communities and there will be rise in transnational crimes.”

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over plenary, in his remarks, said it was necessary for the federal government to revisit the policy, which many Nigerians were not comfortable with. He stated that because the government was accountable to the people, “the executive should yield to the concerns of the people by suspending the ban because we are in office at their instance.”

As a listening and compassionate legislature, the Senate under Saraki also raised an ad hoc committee last week to investigate the violence that took place in the southern part of Kaduna State and other places where violence has taken place recently. The resolution followed a motion by Senator Danjuma La’ah titled, “The recent killings in Southern Kaduna”.
The Senate said the investigation would cover other parts of the country with similar experiences.

The lead sponsor of the motion, La’ah, observed that since 2011, various communities in southern Kaduna had been consistently attacked by herdsmen, resulting in deaths, injuries, loss of property and displacement of communities. According to the lawmaker, on December 23, and “even as we speak, communities of Ambam, Gaska, Dangoma, Tsonje, Pasankori, Gidan Waya and Farin Gada of Jama’a and Kaura local government areas have been under serious attack by the herdsmen, resulting in deaths, injuries, and wanton destruction of property worth billions of naira.”

He noted that the killings amounted to violation of the right to life, security of human persons, the respect of dignity inherent in human beings and right to property, not only guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution, as amended, but also the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights and the International Convention on Civil and Political Right, of which Nigeria is a party.

According to the senator, “This deliberate systematic killing demands the awakening of Nigerians to avoid a repeat of what happened in Darfur, Sudan.”
La’ah urged the federal government to investigate the killings and bring the perpetrators to justice. He also prayed the Senate to urge the federal government to rebuild the ravaged cities of southern Kaduna; and establish a joint security patrol of military, police, civil defence and civilian JTF for constant patrols and surveillance of affected areas.

Saraki thanked La’ah for the motion, saying, it is noteworthy that the federal government, in obedience to the motion, has since deployed the military to maintain peace in the area.

Furthermore, in response to the humanitarian crisis in the Internally Displaced Persons camps in the north eastern part of the country, the Senate has constituted an eight-man ad-hoc committee to ascertain the funds that had been released to the Presidential Initiative on the North East and how the funds were disbursed.

In the motion preceding the setting up of the committee, titled “Mounting Humanitarian Crisis in the North East”, Senator Baba Kaka Bashir Garbai (APC:Borno) observed the unfolding humanitarian crisis in the North-east. He drew the attention of the Senate to a recent report by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), which stated that about 4.5 million people were in dire need of assistance with about a million people at the verge of extreme malnutrition.

In his contribution to debate, Senator Garbai recalled some of the concerted efforts the National Assembly had made to try to end the crisis. He highlighted that the Senate increased the amount allocated for IDPs in the 2016 budget from N 6 billion to N10 billion. He regretted that the Presidential Initiative on the North East inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 is yet to show any tangible result in ameliorating the humanitarian crisis in the North-east, despite the release of over half of the said sum appropriated and several donations by agencies and philanthropists.

Contributing to the motion, Sen. Joshua Lidani (PDP Gombe) also quoted a UNICEF report that stated that between seven and eight children would die of malnutrition daily if the matter was not addressed urgently. In addition to the Senate resolution, the lawmakers agreed to contribute N300, 000 each for the maintenance of IDPs in the North-east and investigate the alleged diversion of grains and other food items from the strategic grains reserves, NEMA and other sources for the IDPs.
— Okocha is Special Assistant to the President of Senate on Print Media.

*Senate Proceedings for Thursday, 19th January 2017*
#TodayInPlenary

 
Senate President, Bukola Saraki‪ leads the Senate Leadership into the Chambers and takes the Official Prayers.

Chief Whip, Senator Olusola Adeyeye calls the Senate to order for proceedings to begin.

Senator Binta Masi Garba‪ moves for the approval of votes and proceedings for Wednesday 18th January, 2017. Senator Gershom Bassey ‪seconds.


Senator Nelson Effiong (Akwa Ibom South) raises a Point of Order and officially decamps from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.



*Announcement*

Senate President, Bukola Saraki reads a Letter from President Muhammadu Buhari that he will be taking a 10-day leave effective from the 23rd January to 6th February 2017. ‪




*Point of Order*

Senator Utazi raises a Point of Order that a Joint Session of the National Assembly‪ must be briefed before Nigeria deploys troops to any nation.

Senate President Bukola Saraki ‪notes the Point of Order and guides the Senate accordingly on constitutional provisions regarding troop deployment.

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu adds that the approval of the National Assembly is needed before the actual point of troop deployment to any nation. #Gambia

Minority Leader Senator Akpabio raises a‪ Point of Order and speaks on the decamping of Senator Effiong from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress. Akpabio says that the PDP will review the earlier mandate they gave to Senator Nelson Effiong which he enjoys as a Distinguished Senator.



*Presentation of Reports*

1. The Report of the Joint Committees on Women Affairs, Health, Primary Health Care and Communicable Diseases on the oversight visit to Dalori IDP Camp is laid.

2. The Conference Committee Report with the ‪@HouseNGR on the Nigerian Peace Corps Bill ‪SB. 173 & 183 is also laid on the floor.

 
*Executive Communication*

Confirmation of Nomination request by Mr. President on the Nomination of Mr. Umaru Ibrahim for re-appointment as Managing Director Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) is referred to the Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions for further input.

*Consideration of Reports on Bills*

1. Adjourned Consideration of the ‪#INECBill Amendment 2017 SB. 231 & 234 ‪

Senate continues debate regarding direct/indirect primaries as well as Party Delegates to Ward, LG, State and National Convention. ‪#INECBill

 

*Senate Moves into an Executive Session*

Senate President, Bukola Saraki‪ reports progress that the closed-door session was necessary towards the proper management of the affairs of the Senate.



*Adjournment*

Senate Leader moves that all other matters on the Order Paper be stepped down to the next legislative day.  Minority Leader seconds.

 Senate Leader Ahmed Lawan moves that Plenary be adjourned to the next legislative day. Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio seconds.

Senate President Bukola Saraki puts the question and plenary is adjourned to Tuesday 24th January, 2017.

 #GavelBangs

CCT Trial Victory: FG In Deep Trouble, As Saraki Shines Bright, Records Very Major Breakthrough

By Sanni Muhammed
January 19, 2017 11:10


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The trial of the embattled Senate President, Bukola Saraki, at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, took another new dimension on Wednesday, January 18, as a Federal Government prosecution witness, Amazu Nwachukwu, insisted that the foreign bank accounts being linked to Saraki, actually belonged to the American Express Services Limited, and not the Senate President.

According to the witness, the disputed foreign accounts belonged to the operators of a credit card used by Saraki for a transaction.

The witness made the declaration during the re-examination by the lead Prosecution Counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), who wanted to make clarifications on the evidence of the witness, in his evidence in-chief and cross-examination, on the alleged foreign bank account being linked to Saraki.

Nwachukwu said: “I have made it clear that I never worked with the Fortis Bank of London, I do not know how they number their customers’ accounts, and I do not have any knowledge of any foreign account belonging to Saraki.

“I do not have any account with Fortis Bank, I never had any contact with the bank in relation to the defendant, I do not know how bank accounts are opened at the bank. I can only speak for my own bank.”

The witness insisted that the only fund transfer form, sent from the Ilorin branch of Guaranty Trust Bank, GTBank, to his foreign fund transfer unit at GTBank in Lagos, got burnt along with computers and other documents in 2011, and that he was not even at the unit in 2010, when the said fund transfer to American Express Service Limited, was made by Saraki.

“In the transaction, the defendant (Saraki) made with my bank, in 2010, the beneficiary of the transaction is American Express Services, I can see the name of the beneficiary clearly, and the bank account of the beneficiary, based on the document given to me by the prosecution,” he maintained.

Also, during cross-examination by Saraki’s Counsel, Paul Usoro (SAN) on Tuesday, the witness had admitted that there was no evidence linking the said accounts to Saraki.

Furthermore, during cross examination yesterday, when asked by the defendant to explain why he could not confirm the identities of the accounts, Nwachukwu, said the documents confirming the transfer of funds were destroyed in an inferno, and that he did not see them prior to that time.

Also, when asked how he got the documents his bank sent to the EFCC, the witness said he was not the, “officer responsible for the documents that were forwarded to EFCC,” and that he has, “no knowledge of that.”

On Tuesday, while being led in evidence by Jacobs, the witness had told the court how the Senate President transferred funds to his alleged foreign accounts, between 2009 and 2012.
The witness confirmed that Saraki was keeping dollar, pounds sterling, and naira accounts, domiciled in the Ilorin branch of GTBank.

According to him, Saraki transferred over $3 million from his dollar account, to his foreign account, during the period.

The trial was however, adjourned till February 8 and 9.