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NCDC Bill scales through second reading in Senate
The bill seeking the establishment of North Central Development Commission (NCDC), being sponsored by the senator representing Benue South Senatorial District and Senate Minority Leader, Comrade Abba Moro and co-sponsored by all the senators from North Central, on Wednesday, passed Second Reading on the floor of the senate.
The bill, which passed First Reading on the 5th of October, 2023, was first sponsored in the 9th Senate by Senator Moro where it passed First and Second Readings but could not get presidential assent before the expiration of the 9th Senate.
In his lead debate, the Senate Minority Leader said the Commission, when established would be saddled with the responsibility of receiving and managing funds from the federal government and donors for the resettlement, rehabilitation, integration and reconstruction of roads, houses and business premises of victims of flood and farmers/herders clashes, communal clashes, construction of large format drainage systems, dredging of rivers Niger and Benue to control flood and incidental matters, as well as tackling the menace of poverty, illiteracy and other related environmental or developmental challenges facing the North Central Nigeria.
The Lead debate reads;
“Mr. President, Distinguished colleagues.
“May I humbly seek your leave to lead the debate on this very important Bill.
“Mr. President, Distinguished Colleagues, the North Central Zone of Nigeria, in no particular order, comprises the following geopolitical States of the Federation; Kogi, Niger, Benue, Kwara, Plateau, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
“Over the past years, Mr. President, Distinguished Colleagues, the North Central Zone of Nigeria has been devastated and left in bollix by the noxious antics of terrorists, incidents of flood and erosion, insurgency, kidnapping, herder/farmer clashes, poverty, high rate of illiteracy, to mention but a few.
“The Zone is blessed with several mineral resources that can boost the economy of Nigeria if properly harnessed. However, because of the breeding aforementioned, the North Central Zone is handicapped and cannot do much in this regard.
“May I mention here, Mr. President, that the North Central Zone of Nigeria hosts two of West Africa’s great rivers;(a) The River Niger and (b) The River Benue, which flows into Nigeria from The Republic of Cameroon. The two rivers meet in North central Nigeria and flow as one river on to the Atlantic Ocean. However, the presence of these two rivers has made flood a perennial challenge in the region with increasing intensity every year, leaving not just the North Central Zone but the entire Country with great losses and trauma.
“Mr. President, Distinguished Colleagues, according to statistics from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, In 2012 and very recently, devastating flooding forced two million Nigerians from their homes and over 363 people died in Plateau, Benue, Niger, Nasarawa and Kogi states.
“Between 2016 and 2023, more than 92,000 people were displaced and over 578 died from incidents of flood in Benue, Kogi, Niger and Nasarawa States, and other parts of Nigeria.
“Annually, Mr. President, Distinguished Colleagues, hundreds of thousands of acres of farmlands are damaged in the North Central Zone of Nigeria where the people are largely agrarian as a result of flood, and this happens, Mr. President, whenever there is a heavy precipitation upstream on the Benue and Niger Rivers. On the Benue River, the main problem is Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, which usually causes the river to swell when water is released. Flood has caused a lot of damage to the North Central Zone. In Agatu, Benue state, farmers continue to lose their crops and farmland to flood and erosion. This is applicable to states like Niger, Nasarawa and Plateau, which have suffered loses and trauma because of flood and erosion.
“Mr. President, Distinguished Colleagues, it is no longer news that over the years, herder/farmer clashes in North Central Nigeria, especially in Benue State, have continuously made headlines. Consequently, infrastructure ranging from places of worship, roads, hospitals, schools, houses, recreational centres, etc, have been left tattered, shattered and pierced by bullets. Women, children, pregnant women and in fact the entire population is a victim of the atrocities perpetrated by suspected herders and bandits in the North Central Zone of Nigeria. Even animals and the environment are not spared the chaos and conundrum imparted on the Zone by the perpetrators of these unwholesome acts.
“Mr President, Distinguished Colleagues, between February 24, 2016 and January 2024, rural dwellers in 45 villages of Agatu LGA were awakened by sound of gunshots and flicks of matchets as suspected militias swept into the area unleashing an orgy of violence. The unfortunate incident left, in its wake, more than 800 persons dead, among which were children and women, with more than 59,000 persons displaced from their ancestral homes. The displaced communities have been scattered with many seeking refuge in various Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps scattered across Benue and Nasarawa states.
“Mr. President, Distinguished Colleagues, this Bill seeks, therefore, to; establish the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) saddled with the responsibility of receiving and managing funds allocated by the Federal Government and Donors (International and Local Donors) for the resettlement, rehabilitation, integration and reconstruction of roads, houses, farmlands and business premises affected by flood, erosion and farmer/herder clashes, terrorist activities, construction of large format drainage systems, dredging of rivers Benue and Niger to control flood, erosion and other incidental matters, as well as tackling the menace of poverty, illiteracy and other related environmental and developmental challenges in the North Central Nigeria.
“Mr President, Distinguished Colleagues, we all know the bond and attachment a man has with his ancestral home, and the psychological effects of being displaced from same. The funds allocated by the Federal Government and Donors (Local and International) will be used to rehabilitate displaced persons, and to indeminify them to their former economic status.
“Recent advocacy has centered on the need to make Nigeria’s geopolitical zones centers of development, as intervening centers of development between the states and the Federal government. It is our hope that the aggregate of developments via the instrument of Zonal Development commissions will make Nigeria stronger and greater again. Mr President, unbundling the federal government now has become an imperative need given the development inertia of most states and the near emasculation of local government councils in Nigeria.
“Mr. President, Distinguished Colleagues, may I mention that this Bill was actually initiated by my humble self in the 9th Senate , passed all necessary legislative processes and got a resounding support from every quarter of the nation. However, the Bill was unable to get to the presidency for further necessary action before the end of the 9th Senate.
“Today, Mr President, Distinguished Colleagues, in the 10th Senate this Bill is co-sponsored by all senators from North Central Zone across party lines.
“Mr. President, Distinguished Colleagues, I humbly urge you all to support this Bill for the Establishment of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) and pass it appropriately for a second reading for equity, fairness and the development of our country.
“Thank you all for your kind audience.”
The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks thanked Senator Moro and all the co-sponsors of the bill for sponsoring the all-important bill. He said development in any part of the country was development for all Nigerians. He agreed with the sponsors of the bill that North Central deserved a development commission to address the myriads of challenges confronting the region.
The bill was refered to the committee on Special Duties to report back to the Senate within four weeks.
News
Inflation, Rising Costs Behind 50% Telecom Tariff Increase – Minister
…FG to invest ₦6bn in fibre optic expansion
By Gloria Ikibah
The Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has attributed the recent 50 percent increase in telecommunication tariffs to inflation and rising operational costs.
The Minister disclosed this during the 2025 budget defense session held by the joint House of Representatives and Senate Committees on Communication, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Explaining the rationale behind the tariff hike, Dr. Tijani stated that the move aligns with broader economic trends where increased tariffs lead to higher consumer prices due to added costs on imported goods.
The Minister also revealed plans by the Federal Government to invest ₦6 billion in the deployment of 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables, increasing Nigeria’s current coverage from 35,000 kilometers to 125,000 kilometers, and he described this initiative as a critical step towards boosting communication infrastructure and fostering growth in key sectors of the economy.
“Tariffs act as a sales tax, causing a one-off price increase rather than sustained inflation.
“Outside of South Africa and maybe Egypt or Tunisia, many African countries face a significant deficit in fiber optic cable coverage.
“This is going to become a big business. We want Nigerian companies not only to lay cables within Nigeria but also to provide these services for neighboring countries. And we want our people to be the workforce driving this transformation,” he said.
Dr. Tijani who emphasised the importance of communication infrastructure in ensuring security and economic development, highlighted the historical reliance on private investment for telecommunications infrastructure, which has often prioritized profitable urban areas over rural communities.
“Private companies only invest where they see potential returns.
“They use tools like night-time satellite data to identify economic activity, represented by lights, and focus their investments in those areas. This has left many underserved regions without proper infrastructure. Addressing this disparity is a priority for us,” he explained.
The Minister, however, lamented the inadequate funding of the Ministry, which he said hampers its ability to fulfill its mandate effectively.
“The Ministry is underfunded compared to agencies like the NCC. We lack the necessary resources and software to track revenue-generating activities efficiently. With better funding, the Ministry could generate significantly more revenue and enhance its impact,” he said.
In his remarks, Senator Shuaib Salisu, Co-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Communication, acknowledged the critical contributions of the communication sector to Nigeria’s economic growth. He called for a review of the Ministry’s 2025 proposed budget to ensure it is adequately equipped to deliver on its mandate.
Following discussions, the Committee adopted a motion urging the Committees on Appropriation to consider an upward revision of the Ministry’s budget for 2025.
News
Kalu Calls On UK Govt to Support Nigeria’s War Against Corruption
…praised diplomatic ties between the two countries
By Gloria Ikibah
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has called on the government of United Kingdom (UK) to support Nigeria’s fight against corruption.
The Deputy Speaker made the call during his speech in an event tagged “UK-Nigeria Collaboration: A Parliamentary Strategic Dialogue” which attracted the presence of the Deputy Leader of the British House of Lords, Rt. Hon. Lord Collins among other members of parliament from Nigeria and UK in London on Wednesday.
Kalu emphasized the importance of collaboration between the two countries in tackling corruption amongst other challenges.
He commended the diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, highlighting the potential for deepened economic relationships.
Referencing the partnership between Nigeria and the UK as a testament to shared values and mutual interests, Kalu added that by deepening collaboration across these sectors, both countries will unlock the opportunities for sustainable growth and development.
He said: “The UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership establishes a comprehensive framework for deepening bilateral relations and achieving shared objectives. This collaboration spans six pillars: Growth and Jobs: Through the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), both nations will drive mutual economic growth by addressing market barriers, boosting two-way trade, and fostering sustainable investments in manufacturing, agriculture, and energy.
“Both nations commit to facilitating safe migration, tackling visa abuse, and operationalizing prisoner transfer agreements while advancing reforms in global financial systems.
“I wish to call on the UK Government to intensify its efforts towards supporting Nigeria’s war against corruption in all its facets. One of the ways the UK can support this fight is to ease the process of repatriation of monies seized from Nigerian officials that are trapped in the UK financial system. Incidentally, I am here with the Chairman of the Nigerian Parliament Committee on Financial Crimes and he will be happy to continue the conversation with relevant officials.
“Nigeria seeks the UK’s continued support in recovering illicit funds. Enhanced collaboration should focus on: Setting up mechanisms to curb illicit financial flows. Strengthening institutions to combat corruption. Facilitating asset recovery processes through bilateral agreements”.
Kalu who is the Chairman, Nigeria’s House Committee on Constitution Review and an advocate for political inclusion also called on the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to support the work of the panel.
“As Chair of the House Committee on Constitution Review, I acknowledge the monumental task of refining Nigeria’s constitutional framework to reflect the evolving needs of its people. Key issues under deliberation—such as the creation of special status seats for women in legislative assemblies, the enactment of more gendersensitive legislation, and the potential introduction of sub-national policing—are pivotal to fostering inclusive governance and addressing the nation’s security challenges.
“Thus, I implore the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to extend tailored support to the Committee’s critical work. By providing technical assistance, research expertise, and capacity-building programs, the FCDO can help ensure that these constitutional reforms are comprehensive, evidence-based, and aligned with international best practices.
“Such support would not only strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions but also reinforce shared values of equity, justice, and security, which underpin the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership. This collaboration would demonstrate a profound commitment to empowering marginalized groups, ensuring safer communities, and fortifying Nigeria’s legislative framework for future generations”, he said.
News
FG Launches Plastic Waste Vending Machines to Tackle Pollution, Promote Circular Economy
By Gloria Ikibah
The Federal Government has unveiled Plastic Waste Reverse Vending Machines to address environmental pollution and promote sustainable waste management in Nigeria.
The launch, which took place on Wednesday at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, is part of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) project titled “Promoting Sustainable Plastic Value Chains Through Circular Economy Practices.”
Speaking at the event, Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Lawal, described the initiative as a significant milestone in the fight against plastic pollution and the promotion of sustainable practices in waste management.
He stressed that the vending machines will reward Nigerians for depositing plastic bottles and other recyclable materials, thereby fostering a culture of recycling.
“Today, we take an important step forward in our collective fight against plastic pollution.
“As we stand together, this reverse vending machine represents not just a tool, but a symbol of our unwavering commitment to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for Nigeria”, Mallam Lawal said.
The Minister also highlighted the broader benefits of the initiative, as he explained that the technology encourages proper waste disposal and reduces environmental pollution while advancing the concept of a circular economy.
“Reverse vending machines are a cutting-edge solution in waste management. They allow individuals to deposit bottles and other recyclable materials, receiving a reward in return.
“This simple yet powerful technology encourages proper waste disposal and creates a culture of recycling, where each citizen can actively participate in protecting our environment,” he added.
Mallam Lawal further noted the economic and environmental gains associated with the initiative, including cleaner communities, job creation, and increased public awareness of sustainability. He stressed that the project embraces local innovation and craftsmanship while reinforcing the government’s dedication to environmental protection.
“With its unveiling, we embrace local innovation and craftsmanship, and a renewed dedication to protecting our environment,” the Minister said.
Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Environment, Rep. Julius Pondi, commended the initiative and described it as a game-changer in waste management.
He called on UNIDO to collaborate with the National Assembly to replicate the project nationwide.
The initiative is expected to significantly reduce plastic pollution across the country, empower communities, and encourage the active participation of citizens in sustainable environmental practices.
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