The Senate promised to prioritize the passage of the Petroleum and Electoral reform Bills at its resumption from recess on Tuesday, 28 January 2020.
Giving the welcome remarks at its convening of plenary on Tuesday 28 January 2020 after a five-week break, Sen. Ahmad Lawan (APC: Yobe), President of the Senate noted that the passage of Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) would eliminate economic uncertainties and encourage investment in the oil and gas sector. He also reiterated the commitment of the 9th Senate to commence the process of effecting amendments to provisions in the Electoral Act that posed challenges to the conduct of free and credible elections in Nigeria. According to him, the resolve followed from a wide consultation process with stakeholders to ensure its legislative interventions reflected critical measures that promote credible elections.
Additionally, he expressed concerns over the increasing spate of insecurity across the country mentioning that the 9th Senate would focus its interventions on the introduction and implementation of Community Policing. He also mentioned its interest in other sectoral reforms embodied in the consideration of Bills pertaining to Power, Solid Minerals and Agriculture.
Lastly, Sen. Lawan gave assurances that the 9th Senate will conduct effective oversight on Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) under its jurisdiction to ensure the 2020 Budget is fully implemented. He urged MDAs to be cooperative and forthcoming with the required information. Plenary session was adjourned to Wednesday, 29 January 2020 in honour of Hon. Muhammadu Fagen Gawo (APC: Jigawa) a House of Representatives lawmaker who died during the period of recess.
It would be recalled that the Senate had embarked on a 5-week recess that commenced on Friday, 19 December 2019 for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
