The Nigerian Senate resumed plenary 18th January, as it sets agenda for the 2022 legislative agenda which include expediting action on the passage of the Electoral Bill, 2021 after a three weeks Christmas recess.
According to the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, the Senate postponed discussions on the consideration of the response of Mr. President on the Electoral Act 2010 Amendment Bill to enable them consult with their counter parts in the House of Representatives and also consult with their various Constituents.
“Like we all know, the Senate and indeed the National Assembly worked so hard on the Bill. Having consulted, the Senate will expeditiously look into the issue” he noted.
On the issue of the security challenges facing the country, the Senate President said the Security situation in the country is still dire.
“We must remain focused and determined to work with Executive arm of government, and also continue to support our armed forces and security agencies. We must continue to prioritize the Security and welfare of our citizens as enshrined in your constitution nor despair”.
“I urge us not to be discouraged by the situation. We should make this year as the year for the final securing of our nation from the numerous security challenges”, he added.
Lawan also assured Nigerians that the review of the 1999 Constitution is a topmost in their legislative agenda, adding that the Committee on Review of the 1999 Constitution has done so much work on it while working with their counter parts in the House of Representatives the report of the Committee will be presented to the Senate for consideration soon. The Senate will consider the report and the National Assembly will communicate to the State Houses of Assembly within the first quarter of this year.
The Senate President also noted that political activities leading to 2023 general elections have already started and the Senate will continue to provide the support that Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) needs for successful elections across the country.
Lawan also pointed out that, the funding of the 2022 Budget is predicated on significant borrowing. “Our country is caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. We have to construct and provide infrastructure, in all parts of our country because infrastructure is needed for our nation to develop”.
“However, we do not generate enough revenues to fund the provision of such infrastructure. Until more revenues are generated, the country has to borrow and also resort to other sources of funding our infrastructural development. But we cannot continue to borrow endlessly. It is imperative that we need to improve on the revenue to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio. At about 8% Revenue to GDP ratio, our country is basically at 50% of what is required of the revenue to GDP of 15% for it to support any significant economic development.”
According to him, the Senate will develop a strategy of engagement with revenue generating agencies on how to make them achieve their targets and generate more revenues in 2022.
“The Senate will ensure that we boost their revenue generating drive with a view to reducing borrowing for development of our much needed infrastructure. This is a major challenge for our development and we need to treat as such”.
On the the Petroleum Industry Act(PIA) 2021, he said that the Act was enacted with a view to providing better investments climate for better performance by the Oil and Gas industry, stating that the Senate will need to seriously supervise the implementation of the PIA 2021 so that the country can start benefiting maximally.
