Index to Nigerian Newspapers

The senate yesterday rejected the controversial National Water resources bill 2023 after it was listed for concurence on the order paper for consideration and passage. the rejection put an end to controversy by governors and lawmakers, particularly those from the south. 

President Tinubu's letter, although lacking specific names, outlined his intention to establish a team of 20 special advisers. The contents of the letter were disclosed during the session, capturing the attention of the senators.

The Senate has mandated the Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to investigate a multi-billion shoreline contract awarded in 2006 to address the sea incursions affecting the Ayetoro Community in Ondo State. The committees will work with relevant ministries to find an alternative solution to the dangerous slide. The Upper Chamber has also requested Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, SPDC, and other oil companies to help save lives and improve the community through their corporate social responsibility (CRS). The Ayetoro community accounts for 5.4% of Nigeria's crude oil production output and has been affected by sea incursions for over two decades. The NDDC attempted to stem the slide by awarding a shoreline protective wall to Gallet Nigeria Limited in 2004, but the contract was revoked in 2009 due to capacity issues. The senator is concerned that Ayetoro is on the verge of being completely lost to the sea if nothing is done urgently.

The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan has announced on Wednesday that the Senate has rescheduled its valedictory session to Saturday.

The Senate has said that it would probe the concession of Mallam Aminu International Airport, Kano and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The probe, the upper chamber said would commence when the Committee on Aviation is constituted. The Senate’s resolution was sequel to a motion moved by Sen. Kawu Sumaila (NNPP-Kano) during Thursday’s plenary.

The motion was tagged “Urgent Need to Reverse the Concession of Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano”. Other resolutions by the upper chamber included urging the Federal Government to, if need be, review the entire exercise and give a level playing field to all stakeholders. It also condemned in strong terms, the concession of Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja as it was not done in public interest.