Senate Debates Xenophobic Attacks on Nigerians in South Africa
During plenary last Tuesday, the Senate debated recent attacks on Nigerians in South Africa. Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South) moved a motion urging the federal government to ensure justice for victims of xenophobic attacks. Senators Wasiu Eshinlokun (Lagos Central), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North), and Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) lamented continued killings and property destruction.
Mr Eshinlokun proposed nationalising MTN Group and DStv, with proceeds compensating affected Nigerians. Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin rejected the proposal, citing the need for a thorough investigation before further action.
Senate Condemns Rehabilitation of Repentant Boko Haram Members
The Senate urged the federal government to end the practice of pardoning and reintegrating repentant Boko Haram members. This followed a motion by Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (Katsina Central) concerning the abduction and killing of Major-General Rabe Abubakar and other military officers by bandits. The resolution was adopted via voice vote.
Gbajabiamila-Adeyemi Saga: Lawmakers Reject Probe of Illegal Agency
On Wednesday, the Senate rejected a motion to investigate the inclusion of a non-existent agency in the 2026 budget. Sponsored by Kawu Sumaila (Kano South), the motion was defeated by majority voice vote. Mr Sumaila argued that approving the budget with a phantom agency undermines credibility and exposes weak scrutiny.
Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu stated that the ₦1.3 billion allocated for the agency was not recommended or inserted by the National Assembly. He said lawmakers are not constitutionally responsible for security or background checks on appointees to MDAs.
Bill to Reform Secondary Education System
On Thursday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio read a letter from President Bola Tinubu transmitting a bill to reform Nigeria’s secondary education system. The legislation aims to establish a legal framework for reorganising secondary education. Mr Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Rules and Business, with a one-week deadline to report back.
Bill to Establish Criminal Justice Monitoring Council
The Senate also received an executive bill seeking to repeal the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 and re-enact it as the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2026. The bill provides a legal framework for criminal justice in FCT courts and other federal courts, and establishes an Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Council to promote effective justice administration.
Senate Approves Sale of Lafarge Africa Plc
On Thursday, the Senate approved the sale of Lafarge Africa Plc to Hainan Huaxin Pan-African Investment Company Plc, a Chinese firm. Some senators expressed reservations about transparency and disclosure of major shareholders. According to the Senate ad hoc committee, Lafarge Africa proposes selling its 18% market share to Huaxin, while Nigerian public investors hold a 16.19% stake.
