3. The need for a detailed explanation of the $15B proposed MOU with India and over $80B MOU signed by Ibe Kachikwu with Chinese Firms.
The Motion is sponsored by Senator Clifford Ordia (Edo Central) who now leads the debate.
The Senate is aware the Minister of State for Petroleum negotiated a $15B investment with India for an upfront payment for Crude purchases.
Senate also notes Ibe Kachikwu carried out a roadshow in China where an MOU worth over $80B to be invested in the Oil and Gas Industry.
Senate also observes that outside these MOUs, the two largest oil companies in China, Sinopec & CNOOC signed investment MOUs with Ibe Kachikwu.
Senate accordingly resolves to invite the Min of State for Petroleum Resources Ibe Kachikwu to appear before the Petroleum Upstream Committee, Gas Committee and Foreign Affairs Committee to give a detailed explanation on the subjects of each MOU and its anticipated impact on our economy.
Senate President Bukola Saraki comments “that it is important that matters like this that have to deal with crude oil processing is brought before the National Assembly to ensure transparency.
“We must also appreciate the efforts of the Minister for coming up with it as it will go a long way to boost our economy and technology but again we must ensure that it is transparent by making us understand the roles clearly”.
4. The Need for Intensified Sensitization on Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation in the Nigerian Agricultural Sector.
The Motion is sponsored by Senator Gershom Bassey who notes that President Muhammadu Buhari was in Marrakech for the Climate Change Conference.
Senator Bassey notes that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change IPCC did identify Nigeria as a Climate Change hot-spot.
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Senate observes that in 2010, NEMA reported that over 250,000 Nigerians were displaced by flood disasters that ravaged many communities.
Senate is concerned that Nigeria has almost 70% of her workforce engaged in agriculture and 42% of her entire GDP is from Agriculture.
Senate is worried that that poor response to climate change creates shortages of resources such as land, water.
Senate is conscious that adequate sensitization of farmers on climate change will create a calendar that will help achieve optimal production.
Senate accordingly resolves to urge the FG to put machinery in place to sensitize farmers to adjust farming programs to avert climate change.
Senate urges FG to carry out awareness campaigns on climate change to educate Nigerians on expectations especially for adaptation &and mitigation.
5. Need for the establishment of Dry and Inland Ports at Onitsha, Enugu and other land locked states by Senator Stella Oduah
The motion which had earlier been stood down for more consultation is now taken by Senator Oduah.
Senator Oduah notes that inland water transport, dry ports and inland container terminals provide efficient mode of transportation.
Senate observes the existing maritime ports in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Calabar are being over – stretched.
Senate worries that there have been causes of avoidable loss of lives & destruction of goods due to movement by road of containers & trucks.
Senate accordingly resolves that the FG directs the Nigerian Shippers Council to carry out appropriate feasibility studies for the purpose of establishing inland ports in Onitsha, Enugu, Bauchi, Gombe, Maiduguri, Ilorin and other land locked states.
Senator Theodore Orji informs the house that there have been previous approvals for some inland ports and Senate resolves to put them in priority.
Senate President Bukola Saraki thanks Senator Oduah for the motion and tasks the Marine Transport Committee and Works Committee to work.
6. Unfair charges by FAAN at the Airports across the Country by Senator Olanrewaju Tejuoso
Senator Tejuoso notes that Nigerians can’t be spending unwisely in the current recession &concerned with several unfair charges at airports.
Senate notes with serious concerns the unfairness of having to pay for the use of trolleys and service charges collected from passengers.
Senate is convinced that this unfairness cum extortion from travellers must be stopped.
Senator Monsurat speaks on the motion. She agrees that the charges by FAAN have become exorbitant.
Senate resolves to urge the FG to order FAAN to stop this illegality immediately.
Senate mandates its Aviation Committee to investigate why the corporate sponsorship of trolleys was discontinued by FAAN.
Senate also mandates its Aviation Committee to investigate application of huge service charges accruing to FAAN daily WRT poor services rendered
Senate President Bukola Saraki commends the mover of the motion. He adds that “we must ensure best practices at our airports”.
“There must be conducive and friendly airports; passengers shouldn’t pay exorbitant fees”.
7. Need to increase the funding of uncompleted dams across Nigeria for optimum performance and service delivery by Sen. Chukwuka Utazi.
Senate notes the importance of water which is gotten from dams and reservoirs.
Senate is informed that the Adada River Dam Project in Enugu State as well as several other uncompleted dam projects across Nigeria.
Senate resolves to mandate the Water Resources Committee to do an inventory of ongoing dam and reservoir projects across Nigeria.
Senate urges the Water Resources Committee to look at the level of completion of the projects towards allocation in the 2017 budget circle.
Senate Leader moves that all other matters on the order paper be stepped down to the next legislative day. Minority Leader seconds.
Senate President Bukola Saraki announces the Conference Committee to harmonize bills passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Senate President adjourns plenary to Wednesday 23rd November, 2016.
Gavel bangs!
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