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Senate receives MTEF, FSP from Tinubu for consideration, approval

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The Senate on Wednesday received a correspondent from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which contained the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) for expeditious consideration and approval.
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio read the correspondent which was signed by President Tinubu on Tuesday during plenary.

It read, “I am pleased to submit the 2024 – 2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework, (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper, (FSP) to the National Assembly.
In the letter, President Tinubu  expressed  gratitude to the Senate for his enduring commitment to the partnership between the legislative and executive arms of government.

The president indicated that the MTEF and FSP submission is in preparations towards submission of the 2024 budget to the National Assembly according to the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007,

“The MTEF and the FSP were prepared against the backdrop of a political transition, as well as global issues such as the Russia and Ukraine war, which continues unabated with severe consequences on global and energy prices.

“We are also faced with challenges in domestic revenue mobilisation and significantly elevated public debts.

“Additionally, many economies around the world have witnessed increased inflation with in particular adverse effects on capital flows to emerging markets.”

In order to begin the process of preparing the 2024–2026 budget on schedule, Tinubu also asked the Senate to approve the FSP and MTEF with prompt consideration.

“I hereby forward the 2024 – 2026 MTEF and FSP to the National Assembly for their kind expeditious consideration and approval of the Senate in order to bring the 2024 Federal Government of Nigeria’s budget preparations process to timely closure.”

The Senate however, referred the MTEF and FSP to the committees on Finance, Appropriations, National Planning and Economic Affairs and the Committee on Local Debt.

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Legislature

NASS modifies NDLEA Act, Prescribes Life Imprisonment for Drug Traffickers

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The National Assembly has modified the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act to prescribe life imprisonment for individuals found guilty of storing, transporting, or concealing illicit drugs and substances. 

The amendment was adopted on Thursday during plenary, presided over by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, following broad support from the senators.

The amendment reflects a harmonised position of the Senate and the House of Representatives on Section 11 of the NDLEA Act. 

The House had earlier passed an amendment prescribing life imprisonment for drug traffickers, while the Senate had proposed the death penalty.

To reconcile the differences, a conference committee of both chambers was convened. Senator Tahir Monguno, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, presented the harmonised version to the Senate. 

He urged lawmakers to adopt the House’s position of life imprisonment, arguing that enforcing the death penalty could lead to the execution of over 900 accused persons currently awaiting trial for drug-related offenses.

The Deputy Senate President who presided over the plenary had put the resolution to a voice vote, and the majority of senators supported the amendment. 

The approved version stipulates life imprisonment for offenders.
The amended section now reads:
“Anybody who is unlawfully involved in the storage, custody, movement, carriage, or concealment of dangerous drugs or controlled substances and who, while so involved, is armed with any offensive weapon or is disguised in any way, shall be guilty of an offence under this Act and liable on conviction to be sentenced to life imprisonment.”
This amendment aims to strengthen the fight against drug trafficking while addressing concerns over human rights and the judicial implications of the death penalty.
The move is part of efforts to curb the growing menace of drug trafficking and its adverse effects on Nigerian society. According to Senator Monguno, the life imprisonment penalty strikes a balance between deterrence and humane judicial practice.
With the amendment, the NDLEA now has a robust legal framework to prosecute offenders and combat drug-related crimes effectively.

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Legislature

President Tinubu urges Senate to approve ₦1.767trn External Loan

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Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally requested the National Assembly’s approval for a $2.209 billion (₦1.767 trillion) external borrowing plan to finance part of the ₦9.17 trillion fiscal deficit in the 2024 budget. The loan, included in the 2024 Appropriation Act, is critical to the government’s broader strategy for economic recovery and growth.
In a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu noted that the borrowing aligns with the provisions of Sections 21(1) and 27(1) of the Debt Management Office (DMO) Establishment Act, 2003. He also indicated that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had approved the plan.
The President explained that the funds would be sourced through Eurobonds or similar external financial instruments. A detailed summary of the loan’s terms and conditions accompanied the letter to guide legislative scrutiny.
“This borrowing is necessary to address the budget deficit and fulfill our fiscal strategy for 2024. Swift approval will enable us to move forward with mobilizing these funds,” the President stated, emphasizing the urgency of the request.
Senate President Akpabio referred the matter to the Committee on Local and Foreign Deb

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Legislature

Senator Natasha Transforms Kogi Central Schools with 5,000 Digital Learning Devices

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By Isah Bala

Access to quality education is a cornerstone of societal progress, and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is embodying this vision by bringing transformative educational tools to Kogi Central. In a groundbreaking initiative, the senator recently provided 5,000 digital learning devices to public primary and secondary schools in her district, aiming to bridge the digital divide and set a new educational standard.

The devices, unveiled at Abdul Aziz Attah Memorial College (AAAMCO), are preloaded with the Nigerian curriculum from UBEC and internationally acclaimed educational resources, including Khan Academy and Discovery Kids. Through this initiative, students will experience interactive learning, enabling them to explore subjects in depth, enhance digital literacy, and engage with complex topics in a hands-on way.

This project is just the beginning of Senator Natasha’s ambitious plan to make “smart schools” the norm in Kogi Central. She envisions a future where every child in her district has equal access to digital learning, stating, “My dream is to equip all public primary and secondary schools in Kogi Central with digital learning devices before the end of my tenure in 2027.”

Beyond device distribution, the senator’s initiative includes UBEC-led teacher training to ensure educators are equipped to integrate these tools into their classrooms effectively.
With this dual approach of student and teacher empowerment, Senator Natasha is laying a foundation that will support digital literacy and skill development for years to come.

Senator Natasha’s commitment to educational advancement represents a significant step forward for Kogi Central, ensuring that young students have access to the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world. This initiative marks her dedication to the constituency that entrusted her with this mandate.

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