The Senate has passed a bill for the establishment of the Projects Development Agency (PRODA) in Enugu, aimed at advancing scientific, engineering, and technological research to support Nigeria’s industrialization and economic development.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Patrick C. Ndubueze (Imo North), received unanimous approval after the presentation of a report by the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, led by Senator Aminu Iya Abbas (PDP, Adamawa Central).

The proposed agency will focus on conducting research and developing technologies that align with Nigeria’s socioeconomic needs.
The objectives of the bill include to strengthen the interface between science, policy, and society by fostering collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners.
It is also aimed at Promoting international cooperation to address technological gaps and enhance research infrastructure.

The bill also is aimed at encouraging inclusive innovation by involving stakeholders in designing and implementing solutions.
It is also aimed at facilitating access to critical technological tools and solutions to address national development challenges as well as building public trust in science, engineering, and technology as essential drivers of sustainable development.

The bill builds upon the framework of the National Science and Technology Development Agency Decree No. 5 of 1977, which initially listed the Project Development Institute as a key entity.

After being debated during its second reading on May 15, 2024, the bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Science and Technology for detailed examination. The committee recommended its passage, citing the need to enhance the existing institute’s capacity and ensure optimal performance in driving technological innovation.

PRODA is expected to play a transformative role in Nigeria’s development by facilitating the domestication of cutting-edge technologies and fostering innovation to address pressing societal challenges. Its establishment represents a significant step towards strengthening Nigeria’s technological ecosystem and achieving long-term economic sustainability.

The Senate has endorsed the recommendations of its Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions concerning two high-profile cases: one involving misconduct allegations against a former civil servant and another addressing claims of wrongful termination of employment.
In the case of misconduct allegations against Mr. Uwalaka Peter Ebere, a former staff member of the Office of the Auditor General for the Federation. the petition was presented by Senator Onyewuchi Ezenwa (Imo East).
In the petition Mr. Ebere alleged wrongful dismissal in 2020, claiming he was not afforded a fair hearing and sought reinstatement with payment of outstanding salaries.

However, the committee’s investigation revealed that Mr. Ebere was guilty of employment racketeering.
He was found to have extorted money from job seekers under false pretenses, issued fake appointment letters, and later refunded part of the extorted amount when confronted by one of his victims.
The committee affirmed that both the Office of the Auditor General and the Federal Civil Service Commission found him culpable of fraudulent practices.

The Senate committee led by its chairman Neda Imasuen had recommended upholding Mr. Ebere’s dismissal to serve as a deterrent to others.
It had also directed the Office of the Auditor General to identify similar offenders and hand them over to law enforcement for prosecution.
The Senate unanimously adopted the recommendations.
In the second case, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung (Kaduna South) had presented the petition of Mr. Yakubu Gaku Mbaka, who alleged wrongful termination of his employment by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) in 2018.
Investigations by the committee revealed that Mr. Mbaka was employed as a junior staff member in 2015, primarily as a security operative.
His position was terminated after the managing director he was assigned to left office and the company outsourced its security operations.
Mr. Mbaka received a severance payment of ₦1.5 million and signed all necessary exit documents.
Despite this, he sought reinstatement and back payment of salaries.
The committee findings indicated that Mr. Mbaka’s employment was not statutorily protected adding that he had completed his exit process and accepted his severance package.
The Senate committee recommended rejecting Mr. Mbaka’s request for reinstatement, a decision adopted by the Senate.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised the Ethics Committee, led by Senator Imasuen, for its thorough investigations and dedication. He highlighted the Senate’s role as a platform for addressing the grievances of ordinary Nigerians and called for greater support to empower committees handling public petitions.

The Senate’s resolutions reaffirm its commitment to fostering accountability, fairness, and ethical governance in public service and corporate operations.

***Enhance Livestock Productivity also

The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to fund the establishment of modern ranches nationwide, aimed at improving safety and economic productivity for both herders and local residents.
The lawmakers also resolved to enact a law that will define the limits of economic activities under ECOWAS treaty
The resolutions came during a deliberation on a motion of urgent national importance presented by Senator Anthony Siyako Yaro (Gombe South), titled: “Urgent Need to Address Incessant Banditry Attacks/Killings and Displacement of Innocent Nigerians in Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State.”

In his motion, Senator Yaro decried the recent attacks on December 11, 2024, where armed assailants, suspected to be herders, stormed Sansani, Kalindi, Powishi, and Lawushi Daji villages in Billiri Local Government Area, killing several residents, destroying property, and displacing scores of people. Houses, food supplies, and livestock were razed during the attack.

He cited Sections 33 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution, which protect the rights to life and freedom of movement, calling on the government to fulfill its duty to safeguard lives and property. He also highlighted how the violence destabilized neighboring states such as Taraba, Bauchi, and Adamawa, while disrupting food sufficiency and economic activities in the region.
Senator Seriake Dickson advocated for the establishment of federally funded modern ranches, describing ranching as a sustainable solution to the herdsmen crisis.
He argued that the initiative would enhance security, create economic opportunities, and resolve the longstanding conflicts between herders and host communities.

“Ranching is a legitimate business opportunity that could transform livestock management in Nigeria, while also ensuring the safety of both herders and locals,” Dickson stated.

He proposed a collaborative approach involving the Senate Committees on Agriculture and National Security, alongside the Ministry of Agriculture and the newly established Ministry of Livestock, to develop a nationwide ranching framework.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole echoed the need for decisive action, urging the Senate to revisit its prior resolution to hold a national public hearing to address the security and economic challenges posed by unregulated movement and activities under the ECOWAS framework.
He stressed the importance of enacting laws to regulate economic activities and define individual rights, ensuring public safety.
The senate therefore observed a minute’s silence in honor of the victims.
It also urged the Inspector General of Police, Chief of Army Staff, and Director General of the DSS to investigate the attacks, arrest the perpetrators, and prosecute them.
It called for the immediate establishment of a joint police and military taskforce in Billiri Local Government Area to prevent further killings.
It requested the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, NEMA, and the North East Development Commission to provide relief materials to displaced victims.
Theawmakers mandated the Senate Committees on Legislative Compliance, Police Affairs, and National Security to ensure compliance with these resolutions and develop long-term solutions to the insecurity.
The Senate’s focus on modern ranching and legislative solutions underscored its commitment to addressing the root causes of conflicts, safeguarding lives, and promoting economic development across the country.