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Senator Natasha’s Push for Local Content Sparks Debate on Nigeria’s Economic Future

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In a bold call for transformative change, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content, has urged the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to enforce policies that put Nigerian companies at the forefront of the oil and gas industry.
Her remarks at a high-stakes meeting with the Senate Committee on Appropriation, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and the NUPRC spotlighted the urgent need to address the marginalization of local firms in favor of international contractors.

Using Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria as a case study, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan pointed to the company’s $272 million investment in a world-class fabrication facility in Lagos and the training of over 500 Nigerians. Despite this, Samsung has secured only one project since 2013. “This is an unsustainable trend,” she declared. “Local companies like Samsung have the infrastructure and expertise to deliver. Prioritizing them will reduce costs, speed up projects, and create thousands of jobs for Nigerians.”
The senator’s critique sheds light on systemic issues in Nigeria’s oil sector. Decades of advocacy for local content have yielded minimal results, with International Oil Companies (IOCs) continuing to favor foreign firms over Nigerian businesses that have invested in capacity building.
Her call for a policy overhaul aims to bridge this gap. “The current approach sends the wrong message to foreign investors and stifles local innovation. It’s time we deliver on our promises and foster a more inclusive economy,” she asserted.
Responding to these concerns, NUPRC Chief Executive Gbenga Komolafe highlighted some progress, including an increase in Nigeria’s rig count and enhanced capital expenditure. However, Komolafe admitted that more deliberate actions are needed to make local content compliance an industry standard.

This renewed focus on local content comes as Nigeria faces soaring unemployment and the pressing need for economic diversification. Experts suggest that boosting local participation in the oil and gas sector could trigger a ripple effect, revitalizing industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and technology.

Advocates believe that prioritizing local firms could redefine Nigeria’s oil sector, transforming it from a revenue hub to a platform for inclusive growth. This approach aligns with the global shift toward leveraging domestic expertise to stimulate broader economic benefits.

Senator Natasha’s impassioned advocacy may mark a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s economic policy. Her vision challenges the nation to rethink its approach to natural resource management, emphasizing that the true wealth of the oil sector lies not just in revenues but in its capacity to empower local communities and industries.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the time to act is now. The future of Nigeria’s oil industry and by extension, its economy depends on bold, inclusive policies that prioritize homegrown talent and enterprise.

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Senate Okays 2025 Budget Adjustments, Pledges Commitment to Transparency

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The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday approved adjustments to the 2025 Appropriation Bill, correcting errors in allocations across multiple ministries, departments, and agencies to ensure fiscal accuracy and transparency.
The review process, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, is to ensure that the total budget remains at ₦54.99 trillion, aligning national spending with financial prudence.
The budget adjustments, presented during Tuesday’s plenary session, resulted from a final review by the Joint Committee on Appropriations.
Chairman of Appropriations Committee, Sen. Adeola Olamilekan, moved a motion to realign key budgetary allocations, addressing discrepancies in recurrent expenditure, pensions, and capital projects.

Some of the significant amendments included, ministry of Defence with adjustment from ₦2.51tr to ₦2.49tr, Ministry of Police Affairs, from ₦1.225tr to ₦1.224tr, Department of State Services (DSS) was allocated ₦24.84b, Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA) adjusted to ₦20.42tr and Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) raised to ₦42tr.

Others are, Police Pensions and Gratuities, adjusted to ₦10.45tr, Military Pensions and Gratuities: Increased from ₦252.6b to ₦383.9b and National Pension Commission (PENCOM) which was raised from ₦529.4b to ₦804.7b

Adjustments were also made to capital expenditure allocations in key ministries such as the,
Presidency where it was Reduced from ₦144.4b to ₦142.7b, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security: Adjusted from ₦1.95tr to ₦1.83tr, Federal Ministry of Works was Increased to ₦2.19tr, Federal Ministry of Education was Reduced from ₦953.9b to ₦944.6b and Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare was allocated ₦1.04tr
The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation got ₦289.55b
Despite these corrections, the overall budget structure remained unchanged with Statutory Transfers at ₦3.64tr, Debt Servicing: ₦14.31tr, recurrent (Non-Debt) expenditure raised to ₦13.58tr while capital expenditure was reduced to ₦23.43tr
In his intervention, Senate Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau who is also a former chairman of the Appropriation Committee in both the Senate and House of Representatives, emphasized the inevitability of minor errors in the budgeting process. 
He noted that such discrepancies, often arising from clerical miscalculations or staff oversight, are typically discovered and corrected during the final scrutiny before presidential assent.
“I rise to second the motion ably moved by Senator Olamilekan, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Having served as the chairman of the appropriation committee in both chambers, I understand that after every budget process, there are always some errors—whether clerical or computational,” Senator DPS stated.
He commended the Appropriation Committee for its diligence in identifying the errors at this critical stage, preventing the need for a post-assent amendment.
“Thank God, we have been able to discover these errors at this point before the bill has been assented to by the President. Otherwise, an amendment would have been required to correct them. I commend the chairman and members of the committee for their vigilance. The best course of action now is to move forward and get these corrections done.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized that the amendments reflect the National Assembly’s dedication to accountability, transparency, and responsible governance. He assured Nigerians that the Senate remains committed to ensuring national resources are allocated efficiently to drive economic growth and national development.

“These changes reaffirm our commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency. The corrections made today ensure that every kobo in the 2025 budget is properly accounted for, reinforcing public trust in governance,” Akpabio stated.

Citing Orders 1(B) and 52(6) of the Senate Standing Orders (2023, as amended), the Senate resolved to rescind its previous decision on the affected allocations and recommit the corrected bill to the Committee of Supply for reconsideration and final passage.

With the 2025 Appropriation Bill now properly aligned, the legislative arm has signaled its readiness to work with the executive to ensure full budget implementation, prioritizing national security, infrastructure, education, and social welfare.

As Nigeria moves into the 2025 fiscal year, the adjustments made today serve as a crucial step toward strengthening budget credibility and enhancing public confidence in governance.

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Senator Natasha Pushes for Stronger Architectural Partnerships

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Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has emphasized the need for greater architectural collaborations to enhance Nigeria’s international standing.

Speaking during a meeting with the leadership of the National Institute of Architects (NIA) in her Abuja office, the senator highlighted the role of digital innovation in architecture, particularly in the tourism sector. She pledged to leverage her position to facilitate partnerships between Nigerian architects and global experts to advance the industry.

In a statement on Friday, the senator’s Chief Press Secretary, Israel Arogbonlo, quoted her as saying:
“Nigerian architects have consistently demonstrated brilliance by blending indigenous designs with modern innovations. However, to secure our place in the global architectural landscape, we must strategically integrate our heritage, expertise, and international collaborations.”

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan further disclosed plans to strengthen ties between Nigeria and leading global architectural institutions. She assured that her committee would advocate for bilateral agreements, enabling Nigerian architects to participate in international projects, competitions, and architectural exhibitions.

“Through policy advocacy, we will ensure our architects gain international exposure and bring home best practices that will elevate our design standards,” she stated.

In response, NIA President, Arc. Mobolaji Adeniyi, sought legislative support for major cultural projects, including the development of a Capital Theatre, National Gallery of Arts, National War Museum, and a National Museum. She emphasized that these initiatives would enrich Abuja’s cultural landscape, elevate Nigeria’s global appeal, and create economic opportunities.

Adeniyi also highlighted the urgent need to update Nigeria’s Building Codes, stressing that legislative intervention was necessary to ensure safety, sustainability, and alignment with international best practices.

The discussions extended to the digital transformation of architecture, with the NIA advocating for international exchange programs and the nationwide implementation of digital permitting systems to modernize architectural approvals.

Another key issue raised was accessibility in architectural design. The NIA is collaborating with TAF Africa to establish accessibility standards for public buildings in line with the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Act of 2018. Adeniyi also revealed ongoing partnerships with international organizations to introduce training on global accessibility standards.

She commended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s dedication to the sector, urging her to continue advocating for architecture as a vital component of national development.

With strong policy support, Nigerian architects have the potential to compete globally, drive innovation, and create a built environment that seamlessly integrates heritage with modernity. As efforts intensify to reposition Nigeria’s architectural sector, these partnerships are expected to enhance professional expertise, attract foreign investment, and pave the way for a more sustainable future in the industry.

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Senate urges FG to include Northeast in Super Highway Project, stop the neglect

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Danjuma Goje

***Lawmakers push for fair infrastructure allocation, urge urgent road repairs nationwide

The Nigerian Senate has taken a bold step in addressing regional infrastructure disparity, calling on President Bola Tinubu to include the Northeast in the Renewed Hope Super Highway Project.
Lawmakers argued that despite the ₦4.2 trillion road infrastructure plan, the region remains largely overlooked, with only two projects allocated to it.

Leading the charge, Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje (Gombe Central) highlighted the glaring disparity in the allocation of road projects across geopolitical zones.
He stated that though it is commendable that President Tinubu’s administration approved ₦4.2 trillion for nationwide road infrastructure, the Northeast had been largely overlooked in the Renewed Hope Super Highway Project.

Going further, he recalled that the Federal Executive Council (FEC), in its February 3rd meeting, approved funding for various highway projects aimed at addressing the country’s poor road network and boosting economic development.
A breakdown of the project list, he said, revealed that the Northeast was allocated only two projects which are Yola – Fufore – Gurin Road (Adamawa State) – ₦11.81 billion and Karim Lamido Road (Taraba State) – ₦7.68 billion.

Senator Goje noted that aside from these two, several crucial road networks in the region remain in deplorable conditions including Bauchi – Gombe Road, Biu – Gombe Road, Potiskum – Gombe Road, Darazo – Gombe Road, Numan – Jalingo Road, Yola – Mubi Road, Yola – Michika – Madagali – Gwoza – Bama Road, Biu – Gombi – Mararaba Road and Biu – Damboa – Maiduguri Road.
Goje further noted that the Northeast is the only region without a direct connection to the Super Highway Project, despite its strategic role in national security and economic growth.
He urged the federal government to correct this oversight and prioritize road rehabilitation across the country.

In his remarks on the motion, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, decried the poor maintenance of road infrastructure across the country and called for a strategic roadmap on construction and maintenance of roads. He opined that no matter how many roads are constructed, without maintenance, they will eventually breakdown and join the multitude of bad ones already in existence.

“I believe strongly that if previous administrations in Nigeria had really done a serious roadmap on road construction and rehabilitation, we wouldn’t have had this problem.

“I think we should have a road map on how to maintain our roads and ensure their reconstruction.

“We’ll continue to have this kind of issues even if we declare a state of emergency on road rehabilitation and construction but there has to be a plan on maintenance.”

“Take for example,” he added, “the road linking Akwa Ibom State with Cross Rivers State was done in 1975 but with a provision that there should be an overlay in seven years, but 40 years after, that overlay was not done.”
Supporting the motion, Senator Sani Musa (Niger East) called for a nationwide emergency on road repairs, emphasizing that infrastructural neglect has hindered economic progress.

With growing pressure from the legislature, the question remains: Will Tinubu’s administration heed the call and finally bridge the Northeast’s infrastructure gap?

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