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NILDS may transform into full fledged Varsity, says DG

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***As Institute kick-off Democracy Radio

The Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Professor Abubakar Sulaiman has hinted that the institute
has all it takes to transform into a full fledged University in no distant time

Professor Sulaiman gave the indication in Abuja on Monday at the premises of Democracy Radio and Legislative Centre for Security Analysis, established by the Institute in Asokoro that is billed for commissioning, Wednesday this week.
He pointed out that the permanent site of the Institute sitting on 8.12 hectares (81,200m2) of land in Piwoyi District along the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Road, Abuja, has structures and facilities that many licensed Private Universities in the country cannot boast of.
“What are needed for a University to take off are already available at the Institute. What is required now, is the Political will for the transformation into University for Legislative Studies”, he stated.
He added that the Permanent site as seen by Journalists during the pre – commissioning inspection, will be occupied by Admin and Finance sections immediately after commissioning, while the Library and Post – Graduate Units, will join later.
According to him, the Democracy Radio established by the Institute as an independent body, is basically to educate Nigerians on Legislative Procedures, Practices and Democracy generally.

“Democracy Radio as envisioned, is to serve as nexus between Parliament and the People and practically serve as disseminating unit to Nigerians about Democracy.

“The Radio station is going to be on its own, operationally. It will not be a quasi establishment directly under another one.

“When fully operational after commissioning, it will have more information than any other Radio station in Nigeria going by the resources and facilities that will be at the disposal of the management and staff, one of which is the standardized website already provided for it “, he said.

The DG NILDS further noted that the Centre for Security Analysis established by the Institute, primarily is aimed at providing required solutions for myriads of security challenges facing the country.

The Centre he explained, will synergize with the various security outfits in the country on critical dissection of the problems at hand and lasting solutions for them by way of legislation, policy formulation and implementation.

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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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