Motions Raised
A motion was raised to acknowledge the passing of Alhaji Shektau Usman Bauchi, a revered Islamic cleric. He was widely eulogised by several Senators, and the Senate resolved to name an appropriate institution in his honour.
Committee Assignments
– Sen. Shehu Guba- Chairman, Sen Committee on Livestock and Animal Husbandry
– Sen. Abdulahi Yahaya- Chairman, Sen Committee on National Security & Intelligence
– Sen. Solomon Olamilekan- Vice chairman, Sen Committee on National Security & Intelligence
– Sen. Osita Ngwu, Sen Committee on Airforce
– Sen. Musa Mustapha- Sen Committee on National Planning
Presentation of Bills
A total of nine bills were discussed.
First Reading
1)Nigeria Police Force Pension Board (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.979)- Sen. Bamidele Opeyemi.
2)Cannabis Re-Classification Treaty (Ratification and Enforcement) Bill, 2025 (SB. 970)- Sen. Yaroe Binos Dauda.
3)Digital Communication Platforms (Oversight & Regulation) Bill, 2025 (SB. 971)- Sen. Musa Mohammed Sani.
4)Digital Health essential Services (Designation) Bill, 2025 (SB. 972)- Sen. Banigo Ipalibo Harry
Resolution: The four bills passed 1st reading
Recommittal
5)Rescission and Re-committal of Clauses 4 and 9 of the National Identity management Commission (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2025;
The Senate passed the revised National Identity Management Commission (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2025 in two separate sessions in mid-October. After critical examination, some fundamental issues emerged, which required fresh legislative action on clauses 4 and 9, to allow for smooth and effective operation, the Federal Character Principle and regional balance, inclusiveness and Senate confirmation of Appointments, consistent with democratic norms and constitutional safeguards, as well as appointments of four Executive Commissioners on a full-time basis.
Resolution: After recission and re-committal, the Clerk of the Senate was directed to reflect the change in the bill.
Second Reading
6)A bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Medical Centres Act, 2022 and for related matters, 2025 (SB. 853, 866, 909, 932, 949 and 960). – These bills cover Borno, Gombe, Kogi, Jigawa, Ebonyi and Kaduna respectively.
Highlights of the bills
– To establish more medical centres in Nigeria to allow for easy accessibility to healthcare.
– To bridge the gap between the primary and specialist/secondary health care in Nigeria
– To ensure the availability of all medical professionals in care centres, even at the local levels.
Resolution: Passed 2nd reading and referred to the Committee on Health, Secondary and Tertiary.
7)A bill for an Act to Establish the National Emergency Toll Service (NETS) to Provide Uniform, Accessible and Rapid Emergency Response through a dedicated 3-digit Toll-free Number Nationwide; to Empower Nigerian Communications Commission as the Regulator; and for Related Matters, 2025 (SB. 402)- Sen. Yardua Abdulaziz Musa.
Highlights of the bill
– To aid the national system of reporting emergencies, road accidents, fire, life threats, etc.
– The call centre will educate callers on administering basic first aid and other immediate response measures pending the arrival of the appropriate authorities.
– It proposes the use of 112 or any agreed number as the emergency number.
– It will serve as a one-stop hub for emergency responses, providing immediate redirection of complaints to the relevant/concerned authorities.
– It will create for security collaboration amongst states as against the multiplicity of several toll lines across Nigerian states.
Resolution: Passed 2nd reading and referred to the Committee on Communications to report back within 4 weeks.
Concurrence
8)Central Gaming Bill, 2025 (HB. 2062)
Highlights of the bill:
– To regulate all online and remote gaming across the geopolitical boundaries of the FCT
– To provide for the conduct of games and enhance the generation of revenue for the FCT
Concerns
The bill generated controversy regarding the Senate’s authority to legislate on it, in light of the Supreme Court ruling that matters relating to gaming, lottery, and betting fall within the exclusive legislative competence of State Assemblies.
Clarifications
– Sen. Nwaebonyi noted that the Supreme Court ruling was limited to retail and large gaming operators and maintained that States cannot legislate on issues affecting the Federation’s cyberspace.
– Sen. Osita Izunaso further clarified that no State has regulatory control over e-gaming, noting that the Supreme Court’s ruling pertained to traditional gaming operations and did not extend to electronic or digital gaming.
Resolution: The bill passed 3rd reading.
9)Chartered Institute of Capital Market Registrars Bill, 2025 (HB. 1460)
– The bill is set to ensure professionalism in the system and for related matters.
Resolution: The bill passed 3rd reading
