The Senate commenced plenary at 12:03 p.m. with the recitation of the National Anthem, led by the Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Jubril Barau, CFR, followed by prayers. The Senate then reviewed and adopted the Votes and Proceedings of Wednesday, 13th March 2025.
The President of the Senate, Dr. Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, administered oaths, read announcements, laid petitions, and presented official correspondence.
Motions & Legislative Actions
Investigation into Alleged Annexation of Maritime Territories
The Senate, in a motion moved by Senator Aniekan Bassey (PDP – Akwa Ibom) and co-sponsored by six other senators, constituted an ad-ho committee to investigate the alleged annexation of maritime territories, mangrove islands, and villages of the Effiat clan in Mbo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
The committee is chaired by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim
(APC – Ondo), with the following members:
• Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC – Ondo)
• Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP – Bayelsa)
• Senator Shehu Kaka (APC – Borno)
• Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo (PDP – Rivers)
Nigeria Data Protection Act Amendment Bill
The Senate debated and passed for second reading a bill sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko seeking to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act,
2023. The bill proposes making it mandatory for social media companies operating in Nigeria to establish a physical presence within the country.
Titled: “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, to Make it Mandatory for Social Media Platforms to Have Physical Offices Within Nigeria and for Other Related Matters, 2025,’
” the proposed legislation
received overwhelming support from senators.
If enacted, the law would require global social media platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok to establish operational offices in Nigeria, ensuring compliance with local regulations and strengthening data protection measures.
The bill now moves to the committee stage for further deliberation before a potential third reading and passage into law.
Articulated Vehicle Regulation Bill, 2025 (SB 655)
The Senate also passed for second reading the Articulated Vehicle Regulation Bill, 2025 (SB 655), a proposed law aimed at improving safety and regulatory measures for articulated vehicles and fuel tankers across Nigeria.
Leading the debate, Senator Babangida Hussaini (Jigawa North) emphasized that the bill seeks to:
• Establish a framework for regular inspection and maintenance of articulated vehicles.
• Enforce safety standards to reduce road accidents and tanker explosions, which have claimed numerous lives.
The bill received broad support from senators, with some recommending additional regulations. Senator Saliu Mustapha (Kwara Central) suggested adopting policies similar to other countries, where heavy-duty vehicles operate primarily at night to minimize traffic congestion and accidents.
The Senate adjourned plenary until Wednesday, 19th March 2025, while legislative activities continue at the committee level.
The Senate commenced its plenary session at 12:22 p.m., with the Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Jubril Barau, leading the recitation of the National Anthem, followed by prayers.
The President of the Senate, Dr. Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, reviewed and adopted the Votes and Proceedings of Tuesday, 18th March 2025.
Oaths were administered, petitions laid, letters read, and official announcements made
Presentation of Bills for First Reading The following bills were presented for first reading:
1. National Sports Development Fund (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (SB 748)
2. Nigerian Police University of Science and Technology, Erinja, Ogun State (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (SB 750)
3. Federal Character Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (SB 752)
4. Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Ode-Irele, Ondo State (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (SB 754)
5. Warehouse Receipt Bill, 2025 (SB 755)
Motion
Proclamation of a State of Emergency in Rivers State Deferred
The Senate deferred a motion to approve the proclamation of a State of Emergency in Rivers State until the next legislative sitting.
The motion, sponsored by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, was initially scheduled for debate and voting during the morning session but was unexpectedly postponed.
The motion raises concerns over escalating tensions in Rivers State, which have paralyzed governance and hindered the delivery of democratic dividends to residents.
Presentation & Consideration of Reports
Confirmation of Police Service Commission (PSC) Nominees
The Senate confirmed the nominations for appointment as members of the Police Service Commission (PSC).
The report, submitted by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Senator Abdulhamid Mallam-Madori Ahmed (Jigawa East), listed the confirmed nominees as:
• Hon. Justice Paul Adamu Galumje (Rtd)
• Abdulfatah Muhammed
• DIG Uba B. Ringim (Rtd)
• Justice Christine I. Dabup (Rtd)
Suspension of Dr. Nanna Uzor Kalu’s Nomination for NASC
The Senate stepped down the nomination of Dr. Nanna Uzor Kalu as a member of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) following the adoption of the report presented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service, Senator Oluwole Fasuyi Cyril.
The suspension was based on a petition against the nomination, leading to the rejection of two nominees from the Southeast region.
Confirmed Members of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC)
The Senate confirmed the following NASC members:
• Dr. Saviour Enyiekere (Chairman)
• Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi (North West)
• Hon. Yusuf A. Yusuf (North West)
• Aminu Ibrahim Malle (North East)
• Alhaji Lawan Maina Mahmud (North East)
• Mark Hanmation Terso (North Central)
• Salihu Umar Agboola Balogun (North Central)
• Hon. Taiwo Olukemi Oluga (Southwest)
• Hon. Afeez Ipesa Balogun (Southwest)
• Festus Ifesinachi Odii (Southeast)
• Patrick A. Giwa (South South)
• Mrs. Mary Ekpeyong (South South)
Adjournment
The Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central), moved for adjournment to Thursday, 20th March 2025, at 11:00 a.m., seconded by Minority Leader, Sen. Abba Moro (Benue South).
Other legislative activities will continue at the committee level.
Click her to view the Order Papers for the 18th, 19th and 20th of March, 2025.
