News Post

Deeply concerned by the alarming upsurge of Malaria incidence in Nigeria, the Senate on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 intervened through a Motion titled “The alarming upsurge of Malaria Incidence”, sponsored by Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (Kano Central) and 15 Co-sponsors.

Leading the debate, Sen. Kwankwaso noted with grave concern the recent outbreak of Malaria incidence which has exponentially increased in Nigeria, particularly in the Northern part of the country to an epidemic level. He disclosed that the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that 212 million cases of Malaria and 429, 000 deaths are recorded annually and that the Sub-Saharan Africa carries 90% of the global burden and 92% of Malaria deaths globally. The Motion scaled through with four resolutions below:

Urge the Federal Ministry of Health as a matter of urgency, to procure sufficient quantity of effective anti-malaria drugs and supply them free of charge to all public health facilities across the country.

Urge the Federal, States and Local Governments to embark on mass mobilization that will provide adequate information to all Nigerians on how to take appropriate and effective malaria preventive and treatment measures.

Urge the Federal Ministry of Health to effectively partner with States and Local Government Authorities and Development Partners with a view to scaling up Integrated Vector Management and Control as well as streamline all Malaria Programmes across the country.

Urge the Federal Government to increase the annual funding of the Federal Ministry of Health that will meet the “Abuja Declaration by the African Union in 2001” as well as ensure full implementation of the National Health Act 2014 and the 1% Consolidated Revenue Fund provision for the takeoff of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.

Similarly, the Upper Legislative Chamber has deliberated upon and passed another Motion titled “Fire Disaster in Central Market, Nguru, Yobe State: A Call for Urgent Action”, sponsored by Senate Leader, Ahmad Lawan (Yobe North). 

Sen. Lawan stated that on Saturday 10th November, 2017, there was  fire outbreak at the Central Market, Nguru in Yobe State which was severe and possibly the worst of its kind in recent history of fire disaster in the State; where over 60% of the Market was razed. 

The Motion sailed through with three prayers below:

Urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to urgently provide the necessary interventions to the affected traders.

Urge NEMA to equally extend similar intervention to other markets razed by fire outbreak in recent time in Nigeria.

In view of the recurring incidence of fire disaster in most Nigerian markets, the market authorities should step to insure all markets across the country.

Meanwhile, the Red Chamber has also debated and passed for second reading the following legislation:

A Bill for an Act to establish the National Students Financial Aid Scheme to provide for the granting of loan to eligible students at higher institution and repeal the provisions of the Nigerian Education Bank Act CAP E104, LFN 2004 and for other matters connected therewith, 2017 (S.B. 117), sponsored by Sen. Isa Hamma Misau (Bauchi Central). The Bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND, to report back in four weeks.

A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Library Act CAP N56 LFN 2004 and for other matters connected therewith, 2017 (S.B. 46), sponsored by Sen. Biodun Olujimi (Ekiti South). The legislation has been referred to the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND, to report back in four weeks.

A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Finance (Control and Management) Act, No. 33, 1958 and enact the Finance (Control and Management), 2017 (S.B. 84), sponsored by Sen. Joshua Dariye (Plateau Central). The Bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Finance, to report back in four weeks.

Nonetheless, Sen. Emmanuel Bwacha came under point of order 42 to draw the attention of the Senate over the withdrawal of Security Aides of the Anambra State Governor, Mr. Willie Obiano by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) prior to the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the State. Accordingly, the Chamber resolved that:

Senate urge the IGP to restore the Security Aides of the Governor of Anambra State.

The Senate Committee on Police Affairs should ensure the enforcement of the Resolution and report back to the Chamber.

The return of the security aides has since been effected following directives by President Muhammadu Buhari while in the State during his recent visit to the South Eastern part of the country.

In another development, the former Senate Leader, Muhammed Ali Ndume, who was suspended for six months by the Chamber in March this year, has resumed legislative duties today. The lawmaker participated in the plenary of the Chamber.