News Post

The Senate on Wednesday, May 31, 2017 resumed consideration of the Report of Senate Committee on Customs and Excise Duty on the Nigerian Customs Service Management Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2017 (S.B. 247), sponsored by Sen. Hope Uzodinma (Imo West). It would be recalled that the Chamber deferred consideration of the Bill last week at clause 16 to another legislative date.

On the resumed consideration, the Upper Legislative Chamber resolved into the Committee of the Whole where clauses 17 – 286, schedules 1 – 5, memorandum of understanding, short and long titles of the Bill were approved as recommended or amended. Afterwards, the legislation sailed through third reading and passed.

Accordingly, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki who presided over session congratulated the members of the Senate Committee on Customs and Excise Duty for a thorough job; stressing that the passage of the Bill into law will transform the Nigerian Customs Service for enhanced productivity and efficiency, simplify its operations, increase revenue generation and boost the economy. While on the other hand, it has addressed much of the identified shortcomings and obsolete provisions of the principal Act. 

Sen. Saraki added that the establishment of the Nigerian Customs Service Commission will also position the Service to be in line with International Best Practices, promote manpower development and improve the clearance of both imported and exported goods and services as well as boost trade and commerce between Nigeria and other countries which ultimately is intended to diversify the nation’s economy.

Nonetheless, Sen. Clifford Ordia rose under point of order 42 and 52 to seek and obtain the leave of the Senate to report attack by suspected Fulani Herdsmen on his constituents in the Edo Central Senatorial District which led to the loss of lives and properties as well as rape. The Motion was seconded by Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Sen. Francis Alimikhena (Edo North); stating that such attacks were not restricted to one Senatorial District alone but a recurrent phenomenon across the country. The Motion scaled through with the following resolutions below:

i) A minute silence was observed in honour of the deceased and other affected victims.

ii) The Senate do condemn the attacks in its entirety.

iii) Urge the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to apprehend and prosecute these criminals in the society.

Accordingly, the Red Chamber deferred all other items on the order paper and adjourned sitting to Thursday, June 1st, 2017.