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NABRO AND NATIONAL INLAND WATERWAYS AUTHORITY BILLS SCALE SECOND READING

NABRO AND NATIONAL INLAND WATERWAYS AUTHORITY BILLS SCALE SECOND READING
The plenary session of the Senate on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 witnessed the passage for second reading of two Bills on the floor of the Hallowed Chamber. The Bills whose general principles were debated enjoyed overwhelming support of Senators. The session presided over by the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu saw the two legislation progress to the next legislative stage. The Bills that got the nod of the law-makers include:

1) A Bill for an Act to establish an Independent National Assembly Budget and Research Office (NABRO) which shall provide the
National Assembly with objective, timely and non-partisan analysis needed for economic  and budget decisions as well as other related matters , 2016 (S.B. 222), sponsored by Sen. Babajide Omoworare (Osun East).

The following Senators lent their voices in favour of the legislation; Sen. Barau Jibrin, Sen. Shehu Sani, Sen. Olamilekan Adeola Solomon, Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa, Sen. Dino Melaye and the Deputy Senate President (DSP), Ike Ekweremadu. The DSP noted that the Bill, if passed into law will ensure constructive engagements in the area of budgeting between the legislature and the executive arms of government. He added that the Bill is long overdue considering the immense benefits NABRO will offer to the legislative process.

Sen. Ekweremadu urged the executive arm of government to present the 2017 Appropriation Bill early enough to ensure timely consideration and passage. The Bill sailed through second reading and has been referred to the Senate Committees on Establishment and Public Service as well as Appropriation to report back in four weeks.
2) A Bill for an Act to Repeal the National Inland Waterways Authority Act CAP N47, LFN 2004 and to Enact the National Inland Waterways Act to provide for the management, regulation and development of the National Inland Waterways and to promote Private Sector participation in the development of National Inland Waterways in Nigeria and for other related matters, 2016 (S.B. 240), sponsored by Sen. Andy Uba (Anambra South).

The Bill was given support by Parliamentarians which ultimately led to its second reading and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Marine Transport to report back in four weeks.

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