Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: senate

  • Senate Rejects 10-Year Jail Term for PVC Buyers and Sellers

    Senate Rejects 10-Year Jail Term for PVC Buyers and Sellers

    In an update published by Vanguard, the Nigerian Senate has turned down a proposal to impose a 10-year prison sentence on individuals involved in the buying and selling of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). During the debate on the Electoral Amendment Bill, lawmakers opted to retain the existing two-year imprisonment term. However, the Senate agreed to significantly increase the financial penalty, raising the fine from ₦2 million to ₦5 million under Clause 22 of the bill.

    The decision was reached following heated deliberations on the proportionality of the punishment. Proponents of the 10-year term argued that stiff penalties are necessary to deter electoral fraud ahead of the 2027 general elections. Conversely, the majority of senators felt that the increased fine, combined with the current jail term, provides a sufficient deterrent without overburdening the judicial system.

    Premium Times and ThisDay have reported on the legislative session. Premium Times noted that “the rejection of the longer jail term has sparked debate among electoral reform activists.” ThisDay cited a senator who remarked, “we must focus on the enforceability of these laws rather than just the severity of the sentences.”

    Echotitbits take:

    While the increase in fines is a step toward making electoral malpractice “expensive,” the rejection of a longer jail term might be seen by critics as a soft stance on vote-buying. With the 2027 elections approaching, the focus should now shift to how INEC and security agencies will actually catch and prosecute those participating in the PVC black market.

    Source: Vanguard – vanguardngr.com/2026/02/senate-rejects-10-year-jail-term-for-pvc-traders-amends-electoral-timelines/, February 5, 2026

    Photo credit: Vanguard

  • Senate President Akpabio Withdraws ₦200 Billion Defamation Lawsuits

    Senate President Akpabio Withdraws ₦200 Billion Defamation Lawsuits

    According to Leadership, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said he would withdraw defamation and libel suits against individuals and media outlets, including a widely discussed ₦200 billion case involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

    Akpabio announced the decision during a church service in Uyo, saying he was influenced by a message on forgiveness and national reconciliation, and wanted to lead by example as a senior public official.

    Legal commentators described the move as a strategic de-escalation that could reduce internal tensions in the National Assembly and allow lawmakers to focus on pressing policy issues.

    The Nation and Daily Post also reported reactions, including statements welcoming the withdrawal as a win for dialogue and democratic culture.

    Echotitbits take: This looks like a political reset that clears distractions and could smooth legislative relationships. Watch whether it translates into a more cohesive Senate agenda in 2026.

    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/why-i-withdrew-defamation-case-against-natasha-others-akpabio/ 2026-01-09

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Tragic Loss as Senator Godiya Akwashiki Passes On at 52

    Tragic Loss as Senator Godiya Akwashiki Passes On at 52

    In an update published by The Nation, the Nigerian political community has been thrown into mourning following the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who represented Nasarawa North in the National Assembly. Chieftains of various political parties, including the Social Democratic Party (SDP), received the remains of the 52-year-old lawmaker at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, describing his demise as a ‘devastating loss to the nation.’

    Senator Akwashiki was widely respected for his contributions to legislative governance and his commitment to the development of Nasarawa State. Colleagues and family members described him as a bridge-builder who maintained strong relationships across party lines, making his sudden departure a significant blow to the opposition and the Senate at large.

    The news was also reported by Daily Post and Leadership. Daily Post noted that the ‘SDP presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo pays tribute’ to the late senator, while Leadership cited the Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, who stated that ‘Akwashiki’s demise is an irreparable loss to the state and the nation.’

    Echotitbits take: The death of a sitting senator often triggers a high-stakes by-election. Beyond the personal tragedy, Akwashiki’s passing will likely lead to a political scramble in Nasarawa North. Watch for how the SDP and the ruling APC position themselves for the upcoming contest to fill the vacant seat.
    Source: Vanguard – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/senator-godiya-akwashiki-dies-in-indian-hospital-at-52/ January 6 2026

    Photo Credit: Vanguard

  • N’Assembly opens tax-acts paperwork to the public as “gazette mismatch” row grows

    N’Assembly opens tax-acts paperwork to the public as “gazette mismatch” row grows

    2026-01-02 06:00:00
    According to Punch, Nigeria’s National Assembly says it will publish the Votes and Proceedings from both chambers alongside the gazetted versions of the new Tax Acts, after allegations that the text in circulation differs from what lawmakers passed.

    The House leadership says the clerk will also make available the transmitted tax bills signed by the president, including the certificate pages, as part of an effort to calm the controversy and restore confidence in the documentation trail.

    Lawmakers have already constituted an ad hoc committee to review the alleged inconsistencies and report back, with officials framing the move as a transparency step rather than a reversal of the reforms.

    Premium Times reports the legislature is “promising to make available certified copies of the bills signed” to address public concerns, noting the Assembly’s directive to release those documents. Reuters, meanwhile, says the dispute centres on “discrepancies between the gazetted text and the version passed by lawmakers,” as the reforms move into implementation.

    Echotitbits take: This is a rare “open-the-files” moment for Nigeria’s legislature. If the certified versions don’t match what businesses are already pricing into contracts and tax planning, expect urgent circulars, re-gazetting, and possible legal challenges. Watch the ad hoc committee’s report and any guidance from FIRS/Nigeria Revenue Service on transitional enforcement.

    Source: The Punch — January 2, 2026 (https://punchng.com/nassembly-invites-public-to-scrutinise-tax-laws/)
    The Punch 2026-01-02

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Senate backs ₦54.46trn 2026 spending framework, cuts oil price benchmark to $60

    Senate backs ₦54.46trn 2026 spending framework, cuts oil price benchmark to $60

    Photo Credit: Punch
    2025-12-16

    Lawmakers in the Senate have approved the 2026–2028 medium‑term expenditure and fiscal strategy framework, endorsing a ₦54.46 trillion 2026 spending plan and lowering the crude oil benchmark for 2026 to $60 per barrel.

    According to reports on the debate, the lower benchmark reflects caution about global oil volatility, even as output assumptions remain aggressive. The framework also keeps key macro assumptions such as the exchange‑rate projection and multi‑year inflation and growth targets.

    The decisions matter because they set the ‘envelope’ for the 2026 budget — shaping how much government can borrow, what it can spend on capital projects, and how it prioritises debt servicing and social spending.

    Markets will be watching whether the conservative oil price assumption reduces revenue disappointment — and whether reforms, including tax administration changes, can realistically close the gap between projections and collections.

    BusinessDay: Musa said the adjustment was necessary “in recognition of the global geopolitical tensions in Europe and the Middle East and the sensitivity of global crude oil prices.”

    THISDAY: “A key decision was the downward review of the crude oil benchmark price for 2026 from $64.85 per barrel to $60.”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: A lower oil benchmark can improve budget credibility — but only if production and revenue assumptions aren’t over‑optimistic. Watch the final budget draft, borrowing plans, and how the government hedges against oil‑price and FX shocks.

    Source: Punch — December 17, 2025 — https://punchng.com/senate-lowers-oil-benchmark-approves-n54-46tn-budget/

     

  • Senate tells FIRS to raise 2026 revenue target to ₦35trn, slams “multiple budgets”

    Senate tells FIRS to raise 2026 revenue target to ₦35trn, slams “multiple budgets”

    Photo credit: PunchNG (image on article page)
    2025-12-15

    According to The Punch, the Senate Committee on Finance criticised the Federal Government’s habit of running multiple budgets within a single fiscal year, warning it weakens fiscal discipline and planning.

    The report says the committee directed the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to lift its 2026 revenue projection from ₦31tn to ₦35tn during discussions around the 2026–2028 MTEF/FSP.

    It also referenced a claimed revenue gap in the 2025 budget cycle, fueling arguments that rollovers and repeated revisions are becoming systemic.

    BusinessDay: “at least ₦35 trillion in revenue in 2026.”

    TheCable: “raise the 2026 target to N35 trillion from N31 trillion.”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: This looks like early pressure-setting for 2026 budget negotiations. Watch whether FIRS follows with compliance tech, base-broadening, and enforcement—rather than new rate hikes—and whether the Executive adopts the higher benchmark.

    Source: The Punch — December 15, 2025 (https://punchng.com/senate-kicks-against-multiple-budgets-orders-firs-to-deliver-n35tn-revenue/)

  • Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Envoys

    Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Envoys

    Photo Credit:Punch Newspapers

    The Senate has refuted claims that it received formal petitions against President Tinubu’s ambassadorial nominees, insisting that no written objections were submitted through official channels. Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee clarified that while public conversations and media debates exist, the upper chamber can only rely on properly documented complaints.

    The clarification follows controversy around some nominees and questions over their previous political roles. Lawmakers say background checks and security screening will continue, but stressed that due process and fairness will guide final confirmations.

    Source: Punch Newspapers – 11 Dec 2025

    2025-12-12 10:00:00 Punch Newspapers – 11 Dec 2025 2025-12-11

  • Senate Demands Pause on Sudden WAEC SSCE Subject Changes

    The Senate summoned the Education Minister and WAEC leadership over sudden modifications to the 2025/2026 SSCE subject structure. Lawmakers warned the timing could destabilise SS3 candidates preparing for the May/June 2026 examinations.

    Senators urged that affected candidates be exempted and that major revisions be deferred to later cycles to allow schools and students adequate preparation.

    2025-12-10

    Punch Newspapers

    2025-12-10

  • Senate Moves to Check Holiday Airfare Shock, Summons Keyamo

    The Senate summoned Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo and industry stakeholders over sharp increases in domestic airfares ahead of the festive season. Lawmakers said soaring ticket prices are worsening the cost-of-living burden on travellers.

    Committees were tasked to engage airlines and regulators and propose consumer-protection measures that balance affordability with operators’ rising costs.

    2025-12-10

    Punch Newspapers

    2025-12-10

  • Senate Backs Tinubu’s Rapid Response as Benin Coup Attempt Tests ECOWAS

    The Senate approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to deploy troops to the Republic of Benin after an attempted coup reportedly disrupted public order in Cotonou. Lawmakers framed the move as part of Nigeria’s regional responsibility under ECOWAS.

    Some senators reportedly sought fuller debate, but leadership argued emergency procedures justified swift approval given the potential regional spillover.

    2025-12-10

    Punch Newspapers

    2025-12-10