The Senate on Thursday called on President Bola Tinubu to give his assent to the Nigerian Forest Security Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025, which has been passed by the National Assembly and awaits presidential approval.
The bill is designed to address the growing insecurity, especially in forested and rural areas.
This resolution followed deliberations on two motions introduced by Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Abba Moro, and Sen. Sunday Karimi.
The motions condemned the recent abduction of Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, the Obalohun of Okoloke in Kogi State, and violent attacks on communities in Benue State by suspected herdsmen.
In discussing the first motion, senators expressed concern over the abduction of the Kogi monarch by kidnappers who invaded his palace around midnight on May 15, firing gunshots before taking him to an undisclosed location.
Lawmakers urged immediate intervention from security agencies and suggested that the Forest Security Service Bill could be revised to incorporate President Tinubu’s proposed Forest Guard initiative to further enhance protection in vulnerable areas.
The Senate also called on the Federal Government to mobilize all relevant security agencies for the swift rescue of the abducted traditional ruler.
Sen. Moro also informed the chamber about coordinated attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen on the Akpete and Ojantele communities in Benue State’s Apa LGA, which took place on May 1 and 7, resulting in multiple fatalities.
In a separate legislative move, the Senate passed a bill during second reading that would require Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to prioritize the procurement of vehicles and products from local automobile manufacturers and indigenous companies.
Sen. Patrick Ndubueze presented the bill, which gained widespread support among lawmakers. Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin emphasized the economic potential of such a policy, pointing out that increased patronage of Made-in-Nigeria goods would boost the economy, create employment, and reduce dependency on imports.
The bill is aimed at empowering local manufacturers, particularly in the automotive sector, while minimizing capital flight and enhancing national productivity.
What you should know
The Senate’s actions reflect growing concerns over insecurity in rural Nigeria and underscore legislative efforts to support local industries.
If signed into law, the Forest Security Bill could serve as a backbone for the federal Forest Guard initiative, while the local content bill aims to protect and promote Nigerian businesses, especially within the automobile industry.
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