The ninth Senate of the National Assembly has attributed its distinguished status to several noteworthy bills, namely the Petroleum Industry Act, the Nigeria Electricity Act, and the Finance Act 2022, according to their statements during the valedictory session held in Abuja for the outgoing senators of the 9th Assembly.
Senate President Ahmad Lawan acknowledged that the 9th Senate successfully passed 500 bills in a span of four years, highlighting the significant accomplishments achieved during their tenure. Lawan expressed mixed emotions, acknowledging a sense of achievement for their collective efforts and extending gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve the Nigerian people as part of the esteemed Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Lawan emphasized that the 9th Senate played a pivotal role in introducing and enacting critical legislation aimed at revitalizing the economy and enhancing transparency in government processes.
With over 1,129 bills presented on the Senate floor, more than 500 bills were successfully passed, with 131 of them receiving presidential assent, marking the highest number in Nigeria’s legislative history.
Notably, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently assented to two bills passed by the 9th National Assembly, namely the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fifth Alteration) (No.37) Bill, 2023, which extends the retirement age of high court judges from 65 to 70 years, and the Electricity Act 2023, which replaces the Electricity and Power Sector Reform Act of 2005.
Lawan acknowledged the Senate’s dedication to addressing the concerns of their constituents by moving 361 motions and passing 488 resolutions.
These motions and resolutions were instrumental in drawing the government’s attention to specific issues and seeking their intervention. While highlighting the impressive numerical figures, Lawan emphasized that the laws enacted by the 9th Senate spanned across the 11 priority areas outlined in their Legislative Agenda.
Furthermore, Lawan mentioned the passage of crucial security-related legislation, including the bill for the establishment of a national commission for coordination and control of small arms and light weapons, aimed at curbing the proliferation of illegal arms. The Senate also passed the Police Act 2020, which introduced significant operational changes in the Nigerian Police Force and its relationship with the citizenry.
Concluding his address, Lawan expressed gratitude to his fellow colleagues for electing him as the President of the 9th Senate. He considered it a great honor and privilege to serve as a member of the esteemed legislative body and to preside over its activities during a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s history.