AGAINST the backdrop of the planned labour cum civil society protest over the alleged planned removal of petroleum subsidy, President of the Senate, Dr Ahmad Lawan, yesterday categorically declared that President Muhammadu Buhari has not directed anyone in his administration to implement the removal of petroleum subsidy. Recall that the organized labour through the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has directed all its state councils to mobilize members for one day nationwide protest in the 36 States of the federation against the planned subsidy removal on petroleum and the imposed tax on soft drinks deregulation on January 27, 2022. The President of NLC, Ayuba Wabba had also announced that what he described as the mother of all protests will take place in Abuja in February. But the President of the senate told State House correspondents after meeting behind closed doors with President Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja that he had gone to convey the feeling of constituents to him (Buhari) on some concerns including the proposed removal of subsidy. It will also be recalled that the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr Zainab Ahmed, had announced last October that the federal government made provision for petrol subsidy only for the first six months of 2022 as the government looked towards complete deregulation of the sector. The Minister had said, “In our 2022 budget, we only factored in subsidy for the first half of the year; the second half of the year, we are looking at complete deregulation of the sector, saving foreign exchange and potentially earning more from the oil and gas industry.” However, the President of the Senate told journalists that the lawmakers are worried about the different agitation and protests around the country, adding that it was what necessitated the discussion with the President. Lawan said he was glad to inform Nigerians that Buhari has not told anyone to remove the petroleum subsidy. According to him, “Well, it will be of interest to Nigerians to hear what I’ve come to discuss with Mr President among several other things. “Many of us are very concerned with the recent agitations, protests, and many citizens were so concerned, our constituents across the country are very concerned that the federal government will remove the petroleum subsidy. And for us, as parliamentarians, as legislators representing the people of Nigeria, this must be of interest to us. “And we’ve just finished our recess, we had gone home to our constituencies and senatorial districts. And will feel the pulse of our people. And I found it necessary to visit Mr President, as the leader of our government and our leader in the country, to discuss this particular issue of concern to Nigerians, and I’m happy to inform Nigerians that Mr President never told anyone that the petroleum subsidy should be removed.” Details later… VANGUARD

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan has justified the need for the Federal Government to borrow funds, saying it is necessary for infrastructural development in the country. He stated this on Tuesday at the Senate Chamber upon the resumption of the lawmakers from recess. Lawan stated that funding the 2022 budget is based on significant borrowing, adding that the nation is caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. The Senate President equally emphasised the need to construct and provide infrastructure in all parts of the country because infrastructure is needed for development. While accepting the Federal Government cannot continue to borrow endlessly, he warned that it is imperative that we need to improve on the revenue to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio. “Distinguished Colleagues, funding of the 2022 Budget is predicated on significant borrowing. Our country is caught between the devil and the deep blue sea,” he said. “Distinguished Colleagues, as we all know the oversight of the implementation of the Budget is a critical function of the National Assembly. “We must therefore strategize on effective oversight of the implementation of the 2022 Budget. This is going to be the last budget that would be fully implemented for 12 months in the life of the Ninth Senate. We, therefore, need to supervise very closely. “At about 8% Revenue to GDP ratio, our country is basically at 50% of what is required of the revenue to GDP of 15% for it to support any significant economic development.” See the Senate President’s full speech below: SPEECH BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE, DISTINGUISHED SENATOR AHMAD IBRAHIM LAWAN, PhD, CON, AT SENATE RESUMPTION, SENATE CHAMBER, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMPLEX, THREE ARMS ZONE, ASO ROCK, ABUJA, JANUARY 18TH , 2022. Protocol, My Distinguished Colleagues, I welcome you back from our Christmas and New Year recess. I believe that the recess gave us the opportunity to celebrate the festivities with our families and loved ones. My Distinguished Colleagues, before we went on the recess, we considered and passed the Appropriation Bill on 22nd of December, 2021. That was the third consecutive time to pass the annual appropriation bill before end of year. The Bill was signed into law on 31st of December, 2021 by Mr President, to give the desired effect of starting the implementation of the Budget from January 2022. Distinguished Colleagues, I once again commend the Senate, indeed the National Assembly and the Executive arm of Government for working tirelessly to maintain the instituted January to December budget cycle. Distinguished Colleagues, as we all know the oversight of the implementation of the Budget is a critical function of the National Assembly. We must therefore strategize on effective oversight of the implementation of the 2022 Budget. This is going to be the last budget that would be fully implemented for 12 months in the life of the Ninth Senate. We, therefore, need to supervise very closely. Distinguished Colleagues, funding of the 2022 Budget is predicated on significant borrowing. Our country is caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. We have to construct and provide infrastructure, in all parts of our country because infrastructure is needed for our nation to develop. However, we do not generate enough revenues to fund the provision of such infrastructure. Until more revenues are generated, the country has to borrow and also resort to other sources of funding our infrastructural development. But we cannot continue to borrow endlessly. It is imperative that we need to improve on the revenue to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio. At about 8% Revenue to GDP ratio, our country is basically at 50% of what is required of the revenue to GDP of 15% for it to support any significant economic development. Distinguished Colleagues, the Senate will develop a strategy of engagement with revenue-generating agencies on how to make them achieve their targets and generate more revenues in 2022. The Senate will ensure that we boost their revenue-generating drive with a view to reducing borrowing for the development of our much-needed infrastructure. This is a major challenge for our development and we need to treat as such. Distinguished Colleagues, the Petroleum Industry Act(PIA) 2021 was enacted with a view to providing better investments climate for better performance by the Oil and Gas industry. The Senate therefore, need to seriously supervise the implementation of the PIA 2021. We must ensure that our country starts to benefit from the passage of the PIA. Distinguished Colleagues, the Senate postponed discussions on the consideration of the response of Mr President on the Electoral Act 2010 Amendment Bill to enable us to consult with our counterparts in the House of Representatives and also consult with our Constituents. Like we all know, the Senate and indeed the National Assembly worked so hard on the Bill. Having consulted, the Senate will expeditiously look into the issue. Distinguished Colleagues, the Security situation in our country is still dire. We must remain focused and determined to work with the Executive arm of government, and also continue to support our armed forces and security agencies. We must continue to prioritize the Security and welfare of our citizens as enshrined in your constitution nor despair. I urge us not to be discouraged by the situation. We should make this year as the year for the final securing of our nation from the numerous security challenges. Distinguished Colleagues, the review of the 1999 Constitution is a major plank of our Legislature Agenda. Our Committee on Review of the 1999 Constitution has done so much work so far. Working with their counter parts in the House of Representatives the report of the Committee will be presented to the Senate for consideration soon. The Senate will consider the report and the National Assembly will communicate to the State Houses of Assembly within the first quarter of this year. Distinguished Colleagues, Political activities leading to 2023 general elections have already started. This Senate should continue to provide the support that Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) needs for successful