In an effort to combat insecurity, the Senate on Thursday requested President Bola Tinubu’s assent to the Nigerian Forest Security Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025, which was just approved by the National Assembly.
This resolution was passed following the submission of two bills, sponsored by Senators Sunday Karimi and Abba Moro, the Senate minority leader, that strongly condemned the murderous attacks on communities in Benue State by suspected herdsmen and the kidnapping of His Royal Highness, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, the Obalohun of Okoloke, in Kogi State’s Yagba West Local Government Area.
The Senate voiced its displeasure in the first motion about the kidnapping of a Kogi monarch by suspected kidnappers who entered his palace at midnight on Thursday, May 15, fired gunshots, and then took him to an unidentified place.
Legislators urged quick security action in all impacted areas, but they also pointed out that the bill might be changed to include the President’s suggested Forest Guard program, which would reduce growing insecurity, especially in rural and wooded areas.
Additionally, the Senate requested the federal government to order all security agencies to immediately mobilize their resources in order to rescue the monarch.
More than a dozen civilians were killed in coordinated attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen on the Akpete and Ojantele towns in Benue State’s Apa Local Government Area on May 1 and May 7, respectively, which Moro had reported to the chamber.
Through second reading, the Senate also approved a bill that would require Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to give preference to domestic automakers and indigenous businesses in their procurement procedures.
Sen. Patrick Ndubueze’s submission at plenary preceded the passage.
Speaking in favor of the bill, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin emphasized the policy’s economic advantages and pointed out that the public has consistently called for greater support for Made-in-Nigeria goods.
“There has been a clamour for the government to patronize locally made goods. This is not just patriotic, it is a sound economic decision. Supporting indigenous companies will help grow our economy, create jobs, and reduce our dependence on imports,” he remarked.
The strongly supported measure encourages government support for Nigerian-made products, especially in the automotive sector, with the goal of boosting job creation, strengthening the local manufacturing sector, and reducing capital flight.
