The Senate has asked President Bola Tinubu to assent to the Nigerian Forest Security Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025, which is currently awaiting presidential approval.
The bill aimed at tackling insecurity in the country, particularly in forested and rural areas.
The Senate resolution was adopted after the submission of two bills sponsored by Senate minority leader, Senator Abba Moro, and Senator Sunday Karimi.
The bills strongly condemned the abduction of His Royal Highness, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, the Obalohun of Okoloke, in Kogi State, and deadly attacks on communities in Benue State by suspected herdsmen.
The Senate expressed dismay over the abduction of the Kogi monarch and called for immediate security intervention across affected regions.
Moro informed the chamber of coordinated attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen on Akpete and Ojantele communities in Benue State, which resulted in the deaths of over a dozen residents.
The Senate noted that the Forest Security Bill could be revisited to accommodate the President’s proposed Forest Guard initiative, aimed at curbing rising insecurity.
The Senate urged the Federal Government to direct all security agencies to deploy their resources for the immediate rescue of the monarch.
The Senate also passed a bill seeking to make it mandatory for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prioritise local automobile manufacturers and indigenous companies in their procurement processes.
The bill aimed at strengthening the local manufacturing sector, enhance job creation, and reduce capital flight.
Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, underscored the economic benefits of the bill, saying “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.”
The Senate’s resolutions aim to address the pressing issues of insecurity and economic development in the country.
The passage of the bills is expected to have a positive impact on the economy and the lives of Nigerians.
