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Senate moves to establish Metallurgical Training Institute

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SENATE-PRESIDENT
Senate President Ahmad Lawan
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The Senate has considered a bill seeking to establish the National Metallurgical Training Institute, Onitsha.

The National Metallurgical Training Training Institute (Establishment) Bill, 2021, which scaled second reading was sponsored by the Senate Leader, Yahaya Abdullahi (APC, Kebbi North).

The bill was read for the first time on September 15, 2021.

Leading debate on the bill, Senator Abdullahi said the  establishment of the Institute was against the backdrop of the feasibility study carried out in 1979 by the German Agency for technical cooperation (GTZ).

According to the lawmaker, the  German Agency observed the lack of the skill technical manpower to maintain and run the heavy Mechanical and Electrical equipment in the Steel, Oil & Gas and manufacturing industries.

He explained that the agreement between the German and Nigerian Governments out of which the Institute was established in 1980, required that the German Government provide equipment and organize foreign technical training for Nigerians, while the Nigerian Government should provide the physical infrastructure and the personnel to be trained.

The lawmaker noted that when established, the Institute would be responsible for training of low and middle level technical manpower in maintenance and repair works for Steel and Allied Industries in Nigeria.

He added that it would create a pool of indigenous technical workforce that can erect, commission, operate and maintain the steel industries thereby reducing Nigerian dependence on foreign technical workforce.

Abdullahi stated further that the Metallurgical Institute would undertake training of skilled personnel already employed in steel and allied industries, offer Advisory services to firms in the implementation of their training programmes, and provide jobs for youths through empowerment with appropriate skills and competences.

“The uniqueness of the Institute is in its practical content.

“The establishment of the Institute has greatly minimized the need to send Nigerians abroad for vocational training and skill acquisition as well as assisting in job creation for Artisans, Technicians and our teeming unemployed youths.

“In 40 years of the existence, the Institute has trained many Nigerians from six geopolitical zones in the country.

“The Institute was involved in the training of ex-militant of the Niger Delta amnesty Programme. This result was a huge success”, Senator Abdullahi said.

Contributing, Senator Uche Lilian Ekwunife, drew the attention of the Senate that the Institution ought to be sited in Obosi not Onitsha.

The Senate President, however, advised the lawmaker to take up the matter with the appropriate authority seeking its establishment for consideration and possible correction at the public hearing on the bill.

The bill after scaling second reading was referred by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, to the Committee on Solid Minerals, Steel Development and Metallurgy.

The Committee was given four weeks to report back to the upper chamber.

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Tinubu Approves Cabinet Reshuffle, Appoints Oyedele as Finance Minister

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Taiwo Oyedele
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle affecting the Federal Executive Council (FEC), with key changes in the finance and housing ministries.

According to a memo issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, former Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, have been directed to step down from their positions.

Taiwo Oyedele has been elevated to serve as the new Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy. He previously held the position of Minister of State in the ministry.

In the housing sector, Muttaqha Rabe Darma has been named as the ministerial nominee and minister-designate for the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

All affected officials have been instructed to complete their handover processes on or before Thursday, April 23, 2026.

The presidency said the reshuffle is aimed at improving coordination in governance and delivering better economic outcomes under the Renewed Hope Agenda. The President also thanked the outgoing ministers for their service and wished them well in their future endeavors.

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Bamidele: 2026 Electoral Act Reflects Stakeholders’ Consensus, Not Legislative Imposition

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Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele
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The Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, has stated that the provisions of the 2026 Electoral Act were the outcome of broad consultations with stakeholders rather than unilateral decisions by the National Assembly.

In an Easter message issued on Sunday through his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, Bamidele explained that the new electoral law aligns with global best practices and was not designed to serve any political interest. He urged political actors to adhere to the rules collectively established to ensure stability, peace, and order within Nigeria’s democratic system.

His remarks come amid criticisms from opposition parties, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which alleged that certain provisions—such as Sections 77 and 84 of the Act—were introduced to weaken their chances ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, Bamidele dismissed the claims, insisting that all sections of the law were products of consensus involving civil society groups, development partners, and other stakeholders.

He defended the requirement for political parties to submit a digital register of members to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing it as a transparency measure aimed at preventing undue influence by individuals outside party structures. According to him, the reform is essential for strengthening internal democracy and ensuring that party decisions reflect the will of legitimate members.

Bamidele also justified the restriction of candidate nomination processes to either direct primaries or consensus arrangements, noting that the move is intended to eliminate the delegate system, which he said had been susceptible to manipulation by wealthy individuals. He added that the new system empowers party members and reinforces majority rule in line with democratic principles.

Beyond electoral matters, the Senate leader condemned recent violent attacks in Plateau and Kaduna states, describing them as unacceptable acts against innocent citizens. He assured that the National Assembly is collaborating with federal and state authorities to tackle insecurity and prevent further loss of lives.

He disclosed that ongoing legislative efforts, including amendments to the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, are aimed at introducing stricter penalties for kidnappers, their sponsors, and collaborators. Bamidele expressed confidence that these measures would help restore security and stability across the country.

Reflecting on Easter, Bamidele called on Nigerians, especially political leaders, to embrace the values of sacrifice, tolerance, and unity exemplified by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, urging a collective commitment to nation-building.

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FG to Deploy AI Cameras to Tackle Insecurity in Plateau — Tinubu

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President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
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President Bola Tinubu has announced that the Federal Government will deploy over 5,000 artificial intelligence-enabled digital cameras across Plateau State to help security agencies combat rising insecurity.

The President made this known on Thursday during a visit to Jos, following the March 29 gun attacks in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area, which claimed several lives. He assured residents that such incidents would not recur, pledging decisive action to bring perpetrators to justice.

Tinubu directed security chiefs, including the Minister of Defence, Chief of Army Staff, and Inspector General of Police, to track down those responsible for the killings. He also tasked the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijjani, with overseeing the immediate installation of the surveillance system, starting in Jos and later expanding across the state.

Expressing sympathy to affected families, the President said no compensation could replace lost lives but promised government support and justice. He also directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to compile data on victims to ensure fair distribution of relief.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the incident as a temporary setback, noting that the state had previously enjoyed relative peace. He expressed confidence in ongoing security efforts and thanked the Federal Government for approving the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen local security.

Stakeholders at the meeting, including former governors and political leaders, called for greater collaboration and dialogue among Plateau indigenes, stressing that lasting peace would require collective responsibility.

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