The Nigerian Senate on Thursday held a special plenary to mark the first year of the 8th Senate.
The Senate President has appealed to his colleagues to cease the day and make a difference in the lives of Nigerians.
“The successful democratic transition that ushered in a new administration last year has united the hope of our citizens that democratic government truly empowers the people and is therefore ultimately capable of delivering real benefits to them and give them better quality of life,” the Senate President said.
Dr. Saraki explained that this can be achieved when the right policies are passed which will promote local businesses.
Bills which are top on the agenda include the Procurement Bill and the Transportation Bill.
“There is no gain saying that an efficient transport system is a critical component of economic development anywhere.
“For the first time since 1927, the Railway Bill which opened up the subsector can attract the required private capital into this segment of our transport system that has appeared stuck in the past
“The influx of private sector players, states and local governments will not only stimulate rapid rural development, it will also create economic values by making transportation of goods more efficient, safer and cheaper.
“The direct and indirect implication this will have on our economy, especially the agricultural subsector cannot be overemphasized.”
Public Procurement Bill
The Senate President further said that the review of the Public Procurement Act is another major intervention by the Senate.
“This review is inspired by the need to guarantee government patronage for local manufacturers.
“Our desire is to ensure that substantial part the six trillion in the national budget of this year is retained in the local economy and put in the pockets of our people.”
Articulating some of the work they have done in the past one year, he urged the Senators to be aware of “the fact that it is only through these functions that our (Senators) performances would be measured by Nigerians”.
