The Local Automobile Industry Patronage Bill, 2025, on Thursday, scaled second reading in the Senate.This followed the presentation of the lead debate on the general principles of the bill by the sponsor, Sen. Patrick Ndubueze (APC-Imo).Leading the debate, Ndubueze said that the bill sought to make it mandatory for Ministries, Departments and Agencies to give priorities to local manufacturers and indigenous companies in the procurement of goods and services.

“And to prohibit the exclusion of locally produced goods in the procurement process and for related matters,” he said. Ndubueze said that any country that aims to achieve steady economic growth and development must have a policy that encourages and provides a framework for local production.“It is also important that goods and services are produced locally as its ripple effect is a reduction in imports and a rise in exports (Balance of trade),” the lawmaker noted.He, however, said that unfortunately, over the years, the country had failed to institutionalise the use of indigenous products, brands and services in Nigeria and have instead, glorified foreign goods of no particular superior quality.“This failure has and is being felt in no less a sector than our economy. Today, we see the see-sawing of the Naira and with every plunge, inflation bites harder.“Nigeria must at this stage of our history enforce a sustainable policy on made-in-Nigeria automobiles.“This is because imported cars continue to account for billions of dollars in forex outflow.“One of the biggest expenses of both the public and civil service is the procurement of foreign automobiles,” he saidNdubueze said that it was the firm belief that rescuing the Naira must begin with the adoption of more sustainable economic practices.“The first of which must be the institutionalisation of buying made-in-Nigeria vehicles,” he noted.Contributing, Senate Chief Whip, Sen. Mohammed Monguno said that the use and patronage of made-in-Nigerian goods would promote local industries with all the attendant effect of creating more employment and “growing our Gross Domestic Product (GDP).“Mr President, if I can refresh your memory, about a week ago, the Federal Executive Council passed a resolution to the effect that Nigerians should patronise made-in-Nigerian goods.“That all ministries, departments and agencies of government were equally directed to patronise made-in-Nigeria goods in order to promote local industries.”He added that what the bill sought to do was essentially to give the needed tools to the resolution of FEC, “so that the resolution is done through an Executive fiat.”In his remarks, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau said patronising made-in-Nigeria vehicles would help boost the economy. (NAN)

From Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi

The Bauchi state commissioner of Works and Transport, Prof. Titus Saul Ketkukah yesterday disclosed that the ongoing construction of the fly overs of Wunti and Central markets is nearly completed.The commissioner, who made the disclosure while inspecting the construction work, said the construction of Wunti Market has reached 90% completion while that of the central market has reached over 80% completion.

According to him, the purpose of constructing the flyovers under the people oriented government of Bala Mohammed is meant to ease traffic, reduce accidents, provide comfort to commuters and aesthetics to the state capital. The commissioner, who noted the hardship caused to passersby due to road diversions and barricades at the project sites, expressed delight that when completed the citizens would have a better and positive impact of the Fly-Overs on their wellbeing.He said Governor Bala Mohammed has directed timely completions of the flyovers at Wunti Gate and Central Market roundabouts.He expressed optimisms that all the specifications in the project design would be strictly adhered to as well as timely completion of the flyovers.According to the commissioner, the Hydraulic structures have been completed at both sites while earthworks and asphalt overlays will be done in a short time.Ketkukah was accompanied by Director of Engineering Services, Jibrin Umar, Principal Residence Engineer at the sites, Engr. M. S Idris, his personal assistant, Andrew Dauda and others.The Commissioner, Dan-Iya of Tapshin and Jarmai of Ngas, Bauchi State urged engineers of the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) engineers handling the two fly overs to make sure that they finished the construction of the bridges in time, in order for other people to continue moving smoothly.

From Dan Amasingha, Minna

The international Federation of women lawyers are seeking partnership with the Niger State Police Command for the enforcement of the law against Violence Against Persons and Prohibition (VAPP) Act.State Chairperson of FIDA, Bonlale Jibogun made the call during an advocacy visit to Niger State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman at the command headquarters in Minna.

Jibogun, while formally welcoming the newly posted CP to the advocated for synergy between FIDA and the Police to wage war against violence against vulnerable persons. She noted that, “FIDA protects, preserves and promotes rights of women and children, as well as offering free legal services to vulnerable persons in court.According to her, the sensitisation visit was aimed at creating awareness against GBV as one of the priorities of FIDA.”We are doing this advocacy for sensitisation as an instrument to curb the menace of GBV as Penal Code does not adequately take care of the struggle”She informed the Commissioner of Police of the domestication of VAPP (Violence against Person and Prohibition Act) Law in Niger State, and encouraged the Police to enforce and prosecute rape and other violent cases under this Act, to ensure that their struggles are not in vain.She pointed out that to send a wife away from home, beat and even withdraw a child from school are offenses under the VAPP Law.The State FIDA Chairperson who also doubles as the Niger State coordinator of the Legal aid council of Nigeria requested for training and sensitisation on the Law, noting that it is not limited to women and children alone but persons generally, as the Law prohibits violence against persons, both males and females.The Commissioner of Police appreciated the FIDA executives for their efforts on GBV matters, noting that he was part of GBV Board members of NPF and narrated some incidents that were investigated and prosecuted.He noted that the Law is meant to ensure improvement on prosecution in various Courts because it’s comprehensive enough and assured of Police enforcement immediately.He directed Area Commanders and DPOs to ensure enforcement and prosecution of relevant cases under the VAPP Law.