Escolar Documentos
Profissional Documentos
Cultura Documentos
CHAPTER TWO
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Survey of National Constitutional Conferences up to 2005.. 24-44
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CHAPTER THREE
Contemporary Socio-Economic and Political
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Challenges to National Development and Cohesion. 45-71
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CHAPTER FOUR
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Conference Proceedings.... 72-77
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CHAPTER FIVE
Conference Resolutions.
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CHAPTER SIX
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Resolutions Requiring Constitutional or
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CHAPTER SEVEN
The Exercise of Peoples Sovereignty. 898-899
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CHAPTER EIGHT
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CONFERENCE M
2014
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FINAL DRAFT OF
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CONFERENCE REPORT
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August 2014
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
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1.1 BACKGROUND
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1.1.1 The Federal Republic Nigeria with a population of approximately 170 million,
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located in West Africa, has 36 States, 774 Local Government Areas and the Federal
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Capital Territory, Abuja. The country has had a history of national dialogue that has
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impacted on its constitutional and political development. In different phases of the 100
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years of Nigeria as a nation from the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern
Protectorates on January 1, 1914 to the convocation of a National Conference in
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March 2014, the nature, character and prospects of national conferences have been
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turning points in the history of the country. Each phase has had a defining moment as
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1.1.2 The history of constitutional and political development has shown that
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scope Constitution making for the purpose of nation-building, through which the
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rules and principles of political pluralism, the role of the state, citizenship rights and
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subject to the authority of the state and its outcome may supplant and sweep away
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existing order while heralding an entirely new order. It has the capacity to take
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effective and effectual decisions relating to the tenure, survival and/or limits of power
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of the existing regime. This means that a sovereign national conference is interpreted
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as a transitional phase in the process of a mass struggle to carry out system or regime
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change.
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1.1.5 The situation which leads to the convocation of a sovereign national conference
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arises from the thinking that the existing order or regime, is incapable of solving
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economic and political problems and the institutions of the state are rather weak or
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ineffective to assert authority while the democratic opposition is not strong enough to
effect regime or system change. Where the convocation of a Sovereign National
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1.1.6 The nature and character, relevance and legitimacy of the three types of
national dialogue depend on the context- especially the political situation in any
country, and the considerations concerning future political development. Generally, a
national dialogue assists in creating environments of high trust and openness, with
1.1.7 It will be recalled that the creation of the Kingdom of Great Britain on May, 1
1707, to include Wales and the Kingdom of Scotland was the outcome of a National
Dialogue which involved the constituent parts of the new political union. This creation
was the result of the Treaty of Union of July 22, 1706, which was ratified by both the
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Parliament of England and the Parliament of Scotland which passed an Act of Union
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in 1707. The legislative structures of both territories were responsible for the
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formalization of the amalgamation. The United States First and Second Congresses in
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1774 and 1775 respectively, also held National Dialogues to address issues related to
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their political development.
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1.1.8 The Nigerian experience in the agitation for national conference began after
amalgamation in January 1914. For this reason, this chapter is divided into six sub-
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themes which mirror the agitation for National Conference: 1914-1945:
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1999-2014: Democratic rule and the agitation for sovereign national conference.
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1.2.1 Nigerians under colonial rule were confronted with the task of building a new
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nation created by the British. The 1914 amalgamation of the Northern and Southern
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Protectorates that created the Nigerian nation was a British colonial initiative. This
provoked bitter controversy at the time, arousing the resentment of educated elite and
of some British administrators. A number of issues had agitated the early Nigerian
nationalists. First, in spite of the amalgamation, colonial administration recognized the
two areas as autonomous parts and administered the territories separately. Second, the
1.2.2 The agitation of the early Nigerian nationalists did not receive positive
attention from the British colonialists. At the end of the First World War in 1918,
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representatives from the four British colonies in West Africa namely, Nigeria, Gold
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Coast (now Ghana), Sierra Leone and the Gambia, organized the National Congress of
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British West Africa and held a conference in Accra in 1920. The sub-regional
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conference urged the British to lay the basis for future self-determination, and
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demanded for a Legislative Council in each territory, half of whose members should
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be elected Africans, African veto over taxation, separation of the judiciary from the
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legislative arm of government, appointment and deposition of chiefs by their own
people, abolition of racial discrimination in the civil service, development of
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municipal government, repeal of certain obnoxious Ordinances, and the
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1.2.2 The agitation of those early Nigerian nationalists did not receive positive
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official attention because they were not only considered to be the source of political
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agitation, but the British imperialists feared that their aspiration to greater
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1.2.4 As a result of the Accra Conference of 1920, the British introduced a new
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Constitution (known as the Sir Hugh Clifford Constitution)in 1922. The Constitution
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1.2.5 In the 1930s and up to the end of Second World War, Nigerian nationalists
continued their agitation for a national dialogue for the political restructuring of the
country. The advocates of a national dialogue argued that the act of amalgamation was
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not a federal idea but that there were strong integrative factors of inter-group relations
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that favoured the division of the country into a number of units that could develop into
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components of a future federation. The nationalists argued that a federal system would
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enhance national unity and integration of the component parts of the country, and
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agitated for the inclusion of the Northern Provinces in the Legislative Council. While
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the colonial government did not convene a national conference, prior to the
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introduction of a new constitution, nevertheless the country was divided into three
regions in 1939 - the Northern, Western and Eastern Regions. This was a fundamental
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and major step in restructuring.
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1.3.1 In the different phases of the era of decolonization from 1945 to the attainment
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Arthur Richards who was the Governor of Nigeria, had in a dispatch to London, stated
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clearly that the problem of Nigeria was how to create a political system that would
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advance political development in line with the interests being pursued by various
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1.3.2 In 1946, the Arthur Richards Constitution was introduced. At that time,
Nigerian nationalists were already demanding immediate full self-government. From
the time the constitution came into effect in 1947, wartime developments have
affected the nationalist struggle. The nationalist movement had become a powerful
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force, capable of questioning, in action and as well as in words, the constitutional,
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administrative and economic assumptions of the British authority. Nigerian
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nationalists were opposed to the Constitution, partly because of its contents, and also
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because of the way in which it was introduced. In 1947, the three elected
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representatives in the Legislative Council from Lagos boycotted the first session of the
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Council, and when they resumed sitting in 1948, they began to demand for quicker
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1.3.3 The Richards Constitution was designed to last for nine years. Sir Arthur
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Richards made the mistake of not consulting the opinion of Nigerians over his
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constitutional proposals and found himself faced with a spate of bitter criticism from
the nationalists. On August 28, 1949, Sir John Macpherson took over as the Governor
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of Nigeria. In that same year, the colonial Government took the initiatives in
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made recommendations to the Governor regarding the steps to be taken for a review of
the Richards Constitution with special reference to the methods to be adopted for
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ascertaining the views of all sections of the population on the issues involved.
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Constitution.
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1.3.5 Because it came into being after an unprecedented process of consultation with
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the peoples of Nigeria as a whole, the constitution granted some concessions to the
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nationalist agitation in that it offered a measure of responsible government and not
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self-government to Nigerian nationalist leaders.
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1.3.6 From 1953, the tempo and intensity of political agitation sharply increased. The
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nationalists argued that because of the structural weaknesses and manifest deficiencies
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of the Constitution, they were determined to drastically review it, or in the alternative,
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it should be the last colonial Constitution prescribing a dependent status for Nigeria.
Although the Constitution was to expire in five years; a motion was moved by Chief
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Anthony Enahoro of the Action Group in the House of Representatives on March 31,
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legislators were not opposed to the motion, they felt that the demand was too early. A
critical fall-out from the debate on self-government was a walk-out from the
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Parliament and resignations of some Ministers. These led to a constitutional crisis and
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1.3.7 Following the crisis over the self-government motion, the Colonial Secretary,
Oliver Lyttleton, convened a Constitutional Conference in London from July 30
August 22, 1953 to revise the 1951 Constitution. At the Conference, a federal
constitution was accepted by the leaders of the main political parties, and it was
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1.3.8 The attainment of independence by Ghana on March 6, 1957 spurred Nigerian
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nationalists to take a fresh and bolder look at the political future of the country. On
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March 26, 1957, a motion was unanimously passed in the House of Representatives
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setting 1959 as the year of independence for Nigeria within the British
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Commonwealth. The delegates to the Nigerian Constitutional Conference in May and
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June 1957 in London were mandated to actualize the agitation. Nigerian leaders were
at last united on an issue which for six years had not only plagued all internal
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relationships but had also threatened the very existence of Nigeria as an emergent
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national entity.
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1.3.9 Strengthened with this new spirit of unity and common purpose, the leaders of
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1959, but the Colonial Secretary, Mr. Lennox-Boyd did not favour the request. That
notwithstanding, the Nigerian delegates still pressed further their demand for self-
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government not later than April2, 1960. At the Conference, the Western and Eastern
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1.3.11 Minority fears of domination by the three powerful regions were expressed at
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the 1953 Constitutional Conference. It was at the 1957 Constitutional Conference that
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the British Colonial Secretary appointed a Commission headed by Henry Willinks to
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ascertain the facts of the fears of minorities in Nigeria and proposing means to allay
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those fears; to advise what safeguards should be included for this purpose in the
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Constitution; and as a last resort to the agitation, make a case for the creation of
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States. The report submitted is known as the 1958 Willinks Commission Report. The
Willinks Report was not given consideration during the Constitutional Conference of
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1960, which also worked out the final arrangements for the independence of Nigeria,
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1.4.1 In the early years of independence, minorities in the country continued their
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agitation for the creation of their States. In the 1960 and 1963 Constitutions, a federal
system made up of strong regions and a centre with limited powers, was instituted.
Both the 1960 (Independence) Constitution and the 1963 (Republican) Constitution
were basically the same. The only differences were the provisions for ceremonial
President (1963) in place of the Queen of England (1960) and the judicial appeals
1.4.2 Other important features of the 1960/63 Constitution included allowing for
separate Constitutions for each Region in addition to the Federal Government
Constitution. Second, each region had its own separate Coat of Arms and Motto, in
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addition to that of the nation. Third, each region established its own separate semi-
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independent Mission in the U.K. headed by an 'Agent-General'. Fourth, the regional
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governments had Residual Power, that is, where any matter was not allocated to the
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Regions or the Federal Government it automatically became a matter for Regional
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jurisdiction. One important feature of the 1960 Constitution is the extensive powers
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granted the regions, making them effectively autonomous entities and the revenue
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arrangements which ensured that the regions had the resources to carry out the
immense responsibilities.
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1.4.3 While Nigeria moved from one crisis to another within months after the
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attainment of independence, the minorities continued their agitation for more States.
The first manifestation of the crisis was the declaration of an emergency in the Region
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by the Federal Government and the consequent take over of the Government of the
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region by the Federal Government. This was a seminal event. On august 9, 1963, the
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Mid-West Region was created by constitutional means through a referendum and this
led to a stronger agitation for minority rights. Before 1960, about 9-15 demands for
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state creation were expressed including a Yoruba Central State, Ondo Central and
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Mid-West from the Western Region; Cross River-Ogoja-Rivers States from the
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Eastern Region; and Middle Belt State from the Northern Region. No other State apart
from the Mid-West Region was created before the collapse of the First Republic in
January 1966.
1.5.1 The political process was distorted by military intervention following the
bloody coup of January 15, 1966 led by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu and a
group of Majors, which overthrew the government of the Prime Minister, Sir
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and ushered in the military regime of General Johnson
Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi. In July of the same year, a counter-coup ushered
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in the military regime of Lt. Col. Yakubu Gowon. The Gowon regime which, after
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prosecuting a bitter civil war (1967 1970) failed to return the country to
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constitutional rule after series of promises to that effect, was overthrown in July 1975.
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The General Murtala/Obasanjo regime that took over from Gowon convened
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Constitutional Drafting Committee and Constituent Assembly which returned the
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country to democratic rule. In October 1979, the Second Republic was inaugurated
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but was overthrown in a coup in December 1983 that ushered in the military regime of
General Muhammadu Buhari. In August 1985, the regime was overthrown in a
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military coup that brought in the military regime of General Ibrahim Badamasi
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Babangida, whose transition to civil rule failed leading to what many see as a political
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on November, 18 1993, thus paving the way for the military regime of General Sani
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Abacha, whose sudden death in June 1998 ushered in the regime of General
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Abdulsalam Abubakar that handed over power to a civilian government on May 29,
1999.
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1.5.2 During the military regimes, Nigerians agitated for a return to democratic rule,
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as the years of military regimes also stirred controversy about military intervention.
The reasons for military intervention may be varied but the agitations for
constitutional conferences throughout the years of military rule was based on the fact
that politics is and needs to be separated from the military, which is considered to be a
1.5.3 In response to the agitation for a national dialogue following the events of
1966, the military leadership of General Gowon summoned an Ad Hoc Constitutional
Conference in August 1966 to discuss the future political development of the country.
The summoning of the conference attracted extensive discussions in regional
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Consultative Committees, Leaders of Thought Conferences, the Universities, and the
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Media. The technical character of the problems that were dealt with made the political
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discussions a well-organized national debate that focused on a number of issues.
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1.5.4 Four issues stood out in sharp contrast during the discussions: first, was the
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issue of creating more States, arising directly from the problem of structural
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imbalance in the federation. Second, the form and unit of association within the
federation was also hotly debated. Third, the composition of the central authority
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equally exercised the Leaders of Thoughts nationwide. Fourth was the issue of
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secession.
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1.5.5 The other issues of resource control and equitable formula for revenue
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allocation, defense and foreign affairs, financing of the centre, judiciary, armed forces
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and police, and other functions of the central authority were matters of both political
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and constitutional interest in the drafting of a new constitution for the future political
development of the nation.
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1.5.6 The crucial question involved in the debate was the survival of the nation as a
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single entity and the extent to which the constituent parts may contribute to the
government of the whole. The peculiar problem of the post-January 1966 events had
threatened the dissolution and collapse of the nation-state project. The debate was
therefore designed by the military regime of Gowon to involve the public in
1.5.7 Two developments in the post-January 1966 events influenced the summoning
of an Ad hoc Constitutional Conference. First of all, in the aftermath of the January
15, 1966 bloody military coup, General Aguiyi-Ironsi abolished the federal structure
and Regional Governments by promulgating the Unification Decree 34 of May 1966.
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With this decree, Nigeria ceased to be a federation and was grouped into a number
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territorial areas called provinces, which led to the emergence of a unitary state.
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Second, after the coup of July 1966, Gowon, reverted immediately to the federal
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system of government by repealing Decree 34 and restoring Regional Governments.
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The events after July 1966 opened a national debate on the future of the federal state.
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The need to find a formula for the continued association of the constituent units led to
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1.5.8 The inauguration of a Constitutional Conference was a fundamental advance in
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dealing with the complex national question. On September 12, 1966 the Ad Hoc
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as the most important of its kind in Nigerian history. This is because the proposals
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presented by the regional delegations showed the extent to which the country had
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drifted apart, and was on the brink of disintegration. The conference failed because the
protracted deliberations on an acceptable formula for maintaining the federation were
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prematurely ended with the news of renewed killings in the North and of retaliatory
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actions in the South. Though the killings were tragic events that sought to undermine
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the nation-state project, the Gowon administration ruled out a complete break-up of
the country and suggested three possible constitutional arrangements that would
enable Nigeria to remain as one nation: a federation with a strong central government;
a federation with a weak central government, or a confederation with no central
government.
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arrangements.
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1.5.10 During the constitutional talks, the Eastern Regional position was influenced to
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some extent, by the position of Lt. Col. Emeka Odumegu-Ojukwu, who had his
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differences with Gowon. The personal conflict between the two army officers led to
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the deterioration in the relations between Eastern Regional Government and the
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Federal Government. Both leaders traded words as to the real cause of the breakdown
of the Constitutional Conference. The only meeting that Ojukwu agreed to attend with
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Gowon was held outside the country, at Aburi in Ghana, from January 4 -5, 1967
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through the intervention of General Ankrah, who was the Head of the Military
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Government of Ghana. Both Gowon and Ojukwu gave different accounts of the Aburi
Accord. Ojukwu insisted on his own interpretation of what had been decided at Aburi
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arrived at, and from then on, he kept repeating his slogan, On Aburi we stand: there
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will be no compromise.
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1.5.11 The relevance and significance of the talks held in Aburi lies in the attempt by
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Gowon not to allow the Eastern Region to secede. Gowon believed that the federation
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had been preserved at Aburi, while Ojukwu claimed the Aburi agreement gave him
wide-ranging powers to control the Government of the Eastern Region and even to
secede from the federation if he chose to. The Aburi talks were peace efforts in
preventive diplomacy, which provided a paradigm of international support to
statehood and security in the first decade of Nigerias independence.
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mandated Ojukwu to declare the Republic of Biafra. The failure of the
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Constitutional Conference and the Aburi talks plunged Nigeria into a 30-month civil
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war.
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1.5.13 In the immediate post-war years, the Federal Military Government embarked
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upon a programme of Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Reconciliation in its nation-
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building efforts. Similarly, Nigerians began to agitate for a return to democratic rule
and on the need to hold constitutional talks as prelude to military disengagement from
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politics. The agitation raised a number of issues about the role of the military, about
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civil-military relationships, and about the degree of civil authority over the military.
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to work out a constitutional framework from the report of the CDC. The outcome of
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the constitutional talks was the 1979 Constitution made pursuant to the Constitution of
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1.5.15 Again, in December 1983, the process of political development was distorted
by another military intervention.
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(i) review Nigerias political history and identify the basic problems which
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have led to our failure in the past and suggest ways of resolving and
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coping with these problems;
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(ii) identify a basic philosophy of government which will determine goals
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and serve as a guide to the activities of government;
(iii)
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collect relevant information and data for the Government as well as
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identify other political problems that may arise from the debate;
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(iv) gather, collate and evaluate the contributions of Nigerians to the search
for a viable political future and provide guidelines for the attainment of
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1.5.17 The Bureau identified up to thirty issue-areas for public debate and ensured
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1.5.18 A watershed in the agitation for constitutional change was the demand for a
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Sovereign National Conference following the annulment of June 12, 1993 Presidential
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election by General Babangida. The annulment signaled the failure of the 1986 to
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1993 political transition programme to the Third Republic. While the crisis forced the
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military President out of power unceremoniously, he also, appointed an Interim
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National Government (ING) headed by an unelected civilian - Chief Ernest Shonekan.
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This generated further crisis and intensified agitations for a Sovereign National
Conference. The June 12 1993 Presidential election was the most intriguing element
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in the military transition agenda to the Third Republic. The agitation for a Sovereign
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re-engineering, political restructuring and agitations for resource control. There have
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coincided with similar demands across Africa. The convocation in 1989 of National
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1.5.20 As the military regime of General Abacha was resisted by civil society
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organizations, the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) was founded on March
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15, 1994. It advocated the convocation of a Sovereign National Conference as one of
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the steps to be taken towards an attempt at finding solutions to the problems of
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Nigeria. The proponents of the Conference insisted that it is only through the initiative
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that Nigeria can wriggle out of the myriad of problems confronting it.
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1.5.21 M
On June 26, 1994 General Abacha convened the National Constitutional
Conference, which lasted until June 26, 1995. The conference was concerned with the
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sole project of developing a constitutional framework for the Fourth Republic. The
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outcome of that Conference was introduced as a Constitution on August 27, 1995 but
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was actually not promulgated into law before Abachas death. Civil society
organizations mounted campaigns against the National Constitutional Conference
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partly because of the problems of June 12 and also because members were hand-
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picked individuals who would put up constitutional proposals along the lines dictated
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1.6.1 The return to civil rule on May 29, 1999 following the re-establishment of
democratic governance did not lay to rest the agitation for a Sovereign National
Conference. The weaknesses of the 1999 Constitution had become more evident with
various peoples of Nigeria expressing concerns about its operation. From May 1999
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promoting the good government and welfare of all persons in our country,
on the principles of freedom, equality and justice, and for the purpose of
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consolidating the unity of our people; do hereby make, enact and give to
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ourselves the following Constitution.
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1.6.2 The proponents of a Sovereign National Conference continued to insist that this
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lie about we the people... must be resolved through a national conference in order to
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have a Peoples Constitution. In which case, the national conference should be seen as
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a Constitution-making arrangement, and a platform for the fundamental definition of
our nationhood and citizenship. They also pointed out that rather than classify the
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proponents of national dialogue as agents of balkanization, Nigerian leaders must
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seize the opportunity presented to work towards redesigning the foundation of the
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nation to enable it achieve its potentials as a strong, prosperous and proud nation.
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1.6.3 Against the backdrop of widespread pressures and agitation by Nigerians for
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opportunities to rethink the historical evolution, context and basis of their continued
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1.6.4 Although the convocation of the conference provided the platform for national
dialogue on important national issues, prominent leaders of civil society organizations
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turned out, it lacked the capacity to implement or enforce its decisions and
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recommendations.
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1.6.5 With the skepticisms about the value of the National Political Reform
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Conference and its possible breakup before commencing sitting, the civil society
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organizations continued their agitation for a Sovereign National Conference. In the
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end, the Conference deliberated and treated more than 700 memoranda submitted by
Nigerians, and arrived at near unanimity on 187 recommendations out of 189 subjects
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decided upon. There was serious disagreement on only one subject, Resource
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Control and a sharp disagreement on the tenure of the President and Governors.
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1.6.6 The proponents of Sovereign National Conference continued their agitation for
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a National Roundtable. To them, the 2005 National Political Reform Conference was
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not the kind of national dialogue they have been advocating. The Committee of
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Patriots, a group in the forefront of the agitation for convening a National Conference
called on some personalities labelled, Fathers of the Nation to lend their voices and
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appeal to the Presidency and members of the National Assembly to yield to the call
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for a National Conference. The group strongly believed that a National Conference
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will enable Nigerians from across ethnic and religious groups to deliberate and agree
on the terms and conditions on which they are to live together in peace and unity.
The group also emphasized that a National Conference would help to work out a
programme for ensuring development, progress, justice, equality and freedom for all
Nigerians, and to adapt a Constitution whose source of authority, as the supreme law
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1.6.7 In response to civil society agitation, the National Assembly in 2012 initiated
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efforts towards review of the 1999 Constitution. The Senate Committee on
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Constitutional Review issued a statement through Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba
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calling:
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on the proponents of a conference by whatever name it is called to feel
free to submit their views to the Committee. The Committee reiterates the
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fact that there can be no other sovereignty that can be derived from the
Constitution. While the Senate recognizes the right of Nigerians to hold
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opinions and freely associate, the insistence by certain quarters for
Sovereign National Conference is untenable as there can only be one
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sovereignty.
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1.7.1 In response to the continued agitation for a National Dialogue, the Jonathan
Administration constituted a high-powered Committee on the Review of Outstanding
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The Belgore Committee was mandated to examine the relvance and currency of the
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bills for consideration (where necessary) and propose policy guidelines for the
implementation of those recommendations.
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Indabawa as Secretary. The Committee, which was charged with designing the
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framework for the National Dialogue toured 13 cities, 2 in each geo-political zone and
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the FCT Abuja and interacted with more than 7,000 Nigerians. It also received
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thousands of memoranda from individuals, groups, and professional associations. The
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Committee submitted its report to the President in December 2013. The President
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accepted the Committees recommendation for the convening of a National
Conference. M
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1.7.4 President Jonathan inaugurated the National Conference on March 17, 2014
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with Hon. Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi as Chairman, Professor A. Bolaji Akinyemi as
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Nigeria. The Conference was inaugurated after the celebration of the centenary of the
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Conference pointed out that his administration convened the Conference because of
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his belief that the long-running national debate on the best way forward for our
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country will not be in vain. The 2014 National Conference is expected to lay much
stronger foundation for faster development by building a more inclusive national
consensus on the structure and guiding principles of state that will guarantee the
emergence of a more united, progressive, just, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
2.1 BACKGROUND
2.1.1 The search for equity and justice in economic independence, social cohesion,
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national integration and political stability has been expressed continuously in the
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convocation of periodic Constitutional and/or National Conferences from the Colonial
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period to the present.
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2.1.2 Attempts at Constitution-making in Nigeria originated from the Instruments for
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the Amalgamation of the Colony of Lagos and the Protectorates of Southern and
Northern Nigeria, in 1914. Chronologically, there are distinct phases in this process
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with each phase accommodating a number of constitutional developments leading to
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the gradual involvement of Nigerians in their own governance. The last attempt at
such exercises before the present National Conference was the National Political
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2.2.1 In the first phase, lasting 1914-1950, the British Colonial Office was the sole
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determinant for constitution-making for Nigeria, and Nigerians were not even
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consulted on what was supposed to positively govern and transform their lives. For
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instance, as early as 1886 when Lagos Colony was separated from the Gold Coast, an
Executive Council for the Lagos Colony was established. But the Governor-General,
Frederick Lugard had reduced the powers of the Executive Council to the status of a
Legislature. In 1906, when the Lagos Colony was merged with the Protectorate of
Southern Nigeria, the competence of this Legislative Council was extended to cover
Lagos and the Southern Protectorate. In order to compensate the inhabitants of Lagos
FINAL CONFERENCE REPORT PAGE 24
who were de jure British subjects and enjoyed the rights of British citizens, a small
Legislative Council for Lagos Colony was introduced for the purposes of enacting
Laws and scrutinising estimates and expenditure. The Legislative Council consisted of
ten officials and six unofficial members.
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Patent, 1913; and the Nigeria Protectorate Order-in-Council, 1913. These instruments
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were what could be referred to as Nigerias first Constitution. The Nigerian Council
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was essentially an advisory body without any legislative powers. It comprised of 24
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official and 12 unofficial members. Six of the unofficial members were Europeans
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representing commerce, shipping, mining and banking interests. The six African
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unofficial members included traditional rulers namely, the Sultan of Sokoto, the
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Alafin of Oyo, the Emir of Kano, Chief Douglas Numa and two educated Nigerians
representing Lagos and Calabar, respectively. These constitutional instruments,
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especially the Letters Patent, vested executive power in one individual: the Governor,
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who acted at his own discretion. Additionally, though there was a single Governor for
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the entire territory, both the North and South continued to maintain different policies
and concepts of colonial administration. Similarly, both the Executive and Legislative
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they owed allegiance, and did not involve Nigerians in governance beyond merely
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the continent by people who became convinced and committed to the idea that the
colonised needed support and guidance before they could give meaningful challenge
to the Colonial State. In this respect, the names of personalities such as, Edward
Blyward and P.J. Jackson featured prominently. These friends of Africa founded the
National Congress of British West Africa, in 1920. After its Inaugural Conference in
1. The creation of Legislative Council for each Colony, with half of the
members elected Africans;
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2. Control of taxation by the African members of the Legislative Council;
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3. Appointment and deposition of Chiefs should be done by their own
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people;
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4. Abolition of racial discrimination in the Civil Service, and;
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5. Establishment of a University in West Africa.
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2.3.2 The Secretary of State, Lord Alfred Milner, turned down the demands.
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Frustrated delegates returned home only to be severely insulted and criticized by the
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Colonial Governors of Gold Coast and Nigeria. Sir Hugh Clifford, the new Governor-
General of Nigeria who took over from Lord Lugard, accused the Nigerian members
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of the delegation of not being only unrepresentative of the Nigerian people but also of
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being ignorant of the Nigerian conditions. He further asserted that the claims and
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2.3.3 In spite of his virulent attack against the National Congress for British West
Africas demands for the Colonies, Cliffords Constitution of 1922 was the first in
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British West Africa that provided for elected African members on Legislative Council.
The Council consisted of 46 members, 27 of them were officials, and 19 unofficial.
Out of the unofficial members, 3 were to be elected by adult males in Lagos with a
residential qualification of 12 months and a gross income of 100 pounds per annum,
and one elected member from Calabar.
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formed in 1938, and its disintegration led to the emergence of the National Council of
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Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) in 1944.
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2.3.5 The West African Students Union in London submitted a memorandum in
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1941 to the Governor of Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto, the Oni of Ife, the Oba of
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Benin and the Alake of Egba land demanding for a Federal Constitution for Nigeria.
The increasing pressure for reform, mounted by Nigerian nationalists, succeeded in
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making the Governor, Sir Arthur Richards, to make proposals for a new Constitution
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in order to promote national unity, provide adequate safeguards for the countrys
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diverse elements and secure greater participation of the citizens in the management of
their affairs.
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2.4.1 The observable weaknesses of the Cliffords Constitution made the Nigerian
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made useful proposals on the formulation of a new Constitution for Nigeria. He set up
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three Regions, and each had a Regional Assembly. This was the beginning of Nigerian
Federalism. It was Sir Bernard Bourdillon who laid the groundwork for the inclusion
of the Regional System in the 1946 Constitution. Sir Arthur Richards, who succeeded
Bourdillon as Governor-General was the architect of the 1946 Constitution. He
incorporated numerous proposals and created new innovations and institutions
including the following:
FINAL CONFERENCE REPORT PAGE 27
1. Single Legislative Council for the whole country. The North was no
longer isolated from the Legislative Council as in the Cliffords
Constitution;
2. For the first time, Constitutional provision allowed for a majority of
unofficial members in the Legislative Council;
3. The principle of Regionalism was formally entrenched in the
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Constitution. Three Regions Eastern, Northern and Western Regions
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became officially recognised;
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4. Regional Councils were introduced, and;
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5. House of Chiefs was established in the Northern Region.
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2.4.2 The Richards Constitution was severely criticised by many nationalist
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politicians who perceived it as a mere instrument of the Colonial State meant to
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undermine the spirit of pan-Nigerianism and lay the foundations of intense inter-
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regional rivalry among Nigerians. This was in addition to their outright condemnation
of its sundry provisions but especially those relating to the Ordinances on: Mineral,
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Public Land Acquisition, Crown Land, and Appointment and Deposition of Chiefs.
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2.5.1 The pace of constitutional change accelerated after the promulgation of the
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2.5.2 Between 1949 and 1950 Nigerians were consulted on new constitutional
arrangements through questionnaires at Village and District meetings, at Provincial
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Legislative Council was replaced by an enlarged Central Legislature known as the
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House of Representatives, which had power to legislate for the peace, order and good
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governance of the whole country, subject to the veto of the Secretary of State for the
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Colonies. Members of the House of Representatives were elected formally from
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among their own communities where people were entitled to be registered as voters.
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And for the first time, both the Central and the Regional Legislative Houses were
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composed of elected Nigerians who were also in the majority.
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2.5.3 The Macpherson Constitution gave renewed impetus to party activity and to
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political participation at the national level. The period early 1950s - also saw the
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the West. However, the 1951 Constitution reflected the increasing trend towards
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political entities.
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2.5.4 The development of these regional political parties had resulted into intense
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regional rivalry among politicians. The threat posed by the possibility of Nigerias
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powers were transferred to the Regions with some reserved exclusively and others in
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part for the Centre. The Eastern and Western Regions were to achieve internal self-
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government in 1957 and the Northern Region in 1959. Most importantly, Nigerians
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virtually took over the Legislative Houses. Though the system of franchise varied
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from Region to Region, generally the direct system of election replaced the indirect
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system. Both the Governor-General and the Regional Governors ceased to be
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members of the Legislative Houses. A Federal Supreme Court was established, as
were a High Court of Lagos, and a High Court of the Regions and of the Southern
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Cameroons.
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2.6.2 The 1954 Constitution worked smoothly until 1957-1958 when there were
further Constitutional Conferences in London at which the Independence Constitution
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was proposed. Two important developments followed the 1957 Conference: the
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Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa became Nigerias first Prime Minister on September
2, 1957.
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2.7.1 The preparation of a new Federal Constitution for an Independent Nigeria was
carried out at Conferences held at Lancaster House in London in 1957 and 1958,
which were presided over by The Rt. Hon. Alan Lennox-Boyd, M.P., the British
Secretary of State for Colonies. Nigerian delegates were selected to represent each
Region and to reflect various shades of opinions. The delegation was led by Sir
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Nigerians against arbitrary use of power by government, its agents or organs. It was
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also agreed that the Northern Region should attain self-government on March 15,
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1959 and Nigeria should attain its Independence on October 1, 1960.
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2.7.3 The period covering the first five years of Nigerias Independence, 1960-1965,
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during the First Republic, was the third phase in the history of Constitution-making in
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Nigeria. It was an important turning point in the political development of the country.
This was the first time Nigerians took total control of their countrys internal and
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external affairs.
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the Draft of the Independence Constitution. The Conference ratified the decision of
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Independence, and also approved the Independence of Nigeria with full responsible
status within the Commonwealth effective from October 1, 1960.
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2.8.2 Both the Federal and the Regional Governments operated a bicameral
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measures such as placement of restrictions on withdrawals, debate, enactment of
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Appropriation Bill and monitoring of Audit Reports on the Accounts of the
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Federation. Two types of Legislative Lists were entrenched, namely: the Exclusive
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Legislative List for the Centre, and the Concurrent Legislative List for both the Centre
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and the Regions. The Supreme Court became the highest appellate court instead of the
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Privy Council in London. A National Police Force was provided for, in addition to the
Native Authority Police. M
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2.9.2 Before the promulgation of the 1963 Constitution, there were numerous
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disturbing signs of discord, tension and disagreements, leading the nation to slip into a
series of crises: the Action Group crisis of 1962; the Revenue Allocation disputes; the
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Treasonable Felony Trial of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and 20 leading members of his
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political forces and parties before and after the 1964 Federal Elections; the dispute
between the President and the Prime Minister over the 1964 elections; the crisis in the
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Western Region elections of 1965; and the post-election violence that followed. All
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these negative developments watered the seed of discord that eventually led to the fall
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of the First Republic through the violent military intervention of January 15, 1966,
and the emergence of General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi as the first
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identify factors militating against national unity and the emergence of Strong Central
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Government; and recommend possible safeguards. Before the Constitutional Study
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Group made any progress, it was scuttled by the promulgation of the Constitution
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(Suspension and Modification) (No. 5) Decree No. 34 of 1966.
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2.11 THE UNIFICATION DECREE No. 34 of 1966
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2.11.1 Under Decree No. 34 of 1966 promulgated by the General Ironsi regime,
Nigeria ceased to be a Federation and instead came to be known as Republic of
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Nigeria; the Regions were equally abolished and each came to be known as Group
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Military Government; and a National Public Service was created through the
unification of all the existing Public Services in the Regions.
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2.11.2 Lt. Colonel (Later General) Yakubu Gowon overthrew the Ironsi Military
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be easily accommodated, considering the circumstances and mood of the nation. The
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Structure of the country to the position before the promulgation of Decree 34. An Ad
Hoc Constitutional Conference of the Advisory Group of Civilians was convened on
September 2, 1966 in Lagos. By the end of the month, a preliminary report was
submitted to the Supreme Military Council.
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Federation with a strong Central Government; a Federation with a weak Central
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Government; or Confederation with no Central Government.
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2.11.4 Gowons Constitutional Conference had deliberated on proposals from the four
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Regions without deciding on any agreed programme for keeping Nigeria as an
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indivisible political entity. The positions of the Delegates from the Regions on the
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form of association differed considerably. For instance, the Mid-west supported
continued Federation with the existing four Regions, with more regions in the future
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and with Lagos either as Federal Territory or as a separate State. The West and Lagos
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proposed a Federation with more States on linguistic basis and with Lagos as a
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separate State. The East demanded a loose association of States comprising the
existing Regions. The North advocated for Nigeria to have strong autonomous States
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2.11.5 There were other important issues for the consideration of the Conference on
which the regional delegates presented contrary or even opposing views. These
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included the composition of Central Authority and the issue of secession. The
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Council to issue a statement warning that any attempt to use force to split the country
or to enable any part secede from it would be treasonable. However, before
deliberations were finalised attempts to solve the constitutional impasse that broke up
between the Federal Government and the Eastern Regional Government shifted to
Aburi in Ghana.
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and the Federal Government. Both leaders traded words as to the real cause of the
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break-down of the Constitutional Conference. The only meeting that Ojukwu agreed
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to attend with Gowon was held outside Nigeria, at Aburi, on January 4-5, 1967,
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through the intervention of the Head of that countrys Military Government, Lt.
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General Joseph Arthur Ankrah. Some agreements were reached and documented in
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what is popularly called the Aburi Accord.
Federal Military Government promulgated series of Decrees, which first vested the
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Legislative and Executive powers of the Federation on the Supreme Military Council
and fully restored the Executive and Legislative powers of the Regions, and then
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further divided the Regions into a 12-State structure. It was in opposition to these
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constitutional developments that the then Military Governor of the Eastern Region, Lt.
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2.11.8 After the war, General Gowon, set a 9-Point Programme for return to
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2.12.1 The new Military Government under General Murtala announced a 5-stage
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programme of transition to democratic civilian administration including the setting up
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of a Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) in September 1975, to produce and
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submit to the Supreme Military Council a Draft Constitution. Members of the
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Committee were selected on the basis of two per State and were learned Nigerians in
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disciplines relevant to constitution-making. At the inaugural meeting of the
Committee, the Head of State gave an insight into what the Supreme Military Council
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expected of the draft to be produced:
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Commission, and;
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2.12.2 In August 1977, the Constituent Assembly Decree No. 50 of 1977 established a
Constituent Assembly (CA), which comprised elected and nominated Members to
deliberate on the Draft Constitution drawn up by the CDC. During the debates at the
Assembly, the most controversial issues were those relating to the creation of new
States; establishment of Federal Sharia Court of Appeal; the ban on corrupt public
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meant to strengthen it and ensure stability, progress and continuity. The issues relating
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to the amendments were popularly referred to, as the No-Go-Areas!
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2.12.3 General Obasanjo promulgated the amended Draft Constitution presented to his
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regime into the 1979 Constitution. A General election was held which, ushered in a
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civilian administration at Federal level and the 19 States of the Federation with Alhaji
Shehu Shagari as the elected President and a National Assembly comprising a Senate
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and House of Representatives at the centre. Similarly 19 State Governors were elected
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each with an elected State House of Assembly. The second Republic lasted four (4)
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years.
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2.13.1 The Military struck on December 31, 1983 exactly three months into
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economic and social measures aimed at ridding the countrys political landscape of
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corruption and restoring sanity in the conduct of its affairs. The austere economic
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policies of Buharis regime caused severe hardship across the country and a faction of
the military took advantage of the situation to stage a counter-coup which brought
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2.13.2 In January 1986, the Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC) under
General Babangida established a Political Bureau to sensitize Nigerians politically,
receive and collate their ideas/opinions on a possible future political system. A
Constitution Review Committee (CRC) was also set up in September 1987, in order to
FINAL CONFERENCE REPORT PAGE 37
examine the 1979 Constitution and make relevant amendments for the consideration
of Government. A Constituent Assembly similar to the one established in 1977 was
set up comprising some elected and nominated Members. The Assembly was
mandated to deliberate on the CRC recommendations.
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System; establishment of Traditional Councils and conferring on States the powers to
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create Local Government Development Areas (LGDAs). Others included provision of
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a list of the duties of the citizens; addition of three more fundamental rights: to own
property, to free medical care, and to education; establishment of Election Tribunals; a
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Chapter on Local Government System; the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja; and
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restriction on citizens by registration or naturalization from holding elective or
appointive public offices.
2.13.4
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The 1989 Constitution, as the document was referred to, despite the
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Constitution (Promulgation) Decree No. 12 of 1992 did not wholly become
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(Basic Constitutional and Transitional Provisions) Decree No. 50 of 1991 under which
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Civilian Governors and members of the Houses of Assembly were elected; and the
Federal Government (Basic Constitutional and Transitional Provisions) Decree under
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which the National Assembly was constituted and the Presidential Election of June12,
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1993 was held. The annulment of the results of that election by the Armed Forces
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Ruling Council set the stage for the commencement of another series of attempts at
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2.14.1 The annulment of the results of the June 12 Presidential Election by the Armed
Forces Ruling Council created very serious political and inter-regional problems. The
fault-lines of differing identities across the country became suddenly sharpened and
solidified. General Babangida himself was consequently consumed in the flames of
organized opposition and sustained protests against military rule and militarism
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especially by individuals, groups and civil society organizations from the Southwest.
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He abdicated in controversial circumstances on August 27, 1993 and installed a very
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successful and respected industrialist who did not have public service background or
political antecedents, Chief Ernest Shonekan, to head an Interim National Government
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(ING).
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2.14.2 Chief Shonekans interim administration lasted only three months, and was
challenged on many fronts (political and legal) for its doubtful legitimacy, leading to its
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overthrow by the Minister of Defence, General Sani Abacha on November 17, 1993.
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With the termination of the ING, the agitations for a return to Constitutional
M
Government heightened. In response, the new Head of State stressed the determination
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Conference in 1994.
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2.14.3 Nation-wide non-partisan, indirect elections were held into the National
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Constitutional Conference on May 28, 1994 at which 273 Delegates, each representing
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persons, three from each State of the Federation and three others representing the
Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and the
National Union of Nigerian Students (NUNS). The Head of State appointed both the
Chairman of the Conference and his Deputyas well as Members of the Conference
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spectrum of the society such as professionals from law, medicine and engineering.
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Other sectors represented included, religion, politics, academia, administration,
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banking, industry, the armed forces, law enforcement and security services (retired
personnel only), the media, traditional rulers, technocrats, local community leaders and
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opinion moulders. However there was a huge gender deficit in the representation as
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only 8 out of 396 Delegates were females.
Southwest the Afenifere. The Conference concluded its assignment in 1995. The
products of its deliberations included policy recommendations and a new Constitution
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that was never promulgated. Elements of that Constitution that never saw the light of
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the day included the introduction of a hybrid political system similar to the French
model of a President subsisting with a Prime Minister. The Conference also came up
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with new initiatives that have now been entrenched in Nigerias political landscape
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2.14.6 The failure to promulgate the new Constitution and the sudden death of
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2.15.1 President Olusegun Obasanjo convened a National Political Reform
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Conference (NPRC) in 2005 in recognition of intensified calls for National Dialogue
among Nigerians even with the new constitutional dispensation. Many Nigerians
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believed that the 1999 Constitution was not good enough to usher in the kind of
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democratic governance that they fought for over the decades. The weaknesses of the
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Constitution meant that, something drastic needed to have been done about. So the
M
Obasanjo administration responded by convening that Conference. The inaugural
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speech of the President on February 21, 2005 left no one in doubt as to the reasons for
convening the Conference.
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country in a direction that would strengthen the bonds of unity, enhance the processes
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opportunities for all Nigerians to be, and to feel that they are part of the evolving
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2.15.3 In convening the NPRC, President Obasanjo totally rejected the idea of
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consolidate these positive webs and networks of solidarity, compassion,
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tolerance, inclusion, organization, mobilisation and collective dedication to
the common good rather than reifying ethnicity in a nation and world that
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are rapidly changing. Pluralism is the order of the day and globalisation,
technology, modernization, and the politics of accommodation dictate that
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we must reject those ideas and arguments that seek to divide us and
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establish the interests of ethnic entrepreneurs as the sole interest of the
peopleThe Nigerian State is not collapsing or exhausted, and our
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territorial integrity is fully intact and guaranteed. We must not confuse
what took place in a few African States where State structures had
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collapsed completely, thoroughly compromised or totally lacked legitimacy
with what our people need today. And, as we all know, the convening of a
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Sovereign National Conference did not ensure democracy in those
countries that had it
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relevant materials including the Report of the All Party Committee on the Review of
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the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria were made available to the
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Conference Secretariat. Delegates to the NPRC were not left entirely alone to decide
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2.15.5 It was further advised that, the Conference was free to strengthen,
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update, and refine the settled issues as enumerated, in its recommendations; but
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nothing should be done to undermine the national integrity and sovereignty or weaken
the national cohesion of the Nigerian State and society. Those mentioned areas were
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regarded to have constituted the bedrock of the unity, identity, and political praxis of
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Nigerians. In view of the importance of Nigeria in Africa, Delegates were also advised
to show unique foresight and be insightful about African unity, cooperation,
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integration and development as envisaged in the African Union and NEPAD.
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2.15.6 A closer examination of the Constitutional processes and procedures
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from colonial era to the present would reveal a definite pattern of approach that
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dominated each of the differing political contexts in which the exercises took place.
During the colonial period, Constitutional efforts were geared towards keeping the
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natives under control in order to achieve maximum economic benefits with minimal
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administration that was found to be credible in this respect. Military leaders also
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tended to be too rigid in their desire to enact a Constitution that will subjugate all
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component parts to the centre, with or without justification. The only attempt at
Constitutional Conference by a democratic government took place under President
Olusegun Obasanjo in 2005. The vaulting ambition of the President to elongate his
tenure beyond what the Constitution approved, discredited the entire exercise.
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2.16 THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF 2014
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2.16.1 In response to the persistent calls for a Conference, President Goodluck
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Ebele Jonathan decided to convene a National Dialogue. In his 2013 Independence
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Anniversary Broadcast to the nation, the President announced the setting up of a 12-
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Member Presidential Advisory Committee on National Dialogue under the
Chairmanship of one of the advocates of a Sovereign National Conference Senator
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Femi Okurounmu. The Committee was tasked with working out the framework of a
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national dialogue including suggesting the appropriate name and nomenclature of the
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Dialogue, its legal framework, time frame, mode of representation, and modalities of
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against Nigerians national unity and progress. Government accepted that the
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Conference should discuss any matter (s) that will help in strengthening the unity of
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Nigeria. The only issue that was not allowed for deliberation at the Conference was
the existence of Nigeria as an indissoluble nation. The National Conference made up
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3.1 BACKGROUND
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3.1.1 As the Union Jack was lowered and the Nigerian Green White Green
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flag hoisted in its place signifying the emergence of the country as a sovereign
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political entity in 1960, the countrys potentials for greatness was not in doubt.
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The countrys territories of over 923 thousand square kilometres presents a
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beautiful topography from the lush savannah grass land of the north to the
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wetlands and forests of the south. Seventy per cent of these are arable land and
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they are well irrigated by a network of rivers and lakes, a viable source of
hydro-electric power, which constitutes 1.4 per cent of the land. Climatic
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conditions ranged from the tropical, sub-tropical in the south to semi desert in
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the north supporting in all a very vibrant food and agricultural system including
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the production of diverse food and cash crops, fish and animal husbandry and a
natural habitat for a wide variety of wild life. Agriculture was undoubtedly the
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mainstay of the economy, contributing about 58% of the GDP even as country
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met the national food demand. The country was a net exporter of food.
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Nigeria among the top ten countries of oil and gas producing nations of the
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world. Besides oil are vast reserves of other mineral resources including some
800 million tons of Iron, over 6 million tons of Tin, over 3.5 million tons of
Manganese and 3.2 million tons of Columbite. The states of Kano, Bauchi in
the northern belt of the country are reported to have very rich reserves of
Copper, with Uranium in Bauchi, Adamawa, and Cross River States. Lead and
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Salt and Clay Reserves well over the 200 million tons mark. Apart from the
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over 150 million tons of Feldspar reserve, there are also Gypsum and Diatomite
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reserves that would last for some 20 years. As at 1999, the Federal Government
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has a total of 37 mineral resource deposits in the country.
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3.1.4 A large segment of Nigerias population is youthful and upwardly
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mobile. Even to limit the discourse to the huge potentials of the Nigerian
market alone would be to elude the wider picture in the sense that Nigeria is, in
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real terms, the gateway to the regional economy of Western Africa. In all, the
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economy and people of Nigeria are very well positioned to take advantage of
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in Africa and 26th in the world. However, the challenge lies in how to deploy
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3.1.5 Despite the abundant potentials for greatness, Nigeria had been facing
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pronounced religious differences, exploited usually for political considerations
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by avid political classes in contexts of extreme poverty and very low
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educational development among the mass of the populace. Whereas Nigeria is
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supposed to be a secular state, one nation bound in freedom, peace and unity,
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the prevalence of religiosity and its related nepotism at all levels, has
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effectively undermined the objectivity which secularity would have ordinarily
imbued in national politics. M
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3.2.2 A nation, simplicita, is a community of people sharing a common
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heritage, language, culture, religion etc. As stated at the beginning of this sub-
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cultural and historical traits and who identify themselves as constituting one
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nationality, then there are hardly any such states in the contemporary
international system. It is argued here therefore that what makes a nation-state
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3.2.4 There is a positive correlation between the prospects for the realisation
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of the ideals of national cohesion and an enlightened, educated population. The
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latter have the capacity to undertake a well-reasoned, rational and effective
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engagement with the ethos of participatory democracy. An enlightened
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citizenry has all it takes to maintain the critical link between the declarative
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purpose of government and the requisite positive action needed for their
realisation. M
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3.2.5 In laying out the challenges to national cohesion, it is important to
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recognise those which are associated with the youth population of Nigeria in
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that in Nigeria sports have emerged as a major national unifier and a veritable
tool for the advancement of the spirit of healthy competitive rivalry.
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3.2.6 In the pursuit of the goals of attaining national cohesion, Nigeria will
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ensure even greater levels of inclusive socio-economic development.
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3.2.8 Building a critical mass of nationalistic fervour around the Nigerian
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Project is one important challenge to Nigerias national cohesion. This
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essentially requires the creative development and communication of positive
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affirmative narratives in support of our national unity and development
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irrespective of our socio-cultural diversity.
3.3.1 The clamour for a review of the Constitution: The countrys current
socio-economic and political challenges are traced to the defects in the
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Constitution, being the supreme document that mediates political activities and
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executive power, who makes laws, how do other players get their voices heard,
and how political and public office holders are made accountable.
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3.3.3 Up till now, a truly acceptable constitution has not emerged to mediate
the social contract between the constituent nationalities of the country and the
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Nigerian state. This has caused critics of successive constitutions to dub the
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documents as false Constitutions. A valid charge indeed in view of the fact
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that our constitutions only emerged after public opinion gathered through
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consultations have been subverted by the so-called necessary amendments and
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inclusions under the watchful eyes of the colonial administrators or their
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military successors in the post-independence Nigeria. The successive
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constitutions have thus been vitiated by the absence of that critical organic
connection which they are supposed to have had with the spirit of the people in
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order to give meaning to their cry of We the People.
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demands on the Nigerian state and people: the need to set in motion and make
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society and fans the embers of grievances and conflict while engendering
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trafficking in human and other illegal substances, armed robberies and related
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violent crimes including terrorism.
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3.3.6 The problem of corruption has been duly acknowledged by successive
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governments with efforts made to stem such corruption. These efforts include
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in recent times the creation of several Anti-Corruption Agencies (ACA). These
include the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences
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Commission; the Code of Conduct Bureau and the Code of Conduct Tribunal;
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ravage the countrys politics. The inability to curb corruption can be attributed
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3.3.8 Nigerias ethnic groups are over 350. By definition, a minority ethnic
group is one which is numerically lesser than major ethnic groups of a given
country. It may possess ethnic, religious or linguistic characteristics which
differ from those of the other groups. It usually shows a sense of solidarity
M
directed towards preserving its culture, tradition, religion or language. Over the
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years, the issue of the rights and freedoms of minorities and ethnic nationalities
.C
concerning marginalisation and exclusion have come to constitute a serious
G
challenge to national cohesion and development. The sustained agitations have
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roots going back as far as the commencement of the amalgamation processes
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which culminated in the unification of the Southern and Northern Protectorates
M
and the Colony of Lagos in 1914. These invariably brought the various ethnic
minorities under the three dominant ethnic groups the Hausa/Fulani, Ibo and
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Yoruba. It must be noted that minority/dominant ethnic group consciousness
M
and agitations are also exhibited at the sub-national levels. In all, the ethnic
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minority and the National Question are, the products of the balkanisation of
nationalities resulting in their spread across states and even international
M
provoking their persistent and consistent demands for the creation of additional
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Devolution of powers
M
come under critical scrutiny in recent years. This has been accompanied in
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particular by agitations for a review of the legislative lists of the tiers of
.C
government with a view to reducing the legislative powers at the federal level
and devolving same to the federating units. As conceived, the problem is that
G
there is an over-concentration of power at the centre to the detriment of the
N
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federating units of the country. A skewed power arrangement in favour of the
federal government has greatly resulted in bloated administrative machinery at
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the centre; with a disconnect between the centre and its developmental policies
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and the intended recipients at the grassroots. Furthermore, the huge attraction
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which the perquisites of office at the centre offer has exacerbated the problems
of unconscionable socio-economic and political manipulations and corruption.
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3.3.10 Fiscal federalism deals with how revenues are generated and distributed
among the federating units in a Federation. The present situation in which the
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the terms and manner of the allocation of the funds that accrue to the
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3.3.11 There were calls for reform of the public sector particularly in the light
of the disaffections with both the structure, composition and functioning of the
executive and the legislative arms of government. Many individuals and groups
consider them, as presently constituted, to be over- bloated, inefficient,
wasteful and corrupt. There is a dire need to rationalise governments agencies,
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departments and parastatals in order to meet the exigencies of governance and
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deliver the dividend of democracy to the citizenry. There were also concerns on
.C
the Judiciary expressing the urgent need for it to deal with the issues of speedy
administration of justice and other related matters such as prison reforms, and
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the capacity to enforce strict adherence to the rule of law.
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The challenge of an inclusive and participatory democracy
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3.3.12 Nigerians from all walks of life recognise the link between an inclusive
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participatory democratic political system and development. However, the
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3.3.13 The stultifying effects of these are the root causes and the intensifiers of
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assassinations, kidnapping, arson, etc. They are also the causes of political
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institutions.
3.3.14 The foregoing challenges threw up, an important issue for the countrys
democratic arrangement revolving around the notions of accountability and
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context of a society that guarantees freedom of expression, freedom of
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association and a free media.
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3.3.15 In this vein, the enactment of the Freedom of Information is laudable but
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at present functions less than optimally. Consequently, information
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management and disseminating organisations and institutions both in the public
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and private sectors function under varying degrees of impediments. Overall, a
major gap in our body polity is the absence of mechanisms through which the
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electorate could call the political class to order, and/or make them more
M
accountable in public offices. Worse still, the majority of the citizenry are
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uneducated and rural. Thus, Nigeria faces the problem of an ill equipped public
to engage and /or challenge autocracy and excesses in public office. This
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makes it easy for the corrupt politician to manipulate the public conscience.
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be made of the state of the political party system in the country. It could be
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recalled that political parties stand indicted in the crisis of the First Republic.
Those parties, formed and managed along ethno-cultural lines, exacerbated the
then existing regional/ethnic fault-lines and schism in the country. Subsequent
efforts at party formation however tried with significant degrees of success to
avoid this pitfall.
M
have engendered profound alienation and disaffection between and within
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political classes, threatening to heat up the polity in some instances, while
.C
actually leading to the outbreak of violence in others as several electoral and
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post-electoral crises have shown. Almost invariably, in such instances, it could
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be said that the notion of a free and fair election, the hall mark of a democratic
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political system, has been vitiated.
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3.3.18 There remains the critical challenge of improving the governance
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mechanism of political parties in Nigeria and making it a functional instrument
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to and respect for the rules of law, to an effective reward system as well as
disciplined approach to the management of the commonwealth.
3.3.20 It is noteworthy that Nigerians are also very much concerned about the
global facet of the challenges to their national development and cohesion. The
global economy is recognised as the terrain in which lies the prospect for
growing, developing and restoring the national economy to the position of
wellness enough to guarantee citizens wellbeing. But the reality of
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contemporary global political economy must be factored into whatever
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ambition that Nigeria has relative to the international system. The global
.C
economy is in a dire situation, inevitably, Nigerias politico-economic and
security malaise cannot possibly be understood outside of the contemporary
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global crises. The enduring reality of the countrys economic dependence on the
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international system makes it easy for any major global crisis to get refracted
into the Nigerian socio-economic and political milieu.
M
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3.3.21 Furthermore, Nigerians will like to see a more focused, astute foreign
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policy which is in alignment with our national interests and the means used to
pursue them. Our role in global and continental diplomacy is recognized as are
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across the world. Happily, the Nigerian foreign policy machinery, through the
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Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Nigeria recorded 7.03 billion USD FDI
inflow in 2012 and 8.9 billion USD in 2013. The World Bank reports that
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formal remittance flows into Nigeria by her Diaspora in 2013 totalled 21 billion
USD. This recent development which makes Nigeria Africas number one FDI
destination, has been described as a Nigeria-centric foreign policy, i.e. a policy
which is driven principally by the considerations of the prosperity and
wellbeing of Nigerians at home and abroad.
M
deployment of economic diversification strategies into such areas like solid
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minerals, tourism, hospitality industry and agriculture, have also attracted
.C
foreign investors into Nigeria. According to the latest World Bank General
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Household Survey (GHS) Report 2013, poverty rate in Nigeria has declined to
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33.1 percent due to sustained social safety programmes and improvement in
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hiring standards. The report puts the population of poor Nigerians at 58 million,
M
more than half of which live in the northeast or northwest of the country.
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3.3.23 Nigerians therefore called for a constitutional grounding and elucidation
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imperative of synergising the activities of all the relevant foreign policy making
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3.4.1 Nigerias development faces major socio-economic challenges. These
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challenges are numerous such as in the social sector (healthcare delivery,
.C
education, housing, unemployment and social welfare, gender equity),
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underdevelopment of the real sector as well as development of agriculture and
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solid minerals to diversify the economy, problems of infrastructural
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development, managing economic liberalization, planning problems, and more.
These will now be addressed. M
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Underdevelopment of the real sector
M
strong evidence that Nigeria has made some progress in this regard. From the
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the current National Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) to mention a few, cross
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M
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3.4.4 In the light of foregoing statistics, the countrys level of industrialisation
.C
has had only modest transformative impact on key sectors of the economy such
G
as mining and agriculture in which the country has comparative advantage.
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This situation will need to be resolutely addressed as the well-known effect of a
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fledgling, undeveloped real sector is the relegation of critical facets of national
M
economic activities to sub-optimal production levels. Failing to do this will
only cause Nigerias exchange relations with the international market in this
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era of knowledge-based, technologically driven and globalised economic
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Economic Diversification
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3.4.6 While progress has been made since 1960, nonetheless, there is the need
to walk the talk of economic diversification even further. The challenge is
twofold: firstly, the strategic failure on the part of public policy to identify and
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develop other growth centres (especially in the primary, extractive sectors
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where Nigeria has a natural comparative advantage), and; secondly, lack of
.C
stimuli to ensure forward and backward linkages among the industrial sectors,
G
particularly the agricultural sector. Until recently, there was an almost
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exclusive focus on the extractive industries which was confined essentially to
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the oil and gas sector with little or no link with the manufacturing and service
M
sectors of the economy. Had there been this vital inter-sectoral linkages at both
vertical and horizontal levels, it would have fostered the requisite synergies for
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leveraging on economies of scale; leakages and waste would have been
M
situation at this point. The country has moved from being a net exporter of food
in the 1960s to its current situation where billions of naira is expended annually
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eventually became the bane of the Nigerian economy. The agricultural sector
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accounted for more than 40 per cent of the pre-1973 GDP. In the following
decade however, agricultural output had declined 1.9 per cent with export
dropping 7.9 per cent. Agricultural imports as a share of total imports went up
from 3 per cent in the 1960s to over 7 per cent in the 1980s. The downturn in
the nations agricultural fortunes resulted from the colossal loss of
3.4.8 Against this backdrop, the country gave less than its best, and thus
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failed, to extract the positives, whatever they were, from such adopted
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economic policies and strategies as Indigenisation, Import Substitution,
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Industrialisation and the related public sector reforms. Thus, development in
G
the primary, secondary and tertiary sectors of the economy are essentially
N
dictated and directed by the external sector for the benefit of the countries who
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dictate policies and direct programmes that influence the pattern of
development in those sectors. M
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3.4.9 This lack of inter-sectoral linkages has led to low levels of Research and
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other countries where R&D activities have transformed key agro-allied sectors
(Malaysias oil palm industry, for example), poor funding of R&D by both the
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private and public sectors and poor linkages between research activities in
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universities and research institutes and the real sector has resulted in inadequate
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3.5.1 The leading social challenges in Nigerias social sector are those
pertaining to health, education, housing and social security and the prospect for
instituting equity and a gender-sensitive development. Health transcends the
mere absence of diseases and infirmity; it also includes the state of a total and
complete physical, mental and social wellbeing of an individual. At the
3.5.2 Notwithstanding the progress made in this regard, tertiary and primary
health care delivery systems continue to face a number of challenges thereby
M
inhibiting the actualisation of the goal of making available affordable,
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accessible and functional health care delivery system to the mass of Nigerians.
.C
In general, policy interventions, including the recent Universal Health
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Coverage (UHC) by the year 2020, have faced problems which include decay
N
and inequitable distribution of health care infrastructure between urban and
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rural areas; inadequate financing mechanism for health insurance; deficiency in
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the current Act of the National Health Insurance Scheme, which provides for
the voluntary payment contribution by employees rather than mandatory
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contribution and the mismanagement of resources.
M
IU
3.5.3 The concerns about the health sector are related to the inadequacy of
competent manpower, the problem of fake and adulterated or sub-standard
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scholarship, and development programmes across the sector.
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.C
3.5.5 Some of the persisting challenges in the educational sector remain the
G
low level of enrolment and retention in primary schools with the attendant
N
consequence of an estimated 10.5 million out-of-school children, being one of
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the highest rates in the world; inadequate infrastructure; and dwindling learning
M
facilities especially the inadequate utilisation of modern technology at all
levels. Other challenges are the unqualified teaching force, poor remuneration
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and lack of other incentives leading to the problem of recruitment and retention
M
of qualified teaches in critical subject area; incessant strikes and low morale
IU
among academic and non-academic staff at the tertiary levels; weak regulatory
mechanisms including inspectorate services.
M
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the growing number of educational and vocational training centres across the
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country. But Nigeria continues to face critical manpower challenges the crux of
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which is the inadequacy of a critical mass of skilled labour to drive the cross-
sectoral growth and development of the economy.
3.5.7 This very serious and fundamental challenge for Nigeria lies in part with
the design and implementation of policies that will enhance the acquisition of
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those from vocational training institutions and centres.
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.C
3.5.8 Where unemployment or under-employment is high, progressive human
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capital development is invariably undermined because of the constraints
N
exerted on income and investment that would have underwritten the cost of
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training and skills acquisition. Unemployment and poverty is relatively high
M
particularly among the youths. The most immediate implication of this is that a
significant proportion of this huge population are actually in the debilitating
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conditions of impoverishment alluded to in the World Bank Report of 2014.
M
The Report was consistent with other globally referenced reports that indicate
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Index (HDI) for 2012 which was 0.471 ranks Nigeria the 153rd country out of
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185 in the world. This in reality implies that the bulk of the population are
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sectors, loans from commercial banks and cooperative societies.
O
.C
3.5.10 The existence of these support infrastructure notwithstanding, the
G
prospect for accessible and affordable housing continues to encounter problems
N
associated with prohibitive costs of land; costs of building materials; high
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interest rates and short tenure loans and mortgages which make such services
M
unaffordable; absence or inadequate provision of infrastructural services at
affordable cost; and disregard as well as inadequate enforcement of standards
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leading to poor housing quality and underlying the rising incidences of building
M
collapse.
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3.5.11 There are also other institutionally-related issues that have served to
M
further compound the housing challenge in the country. These include the
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inclusion of the Land Use Act in the Constitution which makes it inflexible and
.P
good, lack of political will on the part of governments and relevant institutions
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M
support infrastructure designed to meet the specialised needs of the elderly. The
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elderly face the problem of stigmatisation, where old age is associated with
.C
illness and a burden on family and society; they are sometimes prone to abuse,
G
including associating old age with witchcraft, etc. Institutionally related
N
problems have also compounded the issue in view of the fact that a marked
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absence of a National Policy for Senior Citizens as well as a coordinating body
M
or agency that will collate and coordinate the affairs of the elderly.
TI
3.5.13 Closely associated with the widely acknowledged youth bulge in the
M
hit in this regard are the growing number of young school-leavers from post-
primary and tertiary institutions, the out of school youths, the retrenched, etc.
M
2003 to 24% in 2013. In reference to youth (of the range of age 15-35years)
.P
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3.5.15 At a time when the country is faced with diverse and far-reaching socio-
O
economic and political challenges, it is imperative to focus attention on how
.C
targeted interventions impact on the different needs of both men and women.
G
This means that at the realms of knowledge production as well as in the setting
N
of development agenda for the country, public policy must be sensitive to the
ES
pattern of distribution of socio-economic services, infrastructure and
M
opportunities between and within men and women, social classes, nationalities,
and ultimately the federating units in the country.
TI
M
men and women cuts across all facets of society. Gender issues, which are,
usually, erroneously associated with consideration for women issues, actually
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between men and women, boys and girls, which give them unequal value,
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opportunities.
3.5.17 The 1999 Constitution guarantees sex-based equality. There are in place
ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) that seek to eschew
discrimination, equal opportunities and access to women, children and other
M
automatically translate into the protection of women and the provision of equal
O
opportunities to both women and men. So, undoubtedly, progress has been
.C
made thanks to these measures and governments commitment to affirmative
G
action. More women are now, more than ever before, represented at all levels
N
and tiers of government and along the broad spectrum of the private sector. But
ES
the reality is still that women remain grossly under-represented in governance:
M
they constitute less than 6% of elective positions, and less than 12% in
appointive positions despite their numerical strength of about half of the
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population of the country.
M
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male chauvinism, illiteracy, state and geography, the incidence of poverty and
.P
relative lack of opportunities are very high for women and the girl-child. Public
policies and programmes like Poverty Alleviation schemes have targeted
W
women in several respects. But much still needs to be done to assure equality
W
M
government, the 1946-55 Ten Year Plan of Development and Welfare {with
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plan revisions, 1951-55} and the 1955-60 plan {later extended to 1962}). By
.C
late 1989 however, the concept of a fixed five-year plan had been scrapped by
G
the government of General Ibrahim Babangida in favour of a three-year rolling
N
plan with effect from the 1990-92 period in the context of a more
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comprehensive fifteen to twenty-year plans.
M
3.5.21 Without gainsaying the progress made under successive Plans, it must
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be pointed out however that each had been confronted with either one or a
M
for the execution of the plans, as well as poor project planning and evaluation.
Equally important is the low level of public involvement and participation.
M
There were also the problems with synergising policies across sectors and tiers
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3.5.22 It is being canvassed, and with good reason too, that a 20-year
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M
World Bank, IMF and the WTO, national barriers are being lifted in key
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economic and commercial areas to facilitate the unfettered flow of capital
.C
investments and of goods and services.
G
N
3.5.24 In the light of the dearth of capital and investment in Nigeria, the quest
ES
to attract same is understandable. It is imperative however to question the
M
quality of investment we attract as well as implication of indiscriminately
throwing our markets wide open for access. As it is indigenous capital,
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entrepreneurs have come under unprecedented pressure of competition from
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CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
4.1.1 The National Conference 2014 was inaugurated on 17th March 2014 at the
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Auditorium of the National Judicial Institute (NJI) Abuja by President Goodluck
O
Ebele Jonathan, GCFR. The inauguration, which was attended by the 492 Delegates
.C
(except a few) signaled the formal beginning of the Conference.
G
N
4.1.2 In his inaugural Address, the President told the Delegates that they were free to
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discuss any issue about Nigeria with particular emphasis on finding solutions to the
problems of national unity and development. He said that the Conference had no no-
M
go-area although he ruled out any discussion on breaking-up the country. The
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President emphasized that the Conference should come up with strategies to
M
strengthen rather than weaken Nigerias national unity, and enhance a participatory
and inclusive democratic system of Government. He urged the Delegates to recognize
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the need to move the country forward more than the narrow interests that define our
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fault-lines.
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4.1.3 The President charged the Conference to spell out the modalities for the
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President thanked the National Assembly for introducing the provision for a
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referendum in the proposed amendment of the 1999 Constitution, and declared that
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the amendment should be relevant to the National Conference if the need for a
referendum arises at the end of deliberations.
4.1.5 While urging the Delegates to conduct their deliberations in the best patriotic
spirit, he informed them that, Government had accepted the recommendations of the
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Okurounmu Advisory Committee on National Dialogue that decisions at the
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Conference should be reached by consensus. Where consensus is not possible after
.C
many attempts, the President said decisions should be reached by seventy-five per
cent (75%) majority. He informed the Delegates that Government had designed this
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process of decision-making for the National Conference in order to ensure inclusive
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and popular resolutions that can help in strengthening the bond of unity among
Nigerians. The President gave the Conference three months deadline within which to
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conclude its deliberations and submit a Report to Government.
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4.2 RULES OF PROCEDURE
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4.2.1 As the National Conference settled down to business, Delegates considered and
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adopted, with amendments, the Draft Rules of Procedure presented to them by the
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of basic rules to guide smooth deliberations, decision-making, working days and hours
etc. In particular the Conference adopted a four working days week Mondays to
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Thursday and hours of business in two sessions morning session (10 am to 2 pm)
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4.2.2 One issue in the Rules of Procedure that became very controversial was the
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M
Delegates were nominated not elected. The President who convened the Conference,
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they further argued, did so by invoking his powers under Section 5 of the 1999
.C
Constitution, which gives him the power to institute any Committee, body or organ to
advise him on the smooth running of Government. In the opinion of those Delegates,
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the President therefore had the right to determine how that body he instituted shall
N
ES
conduct the specific assignment he gave it. This, they said applied to the National
Conference.
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4.2.4 Another group of Delegates presented the view that if fundamental decisions
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are going to be made regarding the constitution, policy and law of Nigeria, the most
M
realistic option is to retain the 75 percent majority proposed by the President to ensure
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4.2.5 Following this controversy which tended to divide the Delegates along regional
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lines and posed a real threat to the take-off of the Conference, Conference
Management constituted a Committee of 50 very influential and seasoned leaders
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among the Delegates. Membership of the Committee was drawn from all sections of
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the country and covered all demographic divisions represented at the Conference. The
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Committee became known as 50 Wise men/women. This Committee met with the
Management and after series of brutally frank discussions, came up with a
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4.3.1 Having adopted the Rules of Procedure (with amendments), the Conference
went into business. The first two weeks were devoted to general debate on the
Presidents Inaugural Address. Every Delegate was allowed to speak for three
minutes. The contributions dwelt on the general agenda of the Conference. All the
Delegates spoke. Each bared his/her mind on issues that appeared dear to him/her
M
about the state of things in Nigeria. Many issues were raised and varied positions
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canvassed.
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4.3.2 The General Debate was conducted in an atmosphere of matured discourse and
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mutual respect even where the points raised and positions canvassed were sensitive
N
along the divides. Some of the issues that were constantly raised by the Delegates in
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the course of the General Debate included, but were not limited to the following: -
6. Forms of government;
7. Deepening of democracy;
.P
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22. Education and culture;
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23. Citizenship;
.C
24. Immigration Matters and Cross-Border crimes;
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25. Energy crisis; and
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26. Land holdings and Land tenure.
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4.3.3 After the General Debates were exhausted, the Conference went into the
Committee stage where the bulk of the Conference work was done. Delegates were
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distributed into 20 Committees. The contributions of the Delegates during the General
TI
Debate had tremendously impacted on designing the Committees based on the major
M
thematic issues which appeared to be the major areas of concern on the basis on
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which, the Conference would be able to propose recommendations for moving Nigeria
forward and strengthening unity among its people. The 20 Committees established by
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6. Energy;
7. Environment;
8. Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Matters;
9. Judiciary, Law, Human Rights and Legal Reform
10. Land Tenure;
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18. Religion;
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19. Science, Technology and Development; and
.C
20. Transportation.
G
N
4.3.4 In posting the Delegates to the 20 Committees, each was asked to indicate three
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Committees of his/her preference. Conference Management had a difficult task
posting all the Delegates to their preferred Committees as most of them selected a few
M
Committees that had political leanings. Only a few Delegates indicated interests to
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serve on some of the Committees like Committee on Religion which was preferred
M
ensured even distribution of the Delegates to each of the Committees in such a way as
to ensure that no one section of the country had 70% of members of each of the
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where that is not possible the 70% benchmark would not be one-sided. As much as
possible, the distribution of the Delegates was fairly even within respectable limits.
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4.3.5 The Committees worked for a period of six (6) weeks and produced Reports
which presented in the Plenary on the basis of which Conference took decisions.
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5.1 AGRICULTURE AND WATER RESOURCES
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.C
5.1.1 INSTITUTIONAL MANAGEMENT OF AGRICULTURAL
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PROGRAMMES
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Conference believes that there are a few areas that need policy strengthening as
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captured below:
with regulatory policy issues and articulation of strategic national direction, providing
IU
down the fiscal and monetary regulations that will enhance investor mobilization and
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interest in Nigerian agriculture, but also support an institutional structure that will
enforce this arrangement. The Federal Government should link its policy frameworks
.P
to the global policy dynamics that attracts foreign investors and aids/grants. Part of the
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policy content should be to protect and grow the small holders, indigenous
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technologies and promote quality and standard for value added products targeted for
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co-ordination, monitoring and evaluation.
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.C
3. In addition, the Federal Government should confine itself to:
G
N
a) Agricultural Pricing Policy: The objective of which should be to provide
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remunerative prices to farmers for their products, to stabilize prices and income for
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the farmers, to make the prices of the Nigerian agricultural products competitive to
promote exports, and to ensure that imported agricultural products do not have
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price advantages over local commodities.
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enterprises.
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*
New Agency highlighted.
FINAL CONFERENCE REPORT PAGE 79
a) Providing technical support to the States in planning, formulating and designing
agricultural programmes based on the States priority and comparative advantage,
working closely with the State agencies;
M
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c) Assisting the States in carrying out periodic evaluation and particularly impact
.C
assessment of the State and Federal projects and programmes;
G
N
d) Co-ordinating the gathering, up-dating and dissemination of national agricultural
ES
data including marketing and price information;
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e) Maintaining a two-way track of information flow between the Federal and State
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Governments on the performance of Federal Government policies in order to
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the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The fundamental issue
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that needs to be addressed is whether these Research Centres are delivering or even
capable of delivering on their respective mandates. With the exception of two or three,
most of them presently lack the requisite capacity (equipment and human) to carry out
any meaningful research and are poorly linked to end users. In any case, Conference is
not persuaded that the Federal Government needs such a huge number of agricultural
research institutes with thinly spread resources. There may therefore be a good case to
FINAL CONFERENCE REPORT PAGE 80
explore the rationalization of the system for greater efficiency and higher productivity.
To further enhance their research output and synergy and strengthen their contribution
to national development, all the Federal Agriculture-related Research
Centres/Institutes should be formally linked with the Faculties of Agriculture in the
Federal Universities close to such Centres as is presently the case with the Institute of
Agricultural Research and Animal Production Research Institute (both in Samaru)
with Ahmadu Bello University; Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Moor
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Plantation, Ibadan with Obafemi Awolowo University; and the Federal Root Crops
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Research Institute at Umudike with the University of Agriculture, Umudike. In the
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same vein, the National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi should be linked with the
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Federal University of Science and Technology, Minna, Lake Chad Research Institute
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should be linked with the University of Maiduguri, and the National Veterinary
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Research Institute, Vom should be linked with the University of Jos, etc.
6.
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The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria was created principally to co-
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ordinate and harmonize the research programmes, focus and activities of the 18
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degenerated to a mere administrative link between the Institutes and the Ministry
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thereby getting itself unduly involved with routine matters that are essentially within
.P
the domain of the Governing Boards of the respective Institutes. Its statutory focus has
therefore taken a back seat. There is urgent need to re-engineer and re-focus the
W
M
Agricultural Coordinating Unit (FACU) that will effectively coordinate and
O
monitor the contribution of other agencies to agricultural development, as well as
.C
make informed contributions to the budget and resource allocation of relevant
G
Institutions/Ministries to agriculture.
N
ES
8. The effective coordination of all Ministries, Departments, Agencies and Institutes
M
involved in agricultural transformation is an imperative otherwise the already
existing duplications/overlaps will substantially increase. This has serious cost
TI
implications for Government. Such coordination will also ensure they do not work
M
at cross purposes.
IU
Development Bank to fill some developmental gaps and in most cases to catalyze
W
development. Those facilities have two key components, namely, the financial
W
component (which is the loan) and the knowledge base component (which is
technical support to Nigeria and which is more important component). The
recommended National Agricultural Coordinating Agency should ensure judicious
use of the loan proceed as well as handle replication and up-scaling of successes
from the outcome of the technical assistance to States. A good communication and
knowledge management strategy is thus expected to be developed and coordinated
M
O
The role of the States and Local Government rests on implementation of the
.C
policy directive of the Federal Government and feedback to the FG on policy
G
performance. The Federal Government should substantially divest itself from
N
implementation of activities in the field. In this context, all forms of extension work
ES
(including the strengthening of extension training institutions ) including agro-
M
inputs/fertilizer sourcing and delivery, grazing reserves development and provision of
water for livestock, maintenance of buffer stocks of agricultural commodities,
TI
promotion of community-based and member-based rural development, organisation
M
to extension, seed production at all stages (parent stock, foundation and certified);
adaptive research; and value addition through processing should substantially devolve
M
to the States and Local Governments. In this line, the States, and to a lower degree,
RE
acquisition for agricultural purposes. The other roles of States include promoting
appropriate investment environment that suits private sector involvement in
W
2. This process will be guided by land and economic mapping by the States. On
this note, Conference decided that:
M
programme, and be operated as an umbrella National Scheme pursuing
O
common objectives;
.C
G
b) Each centre should be sited on a piece of land twenty to fifty hectares in area,
N
and equipped with a variety of agricultural machinery: small scale tractors,
ES
power tillers, rice reapers, miniature harvesters, etc. and all unemployed youth,
M
including fresh school leavers, should be trained in their use for mechanized
farming as a replacement for hand tools;
TI
M
g) At the onset, the initiative should direct all its efforts towards the production of
M
food items, which will then be used for import substitution for commodities
O
like rice, wheat, tomatoes, fruit juices, fisheries etc. to reduce import bills and
.C
free the scarce foreign exchange, thus also strengthening the value of the Naira.
G
N
3. Farmers-led Commodity Marketing Board: Prior to Nigeria political
ES
independence, the colonial administration was able to sustain a sharp and robust focus
M
on commodity development and marketing primarily in order to accelerate the
resuscitation of British industrial sector at the end of the second World War in 1945.
TI
This led to the establishment of Marketing Boards for all the major commodities, viz:
M
Cocoa, Oil Palm, Cotton and Groundnuts between 1947 and 1949.
IU
4. Over the years, the national policy focus on the Commodity Marketing Boards
M
undermining the management of the entire system. The introduction of the Structural
.P
Adjustment Programme in 1986 wiped out this formal and structured market
instrument without any reflection on the other services the Marketing Boards were
W
performing e.g. research and extension linkage and without any deep reflection on
W
5. Agricultural Input Supply and Subsidy Management: The subsidy regime and
management mechanism that has been put in place by the current policy drive,
M
(whereby the Government distribution system has been replaced with private sector-
O
led system utilizing input vouchers) appears to have substantially removed the
.C
operational bottlenecks and abuses associated with subsidy management in agriculture
G
generally and should be strengthened and sustained. There is however the need to
N
strengthen effective operational connectivity with the States in the service delivery so
ES
as to ensure sustainability. Provision of agricultural services and activities are best left
M
to the States with strong guidance and coordination from the centre.
TI
5.1.4 AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION AND PRESERVATION FOR FOOD
M
year after year contiguous Local Government Areas and/or States should be
.P
surveyed with the aim of eventually having the entire country or zone covered
W
b) The Nigerian Soil Science Institute whose bill for its establishment is currently
before the National Assembly, should promptly be set up to regulate the
training and professional practice of all aspects of Soil Science in the country.
M
laboratories in each political zone in the country to serve as soil testing
O
locations.
.C
G
e) Nigeria must guard against land grabbing and ensure that irrespective of
N
purposes for which land is needed, land owners whether individuals or
ES
communities, must not be dispossessed without due consultation and adequate
compensation. M
TI
M
intensified;
W
b) The coherent draft National Irrigation and Drainage Policy which provides the
W
M
returns that ensure the availability of funds for proper maintenance and
O
improvement of completed irrigation systems; and
.C
G
e) There should be diligent and holistic study of all the large dams in the country
N
to determine their state and to take immediate action where maintenance or
ES
repair is required.
M
5.1.5 IMPLICATIONS OF CLIMATE CHANGE FOR AGRICULTURE
TI
M
Agenda should adequately recognise the synergy between climate change and
irrigation. The current policy document on its mandate, vision and mission statements
M
policy position on how to respond to the impact of climate change on the overall
.P
objectives of the policy. Indeed the National Irrigation and Drainage policy, the
Agricultural Policy of Nigeria and Agriculture Transformation Agenda (ATA), should
W
emphasizes the use of efficiently run irrigation schemes to combat the negative
W
M
b) The National Adaptation Strategy and Plan of Action on Climate Change in
O
Nigeria (NASCPA CCN) is yet to be adopted as a policy document for the
.C
country. It should be reviewed and adopted; and
G
N
c) Government policy should take advantage of climate change and
ES
desertification, and introduce species of trees/crops that are adapted to deserts
M
and minimum water. They should invest heavily into date palm plantations to
develop its related industries in communities with serious desert encroachment
TI
challenges.
M
IU
1. In view of the observed low capacity utilisation of available fertile land for
agriculture and the need to bring more land under cultivation for increased agricultural
.P
the people;
d) Revival of farm settlements will provide large tracts of land for mechanisation.
M
This will result in viable rural communities with high agricultural production
O
and agro-industrial centres;
.C
G
e) Development of a policy to provide basic infrastructure in all areas of
N
agricultural mechanisation. This is an important key to unlocking the green
ES
economy for the well-being of Nigerians;
M
f) That Government policies relating to agriculture in Nigeria should reflect and
TI
support engineering input and engineering professionals involved with
M
agricultural practices;
IU
all their catchment areas lying waste and in some cases the lands have been
RE
balkanized for personal use. Both the National Agricultural Land Development
.P
Agency and the Authorities should cooperate and return the lands to the
original intentions for which the lands were achieved;
W
W
income generation both internally and for foreign exchange earnings; and
i) That Government Policy should enhance the availability of improved seedlings
for Agricultural and Horticultural purposes for increase in food production and
income generation.
M
b) That action should be expedited on the passage of the Biosafety Bill to regulate
O
trans-boundary movement of genetically modified agricultural products and
.C
encourage development of improved varieties and breeds under ethical research
G
environment.
N
ES
c) That the Bio-safety Bill should be reviewed to include the following:
i.
M
Public participation: It should be obligatory to ensure public
TI
participation when applications to introduce GMOs are being
M
considered;
IU
ii. The Bill should specify clearly how large-scale filed trials would be
M
farms;
.P
iv. Risk Assessment: The Bill should state criteria for risk assessment and
such assessments must be carried out in Nigeria and not offshore;
v. Liability and Redress should be included in the Bill bearing in mind that
this is a key part to implementing the Nagoya-Kuala Lumpur
M
O
.C
5.1.8 LIVESTOCK, GRAZING RESERVES, RANCHING
G
(DOMESTICATION) AND FISHERIES
N
ES
1. Conference decided that:
M
a) In the long term cattle routes and grazing reserves be phased out to lay
TI
emphasis on ranching. Cattle rustling is however a disincentive to ranching and
M
reserves; and
M
RE
Policy on Meat and Dairy Product: The most practical tool for
enforcing an effective health and safety standard for domestic meat and
dairy consumption is the regulation and control of breeding and
livestock improvement techniques. Domestic meat and dairy sources
offers the best guarantee that such animal food sources are free of
M
a) Government should have policies in place to ensure that abattoirs are as animal
O
friendly and humane as possible. The design of abattoirs should be such that an
.C
animal is not slaughtered in the presence and view of other animals.
G
N
b) Government should enact policies prescribing a minimum size of battery cages
ES
for layers (egg producing chickens). These battery cages should be large
M
enough for the birds to flap their wings and stretch themselves.
TI
c) Government should ensure humane handling of animal being transported to and
M
Given the level of investment in large-scale poultry farming there is need for
comprehensive private-public contributory poultry insurance for the subsector,
coupled with appropriate investment guarantee and credit guarantee schemes.
M
entrepreneurship. Private sector funding can be encouraged through a system of
O
policy and financial incentives and access to bodies of water such as dams. In
.C
particular local entrepreneurs must be encouraged to explore serious deep sea
G
fishing/trawling activities which provide a significant avenue for foreign
N
exchange earnings. It is also imperative that Government safeguard this
ES
significant natural resource through proper policing of our territorial waters.
M
4. Over the years, livestock and fisheries activities have been carried out as largely
TI
private/individual enterprises. The subsector demands the use of substantial
M
a) There is a need to enhance inter-seasonal and inter-year food price stability for
W
sustainable food security. This will encourage double seasonal cropping in the
W
semi-arid regions as well as the effective use of existing and future irrigation
W
b) Revival of the strategic grains and food reserve programmes. The process will
provide for large scale food storage making food available throughout the year
at stabilised prices;
M
imports;
O
.C
e) Provision of access roads to farming communities in the hinterlands to reduce
G
handling and transportation damages and consequential losses in agricultural
N
produce;
ES
M
f) Stabilization and provision of electric power so as to ensure prompt and long
term storage and processing. Economic produce storage and processing cannot
TI
be realized under a system dependent on self-generation of power;
M
IU
h) Construction of cylos for grain farmers; compartmentalised cold rooms for fish
farmers; and other types of appropriate storage and preservative facilities at
W
appropriate strategic area across the Country, to attract token from farmers as
W
a) Commodity trading exchanges which allow spot and forward sales as well as
crops being used as collateral;
M
b) Marketing boards or corporations; and
O
.C
c) Government (Federal/State) guarantee scheme for cash crops, especially those
G
for export.
N
ES
7. The establishment of the necessary policy and legislative frameworks should be
M
expedited to make them a reality in the short term.
TI
5.1.9 WATER RESOURCES, AND THE ROLE OF RIVER BASIN
M
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITIES
IU
1. Water Resources
M
a) Significant and sustained political will should be provided to ensure that water
.P
b) Legal regulatory framework: The Constitutional provision for the Water Sector
W
M
d) Water for domestic, commercial, industrial, irrigation, power and other uses
O
should be placed on the concurrent list;
.C
G
e) Set specific standards and limits for the various uses of water domestic,
N
commercial, industrial, fisheries and other agricultural uses for water polluting
ES
parameters and also fix penalties for non-compliance;
M
f) The regulatory framework will also need to take into consideration private
TI
sector participation which will open up new financing opportunities. The
M
various draft policies with regard to the water sector are comprehensive and
IU
framework;
.P
h) The Bill for Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM), when passed,
will enable the sector to generate income through a system of water bills, rates
and tariffs and enabling laws. It should be passed speedily;
FINAL CONFERENCE REPORT PAGE 97
i) Drought, desertification and drying up of lakes and rivers pose serious
problems and have had a drastic effect on Nigerias economy, displaced cattle
herdsmen and communities, and posed very serious security challenges from
insurgents and tensions between neighbouring communities and countries. The
restoration of dried up lakes and rivers is an imperative. It will have
consequences on the environment through the restoration of ecosystems, and
M
facilitate the return of relationships between affected communities and
O
countries to some equilibrium;
.C
G
j) Manpower development: there is a desperate need for manpower development
N
at every level in the water sector to counteract the effects of low capacity and
ES
ensure that the water mandate is executed. Capacity building through both
M
educational and training programmes needs to be urgently embarked upon;
TI
k) A National Water Commission should be established to - Maintain a
M
create political tensions; Dredging for accessibility of water generally and for
RE
M
a) An immediate organizational and management audit to facilitate and overhaul
O
of all their systems for more efficient operations. The resuscitation of the Lake
.C
Chad itself should urgently be initiated in a form of Save Lake Chad which
the government should do in collaboration with other members of the Lake
G
Chad Basin Commission;
N
ES
b) Commercialisation, NOT privatisation of River Basin Development Authorities
M
to combine the need for income generation with social obligations to local
TI
communities and farmers. The Federal Ministry of Water Resources as the
supervising ministry should work out an implementation time table for
M
c) The role of River Basin Development Authorities is not defined in the Draft
RE
National Water Resources Bill and must be properly integrated into water
sector operations because of their interface with Federal, State, Local
.P
M
will make projects attractive to financial institutions. Some River Basin
O
Development Authorities are considering such relationships for infrastructure
.C
developments such as hydropower;
G
N
g) There is a need for urgent recruitment and training of existing staff to fill the
ES
gaps created by the retired and retiring staff. In many cases up to 50% of the
staff are over 50 years old; M
TI
h) The multipurpose Dams already constructed should be revitalized to ensure full
M
utilization of the hydro power facilities available and the development of the
IU
1. Urgent Need for the Resuscitation of Lake Chad: Considering the extreme
importance of the Lake as a source of livelihood for over 17 million Nigerians and the
fact that the States within the hydrological basin of the Lake are among those with the
highest incidence of poverty in the land (such poverty contributing a rife catalyst for
the current ravaging insurgency in the zone) and considering that the Lake has
provided a viable platform for sub-regional economic co-operation and integration,
M
WATER RESOURCES
O
.C
a) Education: Agricultural courses and programmes in Agricultural institutions
G
should be refocused with greater practical emphasis to enable graduates of such
N
institutions become drivers of the agricultural programme of Nigeria.
ES
M
b) Recruitment: apart from the specific lack of qualified or technically qualified
manpower, is the absence of sufficient manpower in terms of numbers, to carry
TI
out all the required functions. This is true for farmers, Ministries and private
M
sector participants in the agriculture and water resources sectors. There needs
IU
our research thrust should be aimed at developing local technologies that are
sustainable and adaptable for local manpower usage;
M
O
f) Land ownership by women will increase female participation in the sector and
.C
engender greater commitment to farming. This will increase productivity.
G
Existing traditional land practices should be changed through the enforcement
N
of the Constitutional provision on ownership of property;
ES
M
g) There should be a policy prohibiting any educational institution (Primary or
Secondary) from using farm work as a form of punishment for students
TI
misbehaviour. Agriculture should not be associated with punishment and
M
(UAES), which is based on visiting and training farmers, and the area to be
covered should include crops and livestock production, agro forestry,
W
M
budget. This is significantly lower than the 10% advocated at the Maputo
O
Declaration on Agriculture and Food Security in Africa which was agreed upon
.C
more than 10 years ago by the member States of the African Union;
G
N
b) The new levels of funding should emphasise Research and Development,
ES
training, technology transfer and scholarships to attract the best brains, building
M
up the required scientific manpower capacities critical mass to translate policies
to realities;
TI
M
e) A percentage of tax revenues should be used to directly fund the agro and water
W
resources sectors. This can be in the form of the introduction of a dedicated tax
regime;
M
Water Resources and the development of mechanized Deep Sea Fishing as a
O
major foreign exchange earner. This combined amount will significantly
.C
impact on the delivery capabilities of these two critical sectors;
G
N
i) Private sector funding should be encouraged by creating the enabling
ES
environment;
M
j) Subsidies for agriculture should be adequate and managed in a manner that
TI
directly reaches target beneficiaries and eliminates corruption;
M
IU
l) That low interest single digit, long tenure loans and micro credit be made
available and accessible to support commercial transformation and profitability
W
m) Persons living with disabilities should be given lower or free interest loan and
50% subsidy in all farm improvement and impute; and
M
O
Conference decided that:
.C
a) The National Identity Management Commission should be listed among the
G
Federal Executive Bodies in Section 153(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the
N
Federal Republic of Nigeria;
ES
M
b) Census should remain in the Exclusive Legislative List; the maintenance of
the entire machinery for data collation should be included in the Concurrent
TI
Legislative List. Consequently, Part I, Item 8 of the Second Schedule of the
M
enumeration of Nigerians;
M
Federal Government;
.P
M
ii. The Federal Road Safety Corps FRSC which should provide
O
information on drivers licences.
.C
iii. State Ministries of Health which should provide information on
G
births and deaths.
N
iv. Universal Basic Education Board should provide information on
ES
school enrolment figures.
v. M
The Immigration Service should provide information on passport
holders, and aliens coming in and out of the country.
TI
vi. Other relevant bodies including Banks, Federal and State Civil
M
M
h. Employers of labour should ensure that all Nigerian workers have a
O
digital workplace identification card that carries the employees national
.C
identification number. No Nigerian should be eligible for employment
G
without a National Identification Card;
N
ES
i. All formal and semi-formal professional associations, trade associations,
M
transport unions, market men and women associations must have digital
Identity Cards for their members with their respective National ID card
TI
numbers printed on it;
M
IU
j. All Driving Licenses should be digital with biometric data and must
carry the national identity card number with it;
M
RE
k. All e-payment bank cards should bear the owners name and national
.P
with the name and national identification card numbers of the owners;
W
m. All landed properties should be registered with the name and national
Identity Card number of the owners;
M
O
q. All tax payers identification number (TIN) should also bear their
.C
national identification number;
G
N
r. All immigrants and foreigners in Nigeria should be registered with a
ES
digital immigration identity card. This is to ensure effective monitoring,
M
access and control of all immigrants in Nigeria, especially for security
purposes;
TI
M
s. Police data bank should include the name and national identity card
IU
number of all suspects, criminals and witnesses. The data bank should
have direct access to the Integrated National Data Base;
M
RE
data bank with relevant and appropriate contents, fully integrated with
the National Database with every individual file carrying the persons
W
M
a. Chapter III, Section 26(a) of the 1999 Constitution should be amended
O
to read any person who is or has been married to a citizen of Nigeria;
.C
G
b. A bill should be introduced guaranteeing the granting of special
N
immigrant status with full residential rights to non -Nigerian spouses of
ES
citizens of Nigeria who do not wish to acquire Nigerian Citizenship.
M
Above all there is an overwhelming need to liberalise the path to
naturalised citizenship;
TI
M
justiciable. This is derived from the fact that the lack of basic amenities
and social mobility is at the root of the various communal strife;
W
W
follows:
M
Any appointment under subsection (2) of this section by the
O
President shall be in conformity with the provisions of section 14
.C
(3) of this Constitution.
G
Provided that in giving effect to the provisions aforesaid the
N
President shall appoint at least one Minister from each State.
ES
h. M
Ensure Chapter II, which contains all citizenship rights and obligations
become (justiciable) enforceable;
TI
M
represents the basic law of citizens rights and duties of the state. They
should be given the necessary force of law to for the first time build
national integration and cohesion;
M
O
m. Adopt and amend Item No. 26, Page 28 of the Report of the Presidential
.C
Committee on Review of Outstanding Issues from Recent Constitutional
G
Conferences (the Justice Alfa Belgore Report), with a caveat to read:
N
ES
On the matter of Indigeneship, the Committee recommends that
M
the current Constitutional position should be maintained but that
a new provision should be inserted into the Constitution to read:
TI
The right of any Nigerian citizen to be resident or domiciled in
M
obligations.
RE
.P
M
O
r. The teaching of indigenous languages for the first three (3) years of
.C
primary education should be made mandatory.
G
N
ES
5.2.3 MOVEMENT OF GOODS, PERSONS AND
SERVICES/IMMIGRATION
CONTROL/ REFUGEE AND
AND
ASYLUM/
M
INTERNAL
INTERNALLY
SECURITY/BORDER
DISPLACED
TI
PERSONS (IDPs)
M
manner that prevents unlawful entry of persons, goods and services into
RE
Nigeria;
.P
other borders outside the North-Eastern part of Nigeria. The new policy
requires that all Nigeria-bound vehicles imported from the above-
mentioned countries are handed over from the NCS by the countrys
Customs Administration after due clearance, putting a stop to the
hitherto disorganised car-park system that existed at the Benin end of
M
O
d. Government at Federal and State levels must build good road networks
.C
for citizens and ensure that the existing roads are constantly maintained
G
to allow for smooth movement of persons, goods and services;
N
ES
e. Citizens should as much as possible, be protected from multiple taxation
M
and payment of indiscriminate levies regarding their movement or that
of their goods and services within the country;
TI
M
g. The Federal Road Safety Corps should double its efforts at ensuring that
road users across Nigeria obey rules/regulations on safe driving. The
W
M
ranches with fodder development technologies, and including abattoirs,
O
processors and other businesses along the livestock value chain;
.C
G
b) The integrated development and modernisation program should be
N
funded by both Federal and State Governments in States where such
ES
settlements are established;
c)
M
The integrated development program should be undertaken and wrapped
TI
up within a period of 5 to 10 years after which such settlements should
M
advantage of our porous borders to gain entry into the country for
W
subversive activities;
W
M
obtained the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) since
O
2011. This enables countries to authenticate passports presented at
.C
points of entry and ensure that people with criminal records are not
G
allowed into the country;
N
ES
i) The Nigerian government should revive collapsed industries in Nigeria
M
as part of its larger objectives of building local economy, preventing
forced migration of labour and improving National security;
TI
M
k) The NIS should be reformed, retrained and kitted for better effectiveness
W
Corps. The capacity of this unit should be built for full combat
operations;
o) Nigeria needs to map the identified illegal routes and create control
posts for them;
M
O
p) There is need for community policing of the borders as well as a
.C
redirection of attitudes of members of the border communities;
G
N
q) There should be the construction of border plazas which should be
ES
equipped with radars, sensors as well as cargo and document scanners;
M
r) Capacity building and motivation for border patrol personnel;
TI
M
approach and cross regional approach (the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea
dimensions);
RE
.P
t) The Federal Government should partner with Civil Society Groups and
W
NGOs through the NIS to carry out advocacy at all border communities
to build confidence and patriotism;
W
W
M
monitored so as to prevent them from fronting for other troublesome
O
groups across the globe;
.C
G
x) Refugees should be returned to their countries immediately the causes of
N
their movement to Nigeria have been proactively dealt with;
ES
y) M
Nigeria should tap more creatively into international resources which
abound for managing refugees;
TI
M
Ab) Credible data is needed on the numbers, location and conditions of IDPs
W
M
O
Ae) Engaging displaced persons in consultation and building upon their
.C
skills is something often overlooked but critical to an effective response,
G
whether the issue is relocation or design of assistance programmes or
N
returns;
ES
Af) M
In the event that citizens are displaced due to no fault of theirs, the
Government must be seen to adequately support recovery efforts of
TI
affected persons including bringing to justice, perpetrators of man-made
M
prevention of disasters.
RE
.P
1. The Public Order Act and Remand Law: In order to enhance the work of civil
W
society and to enable it perform its mandate to the people and enthrone a truly
democratic and just society, the Conference decided to recommend the REPEAL of
these laws;
M
National Assembly and make them available for the CSOs access to do
O
their work to the society.
.C
G
3. Justiceability of Socio-Economic Rights: The merger of Chapters Two and Four
N
ES
of the 1999 Constitution while causing them to be executable or justiceable under our
law as it is the practice in other civilized societies of the world.
M
4. The African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights which we have domesticated is
TI
incorporated into our Constitution.
M
Assembly for civil society activities to strengthen them to perform their watchdog
RE
roles, act as checks against impunity by state actors and to enthrone an open, just and
accountable society. The Fund/Grant shall be managed by the CSRC.
.P
6. Weak Institutions
W
W
M
7. Social Security for the Unemployed, Disabled, Aged and Children
O
.C
1. A National Jobs Creation Agency be established through the merger of the
G
National Directorate for Employment (NDE), the Small and Medium
N
Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria(SMEDAN), the YOUWIN
ES
Department, the Community Services, Women and Youth Employment
M
Project (CSWYE) and graduate Internship scheme SURE-P. This will
lead to a coordinated job creation approach;
TI
M
2. The agency will receive and review applications against a set of criteria
IU
M
deciding how they are governed, including choosing projects they want in the
O
Appropriation Laws and the contractors who will execute these projects be
.C
entrenched in our Constitution.
G
N
9. Minorities Rights and their Fears: In order to build a just, free, stable,
ES
equitable, peaceful and strong nation, it is recommended that all the executive
M
and strategic positions in all the tiers of government rotate among all the Zones
or States or ethnic nations making up Nigeria; Senatorial Districts or Local
TI
governments making up a State, or wards making up a local government. This
M
shall ensure that all parties are equitably and justly treated.
IU
10. Funding of Education: In order to revive our educational sector and build a
M
Appropriation Laws of our Government at all the tiers: from federal to local
.P
government.
W
11. The Plight of Nigerians in Foreign Lands: In order to adequately cater for the
W
12. Abuse of Womens Rights and Rape: That a law shall be enacted to provide for
life imprisonment with hard labour for any person convicted of rape and sodomy,
and death penalty for the rape of a minor.
FINAL CONFERENCE REPORT PAGE 121
13. Creating An Enabling Space for Civil Society and its Operations: To do this
Conference decided to recommend the enactment of a Civil Society Consultation
Act (CSCA) which will amongst other things:
M
b) Smoothen the loose ends between citizen rights to participate in
O
governance and actual participation itself;
.C
c) Make it mandatory for government to put in place structures and
G
programs for consulting and dialoguing with citizen organizations;
N
d) Define the level of civil society representation and participation in
ES
public regulatory bodies;
e) M
Provide in clear terms, the way in which government must involve civil
society in drawing up the budget and implementing it;
TI
f) Provide for Annual General Assembly between government and civil
M
government;
g) Provide for Town Hall Meetings between Civil Society and Chairmen of
M
M
ii) Promotion of added value to local raw materials;
O
.C
iii) Fixing of the power sector to enable industries thrive; and
G
N
iv) Encouragement and protection of farmers to produce raw
ES
materials for industry. This can be done through guaranteed
M
markets for agricultural produce.
TI
d) Skills Acquisition Development
M
:
IU
M
developing a National Policy on Vocational Rehabilitation and
O
Employment of Persons with Disabilities to ensure entry to the
.C
labour market; and
G
iii. Reasonable accommodation should be provided in work places
N
according to Article 2 of the United Nations Convention on the Right
ES
of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) which Nigeria had signed
and ratified. M
f) Casualization of Labour: All multi-national companies and government
TI
agencies that have employed casual workers for more than six months
M
permanent employment.
M
b) Policies and laws which extend labour and social protection to domestic
W
6 Minimum Wage
a) The National Minimum Wage, as currently provided for in the
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 should remain on
M
the Exclusive Legislative List; and
O
b) All stakeholders, including state governments should avail themselves of
.C
the tripartite framework for determining the minimum wage to ensure
ownership and acceptability.
G
N
ES
7 Trade Union and Industrial Action
i.
M
No attempt should be made to deny workers the right of unionisation.
TI
Strikes are legitimate instruments of enforcing workers rights and
M
M
provisions which impede workers welfare and hence productivity. Such laws
O
and institutions include the Employee Compensation Act, the National
.C
Industrial Court, the Trade Union Act and the Industrial Arbitration Panel.
G
N
5.3.3 ISSUES RELATING TO YOUTH
ES
Conference decided that:
M
1. The full implementation of the 2nd National Youth Policy and the Nigerian
TI
Youth Employment Action Plan (NYEAP);
M
IU
drawing up policy framework and work plan for Youth development. The
.P
Agency shall facilitate the enactment of a law to fund and regulate the activities
W
of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and its affiliates without
undermining its independence;
W
W
M
b) Safeguard the use of loans obtained by young entrepreneurs; and
O
c) Monitor repayment of loans.
.C
G
7. Government should provide an Intervention Fund as a matter of priority, to
N
revitalize skill acquisition, Vocational Training Centers, which are lying fallow
ES
across the country;
M
8. Streamlining of the youth development programmes and the conduct of Needs
TI
assessment to determine the type of skills programme different categories of
M
youth require;
IU
9.
M
10. Stakeholders particularly states and local governments should play their
supportive role of providing logistics and accommodation (some states are
already doing so) for youth corps members;
12. 30% affirmative action to engage the youths in decision making positions;
M
facilitate learning;
O
.C
14. There should be effective monitoring of the various empowerment
G
programmes to ascertain the level of impact the programmes have and if really
N
it is empowering the youths;
ES
15. M
Teaching of life skills at secondary school level to prepare the youth for
coping in the society. The curriculum should include:
TI
M
e) Leadership training
.P
i) Agricultural orientation
W
M
O
5.3.4 SPORTS AND RELATED MATTERS
.C
Conference decided that there should be:
G
1. An unbiased structure negating nepotism, ethnocentrism and corruption;
N
ES
2. Ample spread of training and practice facilities in all the 774 local government
areas (LGAs) of the country; M
TI
3. A befitting, competent, willing and well-compensated leadership consolidated
M
4. Adequate and prompt funding of all sports, and that all sports be accorded priority
M
attention;
RE
.P
sponsored events- like football teams adopting hockey, basketball or table tennis);
W
W
ii. Specialization based on natural resources and physical features, for example,
swimming at the riverine areas and Polo in the North, and other areas where there
M
are established cultural festivals in Wrestling, Boxing, Fishing and Boat Regatta,
O
etc.
.C
G
iii. A Sports Endowment Fund to allow further investment in sports to encourage the
N
local production of sporting equipment;
ES
iv. M
A Director-General for the National Sports Commission who should be appointed
on a tenure basis and shall be appointed from outside the Civil Service;
TI
M
vi. The conglomeration of all sports federations in Abuja for effective coordination,
RE
vii. A law backing the establishment and operations of the National Sports
W
viii. Policy actions like Government at all levels to stop the indiscriminate conversion
of sporting arenas into residential or other uses.
5.3.5 GENERAL
In addition to the foregoing, Conference further decided that:
FINAL CONFERENCE REPORT PAGE 130
1. Government should formulate a National Mentoring Policy to be managed by
the Human Resources Department. The Policy, when established, will promote
the attachment of newly employed persons to Directors and Assistant Directors
in both Public and Private Sectors. The Policy should also require all
companies quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, as part of their Corporate
Social Responsibility (CSR), to accept a specified number of unemployed
youths under a 6-month mentoring programme each year;
M
Athletics Association and at the federal level, a National Collegiate Athletics
O
Association should be established for the purpose of organizing sporting
.C
activities among Secondary Schools in the states and among Universities at the
G
federal Level respectively;
N
ES
3. The federal government should take immediate physical possession of the
about 147 hectares of land in Afuze Village of Owan East Local Government,
M
Edo State, to set up a Campus of the National Institute of Sports, which will
TI
serve as a Zonal Laboratory, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for
M
5. Government should enact laws to criminalise child labour and the use of
.P
6. The National Assembly should expedite the passage of the National Sports
W
M
1. RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE EXCLUSIVE LEGISLATIVE
O
LIST
.C
1. Accounts of the Government of the Federation, and of offices,
G
Courts and authorities thereof, including audit of those accounts;
N
ES
2. Arms, ammunition and explosives;
M
3. Aviation, including airports, safety of aircraft and carriage of passengers
TI
and goods by air;
M
IU
coinage, legal tender and promissory notes; the reason being that the
items merged are similar and could come under same legislation.
Conference decided that it be retained in the Exclusive Legislative List
as specified in the 1999 Constitution (as amended);
M
Conference decided that this item be split into two parts:
O
.C
i. Census and National Identification Registration to be retained in the
G
Exclusive Legislative List;
N
ES
While
M
ii. Registration of Births and Deaths to be moved from the Exclusive
Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List.
TI
M
recommendation on the strength that the items are all related and
W
therefore did not see any compelling reason to keep them separated;
W
.
10. Commercial and industrial monopolies, combines and trusts;
13. Copyright
M
Conference decided that the item be moved from the Exclusive
O
Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List.
.C
G
14. Creation of States.
N
ES
15. Currency, coinage and legal tender.
M
Conference decided that items 15, 6, and 24 be merged and amended to
TI
read: Banks, banking, exchange control, bills of exchange, currency,
M
read: Customs, Excise and Export Duties, and retained in the Exclusive
Legislative List . Conference made this recommendation based on the
W
17. Defence.
M
O
21. Drugs and poison
.C
G
22. Election to the offices of President and Vice-President or Governor and
N
Deputy Governor and any other office to which a person may be elected
ES
under this Constitution, excluding election to a local government council
or any office in such Council. M
TI
The National Conference decided that the item be amended to read:
M
Deputy Governor and any other office to which a person may be elected
under this Constitution and retained in the Exclusive Legislative List.
M
RE
23. Evidence.
.P
M
O
26. External Affairs.
.C
G
27. Extradition.
N
ES
28. Fingerprints, identification and criminal records.
M
Conference decided that items 28 and 23 be merged and amended to
read: Evidence, fingerprints, identification and criminal records and
TI
moved to the Concurrent Legislative List.
M
IU
29. Fishing and fisheries other than fishing and fisheries in rivers, lakes,
waterways, ponds and other inland waters within Nigeria.
M
RE
Conference agreed that items 30, 42, 18, and 9 be merged and amended
W
33. Insurance.
M
34. Labour, including trade unions, industrial relations; conditions, safety
O
and welfare of labour; industrial disputes; prescribing a national
.C
minimum wage for the Federation or any part thereof; and industrial
G
arbitrations
N
ES
35. Legal proceedings between Governments of States or between the
M
Government of the Federation and Government of any State or any other
authority or person.
TI
M
b. Shipping and navigation on the River Niger and its affluents and on
RE
37. Meteorology.
39. Mines and minerals, including oil fields, oil mining, geological surveys
and natural gas.
M
Legislative List as specified in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal
O
Republic Nigeria (as amended) but amended to read:-
.C
G
Mines and all Minerals, including oil fields, oil mining, geological
N
surveys and natural gas, provided that:
ES
M
(a) the governments of states where the mining activities take
place shall be involved in matters relating thereto;
TI
M
considered the overriding need to bring all the other mineral resources
of the country, hitherto undeveloped into mainstream development by
W
It also was of the view that this item (as amended) would enable the
federal government set up or create a special fund that would ensure
the realization of the above mentioned goal through a tripartite
relationship between the federal government-state and investor(s).This
in its view is also meant to diversify the economy of the country rapidly
FINAL CONFERENCE REPORT PAGE 138
and give those states involved, a sense of belonging in the Nigerian
nation .Such diversification of the economic base of the country would
reduce the over dependence on oil and gas revenue; engender economic
sustainability and substantially reduce the tensions over the issue of
revenue sharing.
40. National parks being such areas in a State as may, with the consent
M
of the Government of that State, be designated by the National
O
Assembly as national parks.
.C
G
41. Nuclear energy.
N
ES
42. Passport and visa.
M
Conference decided that this Item be merged with items 30, 18, and
TI
9 to read: Citizenship, naturalization, immigration and emigration,
M
merchandise marks.
W
M
(ICT)
O
.C
47. Powers of the National Assembly, and the privileges and immunities
G
of its member;
N
ES
48. Prisons;
M
49. Professional occupations as may be designated by the National
TI
Assembly;
M
IU
55. Railways;
M
for its people;
O
.C
56. Regulation of political parties;
G
N
57. Service and execution in a State of the civil and criminal processes,
ES
judgments, decrees, orders and other decisions of any court of law
M
outside Nigeria or any court of law in Nigeria other than a court of
law established by the House of Assembly of that State;
TI
58. Stamp duties;
M
IU
Constitution;
b. To identify, collect, preserve or generally look after ancient
and historical monuments and records and archaeological sites
and remains declared by the National Assembly to be of
national significance or national importance;
M
matrimonial causes relating thereto;
O
.C
62. Trade and Commerce, and in particular:
G
N
a. Trade and commerce between Nigeria and other countries
ES
including import of commodities into and export of
M
commodities from Nigeria, and trade and commerce between
the States;
TI
M
one another, and the fact that there already exists interstate
enterprises that bind many States together;
M
O
e. Control of the prices of goods and commodities designated by
.C
the National Assembly as essential goods or commodities;
G
and
N
ES
f. Registration of business names.
M
63. Traffic on Federal Trunk roads;
TI
M
67. Any other matter with respect to which the National Assembly has
power to make laws in accordance with the provisions of the
Constitution; and
M
(a) the division of public revenue
O
.C
(i) Between the Federal Government and the States;
G
N
Conference decided that this item be moved from the Concurrent Legislative
ES
List to the Exclusive Legislative list.
M
(ii) Among the States of the Federation;
TI
M
Conference decided that this item be moved from the Concurrent Legislative
IU
(b) grants or loans from and the imposition of charges upon the Consolidated
W
Revenue Fund or any other public funds of the Federation or for the
W
imposition of charges upon the revenue and assets of the Federation for any
purpose notwithstanding that it relates to a matter with respect to which the
National Assembly is not empowered to make laws;
M
2. Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, any House of Assembly may make
O
provisions for grants or loans from and the imposition of charges upon any of the
.C
public funds of that State or the imposition of charges upon the revenue and assets
G
of that State for any purpose notwithstanding that it relates to a matter with respect
N
to which the National Assembly is empowered to make laws;
ES
M
Conference decided that it be amended to read:
TI
Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, any House of Assembly may
M
make provisions for grants or loans from and the imposition of charges upon
IU
Legislative List.
W
3. The National Assembly may make laws for the Federation or any part thereof with
W
respect to such antiquities and monuments as may, with the consent of the State in
W
which such antiquities and monuments are located, be designated by the National
Assembly as National Antiquities or National Monuments but nothing in this
paragraph shall preclude a House of Assembly from making Laws for the State or
any part thereof with respect to antiquities and monuments not so designated in
accordance with the foregoing provisions;
5. A House of Assembly may, subject to paragraph 4 hereof, make laws for that State
or any part thereof with respect to archives and public records of the Government of
the State;
M
6. Nothing in paragraphs 4 and 5 hereof shall be construed as enabling any laws to be
O
made which do not preserve the archives and records which are in existence at the
.C
date of commencement of this Constitution, and which are kept by authorities
G
empowered to do so in any part of the Federation;
N
ES
7.In the exercise of its powers to impose any tax or duty on -
M
TI
(a) Capital gains, incomes or profits or persons other than companies; and
M
provide that the collection of any such tax or duty or the administration of the law
RE
8. Where an Act of the National Assembly provides for the collection of tax or duty
on capital gains, incomes or profit or the administration of any law by an authority
of a State in accordance with paragraph 7 hereof, it shall regulate the liability of
persons to such tax or duty in such manner as to ensure that such tax or duty is not
levied on the same person by more than one State;
FINAL CONFERENCE REPORT PAGE 146
9. A House of Assembly may, subject to such conditions as it may prescribe, make
provisions for the collection of any tax, fee or rate or for the administration of the
Law providing for such collection by a local government council;
10. Where a Law of a House of Assembly provides for the collection of tax, fee or rate
or for the administration of such Law by a local government council in
M
accordance with the provisions hereof it shall regulate the liability of persons to
O
the tax, fee or rate in such manner as to ensure that such tax, fee or rate is not
.C
levied on the same person in respect of the same liability by more than one local
G
government council;
N
ES
11. The National Assembly may make laws for the Federation with respect to the
M
registration of voters and the procedure regulating elections to a local government
TI
council;
M
12. The National Assembly may make laws for the Federation or any part thereof with
IU
respect to:
M
RE
(c) the regulation of the right of any person or authority to dam up or otherwise
W
interfere with the flow of water from sources in any part of the Federation;
(d) the participation of the Federation in any arrangement with another country
for the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity for any area
partly within and partly outside the Federation;
(f) the regulation of the right of any person or authority to use, work or operate
any plant, apparatus, equipment or work designed for the supply or use of
electrical energy.
M
13. A House of Assembly may make laws for the State with respect to :
O
.C
(a) Electricity and the establishment in that State of electric power stations;
G
N
(b) The generation, transmission and distribution of electricity to areas not
ES
covered by a national grid system within that State;
M
Conference decided that it be retained in the Concurrent Legislative List
TI
but amended to read:
M
IU
(c) The establishment within that State of any authority for the promotion and
W
14.In the foregoing provisions of this item, unless the context otherwise requires, the
following expressions have the meanings respectively assigned to them:
"distribution" means the supply of electricity from a sub-station to the
ultimate consumer;
M
equipment for distribution of electricity.
O
.C
15. The National Assembly may make laws for the establishment of an authority with
G
power to carry out censorship of cinematograph films and to prohibit or restrict
N
the exhibition of such films; and nothing herein shall:
ES
M
(a) Preclude a House of Assembly from making provision for a similar authority
for that State; or
TI
M
sanction of the authority established by the Law of that State for the
censorship of such films.
M
RE
16. The National Assembly may make laws for the Federation or any part thereof with
.P
respect to:
W
(a) The health, safety and welfare of persons employed to work in factories,
W
(b) The regulation of ownership and control of business enterprises throughout the
Federation for the purpose of promoting, encouraging or facilitating such
ownership and control by citizens of Nigeria;
(d) The establishment of institutions and bodies for the promotion or financing of
industrial, commercial or agricultural projects.
17. Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, a House of Assembly may make
Laws for that State with respect to industrial, commercial or agricultural
M
development of the State;
O
.C
18. Nothing in the foregoing paragraphs of this item shall be construed as precluding a
G
House of Assembly from making Laws with respect to any of the matters
N
referred to in the foregoing paragraphs;
ES
M
19.For the purposes of the foregoing paragraphs of this item, the word
"agricultural" includes fishery;
TI
M
20. The National Assembly may make laws to regulate or co-ordinate scientific and
IU
21. Nothing herein shall prelude a House of Assembly from establishing or making
RE
provisions for an institution or other arrangement for the purpose of scientific and
.P
technological research;
W
22. The National Assembly may make laws for the Federation or any part thereof with
W
(a) Any matter upon which the National Assembly has power to make laws;
(b) The organisation of co-ordinated scheme of statistics for the Federation or any
part thereof on any matter whether or not it has power to make laws with
respect thereto-
24. The National Assembly may make laws for the Federation or any part thereof with
respect to trigonometrical , cadastral and topographical surveys;
25. A House of Assembly may, subject to paragraph 25 hereof, make laws for that
M
State or any part thereof with respect to trigonometrical, cadastral and
O
topographical surveys;
.C
G
26. The National Assembly shall have power to make laws for the Federation or any
N
part thereof with respect to university education, technological education or such
ES
professional education as may from time to time be designated by the National
Assembly; M
TI
27. The power conferred on the National Assembly under paragraph 27 of this item
M
shall include power to establish an institution for the purposes of university, post-
IU
28. Subject as herein provided, a House of Assembly shall have power to make laws
RE
for the state with respect to the establishment of an institution for purposes of
.P
29. Nothing in the foregoing paragraphs of this item shall be construed so as to limit
W
the powers of a House of Assembly to make laws for the State with respect to
W
(a) Offences;
M
O
(b) The jurisdiction, powers, practice and procedure of courts of law;
.C
G
(c) The acquisition and tenure of land.
N
ES
5.4.3 RESOLUTIONS ON FISCAL FEDERALISM
M
1. After extensive deliberations, Conference decided as follows:
TI
M
Federation as a distinct and separate office from the Office of the Accountant
General of the Federal Government. The Committee recommends that the
M
Committee however noted that any name could be designated to the Offices
.P
provided that their functions are clearly spelt out. The Office of Accountant
General (Director-General) of the Federation shall oversee the accruals of
W
revenue into and disbursement from the Federation Account as and when due;
W
and shall administer these funds as required by the Constitution, while the office
W
That the sharing of the funds accruing to the Federation Account among the three
M
tiers of government, should be done in the following manner:
O
.C
i. Federal Government- 42.5%
G
ii. State Governments- 35%
N
iii. Local Governments- 22.5%
ES
To replace the existing formulae of: M
TI
i. Federal Government-52.68%
M
Conference agreed that Local Government Areas should be stripped of their status as
the third tier of public administration. However, Conference did not make any
.P
2. That three new principles listed hereunder be added to the existing sharing
formula to enhance economic, infrastructural and human development in
the country:
M
i. Inverse Primary School Enrolment
O
ii. Federal Presence, and
.C
iii. Unemployment
G
N
3. That the technical aspects and details of revenue sharing formula shall be
ES
referred to the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission
M
and the National Assembly for final determination. The proposed sharing
formula by Conference is based on;
TI
M
population;
ii. Increased emphasis on Social Development Factor; and
M
need to:
1 Review the percentage of revenue allocation to States producing oil (and
W
other resources);
2 Reconstruct and rehabilitate areas affected by problems of insurgency
and internal conflicts; and
3 Diversify the Nigerian economy by fast tracking the development of the
solid minerals sector.
M
government accordingly.
O
.C
5.4.7 ESTABLISHMENT OF A SPECIAL FUND FOR THE DEVELOPMENT
G
OF MINERAL RESOURCES
N
ES
Conference decided as follows:
M
1. That there should be a constitutional provision for the establishment of a
TI
Special Fund for the development of mineral resources in the country;
M
Nigeria.
W
W
M
Compatibility Statement detailing deviations of the previous
O
years budget implementation from the plan with justifications.
.C
The Plan Compatibility Statement will prevent plan and budget
indiscipline.
G
N
iii. National Revenue Bill should be enacted into law every year prior to the
ES
Appropriation Act. Any excess revenue beyond that in the National
M
Revenue Act be retained in the Federation Account and can only be
distributed (within the year with the passage of a Supplementary Revenue
TI
Act);
M
IU
iv. Any excess revenue beyond that in the National Revenue Act be retained in
the Federation Account and not distributed by the end of the year but to be
M
every part of the country for the next year budget, except with the
Supplementary Revenue Act;
.P
W
M
Committees at Federal and States levels under the chairmanship of the
O
Minister/Commissioner of Planning and Economic Development. The
.C
Minister/Commissioner responsible for the relevant sector and top
G
national/state leadership of key stakeholder organizations in the sector
N
should be members.
ES
ix. All Treaties and Agreements should be ratified by the National Assembly;
M
TI
x. The immunity clause should be removed if the offences attract criminal
M
xiii. Elected members of the legislative arms of all the tiers of government
should serve on part-time basis;
xv. Government, the armed forces and the private sector should collaborate and
invest in the development of a Military Industrial Complex that can support
Nigerias defence needs as the largest economy in Africa;
M
O
xvi. Provision of world class infrastructure for the supply of power,
.C
transportation, water etc. to support manufacturing, agricultural business
and tourism development;
G
N
xvii. Make constitutional provision for the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF)
ES
and legalise the Excess Crude Accounts (ECA);
M
xviii. Elevate the Financial System Strategy (FSS) 2020 to a critical National
TI
Project and place it under the implementation leadership of the Minister of
M
Finance;
IU
xix. Government at all levels should promote the buy Made in Nigeria
M
xxi. The informal sector where majority of the poor particularly women
operate should be recognized as pivotal to the transformation of the
economy. Appropriate policy measures to guide its contribution to the GDP
should be put in place.
M
(i) Utilization of public sector resources to execute social overhead capital projects in
O
areas necessary to create enabling environment for all economic agents to operate
.C
optimally;
G
(ii) Secondly, government may have to participate in directly productive activities at
N
least to get things started in new frontiers of the economy while taking steps to
ES
actively seek private sector participation and eventual takeover of such activities at
the earliest possible opportunity;
(iii)
M
Thirdly, government should design appropriate policy packages to facilitate,
TI
stimulate, and direct private economic activities in order to promote a
M
stabilizer. It is pertinent to note that this is one of the major drivers of the
RE
M
federation, on the vision of development and securing agreement on the
O
basic strategy as well as priority medium-term and short-term action
.C
plans for realizing this vision at all levels of government of the
G
federation;
N
(iii) Securing the commitment of all stakeholders, in all parts of the
ES
federation, to the implementation of their component of the agreed
M
medium-term and short-term action plans required of them in order to
realize the vision at all levels of government of the federation; and
TI
(iv) Securing participation in an all-stakeholder monitoring of
M
process for:
i. Promoting a shared vision of development within the framework
W
the federation;
W
M
v. Ensuring that development plans are coordinated across levels of
O
government and that the development plans of all sub-national
.C
governments draw inspirations from that of the central
G
government.
N
ES
Sound and Stable Macroeconomic and Regulatory Environment.
M
Conference decided that to sustain and enhance the level of macroeconomic
stability achieved therefore, FAAC operations should be fine-tuned to reduce the
TI
devastating effects of the liquidity cycles associated with the fiscal operations of
M
an open economy that depends heavily on imports for industrial inputs and capital
RE
is, therefore, important for the Central Bank of Nigeria to continue to carefully
manage the foreign exchange market.
W
W
M
integrated growth of the economy;
O
(iv) It is, important that Nigeria develops an innovation system. The low
.C
level of funding by enterprises, in the main, derives from the small scale nature
G
of many firms, the unwillingness of multinational firms to stop patronizing the
N
suppliers of raw materials in their countries of origin and the inadequacy of
ES
resources available to them;
M
(v) Adaptive R&D underpinned by adapting imported technology to local
conditions, which is common in developing countries, need to be supported by
TI
financial and non-financial instruments such as:
M
developed countries. The growing skills base in India and China enable
RE
enterprise linkages;
W
M
Basic Infrastructure
O
Conference decided that recent efforts at repositioning our infrastructure
.C
environment are commendable. However there are still a number of issues to be
G
addressed in order to improve effectiveness and efficiency. These include:
N
i. Review of Legal and Policy Framework: Tackling the huge infrastructure
ES
deficits will not only require considerable financial investments but also a
M
review of several legal and policy frameworks like pricing, so that private
capital can be attracted into some of these infrastructure provisions;
TI
ii. Power Sector: The Privatisation of the Power Sector is commendable.
M
vandalisation of gas pipelines, etc) that led to a drastic decline in the power
situation should be addressed. Efforts should be made to ensure that the
M
incessant vandalisation disrupts gas supply to turbines and this may delay
W
M
rehabilitation programme should be accelerated in view of its centrality to
O
the growth of internal trade and industrial competitiveness; and
.C
vi. Localising Opportunities in Telecom: Although Nigeria has made progress
G
in expanding telecommunications network more still needs to be done.
N
There is need to ensure widespread availability of broadband infrastructure
ES
at competitive prices. Nigerian firms should also be encouraged through
M
appropriate policies to manufacture most of the telephone accessories that
are currently being imported, while companies producing these accessories
TI
should be encouraged to open their factories in the country. By this, the
M
country will fully reap the benefit of value addition in the industry, promote
IU
local industrial linkages, create decent jobs for Nigerians and internalize the
multiplier effects of the industry.
M
RE
Ports Administration:
.P
Conference decided that there is the need to redress current challenges in the
clearing process and generally make the ports more efficient and competitive.
W
W
M
O
Development of Core Industries, especially the Iron and Steel and Petrochemical
.C
Industries
G
Conference decided that:
N
i. The manufacturing base has to be expanded rapidly in the next six years
ES
for Nigeria to reach the level of industrial output that would put it in the
ii.
M
top twenty economies of the world; and
Stimulating investment in the petrochemical industry should be one of
TI
the focus areas of the manufacturing sector in the medium term.
M
IU
significant spin off effect which facilitated the development of advanced technology
RE
national armed forces and the industrial sector in a relationship usually termed the
W
Military Industrial Complex. The complete absence of this in Nigeria partly accounts
W
for the low level of technology and the limitations of the armed and security forces.
This should be redressed urgently.
M
ii. The security, stability and integrity of the financial system should be
O
assured in order to build confidence and trust in the system. Values and
.C
ethics needs to be strengthened to reduce high level of fraud and corrupt
G
tendencies. This will ensure high level of local and international
N
confidence in the sector. Furthermore, stability in the governance of the
ES
financial system should be treated as sacrosanct to serve as insurance
iii.
against policy inconsistency; and M
Nigerias financial system should be situated within national political,
TI
social and cultural system and it should develop new ways of raising
M
iv. Conference also decided that the financial sector should aspire to
achieve the following critical habits or development drivers:
.P
M
their crude form and importers of all inputs required by the
O
manufacturing sector.
.C
G
Trade Policy and other Partnership Agreements
N
Conference advocated that:
ES
i. There is need for government to mainstream trade policy into economic
development strategy in order to take advantage of the synergy that
M
results from coordination and policy coherence. Vision 20:2020 has
TI
provided a pragmatic framework for interfacing trade and industrial
M
ii. Improving the share of manufactured and value added goods in Nigerian
export should be an important objective of Nigerias industrial policy. In
M
observed that:
W
M
policies of service providers towards ensuring cost effective inputs;
O
ii. It is necessary to develop appropriate standards for products that are not
.C
currently covered, while reviewing some current standards with a view to
G
bringing them up to global best practices; and
N
iii. Furthermore, the various regulatory authorities should be made to perform
ES
optimally by ensuring that illegal and non-conforming activities going on
M
are checked as they are inimical to economic growth and development.
TI
Patronage of Made-in-Nigeria Products
M
and job creation for Nigerians. This policy should be embraced by all
RE
ii. The margin of preference policy should also be strictly enforced in the
procurement processes of all MDAs at all levels of government.
W
W
M
O
Development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
.C
In order to achieve the full potential of the MSMEs development in Nigeria, the
G
following specific strategies were recommended by Conference:
N
i. Government should accelerate the creation of a better and more conducive
ES
manufacturing environment through the provision of necessary
M
infrastructure, research and development (R&D) and other policies that will
facilitate their development;
TI
ii. Constraint to finance should be seriously addressed through the provision of
M
M
Conference decided that government should fund the regulatory agencies
O
adequately to enable them discharge their responsibilities to the industries and the
.C
nation at large.
G
N
Export Processing Zones
ES
Conference decided that there is the need to accelerate the review of the Export
M
Processing Zones as there are abuses in their operations.
TI
Multiple and Illegal Taxes and Levies
M
Conference appreciated the steps taken by the Federal and State Governments
IU
levels should earnestly adopt the implementation blueprint so as to put an end to the
lingering problem of multiple taxes and levies in the country.
W
W
Conference decided that there is the need to revive the Tariff Review Board
which will review recommendations from the Tariff Technical Committee and make
appropriate recommendations to Government,
M
their productivity, minimize post-harvest losses through provision of
O
suitable storage facilities and preservation techniques;
.C
iii. Acceleration of the comprehensive programme of rural development and
G
modernization through the provision of basic rural infrastructure in order to
N
attract youths back to the farms;
ES
iv. Further encouragement and assistance to peasant farmers, through
M
appropriate public policy, to embrace the culture of agricultural insurance
against environmental and post-harvest losses;
TI
v. Encouragement of peasant farmers to join or form cooperatives to ease
M
allied industries;
RE
of the produce and help mop up products and form a basis for government
subsidy. The boards should also be given additional mandate to promote
value addition and the development of the value chain of their commodities.
They should use any surplus generated to finance research into the
possibility of oleochemichal uses of the produce to create new and
innovative products. It is instructive to note that Ghana did not abolish her
FINAL CONFERENCE REPORT PAGE 171
cocoa marketing board when we scraped ours and that is fundamentally
why Ghanas cocoa is today better prised than Nigerias in the international
market.
M
suppliers of value added raw materials and services; and
O
ii. To this end, the informal sector should be helped to develop locally-
.C
fabricated technology or acquire foreign technology to improve the
G
quality of their products and services.
N
ES
Oil and Gas
Conference decided that:
i.
M
The on-going efforts of Government at abating the crisis in the Niger
TI
Delta region should be sustained and the alarming spate of oil theft
M
logical conclusion;
iv. Government should therefore put in place appropriate incentives to
encourage private sector participation in the gas industry; and
v. Government should fully implement the National Gas Master Plan,
including ensuring appropriate investment in gas gathering
infrastructure through Public Private Partnership (PPP).
FINAL CONFERENCE REPORT PAGE 172
5.5.3 Other Related Matters
Patents, Copyrights, Trademarks and Bio-Piracy
i. Nigerian entrepreneurs and innovators should be encouraged to register their
business names and patent their creations with the relevant agencies;
ii. The laws against copyright infringement and piracy should be enforced so that
the interest of Nigerias innovators can be protected;
M
iii. Producers and service providers should be encouraged to form associations that
O
can collectively promote their business interests; and
.C
iv. The Nigerian Copyright Commission should issue periodic statistics on current
G
scale of inventions and innovations to provide adequate information for all
N
stake holders.
ES
Human and Social Issues M
The observance of human and social rights is essential to the wellbeing of the
TI
citizenry. This is an indispensable condition for business development and
M
profitability. There is, therefore, the need to promote the general wellbeing of the
IU
citizens. In this regard, Conference resolved that Government, in partnership with the
private sector and other stakeholders should:
M
citizens; and
W
Education
Education is key to the overall development of any nation. There is, therefore, the
need for the following:
i. Increase public expenditure on education;
M
industrial sectors and review their curricula in line with the needs of
O
industries; and
.C
v. Create more incentives to encourage industries to support industrial liaison
G
and attachment programmes of educational institutions.
N
ES
Health Care Delivery
M
A healthy nation produces a healthy workforce and a wealthy nation.
Conference therefore invited the National Assembly to accelerate the process of
TI
enacting the Universal Health Bill into a law. In the meantime, Conference enjoined
M
ii. Strengthen NAFDAC on its drive against fake and substandard food and
.P
drugs;
iii. Undertake measures to reduce the cost of drugs and institute schemes
W
Youth Development
FINAL CONFERENCE REPORT PAGE 174
Conference decided that government should continue to motivate, empower
and occupy youths through education and skill acquisition schemes, employment
creation, poverty alleviation programmes that are specifically targeted at the youths.
Pro-Gender Policies
Conference decided that:
i. Existing female-focused education, skill acquisition, empowerment
M
programmes and implementation of the 35 per cent affirmative action
O
should be strengthened. In areas where males are lagging behind, male-
.C
child targeted improvement programmes should be put in place;
G
ii. Special Funds for interest-free loans for women farmers, marketers,
N
traders and transporters, as well as owners of rural and urban
ES
cooperatives should be provided;
iii. M
Schools, playgrounds, medical clinics, ambulance, and fire services
should be built in all markets and commercial centres;
TI
iv. Fuel depots should be built in remote areas and riverine communities
M
where there is plenty of crude oil but no fuel to buy at affordable price;
IU
and
v. For affirmative action in education, there should be 50% the cost of
M
National Security
W
Cost of Governance
Conference decided that:
The number of political appointees and aides should be drastically reduced;
M
Elected members of the legislative arms of all tiers of government should serve
O
on part-time basis;
.C
MDAs should be streamlined to avoid duplication of functions and unnecessary
G
cost outlay; and
N
Strict compliance with the procurement act in the award of contract to avoid
ES
high project costs should be maintained.
Fiscal Sustainability
M
TI
Conference decided that government should move in the direction that would
M
ensure that with in the shortest possible time, the cost of governance would be born
IU
wealth fund to secure the future after the life span of these natural resources.
RE
.P
observed challenges in the ICT industry are addressed. Also the internet gateway
W
facilities
M
Assembly or by the State Governor to the State Assembly to
O
be accompanied by an underlying Medium Term Plan and a
.C
Plan Compatibility Statement detailing deviations from the
G
previous plan with justifications. The Plan Compatibility
N
Statement will prevent plan and budget indiscipline;
ES
b. National Revenue Bill to be enacted into law every year prior to
M
the Appropriation Act. Any excess revenue beyond that in the
National Revenue Act to be retained in the Federation Account
TI
and can only be distributed within the year only with the passage
M
M
b. These Committees should meet half yearly to deliberate on plan
O
performance, new opportunities and threats as well as on possible
.C
strategies for dealing with the situation based on the findings of
G
the participatory monitoring and impact assessment;
N
c. The findings and recommendations emanating from each of these
ES
meetings to be presented to the Federal Executive Council or
M
State Executive Council for consideration and approval; and
d. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) or State Executive Council
TI
(SEC) to send a copy to the Federal or State legislatures for
M
M
to take over such activities at the earliest possible time;
O
f. Create and strengthen institutions and mechanisms to provide the
.C
needed linkages and partnerships between knowledge providers
G
(Educational Institutions and Research Institutes) with the productive
N
sector as a whole and industries in particular; and
ES
g. Ensure as a matter of policy, that prior to approval of market places,
there should be in the minimum, toilet facilities and conveniences with
M
portable water, as well as equipped crches and day care centers within
TI
the market vicinity. These facilities should be provided by government
M
(ix) Nigeria should not enter into any partnership/trade agreement that could
be detrimental to the current efforts at industrializing the country,
RE
continuity;
W
M
uses for Nigerias major agricultural products;
O
(xvii) Removal of the Land Use provision from the constitution and made a
.C
separate law for ease of review;
G
(xviii) Promotion of large scale mechanised farming in areas where Nigeria
N
has comparative and competitive advantage;
ES
(xix) Evaluation of the operations of the EPZs, tightening the regulatory
M
framework and enforce relevant legislations to check abuses. In
particular, the speedy removal of the aspects of the regulation that
TI
allows the manufacturing of items on the prohibition lists in the EPZs
M
and allowing same to be sold 100 per cent in the Custom Territory
IU
(Local Market);
(xx) Initiating a program for small farm holders to significantly increase their
M
productivity;
RE
M
to prohibit Government from sourcing for goods that are available and
O
made in Nigeria, from abroad;
.C
(xxvi) Providing world class infrastructure like roads, power etc at all tourist
G
sites;
N
(xxvii) Providing incentives to investors in the tourism sector to encourage
ES
private participation;
(xxvii)
(xxviii)
M
Developing all areas of tourism;
Ensuring that accruing revenue from crude oil sales, rents and
TI
royalties are invested in ameliorating the infrastructure
M
sector;
(xxix) Privatisation of existing refineries for greater efficiency and
M
M
Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices
O
Commission (ICPC), Security and Exchange Commission (SEC),
.C
National Deposit Insurance Commission (NDIC), the Chief
G
Justice of the Federation, Accountant- 38 General of the
N
Federation (AGF) and Auditor- General of the Federation, the
ES
budgets of these institutions should be made first line
(xxxviii)
charges; M
Government should embark on mass enlightenment of the
TI
populace to orientate them towards positive national endeavours
M
M
funding productive sectors for a defined period;
O
(l) Creation of a sustainable, regulated and legislated funding
.C
window for MSME to access equity/debt/grants investment by
G
resuscitating the CBN Small and Medium Enterprises Equity
N
Investment Scheme (SMEEIS) where banks willingly contribute
ES
10% of their profit to the scheme or creating a program similar
(li)
to the defunct CBNSMEEIS; M
Creation of tested programs for massive development of the mortgage
TI
and insurance sectors and establishment of a mortgage regulator in
M
Nigeria;
IU
financial sector;
(liv) Design innovative instruments and strategies, which may include tax
W
incentives, to attract:
W
M
Federation Account;
O
(lvii) Government should formulate a policy of low tax on food and high tax
.C
on luxury goods.
G
(lviii) Establishment of Economic Planning Departments to be headed by
N
Certified Economists at Local Governments or Municipal Governments
ES
as may be created to interface with the proposed Science and
(lix)
M
Technology Skills Development Centres of Tertiary Institutions;
Implementation of an Investors Assurance Act, to be implemented by
TI
the Central Bank of Nigeria, through the Commercial banks, should be
M
investors;
(lx) Socio Economic rights as provided for in Chapter 2 of the 1999
M
(lxi) There should be short and medium term poverty eradication programs
with specific provisions for:
W
physically challenged;
b. Skill acquisition and empowerment programs; and
c. Viable job creation.
(lxii) Government should pay up local debt amounting to N1 Trillion to
encourage cash flow and reduce economic insecurity;
M
(lxvi) Government should pass an Anti Trust Law to prevent monopolies in
O
the privatized sectors of the economy;
.C
(lxvii) Government should completely release the sum of N100 billion
G
budgeted for the Cotton and Textile and Garment Revival Scheme,
N
through the Bank of Industry (BOI); and
ES
(lxviii) Investment in social institutions should be specifically structured
M
to direct more resources towards areas that train artisans and auxiliary
workers.
TI
M
5.6 ENERGY
IU
1. Power/ Energy is so strategic to the industrial take off and the wellbeing of the
RE
people that Government should not leave it in the hands of the private sector. Rather,
the country should adopt a top-down approach by amending the existing legal
.P
framework to allow State Governments, Local Governments and the private sector to
W
and DisCos observed to be on the brink of collapse, there is the need for an
agonising re-appraisal of the whole contract as originally formulated;
M
d) An immediate solution be found to solve the large cash deficit that is
O
threatening the whole power sector;
.C
G
e) Government finds ways to improve gas supply and transmission to ramp up
N
power delivered to the system as a possible solution to the current cash
ES
shortfall in the sector. In addition, Government should implement the
M
National Gas Master Plan whose main objective is to transmit gas from
source to all the States of the federation for industrial and domestic as well
TI
as to Independent Power Projects (IPPs);
M
IU
f) Government finance the generation of bankable geosciences data for all our
M
coal - fields to help accelerate the use of coal to increase power generation
in the country;
RE
.P
plants;
W
i) The country must continue to focus on capacity building to keep pace with
the expected rapid development of the sector;
M
l) There should be a National Policy to deal with compensation payable on
O
transmission and gas pipeline routes;
.C
G
m) A policy be put in place where local communities are involved in the
N
security of power and gas lines traversing their land;
ES
n) M
There should be penalties prescribed for vandalization of gas and electricity
infrastructure;
TI
M
close to the fuel sources and generated power transmitted to other parts of
W
the country or neighbouring countries at low loss levels. This should reduce
incidences of gas pipeline vandalizations;
W
W
M
u) The 1.68% Federation Account Allocation for Solid Minerals Development
O
be dedicated to CoaltoPower scheme for the next six (6) years (including
.C
funds already accumulated as seed money)to facilitate attainment of 33,
G
000MW coalfired power contribution and an aggregate rating of 55,
N
000MW by 2020;
ES
v) Government should consciously continue to participate/invest in power
M
generation along with competent private sector investors;
w) The Federal Government should adopt clean coal technology to mitigate the
TI
negative environmental consequences from the use of coal for power
M
generation; and
IU
and Shiroro hydro plants to ensure that tree fringe forest is replaced
immediately for the water level to be kept highly stable.
RE
total renewable energy potential in the country as well as identify the local
conditions and local priorities in various ecological zones;
W
M
b. Curtail the extremely liberal tax incentives, including many years of tax
O
holidays stipulated for investors, to ensure that the nation is not short-
.C
changed; and
G
c. Ensure that proceeds from pollution tax to be imposed on oil companies (by
N
the policy) should be used to clean up the environment and communities
ES
impacted by petroleum resource extraction rather than being used in
subsidizing bio-fuel production. M
TI
4. The policy should identify areas of focus in respect of energy saving
M
5. An agency to promote the use of energy efficient products and ensure that
RE
6. In the light of the above, the following clean energy opportunities should
also be emphasized for application in Nigeria, with a level of enforcement,
W
where necessary:
a. More efficient passive and full usage of solar technologies in the residential,
commercial, and industrial sectors;
b. Implementation of renewable biomass and biogas from waste as a fuel in
highly efficient cook stoves;
M
animal husbandry;
h. Introduce and encourage the use of modern clean stove for cooking,
O
which is environmentally friendly and energy saving;
.C
i. Government policy should encourage the use of low energy light bulbs.
G
j. tidal and wave energy should be harnessed;
N
k. Government should ensure that street lightings are powered by solar energy;
ES
and
M
l. The Jatropha plant should be planted across the nation as such plant serves
TI
as a source of renewable energy.
M
7. Awareness Programmes-
IU
economy;
W
M
support the shift towards an increased use of renewable energy
O
b) A testing and standards laboratory for renewable energy technologies
.C
should be established, similar to that in South Africa;
G
c) Manpower development for the design, production, installation and
N
maintenance of renewable energy technology should be employed as
ES
part of Human resource development, critical knowledge and
M
technical knowhow as the focus for project development, project
management, monitoring and evaluation;
TI
d) Renewable energy devices and systems should be developed and
M
(ii) An energy pricing structure which is market based and which reflects long term
W
e) Laws should be enacted (and those available should be enforced) at the State
and Local Government levels to control indiscriminate cutting of trees for
M
household energy and charcoal making and export; and
O
f) Simple solar appliances should be developed for home use in Nigeria. This
.C
can give relief to Nigerians and reduce the depression on their income
G
through diesel consumption.
N
11. Investment Support/Incentives
ES
a) Establish a renewable energy development fund to serve as the instrument for
the provision of financial incentives to local manufacturers, suppliers and users
M
of renewable energy;
TI
b) A road map for accessing investment and support funds (sources of funds,
M
types of funds and how to access them) for renewable energy projects should
IU
be developed;
c) All tariffs on imported renewable energy technologies and systems should be
M
1.The Oil and Gas Sector is as large and complex as it is strategic to the nation. It is
also, at least for now, an enclave sector, particularly the upstream that generates the
bulk of our national revenue. The sector is also traditionally inward looking, and not
always free with information that really ought to be in the public domain.
Recommendations made against this back-ground are therefore, wholly in good faith,
M
with hope that they may be regarded as a reflection of the mood and perception of the
O
public that the sector exists to serve when all is said and done;
.C
G
2. Pace of Reform: There is no doubt at all that reform in the Oil and Gas Sector is
N
due. However, given its long established traditions, complexity and strategic
ES
significance, the pace of change should be more graduated, so that the negatives do
not outweigh the positives. Conference notes in this context that the entire
M
anticipated revenue gain from the PIB, if and when passed, is only $4 billion
TI
dollars, or less than 10% of the current revenue level. This may not be all the
M
gains, but have we really thought through the other potential benefits, such as
investor confidence? (See further comments below, under PIB);
IU
M
a) The Petroleum Act of 1969 should be reviewed in the interest of justice and
RE
equity; and
.P
3. Investment Environment: There are countries such as Venezuela that once took
the path we are taking now in terms of reform, that led to an exodus of many of the
majors then operating in the country. Production soon plummeted, and they went
to invite the IOCs back on very costly consultancy and service contracts;
M
4. Upstream Funding: We cannot grow reserves or production without adequate
O
funding. Accordingly, government must take immediate steps to improve the
.C
funding of the upstream, the cash-cow of the nation, because if really funding is
G
the issue, then encouraging the IOCs to divest is not the only answer;
N
ES
a) Government should meet its cash call obligations; and
M
b) Conference also recommends that cash call obligations be met by deductions
from the federation account and excess crude funds directly, before revenue is
TI
distributed amongst the three tiers of government.
M
IU
5. Reserve Growth
a) Given the uncertainty of the future reserve situation for oil as much as for gas,
M
b) The sector Master Plan of 2004 originated by NNPC can be a useful starting
point.
W
W
6. Security: The rate of crude oil and products theft has now reached alarming
proportions, fuelling a whole black crude export market of its own. At a
reported 350,000bbls per day (equivalent to 35 million dollars each day) or
roughly a quarter of our annual revenue, government must fully assert Nigerian
sovereignty and brink this racket to a full final stop. The potential gains should
clearly outweigh the cost of security;
FINAL CONFERENCE REPORT PAGE 194
7. State of Downstream Assets
a) It borders on the scandalous that a nation that has been in the oil business for
close to 60 years, and realizing good revenue streams could allow its products
storage, handling and transmission system to deteriorate to the present sorry
state, compromising effective delivery of petroleum products to all parts of the
country;
M
O
b) Government, accordingly, should without delay, institute a comprehensive
.C
independent technical audit of the entire national products
G
handling/storage/transmission system, and initiate a phased implementation of
N
the findings;
ES
M
c) Conference decided that a root-to-branch audit of the entire PPMC logistical
system and asset integrity be carried out as a matter of urgency, and appropriate
TI
remedies mapped out for phased implementation;
M
IU
f) That the building of floating filling stations in riverine areas of the Niger Delta
should be investigated.
a) The refineries are subject to similar decay as the PPMC assets, and the same
approach is suggested;
M
O
d) The final decision should take into account the implications for employment
.C
opportunities, local value added, conservation of forex now being spent on the
G
massive import program (Importation even from Niger Republic); cost-
N
efficiency; LPG and benzene production for the domestic market; and
ES
shortening of the products distribution distance (if all three refineries were to
be in operation); and M
TI
e) That the Government should consider the construction of mini refineries in
M
which is the lack of gas supply processing capacity, and common access to
.P
transmission network;
W
10. The current reforms must give comfort that we are on course, to make gas
W
available on short order, in order to make up for the back-log of gas delivery that
W
has contributed to the generation capacity shortfall against the targets set in the
Power Master Plan. A starting point would be the National Gas Policy documents,
but that is not all, as shown in the details of this report;
M
c) All new non-associated gas produced in Nigeria should be reserved for the
O
domestic market until such a time that domestic demand is satisfied and a
.C
pricing regime for gas should be developed to make this possible; and
G
N
d) There should be a Power Strategic Plan with a long term objective of utilizing
ES
PPP options to develop our Gas pipeline network. 90% of Nigerias current gas
M
pipelines are located along the Atlantic coast and there is need to extend the
pipeline infrastructure to the hinterlands.
TI
M
1. Conference is aware of all the controversies surrounding this bill, but feels that it is
M
where all issues can be thrashed out before the tenure of this Assembly expires;
.P
2. On the whole, Conference felt strongly that the bill should not be allowed to die
W
quietly as was the PIB (2008). Rather, it should be debated vigorously, amended as
appropriate, and passed, given the disservice to the well-being of the petroleum sector
W
3. The PIB should clearly criminalise gas flaring and offenders should pay the
commercial value of the flared gas;
4. The opportunity loss from the prevailing state of anomie of the bill is mounting
daily; and
M
a) Communities prone to gas flaring should be paid compensation for the effects
O
of gas flaring;
.C
G
b) There should be provision for local community involvement and adequate
N
military security to prevent vandalism of oil, gas and electrical equipment and
ES
lines; and
M
c) That where opportunities are created for communities to participate in
TI
developing oil fields from which the international oil companies are divesting,
M
care must be taken that the divesting companies do not pass their liabilities,
IU
13. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG): The low level of availability of LPG, in such a
.P
potentially huge market as Nigeria is as baffling as it shows lack of concern for the
environment and the people, especially in the rural areas;
W
W
a) Within the next 3 years, everything should be done to address this issue and to
W
ensure that we stop exporting abundant LPG abroad, only to import same at
exorbitant mark up in foreign exchange;
1. A careful study of the current gasoline price template shows that there is a
credibility problem over the level of subsidy being advertised by the NNPC. In reality,
much of the price make up is attendant on the fact that products are being imported,
and therefore has an avoidable landing and handling cost component;
M
O
2. This would not be the case, if we refined our own crude, as efficiently as possible.
.C
We are of the view that even a 30% cost reduction would be a huge saving for the
nation, and could stanch the financial haemorrhage we are currently undergoing;
G
N
15. Frontier Exploration: Exploration of the inland sedimentary basins is both good
ES
politics of national unity and a potential to upsize our stagnating reserve base.
Accordingly a creative package needs to be put in place, where those who receive
M
lucrative blocks in the Niger Delta on- and offshore, may be persuaded to explore
TI
inland too. A dedicated technical unit of high visibility is required to advance this
M
strategic objective;
IU
16. Local Content: Conference decided the strict enforcement of local content laws in
the oil and gas sector; and
M
RE
17. IOC Participation in Refining: That government should put in place a policy that
the IOCs participate in Nigerias refining business either by way of joint venture
.P
arrangements with Nigeria Government or as sole operators. This will improve the
W
5.7 ENVIRONMENT
M
Constitution;
O
.C
2. Section 20 of the 1999 Constitution does not establish any legally enforceable
G
code of environmental rights. Conference therefore decided that the
N
Environmental Objectives of the State under Chapter II of the Constitution be
ES
transferred to the justiciable rights under the Fundamental rights chapter of the
Constitution, as for example is the case under Article 48A of the Indian
M
Constitution, Article 2 of the Angolan Constitution, Article 46 and 47 of the
TI
Constitution of Congo and Article 15(2) of the Constitution of German
M
3. Power to Legislate: This should be clear and without any ambiguity with respect
to legislative power on the environment. Federating units should have the right
RE
4. Section 251 (1) of the 1999 Constitution should be amended in such manner as
W
to give jurisdiction to the state High Court over the items listed under Section
W
251 (1) (n) of the Constitution in order to give easier access to justice;
5. The Land Use Act has since its enactment generated a lot of controversy. It
has taken away the land rights from local communities. Conference decided that
the Land Use Act should remain in the Constitution but be amended to take care
of those concerns, particularly on compensation in Section 29(4) of the Act to
7. The Constitution as amended should define waste beyond refuse. The National
Conference recommends federal, state and council wastes. In consonance with
M
this, federal wastes shall be wastes emanating from defence (explosive and
O
disarmament wastes), nuclear operations (radioactive wastes), mineral
.C
resources and mining operation (mining wastes). State wastes include all
G
hazardous wastes other than federal wastes, whereas Council wastes are
N
essentially non-hazardous (domestic and wastes from small businesses) and
ES
institutionally generated. The 4th Schedule of the Constitution should be
changed to limit the powers of Councils to non-hazardous wastes;
M
8. The Ecological Fund should be domiciled in the Federal Ministry of
TI
Environment and the disbursement of same should be tied to a specific or
M
9. Resource Democracy: The right of the people to own and manage their
M
prospect for and develop resources in their territories. This will remove
conflicts between federating units and promote progressive and active
.P
development;
W
W
10. The power on the issue of resource management should devolve to States and
W
M
sector. Conference recommends that the, NESREA Act of 2007 be amended to
O
give it oversight over the entire environment including the oil and gas sector.
.C
Furthermore, the requirement of Pre-action Notice and Limitation Clause be
G
removed from the NESREA Act;
N
ES
2. The Oil Pipelines Act (CAP 338, LFN, 1990). This Law was first enacted in 1956.
It provides for the issuance of licenses to any person or corporate body
M
prospecting for oil or gas to survey, construct, maintain and operate pipelines
TI
for the purpose of conveying natural gas, mineral oil or any petroleum product
M
to any destination. In Part IV the Act requires the Oil operator to pay
compensation to any individual or group that may have suffered environmental
IU
or personal injury. The Act also provides for payment of compensation for land
M
envisaged under this Act weighs against those whose lands and property suffer
injury. This law deserves unification in the form of the American Superfund
.P
and Liability Act, 1980) that compels polluters to clean up impacted areas to
W
3. Conference decided that a new law on oil and gas pipelines be enacted which
will comply with international standards set out in:
M
O
ii. To impose stiffer sanction including fines equivalent to commercial
.C
price of natural gas and holding the heads of offending agencies
personally liable;
G
N
ES
iii.The proposed Petroleum Industry Bill should not contradict the
provisions in the Gas Re-injection Act. The PIB should be futuristic and
M
cater for future exploration and exploitation in zones outside of the
TI
current oil/gas belt. It should also ensure protection of communities in
M
v. The penalty for gas flaring should be paid to the communities that are
directly affected by such flaring rather than the Federal Government.
.P
W
M
8. There is need to regulate electronic waste disposal; and
O
9. There should be a legislation to prohibit the use of asbestos in Nigeria.
.C
G
5.7.3 Policy Resolutions
N
1. Resolutions on Institutional Framework and Enforcement
ES
i. There must be policy and action coherence between and within government
M
agencies to ensure synergy in tackling our environmental challenges;
TI
ii. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) are not project planning approval
M
must be conducted for all major projects as stipulated in the EIA Act.
Moreover, there should be detailed post project assessment requirements and
M
colonization by agri-businesses;
vi. The Polluter Pays principle is good, but we need to raise the bar and demand
M
that a polluter stops principle;
O
.C
vii. Transparency and accountability in resource exploitation and management
G
would serve better ends when taken beyond financial transparency to resource
N
transparency. This implies that Nigeria must not only track money earned from
ES
mineral resources, for example, but must meter and ascertain the quantum of
resources extracted in the country;
viii.
M
The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) should be
TI
well funded, and allowed to recruit more personnel to carry out its functions;
M
IU
and polluters fund the agency. This Agency should also be empowered to
RE
rehabilitate those persons whose farmlands and fishing sites have been
.P
permanently impacted upon and ensure that oil exploration companies carry out
environmental remediation exercises wherever oil is explored;
W
W
pollution;
M
desertification for example Shelter Belts;
O
.C
xv. The Federal Government should implement the UNEP Report on Ogoni
G
kingdom;
N
ES
xvi. Enclave communities in National Parks should be resettled in compliance with
M
the original intent of the law establishing these Parks;
TI
xvii. The Federal and State governments should as a matter of urgency create an
M
study to determine the extent of the forest available in Nigeria and adopt
strategies to enhance green economy;
M
RE
xviii. There should be a special agency and fund dedicated for environmental cleanup
.P
xx. There should be a National Action Plan bordering on environmental issues that
cut across all tiers of government;
xxi. There is need to regulate emission of fumes from vehicles that ply Nigerian
roads;
xxii. The development of Nuclear power plants should have alongside it,
development of radioactive waste handling capacity.
2. Climate Change
M
Steps to be taken are clearly outlined in the National Policy on Climate Change and
O
must include:
.C
i. Integrate climate change adaptation policies and programmes in development
G
policies as an effective risk management strategy;
N
ii. Ensure synergy in the implementation of mitigation and adaptation measure by
ES
the tiers of government;
iii.
M
Halt other practices that intensify the release of greenhouse gases into the
TI
atmosphere and invest in low carbon development, including ramping up
M
vii. Promote economies, including jobs that are diverse and resilient to climate
change;
M
climate change.
O
.C
3. Flooding
G
Conference decided that the Federal Government should:
N
i. Carry out a National Watershed Delineation and Characterisation for use in
ES
preparing and implementing and adequate enforcement programme to protect
ii.
M
and maintain the quality of the nations lands, water and coastal resources;
Install flood early warning systems, including through use of communication
TI
equipment and mass media, at national and federating units levels.
M
IU
iii. Prepare and implement flood and drainage master plans for all communities
(urban and rural) including construction of drainages, canals and treatment of
M
vi. Prepare plans for recovery after storms and floods. Government should
rehabilitate, resettle and reconstruct flood-affected communities as well as
environmental refugees;
viii. Flood mitigation plans should be put in place in communities in flood plains
and flooding should be declared as an annual natural disaster wherever it
occurs in Nigeria.
M
O
4. Gully and Coastal Erosion
.C
Needed policy actions adopted by Conference include:
G
i. Immediate review of current National Policy on Erosion and Flood Control that
N
was prepared in 2005;
ES
ii.
iii.
M
Survey and map of all areas prone to gully and coastal erosion
Prepare and implement policies and programmes to control erosions and related
TI
hazards;
M
IU
iv. Make inventory of areas and developments in the area that have special
heritage value for purpose of specially protecting and defending such;
M
RE
viii. Ensure continuous monitoring and regular mapping of shorelines and river
banks;
xi. Create and maintain an up-to-date coastal management plan for Nigeria with
the federating units taking the lead;
M
O
xii. Maintain an update soil type and quality mapping of vulnerable areas;
.C
G
xiii. Ensure coherence and information sharing between all ministries, departments
N
and agencies engaged in coastal activities and regulations;
ES
xiv. M
Ensure that road construction and other infrastructure installations are
adequately engineered so as not to contribute to erosion;
TI
M
5 Natural Disasters
.P
M
vi. Create national flood early warning systems, establish systems including use of
O
satellite data for prediction of flood occurrence;
.C
G
vii. Preparation of a Disaster Recovery Plan to cater for emergencies, including
N
recovery of transportation and telecommunications infrastructure after a
ES
disaster;
viii.
M
Special provisions must be made for adequate access for the handicapped as
TI
stipulated by international laws; and
M
IU
ix. Federating units shall in collaboration with the Federal government prepare and
implement guidelines, action plans and programmes for emergency responses
M
RE
Government has to continue working with other countries sharing the Lake Chad
W
ii. Forest reserves should be established, protected and properly maintained by both
Federal and State governments;
iv. Encourage communities to imbibe the culture of tree planting. There is also a need to
mandate the inclusion of tree planting as a criteria for building plans approval and
the approving authority shall determine the number of trees based on the size of the
M
land;
O
.C
v. Strict regulation and enforcement of logging activities;
G
N
vi. Federal and State Governments should create and properly fund a reforestation and
ES
afforestation agency to handle all anti-desertification projects; and
vii.
M
In order to stem the frequent clashes between herdsmen and farmers, government
TI
should restrict the movement of cattle to ranches.
M
IU
7. Bush Burning
Conference called on the Federal Government to:
M
i. Mount public campaigns against bush burning and impose penalties for wilful
RE
breaches;
.P
ii. Provide extension services to local farmers to enable them learn agro-
W
iii. Provide suitably adapted techniques suitable for use by small-scale farmers in
place of slash and burn methods of land preparation.
8. Biodiversity
ii. Ensure strict liability and redress in bio-safety matters and bar untested and
M
unregulated technologies including those related to genetically modified
O
organisms (GMOs), geoengineering, nanotechnology in foods and agriculture
.C
and synthetic biology;
G
N
iii. Restore degraded forests, savannah grasslands, mangrove swamps, and
ES
abandoned farms;
iv.
M
New biodiversity conservation areas should be established. These should range
TI
from strictly protected wilderness areas to multiple-use areas, and must be large
M
vi. Allocate adequate funds for scientific research on biodiversity, and for
distribution and analysis of the data obtained;
W
W
viii. Enact National and State Forest Laws with provisions including allowing for
and encouraging sustainable community forest management;
ix. Empower forest guards to adequately protect and police our forests; and
9. Waste Management
M
Operation, and Information (collection, processing & disposal shall be the
O
responsibility of the private sector duty or through public private partnerships (PPP).
.C
i. The Federal Government through NESREA shall develop a broad regulatory
G
system for all forms of hazardous Waste and shall have broad authority to
N
regulate and control Federal wastes. There should be criminal prosecution for
ES
indiscriminate disposal of toxic waste;
ii. M
The State Government shall develop a broad regulatory System for all non-
TI
Hazardous Waste and shall be especially responsible for regulation and control
of Hazardous Waste other than Federal Wastes;
M
iii. Local Government shall be responsible for regulation and control of non-
IU
iv. NESERA by Law has the authority to manage Nigerian Environment and so
RE
should be the only Body to regulate Federal Waste (be it in the Oil or Solid
mineral sectors of the economy);
.P
accounted for, must be managed based on best practices and sustainability, and
W
vi. Government should ensure the quick passage of the bill to professionalise the
environmental practice in Nigeria. The Professional Environmental Council
will assist the statutory bodies to regulate and control waste and environmental
management in Nigeria. Waste and environmental management and control has
vii. Act in recognition of the fact that ethical responsibilities are best managed by
professional organizations so they are a pre-requisite for good enforcement
regime in the industry;
M
and investment;
O
ix. There is a need to regulate management of waste from the leather industry;
.C
x. Hospitals in Nigeria should have incinerators for the purposes of waste
G
management; and
N
xi. Defecation in public places should be prohibited.
ES
10. Human Displacement and Resource Loss: M Conference decided that the
displaced peoples of Bakassi be properly resettled in Cross River State and be
TI
adequately compensated for loss of tangible and intangible resources. Conference
M
also recommended that Nigeria takes steps to secure her territory by all necessary
IU
M
activities of some Nigerian fraudsters at home and abroad;
O
d. Successfully dealing with the current security challenges; and
.C
e. Using Nigerian fashion, music and movies as well as religion to
promote the positive image of Nigeria.
G
N
5.8.2 NIGERIA AND INTERNATIONAL PEACEKEEPING
ES
OPERATIONS
and the men on the field. This will ensure that Nigerian contingents
M
ii. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigerian Missions in the field of
.P
M
regard themselves as representatives of the country;
O
vi. Every effort must be made to ensure that Nigeria takes maximum
.C
benefits in peacekeeping operations by ensuring that the right
G
equipment and materials are acquired which will become a veritable
N
source of modernizing the equipment of the Armed Forces and the
ES
Police;
M
vii. Financial benefits accruing to Nigeria should be claimed promptly
for the benefit of the country;
TI
viii. Nigeria should push for representation in peacekeeping where
M
M
the Agency, but not in a merged form as recommended by the Orosanye
O
Panel;
.C
iv. Both TAC and DTCA should be reviewed so as to make them more
G
responsive to their objectives, and be more effective and attractive to
N
prospective Nigerian participants; and
ES
v. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should be empowered to develop and
M
elaborate the process, together with the concerned Ministries and
Departments, so as to obtain the necessary legislation that will bring into
TI
existence a Nigerian Agency for External Aid.
M
IU
M
iv. To enhance her security, Nigeria should enter into agreements with her
O
Eastern, Southern and Northern neighbours similar to the 1984
.C
Quadripartite Agreement she entered into with her Western neighbours,
G
viz, Benin, Togo and Ghana, to cover cases of terrorism and insurgency;
N
and
ES
v. Nigeria should spearhead the rapid operationalisation of the ECOWAS
M
Brigade of the African Standby Force and encourage the countries of
Central African States to do the same so as to be in a position to provide
TI
rapid response to any security threats from both contiguous regions.
M
IU
countries of like mind and interest with which she could work to
W
ii. Addis Ababa has become the de-facto political capital for the continent,
and Nigeria should take this into account in her diplomatic calculus.
iii. For this purpose, the Nigerian Mission in Addis Ababa must be
recognised as the pre-eminent Mission in Africa and be so treated in
terms of:
M
- The selection of the Head of Mission who should always be a
O
career officer and one with flair for the multilateral
.C
diplomacy;
G
- Posting of adequate staff with different skills including
N
political, economic, legal and cultural as well as
ES
communication;
-
M
Constructing a more appropriate Chancery building befitting
TI
Nigerias image and status;
M
functions.
v. Nigeria should adopt a Strategic Action Plan for Africa with the
following guiding principles:
M
strategic interest to Nigeria;
O
- Consistency in her actions, undertaking early and regular
.C
consultation and coordinating efforts with identified partners;
G
- Consolidating ECOWAS as an impenetrable political base
N
where Nigeria holds sway and wields unquestionable
influence;
ES
- Cultivating a policy of forward-planning with a strategic long-
term vision; and M
TI
- Building a professional cadre with multi-lingual and
diplomatic skills that will defend and promote Nigerias
M
the second time within a space of five years. It recommends that the country
.P
must make use of this rare opportunity to ensure that both Nigeria and Africa
W
faces and being treated equally with other regions of the world. Furthermore,
W
Nigeria should be aggressive in offering itself for positions that are open to
Africa in the Organization.
M
should continue to take advantage of its programme, such as funding for
O
economic development projects.
.C
G
(e) Community of Sahel Saharan States (CEN-SAD)
N
Conference decided that Nigeria should sign the Treaty so that it can
ES
fully participate in all its activities, especially in the security sector, considering
M
that all of her neighbouring countries are members of CEN-SAD.
TI
f) Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC)
M
leading role in this important organisation that has great potential to improve
Nigerias fortunes in the Gulf of Guinea,. especially in combating
M
contemporary security and other challenges including piracy, oil theft, illegal
RE
oil bunkering, trafficking in human and small arms and light weapons,
.P
(g) D8 Countries
W
Conference decided that since Nigeria has been declared the largest economy
W
in Africa, she should take an active part in the activities of this organisation in
order to consolidate her new status.
M
advantage;
O
ii. Nigeria must calibrate her interests by developing a short, medium and
.C
long term agenda in the West Africa sub-region, the African continent
G
and the world. She must begin by sharpening her role in all the
N
organisations she belongs to;
ES
iii. Nigeria should intensify efforts to get competent Nigerians appointed or
M
elected to positions in international organisations and support them once
TI
appointed or elected to ensure that they perform well and uplift the
image of the country; and
M
IU
iv. For the purpose of (iii) above, a Desk or Unit should be created in the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, preferably in the office of the Honourable
M
M
missions not to interfere in the internal affairs of the country. When this
O
is violated, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must call attention to the
.C
violation;
G
ii. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs must remind diplomatic missions that
N
requests for meetings with government Ministries and Departments, and
ES
visits to places outside Abuja or Lagos, must be made through it;
iii. Diplomats should respect the age-old practice of dealing with Nigerian
M
officials at their own level as it is not acceptable for First Secretaries or
TI
Counsellors and Consuls to be inviting Nigerian Ministers, Governors,
M
accepting an invitation;
RE
v. Ministers and others who wish to meet foreign diplomats or who foreign
diplomats want to meet must arrange such meetings through the
.P
vi. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs must beef up its Protocol Department to
W
M
c. Final recruitment into the Nigerian Foreign Service should be strictly
based on successful graduation from the Nigerian Foreign Service
O
Academy. In other words, recruits into the service should see
.C
themselves as Cadets who become commissioned Foreign Service
G
Officers on graduation from the Academy;
N
d. To be able to do this successfully, the Foreign Service Academy
ES
must be vastly improved in terms of staffing, funding, logistics and
curriculum;
M
e. All Nigerian Foreign Service Officers should be made to acquire a
TI
second foreign language. In this respect, the acquisition of a second
foreign language should be made a condition for promotion beyond
M
Counsellor grade;
IU
interact with the Ministry and between each other in real time, must
be put in place.
iii. There should be synergy between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
the NIA as they need to complement each other for the benefit of the
nation;
M
obligations because of inadequate funding and late remittance cannot
O
and must not continue. Both the Executive and Legislative arms of
.C
government must recognise that the bulk of the Ministrys expenditure is
G
in foreign exchange and must so be provided for;
N
vi. While there are calls for the number of Nigerian Missions to be reduced
ES
on account of cost, the Committee recommends that government should
M
proceed with caution on this. If Nigeria is to compete with South Africa
and Egypt for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, she needs
TI
more, not less diplomatic missions abroad, as both countries have far
M
M
handle all legal issues within the Ministry.
O
Section 41(1) (2) (b): Extradition out of Nigeria for Trial Elsewhere
.C
Conference decided that the Section be retained with an emphasis on the
G
need for strict implementation in favour of Nigeria lest the country be
N
short-changed or treated as a weaker partner.
ES
M
Section162 (1): Public Revenue of the Federation
Conference decided that this Section be strictly complied with so that
TI
personnel of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and others enjoy such
M
Abroad
.P
that, as much as possible, the President should make the bulk of such
W
M
of labour and employment matters are under the sole jurisdiction of the
O
NIC, it is only fitting that this Section be retained as it is.
.C
G
5.8.11 MATTERS RELATING TO FOREIGN POLICY UNDER THE
N
EXCLUSIVE LEGISLATIVE LIST
Conference noted that the Second Schedule, Part I to the Constitution of
ES
the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 contains the Exclusive Legislative List
M
and the following items relate to foreign policy:
TI
Item 18 Deportation of persons who are not citizens
Item 20 Diplomatic, Consular and Trade representation
M
Item 27 Extradition
M
M
Nonetheless, Conference decided that where it is established that a
O
prisoner serving in a foreign jail is a Nigerian, he/she deserves a prisoner swap
.C
or exchange.
G
5.8.15 DIASPORA MATTERS
N
Citizen Diplomacy
ES
Having considered issues relating to Nigerias Diaspora, Conference decided:
i. M
To support the current effort by the House of Representatives to
establish a Nigerian Diaspora Commission and urges the rapid
TI
conclusion of work on the Bill for an Act to establish it;
M
ii. that when the National Assembly passes the Bill, it is recommended that
IU
the President should give his assent to it and government should make
the necessary provisions for its immediate establishment;
M
iii. Conference decided that with the demand by Nigerians in the Diaspora
RE
13(1) (c) of the Electoral Act 2006 and Sections 77(2) and 117(2) of the
Constitution be amended to provide for Diaspora Voting Rights;
W
iv. Before this is done, Conference strongly recommends that the necessary
W
machinery which will facilitate Diaspora voting and ensure that only
W
Nigerian citizens who are qualified to take part in the voting exercises is
put in place;
v. That the Nigeria Immigration Service should be mandated to share daily
migration data, as collected from countrys national departure points
with its missions abroad. This information will enable Nigerian
M
O
5.8.16 LAW, JUDICIARY, HUMAN RIGHTS AND LEGAL REFORM
.C
1. LAW AND ORDER
G
Conference resolved that:
N
(i) There should be equality before the law;
ES
(ii) There should always be a balance between the administration of
M
justice and its public perception in view of the fact that justice
shall not only be done; but must be seen to have been done;
TI
(iii) The Offices of the Attorney General of the Federation/State
M
Justice;
(iv) The concept of Plea Bargain should be abolished;
M
2. LEGAL FRAMEWORK
(i) Policy recommendations arising from the Conference should be
implemented by the Presidency;
(ii) Recommendations requiring abrogation or amendment of existing
Laws other than the Constitution should be initiated/carried out
M
Assembly should be initiated by the President; and
O
(iv) Conference recommendations should be taken to the Court of
.C
public opinion/Referendum, if the need arises.
G
N
3. LEGAL REFORMS
ES
(i) There should be uniform retirement age of 70 years for all Judges
(ii)
of Superior Courts of Record.M
Our Criminal and Penal Code Systems should be guaranteed and
TI
accorded the same right;
M
(iv) There should be deliberate efforts to ensure that our culture and
.P
justice and its public perception in view of the fact that justice
shall not only be done; but must be seen to have been done.
5. Structure of Courts
M
(i) There should be established, the State Court of Appeal for each
O
State to serve as the terminal Court for States on State matters
.C
except in cases of weighty Constitutional issues, civil liberties
G
and matters of overriding public interest with the leave of the
N
Supreme Court;
ES
(ii) The Federal Government should, through the Consolidated
M
Revenue Fund, provide the take-off grant for the establishment of
the States Courts of Appeal;
TI
(iii) Section 121 of the Constitution should be strengthened to make
M
misconduct;
(iv) The President of the State Court of Appeal shall be the Head of
M
and
(vi) Consequential Sections of the Constitution should be amended to
reflect the recommended changes.
M
O
a. The CJN should be the Chairman;
.C
b. President of the Federal Court of Appeal;
G
c. The Chief Judge of Federal High Court;
N
d. The President of National Industrial Court;
ES
e. One (1) President of the State Court of Appeal from
M
each geo-political zone appointed by the body of zonal
President of the State Courts of Appeal;
TI
f. One (1) Grand Khadi to be nominated by the body of
M
i. Two (2) other members who are not Lawyers, who are
W
M
than fifteen (15) years, from a list of not less than four
O
persons so qualified and recommended by the Nigerian
.C
Bar Association;
G
(vii) Two (2) other persons not being Legal Practitioners, one
N
of whom shall be a woman who, in the opinion of the
ES
President, are of unquestionable integrity.
C.
M
State Judicial Service Commission (SJSC)
TI
(i) The President, Court of Appeal of the State should be the
M
Chairman;
Other members of the Commission should be:
IU
M
M
groups and dispense justice in expeditious manner.
O
.C
G
7. Technology and Administration of Justice
N
(i) There should be verbatim reporting in all Courts; and
ES
(ii) The fast track system should be introduced in all Courts.
8.
M
Professional Development of Judicial Officers
TI
(i) Continuing Legal education should be looked into with a view to
M
bodies.
9. Sharia and Customary Legal Systems
W
from the Sharia and Customary Courts should end at the Court of
Appeal of the State or the Federal Court of Appeal as the case may be,
except in cases of Constitutional significance, civil liberties and matters
of overriding public interest.
M
(ii) A new Section providing for the Chief Justice of Nigeria to set up
O
a National Council on both Civil and Criminal Procedures should
.C
be inserted in the Constitution, to adopt and constantly update the
G
comprehensive and unified Rules of Courts to cover the entire
N
system;
ES
(iii) There should be provision for the conclusion of cases
M
commenced before a judge, before transfer of such a judge to
prevent such matters starting de novo except in cases of
TI
promotion, death or retirement of such a judge;
M
election until all the election petition matters involving him or her
RE
are concluded, unless there is still 120 days to oath taking and
.P
M
significance, civil liberty and matters of public interest are
O
involved; and
.C
(xii) Judges elevated to higher Courts should conclude their cases if
G
evidence has been concluded.
N
ES
11. Independence of the Judiciary
(i) M
In appointing Judicial personnel including Magistrates, Area,
Sharia, and Customary Courts judges, qualities such as merit,
TI
competence and integrity are prerequisites which must be kept in
M
mind;
IU
(iii) Due process and fair hearing should be introduced in the process
.P
Constitution;
W
(v) The Order of Precedence which relegated the Chief Justice of the
Federation to the 5th position in the nations Protocol List should
be reviewed such that the Chief Justice is brought to the 4th
position;
Other resolutions by Conference are:
M
(ix) The Office of and powers of the Accountant General should be
O
strengthened to enable him or her operate optimally; and
.C
(x) The Police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
G
(EFCC), Code of Conduct Bureau, the Judiciary, etc. should be
N
put under a consolidated law to safeguard and guarantee their
ES
independence.
M
(iii) The requirement of locus standi in Public Interest Litigation
O
should be abolished.
.C
G
15. Alternative Justice Alternative Dispute Resolution [ADR]
N
(i) Court-ordered mediation through the option of multi-door
ES
approach;
(ii) M
Judges should be more proactive in advising parties to settle their
cases; and
TI
(iii) Customary Arbitration should be encouraged.
M
IU
Legislative List;
RE
M
O
17. Condition of Service of Judicial Officers
.C
Conference decided that:
G
(i) The remuneration of Judicial Officers must be improved. A
N
situation whereby most Political Office holders earn more than
ES
Judges should be discouraged;
(ii)
(iii)
M
All Superior Court Judges should not be members of social clubs;
The National Judicial Council (NJC) should commence the
TI
improvement and enhancement of condition of service of Judicial
M
seek the assistance of any other Agency and the said review
should apply to both the serving and retired Judges;
M
M
(ix) Judges, Magistrates, Area, Sharia, and Customary Courts Judge.
O
should have all necessary tools to discharge their functions
.C
creditably; and
G
N
(x) Judges, Magistrates, Area, Sharia, and Customary Courts
ES
Judges should be insulated from interference and undue
influence by the Executive, Legislature and other persons in the
society.
M
TI
18. PRISON REFORMS
M
(ii) States should also build Prisons to take care of persons waiting or
RE
M
(ix) No awaiting trial prisoner shall be detained for a period longer
O
than the period he or she would have served if convicted of the
.C
crime he or she is charged with.
G
N
19. Sentencing and Death Penalty
ES
Issue of death penalty should be left for the States to decide since it is a
State matter. M
TI
20. Justiciability of the Fundamental Objectives and Directive
M
benefit from her State of origin only but not from her husbands
W
M
least once a year all steps and measures taken to ensure the
O
realization of the policy objectives contained in this Chapter; and
.C
in particular, the realization of a healthy economy and basic
G
human rights including the rights to health, education, work and
N
housing.
ES
21. Fundamental Rights M
(i) Chapters 2 and 4 of the Constitution should be merged. Socio-
TI
economic Rights contained in Chapter 2 of the Constitution
M
M
for in the Constitution whereas the right of appeal on other
O
matters should be with the leave of Court;
.C
(ii) Appeals from the National Industrial Court of Nigeria should
G
terminate at the Federal Court of Appeal except for matters of
N
weighty Constitutional significance, civil liberties, and matters of
ES
overriding public interest; and
(iii) M
Aggrieved parties shall have access to Industrial Arbitration
Panel without recourse to the Office of the Minister of Labour.
TI
23. Gender Issues
M
(i) All discriminatory Laws and practices against the female gender
IU
societies;
.P
(ii) Section 55(1) (d) of the Penal Code Act, Cap. 89 LFN dealing
W
Criminal Code Act Cap. 79 LFN 1990 dealing with the offence of
W
M
(viii) Section 29 (4) (b) of the Constitution which deems any woman
O
who is married should be of full age should be deleted;
.C
(ix) Section 221 of the Criminal Code Act which requires
G
corroboration before a conviction for defilement of a girl under
N
16 years of age could be sustained, should be repealed;
ES
The Committee also recommends that:
(x) M
The right to property inheritance and full employment rights
without discrimination;
TI
(xi) The right to enjoy the indigeneship of her place of birth/origin as
M
(xii) The right to hold not less than 35% of the elective and appointive
M
Offices;
RE
M
electoral offences.
O
.C
25. Extra-Judicial Killing
G
(i) Parade of suspects by Police and allied authorities is illegal and
N
pre-judicial, and therefore should be discontinued;
ES
(ii) There should be Coroners Inquest whenever there is any extra-
judicial killing; and
M
(iii) There should be compensation paid to the next-of-kins of victims
TI
of extra-judicial killings.
M
IU
A. (i) That locus standi under Section 6 (6) (b) of the Constitution
RE
M
created by or under any Act of the National Assembly;
O
.C
b. to take over and continue any such criminal
G
proceedings that may have been instituted by any other
N
authority or person; and
ES
M
c. to discontinue at any stage before judgment is
delivered, any such criminal proceeding instituted or
TI
undertaken by him or any other authority or person.
M
IU
process;
W
M
(ii) He shall be the Chief Law Officer of the State;
O
(iii) A person shall not be qualified to hold or perform the
.C
functions of the Office of the Attorney General of the
G
Federation unless he/she is of unquestionable integrity,
N
qualified to practice as a Legal Practitioner in Nigeria and
ES
has been so qualified for not less than 15 years;
(iv) M
The Attorney General for the State shall be appointed by
the Governor for a single term of six (6) years subject to
TI
confirmation by the State House of Assembly; and
M
M
State shall be removed from office by the Governor acting
O
on the address supported by two-thirds majority of the
.C
House of Assembly praying that he be so removed for
G
inability to discharge the functions of his office (whether
N
arising from infirmity of mind or body or any other cause)
ES
or for misconduct; and
(ix) M
The Attorney General of the State shall not be removed
from office before expiration of term of office except in
TI
accordance with the provisions herein aforestated.
M
IU
1. The National Conference noted that the poor implementation of Land Use (Decree)
.P
researchers that have made calls for review, modification or abrogation of the Act.
W
2. Conference further noted the ambiguities and contradictions of the Act on the issue
W
of customary tenure. Upon considering all the cases, we are of the view that:
a) The Land Use Act should remain in the Constitution but be amended to take
care of those concerns, particularly on compensation in Section 29(4) of the
Act to read; land owners should determine the price and value of their land
based on open market value;
M
Act is a person who has attained the age of 18;
O
.C
d) Other issue observed; titling of land and further taxation after payment of
G
certificate of occupancy fees. These are not legal issues but procedural, hence
N
we recommend the need to call on Governors to hasten titling of land (like it
ES
has been done in Edo state where almost 90% of land is titled) and fees paid
M
by land owners for certificates of occupancy should indemnify them from
further taxation, when leveraging their land;
TI
M
e) The right of communities to have land protected from human activities that
IU
would hinder or degrade the productivity of such land, through pollution and
flooding. Such law should also guarantee the maintenance of adequate tree
M
extraction of all minerals and the setting aside of forest to serve as carbon
W
sink.
M
the implementation of the agreed boundary resolutions has hindered the success of
O
the process;
.C
G
2. Traditional institutions have key role to play in ensuring peaceful coexistence
N
between border dwellers. They command respect and at such must be involved in
ES
the facilitation of the peace process;
M
3. On the issue of resource control, sole claims of resources that straddle interstate
TI
boundaries by one community or State have also created problems in the
M
4. A policy for equitable sharing of straddling resources between affected States and
RE
charged with the responsibility of defining and determining the limits of the
W
1. Conference agreed that all stringent conditions should be removed from the
Constitution so as to give effective implementation to the result of settlement of
disputes over boundaries, and in response to credible application by communities
M
for boundary adjustment;
O
.C
2. In particular, Conference agreed that Section 8(2) of the Constitution should be
G
expunged and replaced with the following provisions;
N
ES
3. The boundary of any existing State(s) and Local Governments and shall be
M
adjusted by the National Boundary Commission, which shall act upon receiving an
application from the area requesting boundary adjustment, provided that:
TI
M
M
However, the achievement of these goals is hampered by the existing land
O
management framework, which is governed by the Land Use (Decree) Act. The
.C
Act, which contains inconsistencies, has not been properly implemented.
G
Moreover, the insertion of the Act in the Constitution of the Federal Republic
N
of Nigeria has made its amendment impossible;
ES
ii. M
Issues of proper delineation and delimitation of internal and external
boundaries are important. The elimination of extra-rigid stipulations for
TI
adjustment of internal boundaries, which have been drawn following colonial
M
era frames, could have profound implications for security and the attainment of
IU
reforming the current weak and contradictory land and boundary governance
frameworks, access to land is an issue of rights, and that land administration
W
M
(ii) National Security Council meeting should hold quarterly except in times of
O
emergency;
.C
G
(iii) A National Border Patrol Guard (NBPG) should be established to secure and
N
protect the nations borders;
ES
6 M
Appointment of the Chief of Defense Staff and Service Chiefs should be based
on merit, which is defined by seniority and merit;
TI
M
Red;
.P
9 Cross, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road
W
10 A minimum baseline for assessing the state of national security in the country
should be set up;
11 The Nigeria Armed Forces and Police should be adequately equipped with
mobile gadgets and their welfare packages including pension and gratuity should
also be reviewed and drastically improved; and
FINAL CONFERENCE REPORT PAGE 254
12 Deployment of members of the Armed Forces for non-combat roles should be
limited to national emergencies.
M
Conference resolved that the status-quo be retained. This was based on
O
the reasoning that the NSA is appointed on the discretionary powers of
.C
Mr President and that the Committee ought not to meddle with such
G
discretion;
N
ES
(ii) THE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE: CENTRALIZED OR
DECENTRALIZED POLICE: Conference received several memoranda
M
from individuals, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and corporate
TI
organisations. Some of these memoranda advocated for centralized Police,
M
while others argued for decentralized Police. Those who advocated for
IU
a. State Police will lay the foundation for the eventual break-up of the
RE
country;
.P
b. The current crop of political leadership will misuse the organs of State
W
c. Very few states in Nigeria can at the moment fund and maintain a Police
Force;
d. That even the developed countries of the world are moving towards
Centralised Police; and
(iii) On the other hand, those agitating for decentralized Police insist that given
the current augmentation of fund to the Police by State Governments, States
should be allowed to establish their own Police Service, which will
complement the efforts of the NPF. Other arguments include:
M
O
a. Personnel of State Police are likely to do better intelligence gathering
.C
and rapid response actions because they know the terrain, speak the
G
local languages and even probably know the criminals;
N
ES
b. That the argument that Governors will abuse a State Police assumes that
the M
Federal Government has more integrity than the State
Government; this according to them is yet to be empirically proved,
TI
given the experiences of some States to the contrary;
M
IU
Force; and
RE
the country.
W
W
M
will address concerns about the need for such officers to understand the
O
language and culture of the people of the State, especially as this group
.C
of Officers actually constitutes the operational component of the Force;
G
N
f. Reinvigoration of the Police Council with a full time Secretariat so as to
ES
discharge its constitutional mandate as spelt out in the 3rd Schedule, Para
27, of the 1999 Constitution; M
TI
g. Section 214 of the 1999 constitution which provides for the
M
and appointment of the IGP should remain with the President and the
National Council of State subject to confirmation by the Senate;
W
W
enhanced and given priority attention. All logistic needs of the NPF
should bemet by Government; and the enactment of the Police Trust
Fund Act should be expedited to compliment Government funding;
M
the Police Service Commission;
O
.C
m. Police Service Commission should continue to be responsible for
G
appointment, promotion and discipline of all officers below the I.G.P.,
N
except the operational control of the Force which is vested in the IGP. It
ES
should be independent enough to guard against nepotism in recruitment,
M
discipline and promotion and the dominance of the service by any single
or few ethnic groups. In other words, it should implement the
TI
requirement of the Constitution to reflect Federal Character in
M
q. Screen the existing manpower, weed out the bad and the untrainable
ones and commence the retraining of the retained ones;
FINAL CONFERENCE REPORT PAGE 258
r. Ensure proper screening and vetting of the background of all prospective
recruits using police apparatuses, the Security and Intelligence service
and traditional institutions i.e. ward, village and district heads,
emirate council and similar outfits in other parts of the country;
M
radio satellite communication introduced in 1992;
O
.C
t. An Inspectorate Department headed by a retired officer not below the
G
rank of DIG should be established under the Ministry of Police Affairs
N
to undertake inspections with a view to maintaining standards of
ES
performance of Police formations and functions throughout the country;
M
records of arms and ammunition and other police station records, as well
as maintain general sanitation of Police station and barracks;
TI
M
u. Public order law which had been grossly abused should be reverted to
IU
on financial matters.
W
M
waterways, Regulation of private security guard companies; mitigation
O
of national disaster; and counter terrorism;
.C
G
b. The NSCDC has progressed as a security agency and can contribute to
N
national security under the right security framework; and
ES
c. M
Unhealthy rivalry between the Corps and the NPF is rising due to
similar and cross-cutting operations in the field.
TI
M
stipulated by the Act setting it up. Furthermore the operations and duties
RE
b. The NSCDC Act 2003 should be amended to grant them access to the
W
1 Observations/Comments
M
O
a. The NPS is a critical pillar of the Criminal Justice Administration
.C
tripod alongside the Judiciary and the Police;
G
N
b. Given exponential population growth and offenders in the
ES
society, the responsibilities of the NPS have become
M
overwhelming largely due to negligent funding;
TI
c. There is a worrisome infrastructure gap in the face of ageing
M
colonial relics, which still remain the baseline of the Service; and
IU
M
O
5.11.7 THE FEDERAL ROAD SAFETY CORPS (FRSC)
.C
G
Observation/Comment:
N
The FRSC was first established by Decree 45 of 1988 and later replaced by the
ES
present FRSC (Establishment) Act of 2007.The establishment of the FRSC
M
conforms with the United Nations (UN) and World Health Organization
(WHO) resolutions that member-nations should dedicate an agency of
TI
government to lead in coordinating road traffic and safety management in order
M
to combat carnage on the road. The FRSC has fully computerized its
IU
operations. It has a Corps Information and Technology Center that can respond
to emergencies in ten to fifteen minutes, and staff strength of about 18000
M
M
O
Conference therefore decided that:
.C
G
a. The State Security Service and its sister-organisation, the National
N
Intelligence agency (NIA) are to remain under the Central Government
ES
irrespective of the form of government finally agreed upon;
b.
M
Funding of the SSS is to be through a First Line Charge basis from the
TI
Federation Account;
M
IU
d. The establishment of the SSS Institute for Security Studies (ISS) should
.P
vigilance and helped to come to terms with the reality that security is
W
M
at home. Against this background, the Conference took the following decisions:
O
.C
a. Funding of NIA should be on First Line Charge of the Consolidated
G
Revenue Account;
N
ES
b. Appointment to the Office of the Director-General of the NIA should be
M
made in line with the existing procedure;
TI
c. The existing law establishing the NIA should be amended to provide for
M
the Agency;
M
instrument to provide full and proper cover for operations and personnel
.P
ii. Two other members one being a former head of the Civil
Service; and
M
O
Members of the inspectorate body should be persons who retired
.C
meritoriously after a distinguished period of service.
G
N
5.11.10 DEFENCE INFRASTRUCTURE
ES
Conference decided that:
M
a. The Civilian oversight of the Armed Forces as exists now should
subsist;
TI
M
M
O
d. The Reserve System for the Armed Forces should be activated;
.C
G
e. Care should be taken in making appointments into the offices of the
N
Service Chiefs, ensuring seniority and merit in order to minimize the
ES
current high rate of attrition of senior officers;
f.
M
The appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff by the President as the
TI
normal Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff should be inserted in the
M
Constitution;
IU
deployable;
RE
.P
h. Adequate funding of the Armed Forces of not less than the United
Nations 2.3% minimum of the GDP is recommended;
W
W
i. Funding of the Armed Forces should be done on first line charge basis
W
j. There is the need for the Legions Act to be replaced with Veterans
Federation Act;
l. The harmonisation of the pension rates between pre-2010 and post 2010
Veterans should be effected;
M
operational engineering of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and
O
the National Intelligence Agency (NIA);
.C
G
n. Ensure continuing effective political re-orientation of the military.
N
ES
o. Create an indigenous military technological base;
p.
M
Reorganise Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) to
TI
make it more productive and efficient. This is in addition to the
M
Industrial Zone which will include but not limited to collaboration with
the industrial and manufacturing sector in the area of research and
M
M
v. Vigorously pursue the harmonization of professional and educational
O
schools and medical services;
.C
G
w. Ensure adequate force levels to meet international commitments and
N
combat challenges;
ES
x. M
Construct adequate barracks accommodation for the Armed Forces with
essential welfare facilities;
TI
M
Force (JTF), the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Airforce should be
encouraged and sustained;
M
RE
ab. Government should review the procedure of using the military in aid of
civil authority in matters of internal security because the existing
procedure referred to as the blue and brown cards which was signed
by the Prime Minister in 1960 is obsolete;
M
ae. The Federal Government through the Ministry of Defence should set up
O
a committee to review the disengagement and discharge of members of
.C
the Armed Forces from service;
G
N
af. The Federal Government should review the payment of death gratuity
ES
and cater for members of the Armed Forces who die before
completing 5 years of service; M
TI
ag. The Federal Government should facilitate the review of the extant law
M
ah. The Federal Government should facilitate the review of Section 133 of
.P
ai. The Federal Government should facilitate the review of Section 124 (6)
of the Armed Forces Act to accommodate the serious offences presently
excluded as shown in Table 1 of the main report.
FINAL CONFERENCE REPORT PAGE 269
5.11.11 SUNDRY SECURITY PROBLEMS
Conference decided that:
M
Task Force (JTF) should be continued and improved upon;
O
.C
b. The Joint Nigeria/Republic of Benin Patrol of international waters be
G
encouraged and supported with sufficient vessels and manpower;
N
ES
c. The installation of coastal RADARS to capture the entire coastal terrain
M
of Nigeria, for effective monitoring;
TI
d. More patrol platforms be purchased for NIMASA, under the Public-
M
Maritime Domain;
M
sea piracy, especially due to the contiguous nature of the coastline in the
Gulf of Guinea; and
W
W
M
O
c. The Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Customs Service, both of which hold
.C
crucial positions in this matter be strengthened and positioned so that
G
they can discharge their functions adequately;
N
ES
d. Part of the agreement between Nigeria and ECOWAS countries should
M
include the right of hot pursuit; and
TI
e. The core providers of intelligence that is essential to a robust and
M
proliferation;
d. Government at all levels should deal with the demand factors that made
M
arms proliferation a lucrative business;
O
.C
e. Strengthen the Law enforcement agencies be strengthened to enable
G
them perform their duties efficiently;
N
ES
f. The Firearms Act of 1959 and the Robbery and Firearms (Special
M
Provisions) Act should be overhauled to give law enforcement agents
more power to deal with this menace;
TI
M
i. The Joint Intelligence Board (JIB) should devise means of recovering all
illegal arms circulating in the country by directing co-ordinated
operations in this regard.
a. Intelligence gathering;
b. Money Trail;
c. Physical monitoring and policing of our coastal and territorial waters;
M
and
O
.C
d. Joint operations between the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force and the
G
Joint Task Force.
N
.
ES
Intelligence gathering: Priority should be given to intelligence on
M
Nigerian oil theft, in the following:
TI
i. Volume of oil stolen;
M
bunkering rings;
iii. The nature and size of any so called White Collar oil
M
theft;
RE
i. How oil thieves pay for large capital expenses, ships, etc.
M
ii. The use of bulk cash smuggling to conceal oil theft
O
process;
.C
iii. To identify Nigerian banks used by oil thieves to launder
G
their money;
N
iv. To identify the profiles of facilitators used by suspected oil
ES
thieves, to move their money abroad or within; and
v. M
To keep data on Charters, Insurers and issuers of Letter of
Credit linked to ships carrying stolen oil and regular
TI
cargos.
M
IU
with the NN Act and NIMASA Act. 2007, Sabotage Act 2003,
W
M
terrorism, has claimed many lives; led to the abduction of children and young
O
women, destroyed millions of naira worth of property; destroyed infrastructure
.C
and crippled economic life in the North East. With the insurgency has come the
G
forced migration of communities in Borno State to other states and
N
neighbouring countries. What the Conference also found most alarming were
ES
indications that Boko Haram may be connected with notorious global terrorist
M
actors, especially al Qaeda, Al Shabaab and al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghrib
(AQIM) thus internationalizing the conflict.
TI
M
M
and Port Facility Security (ISPS), Code of the Safety of life at Sea (SOLAS)
O
Convention 1974, the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of
.C
Maritime Navigation Convention (SUA) of 1988, and the 1982 United Nations
G
Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS). These are legal instruments to
N
which Nigeria is a signatory and has domesticated them, thus forming part of
ES
our municipal laws. Conference is satisfied with the synergy between the
M
NIMASA, the military and the Nigeria/Republic of Benin Joint Anti-piracy
Patrol and Enforcement; in dealing with sea piracy and oil theft in our
TI
territorial waters and coastal environment.
M
IU
M
Gulf of Guinea; and
O
.C
f. Sufficient monitoring and response equipment for the effective policing
G
of the Nigerian territorial waters, (e.g. Booms and SCHEMERS)
N
used for oil spill detection be acquired for our coastal and territorial
ES
waters.
5.12
M
POLITICAL RESTRUCTURING AND FORMS OF GOVERNMENT
TI
1. FEDERALISM
M
include:
W
M
States that wish to merge may do so in accordance with the
O
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
.C
G
Provided that:
N
(a) A two-thirds majority of all members in each of the Houses of
ES
Assembly of each of the States, in which such merger is proposed,
support by resolution, the merger; M
(b) a Referendum is conducted in each of the States proposing to merge
TI
with 75% of the eligible voters in each of those States approving the
M
merger;
IU
(d) States that decide to merge shall also reserve the right to demerge
RE
2. REGIONALISM
W
had added a fourth region. All four were autonomous but subordinated
W
only to the Federal Constitution. Then came the military in 1966 when
aspects of the Federal Constitution were suspended leading to the
creation of 12 states, (six in the north and six in the south) in answer to
political exigencies including the protection of minority rights;
M
decided as follows:
O
(i) The States shall be the federating units; and
.C
(ii) Any group of States may create a self-funding Zonal Commission
G
to promote economic development, good governance, equity,
N
peace and security in accordance with the Constitution of the
ES
Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
3. STATE CREATION
M
TI
The subject of State creation has remained a huge political issue
M
(i) In the spirit of reconciliation, equity, fair play and justice, there
W
shall be created an additional State for the South East Zone; and
(ii) That all other requests for State creation should be considered on
merit.
M
consideration as well, so as not to create a situation where
O
new State(s) would leave the existing State(s) unviable.
.C
G
(2) That State creation should be on the basis of parity between the
N
geo-political zones to ensure equality of Zones;
ES
(3) Additional States should be created in each of the six (6) geo-
M
political zones to bring the number of States in each zone to
nine (9);
TI
(4) That eighteen (18) more States be created as follows:
M
IU
a. Apa State from the present Benue State; Edu State from Niger
State; Kainji State from the present Kebbi State; Katagun
M
State from the present Bauchi State; Savannah State from the
RE
present South East Zone; Aba State from the present Abia
W
M
shall be amended to allow for less onerous process for
O
creation of States.
.C
G
4. LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION
N
Conference recognized Local Governments as a layer of
ES
governance closest to the people and, in effect, a platform for
M
sustainable socio-economic development and popular participation in
governance at the grass-root.
TI
It however noted the alleged abuse of the Local Government
M
Council be guaranteed;
(b) States wishing to create Local Governments, may create them under
the jurisdiction of the States;
(c) The number, structure, form and administration of Local
Governments shall be determined by the States;
M
of Assembly;
O
(f) The functions of the Local Governments as contained in Schedule 4
.C
of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) shall be transferred to the
G
States subject to the power of the State Houses of Assembly to add
N
or reduce the said functions of the Local Government;
ES
(g) Chairmen and Councillors of Local Governments, not
M
democratically elected, shall not be recognized by all authorities and
persons and shall not be entitled to any revenue allocation;
TI
(h) In addition to the functions conferred upon Local Government
M
(i) The Constitution should fix the tenure for Local Government
RE
M
(iii) Members be appointed to a fixed tenure with possibility of renewal for
O
another term;
.C
(iv) Members cannot be removed until expiration of their terms unless for
G
special circumstances; and
N
(v) Allocation of funds to the State Government, Local Government Councils
ES
and between Local Councils of a State, each SRMAFC shall apply the
M
same distribution principles for Revenue Allocation Formula adopted by
RMAFC to allocate fund from the Federation Account.
TI
M
Councils. Section 197(1) (b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and
W
5. GEO-POLITICAL ZONES
Conference maintained that geo-political zones should not be the
federating units of our Federation
FINAL CONFERENCE REPORT PAGE 283
Conference therefore decided that the Geo-Political Zones shall not be
the federating units of the Nigerian Federation.
.
6. FORMS AND CONTENT OF GOVERNMENT
Conference considered the Presidential and Parliamentary systems of
government.
It identified and examined their attributes, principal among which are:
M
The entrenchment of the principle of Separation of Powers for the
O
Presidential System; and
.C
The promotion of co-operation and harmony between the executive
G
and legislature, for the Parliamentary system of government.
N
ES
Conference reasoned that the combined effect of the aforementioned attributes,
M
would ensure transparency and accountability in government business and at
once promote peace and good governance.
TI
For instance, the Vice-President and a majority of cabinet ministers
M
systems of government.
.P
Government be adopted for the Federation, and that the core elements of the
W
M
Legislature;
O
(viii) The President shall be entitled to serve two terms of office of four
.C
years each. The second term of a maximum of four years shall be
G
subject to re-election;
N
(ix) There shall be quarterly Question Time for the President and for
ES
Ministers at the Legislature to enhance accountability and transparency;
(x)
and
M
There shall be an annual State-of-the- Nation address by the President;
TI
(xi) In the event of death, incapacitation, impeachment or resignation of the
M
apply mutatis mutandis with regard to the election of the Governor and the
government under his charge
W
7. LEGISLATURE
Conference decided that the status quo i.e. Bicameral Legislature be
maintained.
M
O
Conference noted the need to effectively provide for the active
.C
participation of women, the youth and the physically-challenged in the
G
evolving political process. To give the principles of zoning and rotation of
N
public offices at all levels of government a legal backing, Conference therefore
ES
agreed as follows:
M
1. The Electoral Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of
TI
Nigeria (as amended) should provide for:
M
(b) The Office of President shall rotate between the North and the
RE
(i) The Office of the Governor shall rotate among the three (3)
Senatorial Districts in that State.
W
M
The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), in
O
Chapter VIII also provides for the creation and existence of the Federal Capital
.C
Territory, its boundaries and ownership of all lands comprised in the Federal
G
Capital Territory. Sections 297-304 provide for the application of the
N
Constitution to the Federal Capital Territory representation at the National
ES
Assembly; a minister for the Federal Capital Territory Abuja; its administration
and establishment of the Judicial Service Committee of the Federal Capital
Territory.
M
TI
M
(a) There should be an elected mayor for the inner nucleus of about 2000
sq.km of the Federal Capital Territory;
.P
W
(b) There should be a ministerial slot for the Federal Capital Territory at the
W
Federal cabinet;
W
(d) There should be an increase in the number of Area Councils from six (6)
to eight (8); and
M
O
(a) With a view to encouraging inclusiveness and the need to build a fully-
.C
integrated nation, Conference further recommends the adoption of The
G
Nigerian Charter for National Reconciliation and Integration.
N
ES
The Charter shall form the basis of our Union as a Nation and guarantee
the national existence.
This National Charter is:
M
TI
M
AND INTEGRATION
M
PREAMBLE
RE
M
generations, including ours, the task of forging a more perfect union,
O
.C
GRIEVED that since independence, millions of Nigerian of different
G
tribes and of different faiths have lost their lives, and that children
N
have been orphaned, women have been widowed, men, women boys and
ES
girls have been maimed, hopes have been dashed, dreams have been
M
shattered and properties have been destroyed, on account of conflicts
brought about by the absence of genuine national integration and in total
TI
disregard of the tenets of our faith to truly love our neighbours as
M
ourselves.
IU
our diverse human and material resources to combat our common socio-
W
M
NOW THEREFORE, WE THE PEOPLE OF NIGERIA proclaim
O
this CHARTER FOR NATIONAL RECONCILIATION AND
.C
INTEGRATION as the BASIS OF OUR UNION.
G
N
ES
M
TI
M
IU
M
RE
.P
W
W
W
Article 2
We shall build a land of Freedom, Peace, and Justice and a home of
Equity and Fair Play, where no one is oppressed and no one is
M
discriminated against on the basis of ethnicity, gender or religion and
O
where constant and consistent dialogue is encouraged.
.C
G
Article 3
N
We shall be a law abiding nation where the Rule of Law prevails, where
ES
Right is Might and the Law Impartial and Supreme.
Article 4
M
TI
We shall be a God-fearing nation emphasizing the fear of God in our
M
Article 5
M
We shall freely express our ethnic, cultural and religious diversity with
RE
tolerance within the context of our corporate existence and alongside the
.P
Article 6
W
Article 7
We shall not discriminate against any Nigerian on the basis of
indigeneship or place of origin.
M
O
Article 9
.C
We shall uphold family values and ensure that public policy is used as a
G
tool to promote these values so that strong families will become the
N
units of a strong nation.
ES
Article 10 M
We shall work assiduously for the development of our people and nation
TI
with zero tolerance for corruption in all spheres of life both private and
M
public.
IU
Article 11
M
Article 12
W
M
Article 14
O
We shall be a truly federal state with such powers vested exclusively on
.C
the federal government as are necessary to firmly and prosperously knit
G
together the federating units upon which residual powers shall be vested.
N
ES
Article 15
M
We understand and embrace our manifest destiny to harness our
diversity in providing leadership for the African continent, in engaging
TI
the international community for the defense of our interests and in
M
Article 16
RE
destiny, we shall be governed by the best, brightest and fittest from all
walks of life and from every geopolitical zone elected into public office
W
accordance with our Constitution and our Electoral Laws while the
W
Article 17
In further pursuance of these objectives, appointments into political
offices and the Civil Service at every level and in every arm shall be
Article 18
The consent to live together in unity and harmony and the principles and
purpose of our national coexistence stated heretofore in this Charter
shall be incorporated into our Constitution upon adoption by the
M
Nigerian people through a referendum.
O
.C
Article 19
G
With understanding and patriotic zeal and in all solemnity, we therefore
N
pledge to ourselves as a people and to our country Nigeria, to serve in
ES
honour and with dignity within and outside her boundaries and
M
henceforth conduct ourselves in such a manner as to bring no reproach
and dishonor to our nation.
TI
M
Article 20
IU
For this purpose, the Nigerian government at all levels and in all arms,
shall propagate this Charter and shall promote the principles stated
M
herein.
RE
And to this end, in utmost faith, the delegates to the National Conference
.P
So Help Us God.
M
Nigeria should revert to her old National Anthem which embodies unity,
O
peace and prosperity as follows:
.C
G
Nigeria, we hail thee,
N
Our own dear native land,
ES
Though tribe and tongue may differ,
In brotherhood we stand,
Nigerians all are proud to serve
M
TI
Our sovereign Motherland.
M
IU
1.1 Registration
M
verdict in Fawehinmi vs INEC, which essentially expects political parties to register
O
with INEC rather than for them to be registered by INEC, is fair enough and should be
.C
sustained;
G
N
(ii) The relevant provisions of the Electoral Act, 2010 permitting INEC to de-register
ES
political parties in certain circumstances should be removed; and
M
(iii) Public funding of political parties, a factor accounting for the existence of several
TI
mushroom parties whose proprietors are only interested in drawing government
M
subvention be discontinued.
IU
1.2 Funding
M
(ii) Donations to political parties should be in line with the provisions of Section 225
W
(iii) Political parties should not only keep proper records of funds raised but also also
provide annual statements to the new Political Parties Regulations and Electoral
Offences Commission (PPREOC) recommended in this Report for creation;
(iv)Public fund should not be used by elected politicians to fund the activities of their
political parties; and
1.3 Ideology
Conference decided that:
(i) Political parties should have clear-cut policies and programmes based on shared
values and principles, such that basis of membership, identification and voting shall be
M
clear. This is expected to form the basis of participation by members in the affairs of
O
political parties and identification by voters. It is, thus, expected to institutionalize a
.C
culture of best practices in the political party system; and
G
N
(ii) Section 224 of the Constitution, which provides that the programmes, aims and
ES
objectives of a political party should conform to the provisions of Chapter II of the
M
Constitution be adopted in governments engagement with political parties.
TI
1.4 Administration
M
(i) Political Party leadership and administration should be insulated from control and
M
party membership registers and the conduct of party activities should be made
W
(iii) The various positions and responsibilities enshrined in a partys constitution must
be allowed to function as provided, in accordance with universal principles of
management and administration such as consultation, delegation, job specification,
(iv) The provisions in the Electoral Act that encourage the exhaustion of internal
mechanisms for the settlement of disputes before referral to the courts be upheld;
(v) The votes of Party members should be allowed to count in all situations where the
M
rules of the parties make for voting, including party primary elections. Political party
O
administration should be separated from government, such that those who must hold
.C
political offices must not concurrently hold party positions and vice versa. Party
G
functionaries should therefore be divested of their party positions automatically, as
N
they assume political offices, elective or appointive:
ES
i. M
To actualize the foregoing, Conference therefore decided that No
official of any political party shall concurrently hold a position in
TI
government be added to Section 223 as 223(2) (c);
M
IU
ii. Section 87(8) of the Electoral Act making provision for political office
holders to also hold party office should be deleted; and
M
RE
(PPREOC) be established.
W
On the issue of participation of women and people living with disability in politics,
Conference recommended the institutionalization of affirmative action for women and
people living with disability. This implies provision for the reservation of a defined
quota for women and persons living with disability in party hierarchies, and as
candidates for elections in every partys constitution, manifestoes and other
documents.
FINAL CONFERENCE REPORT PAGE 298
1.6 Internal Party Democracy
Convinced that Section 223 of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act, 2010 (as
amended) provide adequate guidelines on internal democracy for political parties,
Conference decided that both provisions should be sustained.
M
(i) All political party organs must be allowed to function as stipulated in the political
O
party guidelines;
.C
G
(ii) For parties to be effective, their processes should be not only be democratic, but
N
also inclusive, such that the various stakeholders and divergent interests within the
ES
party are fully protected and are given a sense of belonging;
M
(iii) Internal democracy be institutionalized by each political party should be reflected
TI
in the party constitution and other documents, and consequently all party organs
should function as stipulated in the party guidelines;
M
IU
(v) While not ruling out the possibility of emergence of candidates for elections
.P
through consensus, any such consensus agreements/decisions within the parties should
W
still be taken through the established democratic processes of voting. Therefore there
should be a Section 87(9) in the Electoral Act to read: Nothing in this Section shall
W
empower any political party to choose its officials or candidates for elections except
W
(i) In order to enhance greater effectiveness on the part of political parties, all
members must submit to the principle of party supremacy. Elected officials on the
platform of political parties must respect party decisions at all times. Activities of
every party should be organized and conducted within the registered party premises
M
and in any event, under the control and direction of the official party leadership; and
O
(ii) Elected political office holders are elected based on their political parties and so
.C
political parties must not be seen as being subordinate to political office holders,
G
especially the executive who had thus far tended to appropriate the political party
N
organs in their individual domains.
ES
1.8 Party systems M
TI
Conference decided that:
M
(i) For continued deepening of democratic practice, the multiple party system should
IU
citizens would be allowed to form political parties without any undue restrictions,
RE
subject only to their compliance with the guidelines laid down by INEC. Provisions of
Section 222 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and Section 78 of the Electoral
.P
Act 2010 (as amended), which do not restrict the formation of political parties but
W
(ii) Conference made this recommendation in 1.8(i) above on two reasons. First is
W
because a contrary position would infringe on the rights of the individual to freedom
of association as guaranteed in Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Secondly, it takes cognizance of the fact that while a two-party system may possess
the inherent potential of helping the cause of unity among political operatives and by
implication the nation at large, the several political parties that had existed in the
(iii) While not ruling out the possibility of emergence of candidates for elections
M
through consensus, any such consensus agreements/decisions within the parties should
O
still be taken through the established democratic processes of voting; and
.C
G
(iv) Section 87(9) of the Electoral Act should be made to read to read as follows:
N
Nothing in this Section shall empower any political party to choose its officials or
ES
candidates for elections except by democratic process of voting.
1.9
M
Campaign finances and expenditure ceiling
TI
Conference decided that:
M
(iii) PPREOC should take necessary steps to implement the provisions, in order
W
to ensure that the parties comply with the stipulations of the law and that
W
(iv) With respect to foreign funding, existing provisions should be retained and
be closely monitored by PPREOC.
The Code of Conduct for Political Parties, 2013, and the Guidelines and Regulations
for Political Parties, 2013 already drawn up by the Inter Party Advisory Council be
enforced henceforth.
M
1.11 Carpet-Crossing
O
Recognizing that political office holders are elected on the basis of their
.C
political parties, except in so far as it relates to independent candidature, and
G
convinced that carpet-crossing (quitting a party on which platform an elected officer
N
was elected to join another) is a major propellant of instability in the political system,
ES
Conference noted that extant provisions in the Constitution and Electoral Act on
carpet-crossing are not profound enough.
M
TI
Conference therefore decided that:
M
forfeit their seat. Such officials, are however, free to contest for the
RE
position or indeed any other position on the basis of their new political
party;
.P
(ii) All elected political office holders whose political parties on which
W
platforms they won the election, later merge with other political parties
W
(iii) Any person removed from office based on decision of the Court on
fraudulent election, must lose all privileges attached to that office.
M
Conference examined the issue of unbundling INEC and decided that:
O
(i) INEC should be unbundled to enable it focus on its core mandate of
.C
organizing elections and delineation of constituencies; and
G
N
(ii) In unbundling INEC, cognizance must be taken of the need to guide
ES
against further multiplication of institutions, especially against the
backdrop of the legitimate apprehension of Nigerians on the increasing
M
cost of governance in the country. Conference therefore decided on the
TI
creation of the following:
M
IU
court structure.
W
W
2. Recommendations
Conference decided that there should be established a Political
Parties Regulation and Electoral Offences Commission which shall be
vested with the following powers:
M
a. Enforcement and administration of the provisions of the Electoral
O
Act;
.C
b. Investigation of all electoral frauds and related offences;
G
c. Coordination, enforcement and prosecution of all electoral
N
offences;
ES
d. Enforcement of the provisions of the Electoral Act, the
M
constitution of registered political parties and any other Acts or
enactments;
TI
e. Adoption of measures to identify, trace and prosecute political
M
M
Section 180 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and its equivalent
O
provisions should be further amended to make it possible for INEC to approach
.C
the Supreme Court for interpretation of fundamental constitutional matters.
G
N
5.13.3 THE ELECTORAL PROCESS:
ES
1. Qualification and disqualification:
Conference decided that:
i. The minimum academic
M qualifications for Presidential,
TI
Governorship and National Assembly candidates should be
M
2. Method of election
Conference decided that the extant Open-Secret Ballot system makes for
M
credible elections and should be sustained and enforced.
O
.C
3. Election and modern technology
G
Conference decided that:
N
Biometric data of electorates should be captured, stored and used for
ES
election in the country. In addition, INEC should ensure that latest technology
M
is deployed at all times in the conduct of elections as is the case in other
countries.
TI
M
4. Regulation of campaigns
IU
the law.
.P
amended) and the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) should be sustained.
W
6. Delineation of constituencies
Conference upheld the provisions of Section 4.3.12 in the Uwais
Electoral Reform Committee Report which deals with standardization and
uniformity of polling units. Conference therefore decided that:
M
as schools, community centres, etc, which are centrally located. Where
O
these are not available, INEC should set up temporary polling stations at
.C
permanent locations; and
G
N
(c) Each polling station should consist of not more than 500 voters.
ES
7. Conduct of free and fair elections
Conference decided that:
M
TI
(i) Voters Registration should be a continuous exercise as provided for in
M
the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended), such that every eligible voter would
IU
Card and voters registration data to ensure the credibility and integrity of
.P
sensitization.
W
M
desire. Conference, therefore, decided on amendments to the relevant
O
sections in the 1999 Constitutions as follows:
.C
(a) Section 77 (2)
G
N
ES
Every citizen of Nigeria, who has attained the age of eighteen years at
the time of the registration of voters for purposes of elections, shall be
M
entitled to be registered as a voter.
TI
M
Every citizen of Nigeria, who has attained the age of eighteen years at
M
INEC may seek to address the logistic issues thereto such that the new
W
M
O
5.13.5 DETERMINATION OF PRE-ELECTION MATTERS
.C
(i) Section 235 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) be further amended to
G
make it mandatory for all pre-election matters filed at the Constitutional Court
N
to be heard and determined within 90 days from the date of filing of the action;
ES
M
(ii) Appeals arising from pre-election matters should be heard and determined
within 60 days from the date of filing the appeal at the Court of Appeal or the
TI
Supreme Court; and
M
IU
(i). Section 285 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) requiring the hearing of
W
(ii). Section 285 should be further amended to separate the time for the hearing
of election petitions and the delivery of judgements. Election Petitions should
be heard and concluded within 170 days, i.e. the filing of Replies and other
(iii). A proviso should be added to Section 385 of the Constitution to the effect
that all decisions on all interlocutory matters shall be taken with the main
appeal and separate appeals will not lie on interlocutory matters; and
(iv). The Evidence Act should be amended to shift the burden of proof in
M
election matters to INEC.
O
.C
5.13.7 SWEARING-IN OF ELECTED OFFICIALS:
G
Conference decided that:
N
Relevant constitutional provisions should be made to ensure that no
ES
elected official is sworn in until all litigations on the elections are concluded.
M
This will not only get all litigants committed to an expeditious resolution of
such litigations, but would also discourage election malpractice as it would
TI
have reduced considerably the gains attendant upon election rigging for
M
somebody who did not win an election but could remain in office for months,
IU
and indeed years, during which the legal processes affirming their ineligibility
to be sworn-in is determined.
M
RE
of the Nigerian electoral process as they are usually accredited by the election
W
also the case that over the years, civil society organizations have been involved
in the post-election judicial process, essentially as witnesses to the conduct of
free and fair elections or otherwise.
M
acknowledged the robustness of extant provisions for registering and
O
accrediting civil society organizations as election monitors by INEC through its
.C
Election Observation and Monitoring Unit. The provisions consist of the
G
following:
N
ES
a. advertisement in several newspapers inviting domestic election
M
observers that are registered and possess verifiable capacity and
experience in election observation to apply for accreditation;
TI
M
then called upon to come forward and fill additional forms with the
names and passport photographs of all the observers they intend to
M
M
it intends to deploy as election monitors to ascertain that they are
O
credible, truly independent and patriotic; and
.C
(ii) PPREOC is to also ensure strict compliance with the guidelines
G
and Code of Conduct issued the civil society organizations
N
accredited as election observers.
ES
5.13.9 Role of Security Agencies in the electoral process:
M
Conference decided that the Police and all related agencies of
TI
government involved in election monitoring should be strengthened and well-
M
political parties. In some cases, aspirants who had been validly nominated were
W
denied their mandates while persons who did not seek nominations had their
W
names forwarded to the INEC as candidates.. This has led to situations where
W
M
O
That Sections 65 (2)(b), 106, 131, 177, and 221 of the 1999
.C
Constitution; and Sections 31, 33, 37, 45, 91(8), 92, 95,99 100, 106(1)(e) of the
G
Electoral Act should be amended to make provisions for individuals, if they so
N
wish, to run as as independent candidates on fulfillment of the following
ES
conditions:
M
a. constituency-based nomination by verifiable signatures of 10
registered voters from each Ward in the electoral constituency;
TI
M
c. the candidate must meet all other conditions for eligibility stipulated
in the Constitution, the Electoral Act or any other laws.(See 2.2.5.5
W
M
ballot. It decided that in place of the plethora of elections that may lead
O
to constitutional crisis and national confusion, there shall be only one
.C
subsequent run-off election where the President, among the two leading
G
candidates, shall emerge on the second ballot based only on majority of
N
valid votes cast at the election. Such shall be applicable to Section179 in
ES
the case of governorship election.
5.13.12
M
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE ELECTORAL LEGAL
TI
FRAMEWORK
M
IU
M
independence in its operations in Section 158(2).
O
Committee decided that this should be the same with
.C
INEC. The independence of INEC should be
G
constitutionally guaranteed in all its operations and in its
N
management and control of the electoral process, as was
ES
the case in Decree (now Act) 17 of 1998 which first
M
established the Commission before the 1999 Constitution.
Thus, a new Subsection (3) to Section 158 should be
TI
enacted to provide as follows:
M
IU
Section 158(3)
The Independent National Electoral Commission shall not be
M
c. Notification of Vacancy:
W
M
days of the existence of a vacancy arising from death or
O
resignation of a member of the National Assembly.
.C
G
(ii) Section 109 (Insert a new sub-section (4) thus):
N
The Speaker of the House of Assembly of a State shall
ES
notify the Independent National Electoral Commission within
M
seven (7) days of the existence of a vacancy arising from death or
resignation of a member of the State House of Assembly.
TI
M
M
for 10 years.
O
.C
g. Sections 134 and 179 - Presidential and Governorship
G
Election:
N
Conference decided that Sections 134 and 179 should be
ES
amended by adding the word valid before votes wherever this
M
appears in the Sections so as to remove any ambiguity. Candidates
should be elected on valid votes cast only.
TI
M
shall serve for a period of four years, which may be renewable for
another period of four years only.
W
Section 8 as hereunder:
W
M
days before the date of an election; instead of the current provision for
O
30 days. Thus, it is recommended that Section 13 be amended in Sub-
.C
section (2) by inserting immediately after the word by in Line 2 the
G
words a copy of and also by substituting the figure 30 in Line 2 with
N
the figure 60.
ES
c. M
Section 18 (Issuance of Duplicate Voters Card)
Conference recognized that sometimes it is necessary for INEC
TI
to issue duplicate voters cards. Conference, therefore, decided that
M
made not less than 60 days to the election while 18(3) should remain;
i.e. no duplicate should be issued less than 30 days to the election. Thus,
M
word thirty and the figure 30 in Line 2 with the word sixty and the
.P
figure 60.
W
M
contesting the office, the court shall disqualify the candidate from
O
contesting the election. Where, however, the person has been elected,
.C
the court shall order the person to vacate the office and the candidate
G
with the second highest votes cast, who has met the constitutional
N
requirements for the post, shall be declared elected. This
ES
recommendation is to avoid the waste of public funds to repeat elections
M
consequent upon removal of disqualified candidates. The proposed new
Sub-section (6) of Section 31 should read:
TI
M
(6) if the Court determines that any of the information contained in the
IU
shall issue an order directing the person to vacate the office and the
RE
next person with highest number of votes cast and who met the
.P
g. Increase in Fines:
Conference decided that subsection (8) of Section 31 be amended
to increase the fine imposed on a political party which submits the name
of an unqualified candidate to the Commission. This is because the fine
M
provided thereof is inadequate a deterrent. Thus, Section 31 be amended
O
in subsection (8) by substituting for the figure N500, 000.00 in line 3
.C
the figure N1, 000,000.00
G
N
h. Section 33 Death or Withdrawal of a Candidate
ES
Guided by the provisions of Section 87 of the Electoral Act,
M
2010 (as amended) which requires candidates of political parties to
emerge from democratically conducted primary elections, Conference
TI
decided that where a candidate who won a primary election and whose
M
name was submitted to the INEC dies or withdraws from the election,
IU
the political party which nominated that candidate shall submit to the
Commission the name of the candidate who scored the second highest
M
(2) If the candidate whose name was submitted to the Commission dies
W
or withdraws from the election, the political party which nominated the
W
M
at least seven days before the date of the election. In order to give
O
political parties sufficient time to sort out who their agents should be,
.C
Conference decided that the time should be extended to 14 days. Such
G
notice shall be accompanied with two passport photographs, sample
N
signatures as well as fingerprints of the polling agents. These will be
ES
useful for production of identification cards (ID) for the polling agents.
M
Only those who fulfil this requirement will be accredited as Party
Agents by INEC. Thus, Section 45 should be amended in Sub-section
TI
(1) by substituting for Sub-section (1) a new Sub-section (1) to read:
M
IU
polling agent for each polling unit and collation centre in the Local
RE
notice which shall set out the name and address of the polling agent
must be accompanied by two passport photographs of each polling
W
and be given to the Electoral Officer at least 14 days before the date
W
M
O
77(1)The Resident Electoral Commissioner, in a State where an
.C
election is conducted, shall, within 14 days after an application is made
G
to him by any of the parties to an election petition, cause certified true
N
copy of such documents to be issued to the said party.
ES
k. M
Timeline For Commencement of Pre-Election Matters
In the spirit of Section 285 of the 1999 Constitution (as
TI
amended), which makes provision for timelines for the determination of
M
Section 87(9)
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act or rules of a political party,
an aspirant who complains that any of the provisions of this Act and the
guidelines of a political party has not been complied with in the
selection or nomination of a candidate of a political party for election,
FINAL CONFERENCE REPORT PAGE 322
shall within 14 days of the non-compliance complained of, apply to the
Federal High Court or the High Court of a State or the High Court of the
Federal Capital Territory, Abuja for redress.
l. Delimitation of constituencies
The 1999 Constitution (as amended) empowers INEC to create
electoral constituencies subject to the approval of the National Assembly.
M
Conference noted that experience has shown that the National Assembly
O
may delay consideration of the proposal as was the case when request for
.C
approval to restore suppressed Constituencies was presented to the
G
National Assembly. Conference therefore decided that a provision be
N
made in the Electoral Act stating that when the proposal for creation of
ES
constituencies is made to the National Assembly, the proposal shall be
M
deemed approved if no response from the National Assembly is received
by the Commission within a period of three (3) months from the date of
TI
presentation.
M
IU
allowed to exist;
2. May 29th Democracy Day should be scrapped;
W
M
10. All polling stations should be made accessible for persons living with
O
disabilities (PLWDs);
.C
11. Contestants must show full details of his/her history; and any contestant
G
found to have embezzled money should be disqualified;
N
12. The age of 25years should be the minimum age for contesting elections
ES
into the State House of Assembly; and
M
13. Persons to be elected/appointed youth leaders in political parties shall not
be more than 35 years old.
TI
M
1. GOOD GOVERNANCE
Conference noted that good governance and proper democratization
M
RECOMMENDATIONS
In consideration of the foregoing, Conference prescribed some strategies which
if implemented, will place the country on the path to developing a stable, democratic
country, and one that is led by an objective, properly-oriented and committed
M
leadership. The strategies required can be cateforized thus:
O
.C
GENERAL
G
(i) We should re-orient Nigerian society along the path of honesty, probity
N
and service to evolve into a nation with a common destiny, fear of God,
ES
respect, trust, tolerance, gender sensitivity and co-operation; to ensure
M
honest, sincere and committed leadership, with an enlightened and
empowered followership;
TI
(ii) The existing National Orientation Agency (NOA) should be designated
M
governance;
.P
(iv) Develop an effective and efficient public service, and an effective, fair
W
LEADERSHIP
(viii) Evolve a systematic leadership selection process to facilitate the
emergence of good leaders;
M
(ix) Select/elect the best people for leadership positions at all times, promote
O
the virtues of effective reward and disciplinary system, integrity,
.C
honesty, commitment, dedication and respect for the Rule of Law; and
(x) Institutionalise the culture of good leadership by example, and ensure
G
the introduction of effective schools curricula as effective instruments
N
ES
for instilling discipline in the society.
GOOD GOVERNANCE
M
TI
(xi) Promote a stable, broad based democratic system that is inclusive, cost
M
programmes;
RE
(xiii) Use sports in the promotion of unity, peace, healthy rivalry and
competition;
.P
(xiv) Utilize available Public Service personnel optimally and define goals
W
(xv) Armed forces and other security personnel should not be used for
private purposes;
W
(xvi) Ensure consensus- building in governance, guided by respect for the rule
of law;
(xvii) Ensure the continuous involvement of the civil service in policy
formulation;
M
aged, the young the unemployed and the disabled;
O
(xxii) Implement fully the federal character policy and principles for justice
.C
and equity;
G
(xxiii) There should be an equitable formula for the distribution of socio-
N
economic services, amenities and infrastructural facilities between and
ES
within the federating units;
M
(xxiv) Ensure a participatory government for all segments of the society by
educating people on governmental activities and their own rights and
TI
responsibilities;
M
political parties and other stakeholders. The plan should provide for:
Hospital beds per Person 1 : 500; Policemen per person, 1 : 400; 90%
M
years of age; 60 years life expectancy; Food for all persons; 1,000
.P
M
(xxx) Improve the remuneration of judicial officers and create state courts of
O
appeal and special court to handle corruption cases;
.C
(xxxi) Improve access of the citizens to timely and fair dispensation of justice
G
through a review of court procedural legislation; and
N
(xxxii) The present immunity clause in the Constitution for Public Office
ES
holders should be removed to make public office holders accountable.
POLICE REFORM
(xxxix) Reform, modernise and motivate the Police Force for improved
effectiveness;
M
(xl) Review the command structure of the Nigeria Police such that Deputy
O
Inspectors General of Police man the Zonal Offices and report to the
.C
Inspector General of Police, while the State Commissioners report to the
G
Zonal DIGs; and
N
(xli) Create a second level of policing.
ES
LABOUR REFORM M
(xlii) Amend labour laws to be fair, balanced and consistent with the ratified
TI
ILO conventions on freedom of association, collective bargaining and
M
(xliii) Ensure trade unions are independent and accountable to their members;
and ensure continuous labour education;
M
mechanism.
.P
Governments.
W
RELIGION
W
M
that will engender a more inclusive participatory democracy. To achieve such
O
a greater level of participation in our political system, Conference therefore
.C
decided that:
G
ACCOUNTABILITY
N
Electoral constituencies should demand regular meetings with their
ES
respective elected officials at the constituency level and/or draw up a
M
performance measurement framework to which public office holders are to
provide answers. Such meetings should be held on quarterly basis;
TI
M
TRANSPARENCY
IU
and engage elected officials at all levels in public debates regarding the
rationale and impact of their policies and programmes on the people. That
W
PREDICTABILITY
Conference agreed as follows:
FINAL CONFERENCE REPORT PAGE 330
(i) Removal of the immunity clause from the 1999 Constitution (as
amended) means that political and public office holders who
abuse their respective offices can easily be challenged in courts;
and
(ii) The rule of law should be entrenched thereby ensuring that
everybody is bound by the law no matter the status, power or
wealth of the person in question.
M
O
EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP
.C
Conference agreed that elected officials in particular at the Local
G
Government level must possess and demonstrate excellent leadership
N
qualities and credentials for the offices they occupy.
ES
SEPARATING POLITICS FROM GOVERNANCEM
TI
Conference agreed that:
M
M
by itself good governance and public good. Rather, there are
O
built-in mechanisms to ensure that public office holders conduct
.C
their actions in a manner that is harmonious with both the express
G
provisions and the spirit of the constitution.
N
ES
ADDRESSING POVERTY AND SOCIAL INSECURITY
Conference decided that: M
(i). The government of Nigeria revisits its salary structures; pay
TI
workers well so that they can easily meet basic obligations;
M
(ii) The government at all levels should maintain a low profile in state
IU
women and persons living with disabilities (PLWDs), who are often
RE
M
Federal Character and Equal Opportunity Commission to ensure
O
that gender discrimination is reduced to its barest minimum;
.C
(v) Measures that promote work and family-life balance for both women
G
and men with the aim of facilitating citizens active participation in
N
public life should be institutionalized;
ES
(vi) To put more value on womens health, security and safety,
M
government should show more commitment to the enactment and/or
implementation of Prohibition of Gender-Based Violence Law at both
TI
federal and state levels;
M
M
(vii)An elected official who carpet-crosses from the political party that
O
sponsored him/her to another party, before the expiration of the
.C
tenure of the office to which he/she was elected, shall loose his/her
G
seat;
N
(viii) Inducement of voters with money/materials on Election Day
ES
should be treated as a criminal offence and perpetrators severely
punished; M
(ix) INEC and SIECs should fashion out ways to ensure that physically
TI
challenged persons especially lepers, are registered and actually
M
vote at elections;
IU
(x) Any person who wishes to contest election must make full
disclosure of source of wealth and funds. All candidates with
M
(xi) Political parties can be formed at local, state and national levels not
.P
M
industries and the environment sector;
O
.C
(ii) The efficiency of the anti-corruption institutions and agencies should
G
be improved through greater funding, training and institutional
N
autonomy to increase the possibility of detecting and punishing
ES
officials involved in corrupt acts. As sufficient funding of anti-
M
corruption initiatives is fundamental to fulfillment of the countrys
commitment to combating corruption within the context of both our
TI
local and international obligations to fight corruption, a level of
M
(iii) The ACAs, particularly the EFCC and ICPC should be made
W
(iv) Whilst the President should continue to nominate candidates for the
headship of the ACAs, their appointment and removal should be
M
subject to the approval of the Senate . The heads of the ACAs should
O
report annually to the relevant Committees of both Chambers of the
.C
National Assembly;
G
N
(v) The office of the Attorney-General should be separated from those
ES
of the Minister and Commissioner for Justice at the Federal and State
M
levels respectively to ensure that partisan considerations do not
whittle the efforts of the Attorney-General to prosecute persons
TI
accused on corrupt practices. While the Minister of Justice or the
M
M
civil service regulations, guidelines, and circulars into a single Law;
O
.C
(xi) Provision should be made for rigorous home-grown research that
G
will seek to, over time, empirically study the nature, types and
N
effects of corruption in Nigeria as well as the orientations and
ES
attitudes of Nigerians towards corruption across different sectors,
M
age groups and parts of the country;
TI
(xii) The passage of the Whistle Blowers Bill as well as the Witness
M
Protection Bill which have been the before the National Assembly
IU
(xv) Both paragraphs 11(3) of the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution and
Section 44(2) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences
Act which deal with cases of lifestyles being disproportionate with
the income of public officers should be amended to have application
to former public office holders since, time does not run against the
M
state in criminal cases;
O
.C
(xvi) The heads of all arms and levels of government should lead by
G
example by setting examples of modesty to discourage Nigerians'
N
penchant for flamboyance and conspicuous consumption . In this
ES
regard, they should reduce the size of bureaucracy associated with
M
their offices, especially the number of Special Assistants, Senior
Special Assistants, Special Advisers etc. as well as the size of their
TI
convoys, and observe speed limits;
M
IU
(xviii) All relevant government agencies at all levels and civil society
should embark on and promote massive advocacy and citizen
W
M
acquisition of such wealth, the person shall be charged to court.
O
Upon conviction, the person shall forfeit the entire proceeds from
.C
corruption and be sentenced to half the prison term attached to the
G
sum of money or its equivalent; and
N
ES
(xxii) A special account should be opened and designated as
M
Infrastructure Development Fund (IDF) into which all recovered
proceeds of corruption shall be paid into.
TI
M
countries such as Kenya, Ghana, UK and the US) and recommended legislative
.P
M
f. Observe official working hours and not be absent without proper
O
authorization or reasonable cause;
.C
g. Maintain an appropriate standard of dress and personal hygiene;
G
h. Discharge any professional responsibilities in a professional manner;
N
and
ES
i. Carry out his duties in accordance with the law.
a. Not use or approve the use of public properties such as official cars,
IU
c. Not keep or be entitled to the use of more than the number of official
.P
cars designated or for his office taking into account security and other
relevant considerations. (It is understood that there are government
W
circulars that details the number of vehicles for each level of entitled
W
public officer);
W
d. Shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that property entrusted to his
care is adequately protected and not misused or misappropriated; and
M
official is performing the functions of his/her work, independently of the
O
place where the services are being rendered;
.C
e. No public officer or employee shall conduct religious services /activities
G
or display religious emblems or insignia in any public office; and
N
f. No public officer shall publish or notify natters for publication such as
ES
congratulatory or condolence messages to another public officer.
a. It shall be the duty and responsibility of every person who has reason to
IU
believe that any public officer has contravened the provisions of the
Code of Ethics law or any other extant law on accountability of public
M
the purpose; and any person making such report shall be immune and
protected from any punishment or harassment by reason only of making
W
such report;
W
W
M
circumstances in Nigeria, the issue of secession should not be pursued under the
O
current constitutional review exercise. However, Conference noted that what is of
.C
utmost importance in the minds of most Nigerians now is the issue of unity of purpose
G
to pursue the growth and development of Nigeria where no individual or group of
N
individuals is oppressed or marginalized, and where justice and peace are vigorously
ES
pursued for all citizens.
non-indigenous citizenship rights and freedoms and believes that these arise
IU
ii). Conference resolved that the Federal Government takes appropriate measures to
ascertain the exact number of all ethnic nationalities and their locations in the
Nigerian Federation in order, amongst other public policy uses, to ascertain the
correct ethnic composition of the country so as to determine their nature and geo-
political spread;
M
O
iv). That, in order to protect minority and ethnic group interests from extinction
.C
because of superior pressures from other ethnic groups, and the tendency for
G
other groups to dominate by politics of systematic ethnic cleansing, both the
N
Federal and State Constitutions shall make the following provisions:
ES
(a) M
Recognise and give effect to the dichotomy of cultural indigene-citizens
as different from non-indigene citizens in ways that the State
TI
Constitution cannot alone provide. Therefore, efforts must be made to
M
any part of the Nigerian Federation since his or her birth either of whose
.P
M
we recommend that as the Nigerian Constitution protects individual
O
rights and freedoms, it must, based on the principles of equity and
.C
justice, also protect ethnic group rights and freedom, otherwise, some
G
ethnic groups could go into extinction because of pressure from other
N
ethnic groups;
ES
(b) M
Recognize the unconditional rights and freedoms of every and any ethnic
nationality in Nigeria that considers itself as unjustly subjected to real
TI
and perceived injustices of marginalization, domination and suppression
M
to join their kith and kin through the instrumentality of relevant laws
IU
contiguous boundaries;
.P
(c) Without prejudice to 4 (b) above, minority groups that wish to exist as
W
separate state and meet the criteria for state creation shall be allowed
W
5. That civil rights, political rights and freedoms are justiciable, and that social,
economic and cultural rights and freedoms are non-justiciable as currently
entrenched in the Nigerian 1999 Constitution (as amended). This contradicts the
African Union and United Nations standards of practice. Conference decided that
FINAL CONFERENCE REPORT PAGE 344
all the new peoples constitutions shall reverse this injustice by making
appropriate provisions for the justiciability of all constitutionally-mandated
fundamental human rights and democratic freedoms. More specifically, the
Nigerian Constitution shall define, defend and criminalize all acts of
marginalization and discrimination against all ethnic nationalities in terms of
their culture, traditions, land and other livelihood and ensure that no indigenous
ethnic nationality or community is placed under traditional authority that is not
M
of their own legitimate making and ownership.
O
.C
6. For the purpose of inclusiveness, that appointment to public offices shall be
G
based on Federal and States Character and that the states shall establish their own
N
States Character Commission.
ES
7. M
A new amendment to the Constitution of the Nigerian Federation shall subscribe
to the United Nations Declarations of Human Rights (1946); and it shall provide
TI
for the protection of minority rights and freedoms by ensuring:
M
Resolution 47/135 of the 18th December, 1992), and the United Nations
RE
M
country. To realize the immense human and material potentials of Nigeria and
O
optimize its diversity or cultural plurality as well as keep our nation-state
.C
equitable, just, peaceful and strong, the democracy of the federating units need to
G
and must be strengthened, not weakened.
N
ES
8. TRADITIONAL RULERS
RECOMMENDATIONS
M
TI
1). Conference decided that the role of traditional institutions should be recognized
M
3). The proposed Council should exist at the Federal level and its terms of
reference should include the involvement of Traditional Rulers in matters of
W
(ii) The creation of local government councils should be done by the States
M
as they deem necessary;
O
.C
(iii) The States by law provide for the establishment of structure,
G
composition, finance and functions of Local Government Councils;
N
ES
(iv) Above changes will require consequential alterations or amendments of
M
the 1999 Constitution (as amended) e.g. as regards a clear description of
the roles of the federating units; and
TI
M
(ii) The deduction in any form of what is described as special funds from
the Federation Account prior to distribution to the mentioned
beneficiaries of the Account be stopped, particularly as the Supreme
Court had in 2002 declared such a fund unconstitutional in A-G,
Federation V. A-G, Abia State &Ors; and
FINAL CONFERENCE REPORT PAGE 347
(iii) The revenue allocation formula should be reviewed such that what
accrues to the central government is reduced; while making more
resources available to the States for development in their rural and urban
communities.
M
Conference decided that:
O
(i) The principles of true federalism should apply to Nigerias judicial
.C
system. Thus, Conference decided that the present over-centralized
G
judicial system be restructured;
N
(ii) The constitution shall clearly guarantee the independence of the
ES
judiciary, with clear statements to this effect in the Constitution;
M
(iii) The funding of the judiciary shall be made a first line charge upon the
TI
Consolidated Revenue Fund for both recurrent and capital expenditure;
M
IU
(iv) The National Judicial Council should reflect the federal judicial system;
and
M
RE
thoroughness.
W
(i) The central electoral body (INEC) shall organize and conduct credible
elections for Nigeria;
(ii) INEC shall enjoy both financial and administrative autonomy from
government.
M
further strengthen the internal democracy of political parties to ensure
O
that the principle of gender equity and social justice are imbibed at the
.C
party level, including ensuring a gender responsive party constitution;
G
political leadership, party manifestos and other internal
N
ES
E. Police/Policing
Conference decided that:
(i)
M
Both the Federal and State governments should share responsibilities for
TI
security and the maintenance of law and order. Thus, Committee
M
and
M
(ii) The terms of cooperation between the federal and the States on policing
RE
(i) Women shall be accorded full and equal dignity and opportunities for
W
(ii) Women shall have the right to affirmative action for the purpose of
redressing the imbalances created by history, tradition and customs.
Though women in Nigeria constitute almost half of the national
FINAL CONFERENCE REPORT PAGE 349
population this numerical strength has never found a corresponding
expression or representation in Nigerias public life especially in
elective positions. In order to accelerate gender balance in all sectors
especially towards the promotion of political rights, it is imperative to
upgrade the Affirmative Action policy from an executive policy to a
constitutional right. In this respect, the National Gender Policy (2006)
should be fully implemented, while the constitution should provide
M
grounds to achieve at all levels at least a 35% affirmative action for
O
women;
.C
G
(iii) The language of the Nigerian Constitution shall be gender responsive
N
e.g. the use of he or him in the 1999 Constitution (as amended) be
ES
replaced with he/she and him/her; men and women; or any person
M
or everyone as appropriate in the new Constitution.
TI
(iv) All discriminatory laws and practices against the female gender shall be
M
(v) All subsidiary legislations that hold women down shall be repealed;
M
RE
(vi) Women shall have constitutional rights to property inheritance and full
.P
M
Conference decided that:
O
(i) The Child Act of 2003 be constitutionally binding on all the federating
.C
States (only 24 of the 36 States have domesticated this Act);
G
(ii) Every child shall be protected from engaging in work that constitutes a
N
threat to his/her health, education or development;
ES
M
(iii) No child shall be deprived by any other person of medical treatment,
education or any other social and economic benefit by reason of religious
TI
or other beliefs; and
M
IU
in the 1999 Constitution (as amended) be removed e.g. Section 29(4) (b)
RE
which states: any woman (irrespective of her age) who is married shall
.P
accepted.
W
W
M
be as close as possible to those of the normal life of a person of his/her
O
age; and
.C
G
(iv) The physically-challenged shall be protected against all exploitations
N
and all treatment of a discriminatory, abusive or degrading nature.
ES
10. IMMUNITY CLAUSE
Conference decided that:
M
TI
(i) The immunity in civil and criminal matters as enshrined in Section 308 of the
M
(ii) Where corruption cases are brought against these public officers, Conference
decided that the investigation of these cases be done outside the ordinary
M
(b) The sworn affidavit must be presented to the Attorney General of the
W
M
O
(e) Duties of the IGJ:
.C
(i) Initiating and conducting a thorough investigation and handling
G
all aspects of any case referred to it by the Attorney General of
N
the Federation with a view to proving or disproving the
ES
allegation(s); and
(iii).
(ii) M
It shall have the powers of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry
Qualifications of the Independent Grand Jury.
TI
Conference decided that:
M
(a) A serving Justice of the Court of Appeal who shall be the chairman;
(b) Six other persons who in the opinion of the Attorney-General of the
M
(c) None of the members of the Independent Grand Jury including the
chairman shall be from the same state of origin or in the case of a
W
being investigated.
W
(iv) Conference decided that the expenses of the Independent Grand Jury should be
a direct charge to the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation or of the
State as the case may be.
(v) Conference decided that section 143 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) be
altered as follows:
FINAL CONFERENCE REPORT PAGE 353
(vi) Where the offence is of a criminal nature and notice of the allegation supported
by a sworn affidavit-
(a) is presented to the President of the Senate; and
(b) stating that the holder of the office of President or Vice President is
guilty of a criminal offence, detailed particulars of which shall be
specified, the Attorney General of the Federation shall at the request of
the President of the Senate appoint an Independent Grand Jury of seven
M
persons headed by a serving Justice of the Court of Appeal to investigate
O
the allegation as provided in the section.
.C
(vii) The holder of an office whose conduct is being investigated under this
G
subsection shall have the right to defend himself in person or be represented
N
before the Independent Grand Jury by a legal practitioner of his own choice.
ES
(viii) The Independent Grand Jury appointed under this section shall
(a) M
have the power of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry and exercise its
functions in accordance with such procedure as may be prescribed in its
TI
instrument of appointment; and
M
(b) within three months of its appointment report its findings to each House
IU
the holder of the office has been proved, then within 7 days of the receipt of the
RE
report, each House of the National Assembly shall consider the report, and if
.P
adopted, then the holder of the office shall stand removed as from the date of
W
M
Conference decided that:
O
(i). The provisions of Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution should be made
.C
justiceable to enable the Media discharge their constitutional obligations more
G
effectively;
N
(ii). The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act should be made accessible to the
ES
public, in order to:
(a)
(b)
M
Educate the populace of its content.
Ensure that while citizens access to information is not impeded in any
TI
way, the right of journalists are specifically guaranteed in the
M
Constitution; and
IU
(c) Transfer responsibility for ensuring compliance with the FOI Act from
the office of the Attorney-General, to the National Human Rights
M
Commission.
RE
(iii) Conference decided that a thorough review of the Nigerian Press Council is
.P
Press patronized for its operations. This fund will assist journalists to maintain
W
professional standards and ethics, and to protect and defend press freedom and
responsibility generally.
(v) Concerning the Electronic Media, Conference decided that the NBC should be
replaced with a National Broadcasting and Communications
Authority/Commission, whose members shall be drawn from Media
organisations and Civil Society Groups, nominated to the President by the
FINAL CONFERENCE REPORT PAGE 355
Media organisations, and approved by the National Assembly. This body shall
be responsible for granting broadcasting licences.
In addition, the granting of Radio/Television broadcasting licences shall be
patronized and the fees drastically reduced from the prohibitive ones now
being charged.
(vi). The social media have become a global phenomenon patronized by the old and
young alike. However an unregulated medium can sometimes become a danger
M
to society. There should be some kind of guidelines in the operation of the
O
social media.
.C
G
5.15 PUBLIC FINANCE
N
5.15.1 REVIEW OF RECOMMENDATIONS OF PREVIOUS CONFERENCES
ES
The Belgore Committee on Review of Outstanding Issues delved into those
M
recommendations awaiting implementation of 2005 and other previous Conferences.
In order to generate views/recommendation from an informed position, Conference
TI
reviewed them along with points raised by other stakeholders. The outcome of these
M
COMMISSION
Conference decided that:
(a) RMAFC should be autonomous in terms of composition and funding:
(b) Strict enforcement of Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution which
addresses Public Revenue, especially the distributable Pool Account.
M
O
2. Domestic, External Debts and Regulation of Borrowing Proposals for
.C
Increased Revenue Generation in Nigeria:
G
N
Conference decided that:
ES
a) Efforts should be made to bring the informal sector into the tax coverage
net; and
M
TI
b) There is need to improve the institutional capacity of the tax
M
management tools;
W
W
b) The FGN Bond market for enhanced liquidity through the continued issuance
W
M
e) Institutions and processes at the sub-national level should be strengthened and
O
procedures consolidated, to further develop the capacity of staff of States Debt
.C
Management Offices to conduct their forward looking Debt Sevicing
G
Agreement (DSA);
N
ES
f) The Federal Government should partner with the States and the FCT to produce
M
and report their updated quarterly debt data.
TI
4. Tax Administration, Tax Contribution and Internally Generated Revenue:
M
(a) Tax assignment and horizontal and vertical sharing formula be reviewed;
W
and general good practice in operating the Joint Accounts of State and
W
(e) The States Houses of Assembly should have the responsibility for
establishing the sharing formula for allocation from State Joint Accounts;
and
M
O
(f) The oversight and monitoring functions of the Local Governments should
.C
be vested on the ministry in charge of Local Governments and the State
G
Houses of Assembly.
N
ES
(ii) On The Budgetary Process:
M
(a) Limited time-frame for executive arm to submit budget to ensure its
TI
passage into law by the beginning of the new financial year; and
M
IU
year.
RE
.P
(a) The role of the Central Bank in public finance management should be
strengthened;
M
O
(b) It is necessary to entrench the Excess Crude Account and Sovereign
.C
Wealth Fund, which should be managed and invested by the CBN; and
G
N
(c) The Committee should consider the inclusion of the SWF in the
ES
constitution.
(v)
M
On Non-Diversification and Poor Revenue Generation:
TI
The SWF should be enshrined in the Constitution to help address the
M
Agenda.
M
M
d) All Agencies that generate revenue from our national resources (waters,
O
airspace, etc) should remit such revenues into the Federation Account for the
.C
benefit of all tiers of Government;
G
N
e) An Inter-Agency Committee involving the Federal Ministry of Finance,
ES
Ministry of Trade and Investment and the Revenue Mobilization Allocation
M
and Fiscal Commission should be established to advise Mr. President on duty
waivers (and tax holidays) in order to promote transparency, increased
TI
confidence in the processes and prevent loss of revenues;
M
IU
f) The fuel subsidy regime in the country conceived to benefit the poor and
middle income classes has failed. Therefore, fuel subsidy should be removed
M
Advisers, Senior Special Advisers and Assistants, etc. Government at all levels
W
M
(ii) There is need to further strengthen the FGN Bond market for enhanced
O
liquidity through continued issuance of benchmark bonds;
.C
(iii) The Private Sector companies should also be encouraged to take advantage
G
of existing sovereign benchmark to raise long-term capital in the Domestic
N
and International Capital Market (ICM) to build the real sector and
ES
enhance infrastructure;
(iv) A long term fund should be established to encourage entrepreneurship and
innovation;
M
TI
(v) Government should source for funds to complete Ajaokuta Steel project
M
(vii) 10% of funds from the Excess Crude Account (ECA) should be set aside
RE
M
Government while the office of the Accountant-General of the Federation
O
maintains the Federation Account. Provided that the appointments shall be
.C
subject to confirmation by the Senate and for a single term of six years.
G
Conference resolved that the recommendation is long overdue and will
N
necessitate an amendment of the 1999 Constitution.
ES
5.15.5 M
REMUNERATION OF GOVERNMENT FUNCTIONARIES
Conference decided as follows:
TI
(i) All functionaries of Government whose remunerations and
M
(ii) The budget of the RMAFC should be on first line charge. The
RE
M
least 60% Capital Expenditure and 40% of Recurrent Expenditure to
O
leave substantial fund for addressing infrastructural gap, provide jobs
.C
for the unemployed and promote general economic growth and
G
development;
N
ES
(iii) The time frame for presentation of the budget should be on or
before 30th September preceding the budget year;
M
TI
M
(v) The Legislature should strengthen its oversight functions and the
.P
(ii) Available fiscal incentives (i.e. tax exemptions and waivers) resulting in
revenue leakages, loss and abuses, for example the use of NDCC by
Customs be reviewed;
M
O
(iii) A process for the amendment of tax laws such as Companies Income
.C
Tax and Petroleum Profits Tax 1959, which was last amended in 1979
G
be set in motion;
N
ES
(iv) The process of the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) be
accelerated; M
TI
(v) A system of transparency and accountability on judicious application of
M
border transactions;
W
economies be adopted;
W
(viii) Although Nigerias Value Added Tax (VAT) rate is the lowest in Africa,
upward review should be deferred for now until a more efficient
mechanism for collection and assessment is put in place while all
vatable individuals and organizations should be brought into the tax net;
M
(xii) Government should enact an Ill Gotten Gains Act that will place the
O
burden of proof of innocence on the accused.
.C
G
5.15.8 SOLID MINERALS
N
Conference decided that:
ES
(i) Government should commence immediate utilization of the Solid
Minerals Fund for the purpose it was designated;
M
TI
(ii) The Solid Minerals Development Fund should be increased from the
M
Legislative list.
W
W
M
5.15.10 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (SEC)
O
Conference decided that:
.C
(i) Government should identify any overlap or conflict in the
G
provisions of their enabling laws and harmonize them; and
N
ES
(ii) The Securities and Exchange Commission should comply with
M
the provisions of Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution as regards
remittance of their revenues to the account of the Federation.
TI
M
(iv) The Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) in the form it was originally
presented to the National Assembly should be passed; and
M
tracking the movement of ocean bound vessels coming in and
O
going out of Nigeria;
.C
G
(vi) The services of reputable International Shipping Consultants that
N
will give accurate quantity of Crude Oil loaded and movement of oil
ES
tankers be employed. This will also include training of young and
M
patriotic Nigerians that will eventually take over the job from the
consultants; and
TI
M
M
lead to revenue leakages and abuse that result in revenue loss
O
should be reviewed. For example in 2012 and 2013, N203.36
.C
billion, in Companies Income Taxes and N13.56 billion in
G
Education Tax were lost;
N
ES
(iii) The amendment of tax laws such as Companies Income Tax and
Petroleum Profits Tax 1959, which was last amended in 1979 be
set in motion; M
TI
(iii) The passage of the PIB to provide support framework to PBT is
M
essential;
IU
(v) Tax Authorities at various levels shall base the taxable income of
.P
M
obtaining budget approval from the National Assembly to fund
O
their operations should be vigorously pursued;
.C
G
(ix) There is the need to start bringing all vatable individuals and
N
organizations into the tax net, prior to revision upward; and
ES
(x) M
Conference noted that government had established a fund for
development of solid minerals which is a step in the right
TI
direction because of its revenue and employment generation
M
potential.
IU
AGENCY (NIMASA)
RE
.P
M
O
5.15.15 NIGERIA PORTS AUTHORITY (NPA)
.C
G
Conference observed that the Agency operates under an ambiguous and
N
unclear framework, due to:
ES
(i) M
Lack of information on the form and content of the
Concessionary Agreements; and
TI
M
capital expenditure.
.P
M
Conference decided as follows:
O
.C
(i) Commensurate security and military should be deployed presence to
G
deter, detect, apprehend and prosecute perpetrators of this heinous
N
crime;
ES
(ii) M
Opportunities should be provided for young people to be involved in
the Oil and Gas activities, as this will engender gainful employment
TI
for youths;
M
IU
Nigeria;
(vii) Aged and obsolete pipelines, some of which are over fifty years old
should be replaced.
5.15.17 PRODUCTIVITY
M
Ajaokuta Steel Project
O
.C
Conference decided that:
G
(i) Government should adopt diplomatic option to persuade and
N
bring back Russia and Ukraine that were part of the Soviet Union
ES
that started the project as the technology deployed to the project
originally is theirs; M
TI
(ii) Partnership or any other acceptable funding arrangement be
M
ii. To reinforce the provision of Section 169 of the 1999 Constitution (as
amended), a Civil Service Act should be enacted to provide a legal
framework for the effective management, sustainable funding and
coordination of the Civil Service. Such an Act, among others, should
M
prohibit transfers into the Directorate level of the Service and prescribe
O
mandatory training as basis for consideration for promotion to the middle
.C
management level of the service (Grade Levels 12 to 14) and directorate
G
level (Grade Levels 15 to 17);
N
ES
iii. Sections 171(3) and 208 (3) of the 1999 Constitution, dealing with the
M
appointment of the Head of the Civil Service to either the Federal or State
Civil Service be amended to read: "An appointment to the office of the
TI
Head of the Civil Service of the Federation shall not be made except from
M
not less than ten(10) years experience in the directorate level, having
W
M
each State and replace with a provision that the President shall appoint
O
not more than one (1) Minister from each State; and
.C
G
ii. Legislators at the National and State levels should function on part-time
N
basis while their allowances should be comparable with what obtains in
ES
other arms of the Public Service. Payment of Pension, Life insurance
and severance for Legislators (where they exist) should be cancelled in
line with global best practices.
M
TI
M
Appropriation Bill
M
M
management. This will be similar to the United States of Americas
O
Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) of 1993.
.C
G
5.16.3 INCENTIVE FRAMEWORK FOR PUBLIC SERVANTS, SERVICE
N
WELFARE AND PRODUCTIVITY
ES
i. The provision of section 173 (3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended)
M
to the effect that Pensions shall be reviewed every five years or
TI
together with any Federal Civil Service salary review, whichever is
M
earlier has not been complied with after fourteen years of the
effectiveness of the Constitution. This should be done immediately; and
IU
M
living index.
W
W
M
activities; and
O
.C
(iii) In order to have an effective institutional memory system for the
G
enhancement of national capability, there is a need to have a Talent
N
Pool made up of retired directorate level officers, and Permanent
ES
Secretaries, and Heads of Service to enable the Service and the nation
M
benefit from their in- depth knowledge and vast experience.
TI
8. Labour Issues, Including Minimum Wage:
M
9. Retirement Benefits
.P
ii. There should be an effort to sanitize and develop an integral register and
accurate databank of pensioners in the Federal and States Civil Services
iii. There should be an effort to sanitize and develop an integral register and
accurate databank of pensioners in the Federal and States Civil Services
with a view to ensuring prompt payment of all pension entitlements
under the Defined Benefit Scheme (Pay As You Go scheme);
M
O
iv. Free Medical Service should be available to all Nigerians above the age
.C
of sixty (60 );
G
N
v. Employers of labour should substantially increase their share of the
ES
contribution in the Contributory Pension Scheme to make beneficiaries
M
enjoy benefits as closely as possible with retirees on the old system.
This is in view of the fact that the Pay-as-You-Go scheme has a proviso
TI
for review after every 5 years or at every upward review of
M
requisite mortality tables which can then be used in the Pension Scheme
W
computations;
viii. More intensive efforts should be made to identify ghost pensioners, and
stiffer penalties should be applied against perpetrators of fraud; and
M
i. The Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS)
O
be fully implemented to ensure payroll integrity and eliminate ghost
.C
workers in the Civil Service, Parastatals, the Legislature, the Judiciary,
G
the Military and the Para-Military; and
N
ES
ii. While it is appreciated that the nature of Presidential system of
M
Government necessitates the appointment of Special Advisers and
Special Assistants to the President, the Vice President, the Governor
TI
and the Deputy Governor, its extension to Ministers, Commissioners and
M
should be established;
W
M
Conference decided that:
O
There is a need for harmonious relationship between the Executive and
.C
Legislative Arms of Government in the overall best interest of the nation. The
G
President and the Leadership of the National Assembly should continue to
N
nurture a harmonious relationship based on mutual respect.
ES
13. Service Delivery
Conference decided that:
M
TI
i. Every sector and agency of government should be primed for enhanced
M
service delivery;
IU
ii. Government should design standards of service delivery for all agencies
M
and provide brochures which will explain their services, procedures and
RE
iii. Agencies should strive to ensure value for money in the delivery of
W
services;
W
W
iv. There should be provision for redress for citizens who are denied of
effective, efficient and courteous service by agencies and/or officials;
and
M
poor remuneration in the Public Service, lack of social security,
O
degenerate value system that encourages wealth accumulation and lack
.C
of social security;
G
N
ii. Effective steps to involve the three tiers and the three arms of
ES
government in the fight against corruption be taken;
iii.
M
Financial autonomy and adequate funding for anti-corruption agencies
TI
should be guaranteed;
M
IU
Public Procurement;
RE
.P
be actualized;
W
W
ix. The Curriculum for Training and Capacity Building programmes should
include training, cultivating, nurturing and moulding the conduct (moral
and ethical character) of Public Officers and operators of the Public and
Civil Service System to imbibe and have the core values of integrity,
M
transparency, accountability, honesty, probity, hard work, humility,
O
courtesy and humanness as desired human quality for enhancing
.C
productivity and effective, efficient and timely service delivery.
G
N
15. Performance Management in the Public Service
ES
Conference decided that:
i. M
Every budget should clearly indicate the performance targets and performance
indicators for all MDAs;
TI
M
ii. The targets and performance indicators should be publicised in the budget
IU
document and adequately publicised so that the public can keep track of the
performance of MDAs;
M
RE
desired emphasis and used as a tool for reward or sanctions in the public
service. More specifically, promotion and career progression should be tied to
W
v. Our Government at all levels and those who run them should begin to develop
new ways of thinking about the conduct of Government business in line with
M
Public Servants conversant with new developments and more effective
O
in the delivery of services should be drawn-up. Adequate funding for
.C
training should also be provided with at least 10% of personnel cost to
G
be set aside for the purpose;
N
ES
ii. Existing Public Service training institutions should, as a matter of
M
urgency, be refurbished and their capacities upgraded. These include the
Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Centre for
TI
Management Development (CMD) and the Public Service Institute of
M
iii. New entrants into the Public Service should be exposed to training
RE
and
W
iv. In line with the provision of Public Service Rule 020806, Officers who
W
same grade and whose on the job performance has been assessed to be
below average shall be required to leave the Service.
ii. The Civil Service Staff Housing Board should be strengthened and
M
funded to enable it cater for the housing needs of Civil Servants;
O
.C
iii. Relevant sections of the Pension Reform Act, 2004 which requires that
G
part of the available funds from the Contributory Pension Scheme be
N
invested in the Real Estate Sector to boost availability of mortgage
ES
should be adhered to;
iv.
M
The operations of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) should,
TI
as a matter of priority, be overhauled. Contributors to the Scheme are
M
members of their families are just not being met under the Scheme;
M
iii. There is need to ensure that reform is focused not only on management
but also on leadership, and thereby encouraging the emergence of a
critical mass of champion to sustain reforms;
M
iv. Critical stakeholders in all sectors and tiers of Government, the Private
O
Sector, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), should be involved inthe
.C
reform process right from the reform design stage to enhance its
G
credibility and the chances of successful implementation;
N
ES
v. Public Sector employees in the three tiers and arms of Government
M
should be committed to reform efforts in order to create a sense of
ownership.
TI
M
vi. The support of the general public, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
IU
M
Upward review of retirement age to sixty-five (65) years of age or forty (40)
O
years of service from the present practice of sixty (60) years of age or thirty-
.C
five (35) years of service, whichever is earlier.
G
N
5.16.7 PERSONS LIVINGWITH DISABILITIES
ES
Conference decided that:
i. M
Efforts should be made by governments at all levels to make all Public
Offices disability-friendly by providing special access facilities for
TI
PLWD including RAMPS for wheel chairs, lifts, or special steps to
M
iii. Ministries, Departments and Agencies should have a desk for PLWD
.P
iv. Governments at all levels should design Scheme of Service for Sign
W
ii. The Separate Foreign Service Commission should have a Chairman and
M
six (6) Commissioners, one from each of the six (6) geo-political zones;
O
and
.C
G
iii. It should be a deliberate policy for all governments to have affirmative
N
action in the employment of PLWD in the Public Service.
ES
5.17 SOCIAL SECTOR M
TI
5.17.1 HEALTH
M
IU
other provisions:
W
W
(a) make it mandatory for employers of labour in the private and public
sectors to subscribe to the National Health Insurance Scheme; and
iii. The expansion of the Community Based Health Insurance Scheme to cover
more people in the informal sector;
M
O
iv. Accelerated passage of the 2012 National Health Bill, which provides 2%
.C
of the Consolidated Fund of the Federation for the provision of basic health
G
care services for Nigerians. However, to promote accountability, access to
N
the Primary Health Care Development funds by States and Local
ES
Governments should be based on performance audit;
v.
M
The establishment of dedicated health funds for the provision of health care
TI
services. Sources of these funds should include taxes on products injurious
M
telecom subscribers;
M
State and Local Government budgets, in line with the 2001 Abuja
W
viii. The provisions of the National Health Insurance Scheme ( NHIS) should be
made mandatory and not optional; consequently it should made mandatory
2. PRIMARY HEALTHCARE
M
monitoring, evaluation and technical support;
O
.C
ii. Funding: All monies meant for Local Governments, including that meant
G
for implementation of Primary Healthcare, should be disbursed to them;
N
ES
iii. There should be full implementation of the Primary Healthcare System as
M
enunciated in the Alma Ata Declaration of 1978;
TI
iv. There should be adequate training of appropriate human resource for health
M
M
xii. Health workers posted to rural areas should be given higher incentives than
those in the urban areas;
O
xiii. To avoid frequent strikes by medical personnel which often disrupt health
.C
care delivery services and lead to loss of lives, government should ensure
G
that challenges facing the health are immediately addressed to prevent
N
medical personnel from resorting to strike action; and
ES
.xv. M
The Government and National Medical Association (NMA) should
TI
enforce extant rules to check and monitor privately owned health facilities
to ensure standard and compliance with medical ethics.
M
IU
3. INVESTMENT IN HEALTH
M
M
vi. Provision of adequate and standard health infrastructure including ICT
O
and power to Primary, Secondary and Tertiary levels of Healthcare;
.C
G
vii. Taxes on products that constitute health hazards (Tobacco and Alcohol);
N
one percent consumer tax on telecommunication services;
ES
M
viii. Enhanced coverage of National Health Insurance Scheme;
TI
ix. Formulation of an effective National Health Research Policy with
M
1. Arising from the globally acknowledged fact that prevention is better than cure
and the current high disease burden in Nigeria as a result of the rising incidence
of preventable, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Conference decided the
following:
M
FGM);
O
iv. Enforcement of extant legislation prohibiting indiscriminate
.C
advertisements of herbal and medicinal products and services;
G
v. Improved Environmental Health Services;
N
vi. Policy to set aside a special day for annual health check-up at all
ES
levels of Government;
vii. M
Strengthening of Disease Surveillance mechanism to enhance
prevention and prompt detection of disease at Local and State levels.
TI
viii. Strengthening of Emergency Response Services;
M
5. ALTERNATIVE/HERBAL MEDCINE
1.0.1.1There are alternative and complementary forms of medicine to the orthodox
institutionalized medical care which the health system duly prioritizes. Herbal
medicine is a central element of these, particularly but not limited to the rural
1.0.1.2It could be arguably stated that at least some of these have been proven to be
efficacious. There are however critical elements of concern about them. These
dwell squarely on: regulations, and standardization, through scientific methods
of verification;
M
O
In light of the foregoing, Conference decided that there should be:
.C
i. Effective regulation and standardization of herbal medical practice;
G
N
ii. Promotion of research into the development of herbal medicine;
ES
iii. M
The systematized integration of herbal and alternative medicines
into health system should be vigorously pursued by the Federal and
TI
States Ministries of Health;
M
IU
iv. The Federal Ministry of Health should study and draw lessons
from how countries such as South Korea, Malaysia, and
M
strengthened;
M
Conference noted the problems associated with fake, adulterated drugs, and
O
recommended:
.C
i. Closer relations should be established between NAFDAC and sister
G
organizations in countries where drugs meant for the Nigerian market
N
are procured from;
ES
ii. M
Regular updating of the compendium of drug manufacturing companies
whose medications can be sold or used in Nigeria;
TI
M
iii. Stiffer penalties should be instituted for persons and corporate bodies
IU
the country to ensure they do not find their way into the drug
W
distribution network;
W
M
7. ZERO TOLERANCE FOR MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE
O
.C
i. Factors that could hinder the optimal functioning of healthcare providers
G
should be limited through the quantitative (employment) and qualitative
N
(on-the-job-training) of human resources for health. Appropriate health
ES
infrastructure should be provided;
ii.
M
Ensure occupational safety and health in line with National Guidelines
TI
are provided in all health facilities;
M
IU
8. MEDICAL TOURISM
Conference decided that:
i. There should be restriction of Government sponsorship of public
officers for foreign medical care;
FINAL CONFERENCE REPORT PAGE 395
ii. Except for exceptional cases that need referral abroad, all public officers
in need of Government sponsorship for medical care should mandatorily
utilize local health facilities;
M
O
iv. The recommendations of the board should be subject to the approval of
.C
the Chief Medical Adviser to the Federal Government (Honourable
G
Minister of Health) except where such exceptional cases are serious
N
emergencies, in which instance immediate approval may be given;
ES
v. M
There is need for improvement in the quality of healthcare services in
Nigeria;
TI
M
office holders;
.P
i. Ensure that there are modern equipment for diagnosis in our health
facilities;
ii. Make the constant supply of power supply in health facilities by every
M
means possible a top notch priority in the country;
O
.C
iii. Improve on facilities for the storage of reagents;
G
N
iv. Place great premium on capacity building for health professionals,
ES
particularly in this case for those that manage ultra-modern equipment;
M
v.
TI
End the unnecessary crises in the heath sector by ensuring that people
keep to their areas of training and core-competence;
M
IU
vii. Ensure that public servants take responsibility for their action and those
.P
of their subordinates.
W
HEALTH SYSTEM
W
M
iv. Strict adherence to existing labour laws, Public Service Rules, and
Ethical Code of Conduct pertaining to industrial action is essential;
O
.C
v. All parties should respect collective bargaining agreements at all times
G
and promote negotiations as the basis of peaceful industrial relations;
N
and
ES
vi. Government should strive to improve the terms and conditions of
service of public health workers. M
TI
5.17.2 EDUCATION
M
1. GENERAL ISSUES
IU
intensive and very critical to manpower development for all facets of humans
.P
endeavour;.
W
ii. Government should increase funds to better equip laboratories for practical classes
especially in the science based disciplines in tertiary institutions;
W
iii. The 30:70 polytechnic and 40:60 universities ratio in favour of science based
W
M
ix. Government should facilitate the removal of dichotomy on polytechnic/university
O
graduates;
.C
x. Government should establish a financial institution that will give loan to student
G
from less privilege homes to attend both public and private institutions;
N
xi. That the Federal State and Local Governments should as a matter of urgent pubic
ES
importance, establish institutions to absorb OUT OF SCHOOL CHILDREN (who
M
lack the opportunity to further their education, at whatever level) under
apprenticeship schemes linked up with vocational schools, adult education, mass
TI
education and other educational programmes. These schemes should be adequately
M
funded by the Governments as the case may be and made attractive to encourage
IU
M
iv. Commercial publishers should be encouraged to produce books to support the
O
curriculum as well as Teachers Guides;
.C
v. The education system through the curriculum should inculcate the spirit of
G
enterprise, with government encouraging small and medium enterprises;
N
vi. Curriculum operated by the national school system and that of private schools
ES
should be harmonized;
M
vii. Exchange of ideas and resources between public and private schools should be
encouraged;
TI
viii. Quality assurance should be strengthened at both the federal and state levels;
M
ix. The already approved Teachers Salary Scale (TSS) should be maintained,
IU
xi. Three years pre-primary (early childhood) education provided in the National
.P
Policy on Education (NPE) and the 2005 Conference was hardly implemented
before government enacted a new policy of one year pre-primary school to
W
M
xvi. A state of emergency should be declared on Basic Education in Northern Nigeria;
O
xvii. The teaching of History should be made mandatory in Secondary Schools to
.C
sustain our historical heritage;
G
xviii. Government should as a matter of urgency declare a state of emergency in the
N
education sector. It should therefore ensure that education gets at least 20% of
ES
budget allocation annually;
M
xix. State Governments should stop withholding funds belonging to Local
Government Areas but can supervise the LGAs to ensure that they prioritize
TI
primary education;
M
xx. Government should discourage automatic promotion of pupils and students to new
IU
programmes;
xxiii. Government should formulate and implement a policy that would strictly limit
W
3. INVESTMENT IN EDUCATION
Conference decided that:
i. State governments must strengthen their commitment to Basic Education as it
represents the most important stage of socialization of the child;
M
should be increased from 2% to 4% also for TETFund, the percentage should be
O
from 2% to 4%. This will increase funds available through these sources by
.C
100%;
G
v. The Federal Government should support States in monitoring and developing
N
capacity to implement Basic Education programmes;
ES
vi. Appointment of managers in the sector such as education secretaries, principals,
M
provosts, rectors, vice-chancellors and related officials should be on merit. Targets
should be set for them which should determine whether they can retain their
TI
positions;
M
vii. Strengthen mechanisms to encourage fiscal responsibility, value for money and
IU
direct investments;
RE
education sector;
x. Establish strong project implementation units in all education agencies and tertiary
W
institutions;
W
xi. Stop the double taxation of private school proprietors by the Ministry of
W
Education and the Board of Internal Revenue to help reduce fees paid in the
private schools;
xii. Federal and State governments should continue to finance education through
adequate annual budgetary provision of at least 26% funding, release of budgeted
funds as first line charge and ensuring that funds released are spent with attention
to prudence and value for money;
FINAL CONFERENCE REPORT PAGE 402
xiii. The Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme should be extended from
Junior Secondary School (JSS 3) to Senior Secondary School (SSS3);
xiv. The teaching of History should be made mandatory in Secondary Schools to
sustain our historical heritage;
xv. The concept of community service should be introduced in our educational
curriculum;
xvi A Polytechnics Commission should be established;
M
xvii. Federal, State and Local Governments should establish vocational schools for
O
out of school children; and
.C
xviii. Substantial funds for the provision of infrastructural and instructional facilities
G
for library education in our institutions, departments, and in public places, should
N
be budgeted for and made available to the public.
ES
4. NATIONAL POLICY ON EDUCATION
Conference decided that:
M
TI
i. Primary education should be regulated and controlled by Local Governments;
M
Secondary School by the State Governments and tertiary institutions and Unity
IU
d. Funding.
iv. Inspectorate Services at Federal and State levels should be strengthened to
W
M
guidance and other needs to enhance their educational attainment;
O
x. Implement strategies on the eradication of examination malpractice, miracle
.C
centres, secret cults, sexual harassment and other abuses in the education system
G
should be implemented and offenders punished accordingly;
N
xi. Education administrators must be empowered to perform their functions with
ES
targets set for them;
M
xii. Regular review of the Education Policy in line with national needs;
xiii. Emphasis should be placed on the teaching of history, civics and skills in schools.
TI
xiv Almajiri education should be mainstreamed into the National Policy on Education
M
for sustainability;
IU
xv. When establishing schools in rural areas teachers' accommodation should also be
considered as important as the school;
M
ORIGINAL OWNERS.
Conference decided that:
i. Government and owners of missions/private schools should dialogue to
facilitate the handover of all missions and private schools to their owners;
M
in the admission process; and
O
vi. Staff of the institutions should have the option of remaining with the
.C
institution or being absorbed into government service in the case of return of
G
the mission and private schools to their original owners.
N
ES
6.0 NOMADIC EDUCATION
Conference decided that: M
i. The 2% UBEC CRF be increased to 4% and be redistributed to accommodate
TI
agencies such as nomadic education;
M
ii. Technical and Vocational Education should be integrated into the Nomadic
IU
schools;
RE
iv. More schools to accommodate more nomadic school children across the
.P
M
meals for all children from Primary 1 to Junior Secondary 3.
O
.C
8.0 TEACHER EDUCATION
G
N
i. Recruit professional teachers to address challenges of teacher shortage
ES
across the Basic Education sector;
ii.
iii.
M
Provide incentives to encourage retention of qualified teachers;
Ensure political will to regularly and promptly pay teachers in primary and
TI
secondary schools to enhance efficiency and effectiveness;
M
across all;
v. Entry qualifications for pre-service teacher training should be good and
M
professional image/prestige;
.P
ix. Enforce discipline among teachers, pupils and students at all levels of the
education system for moral development and effectiveness; and
x. Provide Teachers Guides for all subjects to support effective teaching.
i. All levels of government should make adequate provisions for adult and
non-formal education;
ii. Increase CRF to 4% and redistribute 2% CRF to cover adult and non-formal
education as it addresses Basic Education requirements;
iii. Provide incentives to attract teachers of adult education; and
M
iv. Provide infrastructure and learning resources to support the growth and
O
effectiveness of adult and non-formal education programmes.
.C
G
10 SPECIAL EDUCATION
N
Conference decided that:
ES
a. Governments and other stakeholders should endorse inclusive
M
schooling and special needs education as an integral part of our
educational curriculum;
TI
ii. Special needs schools should be constructed in collaboration with Faith-
M
iv. Teachers should be trained and provided with adequate incentives for
RE
vi. The present 2% allocation from the 2% Intervention Fund for Special
W
vii. Technical and Vocational Education should be integrated into the Special
Education Curriculum.
M
technical institutions;
O
iii. Government should comprehensively fund the rehabilitation and upgrading
.C
of public TVET institutions at all levels;
G
iv. Government must work to remove dichotomy relating to progression in
N
employment as it relates to qualifications that people hold. Rather,
ES
emphasis should be on assessment of abilities and productivity;
v. M
Government should support a campaign to promote TVET and its
importance to the population; and
TI
vi. TVET should be fully integrated in all aspects of education.
M
IU
2. GIRLS EDUCATION
Conference decided that:
M
iii. Special girls schools should be constructed in order to address culture issues
where parents prefer single-sex schools for their children;
W
iv. Adequate security should be provided for all schools especially perimeter
fencing; and
v. Legal framework should be provided for pregnant girls, married girls and
girl-mothers to access Basic Education.
M
and citizens;
O
ii. Such a Comprehensive Bill of Rights will include all Human Rights
.C
Civil and Political, Social, Economic, Environmental, and Cultural
G
rights. These should be contained in a single justiceable and enforceable
N
chapter of the constitution;
ES
iii. In the present context in Nigeria this will require combining all the
M
provisions of chapters 2 and 4 of the 1999 constitution as amended into
a single chapter that will be made justiceable;
TI
iv. In this context, a Comprehensive Bill of Rights means a chapter of the
M
recognized by the UN; while the Social Charter nature of such a Bill is
derived from its enforceability as well as from the fact that it represents
M
and
.P
M
Rights/Social Charter as a basis to enforce Political will on the part of
O
governments to implement progressive parts of existing policies, legislation
.C
and programs; in particular the provisions, sections, and or chapters that deal
G
directly with Provisioning Social Housing; promoting affordable housing;
N
and the requirements for standards and quality should be utilized.
ES
c) Immediate steps should be taken to establish the National Commission on
M
Lands in accordance with the National Housing Policy.
d) Town and rural planning policies should be in synch with the National Housing
TI
Policy.
M
IU
criteria for accessing funds to ensure low interest long tenure funding regime;
.P
b) The Sovereign Wealth Fund [SWF] should be used as security for housing funds
bonds to finance housing development;
W
M
ii. The relevant policy frameworks must make stakeholder participation in
O
designing and implementing the housing policies and programs obligatory and
.C
prescribe penalties for excluding stakeholders;
G
N
iii. Recognizing that it is the responsibility of government to provide an enabling
ES
environment and coordinate interventions in the housing sector; government
M
must take the lead in making affordable housing accessible to citizens in
particular rural dwellers and the urban poor;
TI
M
(PPP);
vii. Policy frameworks and administrative processes should address the
challenges faced by developers, and should be supportive of the goal of
affordable housing rather than being inhibitive;
viii. Local Government Councils should be involved in the provision of
affordable Rural Housing Development;
M
O
xi. States and local government councils should mandatorily invest in planned
.C
rural development in particular to ensure provision of basic infrastructures
G
in the rural areas, to stem rural urban drift and reduce cost of housing; and
N
ES
xii. The needs of the vulnerable, of senior citizens, and of people living with
M
disability with respect to housing should be addressed by policy, legislation
and practice.
TI
M
i. adopt the UN definition of the elderly as persons who are 60 years and
.P
above;
ii. Enact legislation to enhance human rights of older persons through the
W
the comprehensive bill of rights and social charter. This Senior Citizens
W
Bill of Rights will establish the right of senior citizens to affordable and
appropriate care, healthcare, recreational facilities, social security where
relevant, appropriate nutrition, appropriate housing, and address
challenges around transportation needs of the elderly among others;
M
v. Senior Citizens should as a matter of urgency be accommodated and
O
integrated into the National Health Insurance Scheme.
.C
vi. Health and geriatric care systems for the elderly should be strengthened
G
by developing appropriate human resource and infrastructure;
N
vii. Adequately resourced public sector-led Community-based and centred
ES
Integrated Care system for the elderly should be established;
viii. M
Intergenerational solidarity through integrated programs should be
strengthened;
TI
ix. Early preparation of the youth through the educational system to
M
understand the challenges and benefits that come with aging and better
IU
Social Security Fund for the Elderly, the vulnerable, the indigent, and
.P
xi. All pensioners earning less than the approved minimum wage should be
W
M
vii. The Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) Bill currently before
O
the National Assembly, which covers such areas as Old-Age Scheme,
.C
Employment (Work) Scheme, Unemployment Benefit, Family/Child
G
Benefits and Medical Care Benefit among others, should be passed
N
expeditiously.
ES
M
5.17.4 UNEMPLOYED NIGERIANS (LINKED WITH POVERTY AND
WEALTH CREATION)
TI
Conference decided that as follows:
i. Repatriate monies stolen and taken abroad to create jobs;
M
IU
industrialization process;
W
vi. Create enabling environment for the informal sector to access loans
for business development, by making criteria for accessing loans
friendly to business development and in particular small business
M
development;
O
.C
vii. Ensure development and implementation of Employment friendly
G
and inclusive wealth generating economic policies and economic
N
planning processes;
ES
viii. Create awareness on employment
development among citizens;
M generation and business
TI
ix. Invest in basic infrastructure that supports industrial, business and
M
etc;
M
RE
xi. Institutionalize a Social Security of 20,000 Naira [but not less than
W
approved minimum wage] for those who are not earning an income.
W
M
iv. Education for human capacity development should be promoted;
O
.C
v. Cooperative society approach to business development should be
G
promoted.
N
ES
1. PENSION AND GRATUITY
a) M
RECOMMENDATIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE OLD SYSTEM:
Conference decided that there should be:
TI
i. Strict adherence to the constitutional provisions as contained in Section 173
M
ii. Appropriate annual budgetary allocation to ensure full and prompt payment
.P
of pensions;
W
iv. Full payment without any deductions of the 53.4% pension increase approved
since July 2010; and
vi. Records compiled during the previous Biometric Data Capture exercise, be
M
updated and utilized in administering the pension scheme instead of
O
embarking on another data capture exercise which will amount to wasting of
.C
resources; and
G
N
vii. Administration of the Old pension scheme for civil servants should be
ES
removed forthwith from the office of the Head Of Service of the Federation
M
and placed under the direct management and supervision of the Ministry Of
Finance.
TI
M
SYSTEM:
Conference decided that:
M
penalties;
W
ii. Pension payments should subsist for life, while the elderly in our society who
W
iii. Retirement benefits for same level at retirement regardless of the interval
involved should be harmonized;
v. There is need to urgently resuscitate the use of smart cards and software
based on biometric data capturing to be used by pension beneficiaries as a
way to combat fraud;
M
O
vi. Government should ensure full coverage of citizens, pension fund
.C
administrators and the National Pension Commission should be obliged to
G
begin forthwith a comprehensive program of registering the informal sector
N
workers under the 2004 Pensions Act;
ES
viii. M
Retirees should be allowed as groups to take loans from the pension
funds for business development purposes;
TI
M
ix. Given that political office holders are professionals who when they
IU
xii. INSURANCE
W
M
services into it;
O
v. Amendment of the Tax Act should be undertaken to review the tax
.C
regime for the insurance sector. The amendment to the Tax Act 2007
G
should address the inconsistencies with the Insurance Act 2003, the
N
insurance industry operational guidelines and statement of
ES
accounting standards;
vi. M
There is the need to expedite action on the passage of the
Consolidated Insurance bill;
TI
vii. All government properties and assets at all levels must be covered by
M
insurance;
IU
viii. All employers of labour must be made to cover their employees for
group life and personal accident;
M
M
Conventions, first, in the use of the language, which distinguishes
O
the male gender from the female gender. To achieve this,
.C
Conference recommended that the use of the masculine pronoun
G
he to include women, which appears in the 1999 Constitution
N
about 235 times should be deleted as it constitutes an unequal
ES
status between men and women. The pronouns he him/his
wherever they appear should be replaced with he/she, his/hers as
M
appropriate. Conference noted that it is necessary to divest the
TI
Constitution of its masculinity and make it gender sensitive,
M
recognizing that not only men are citizens in Nigeria but men and
IU
M
its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in
O
such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and
.C
the need to promote national unity, and also to command national
G
loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of
N
persons from a few State or from a few ethnic or other sectional
ES
groups or from a particular gender in that Government or in any
of its agencies. M
TI
iv. In addition, Section 223 (b) of the 1999 Constitution of the
M
5.17.7 DISCRIMINATION
W
M
Conference decided that there should be:
O
i. Constitutional amendment and enactment of additional relevant
.C
legislations (including the National Gender Policy) to strengthen
G
the protection of married women and prevention of child
N
marriage;
ES
ii. Development of the capacity of the Nigerian Courts to apply
M
international African and ECOWAS instruments and Protocols in
TI
national contexts as they affect women and the girl child in the
M
country;
IU
4. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
Conference decided that:
i. The State at all levels shall put in place 35% affirmative action
to ensure that women, minorities, people with disabilities and
M
iv. Add sub-section (c) to 223 to read All party list sent to INEC
O
should reflect a minimum representation of 35% women
.C
candidates; and
G
v. The same should apply to Section 106(d)
N
ES
5. POLITICAL PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN IN NIGERIA
Conference decided that:
i.
M
There should be equality in the sharing of political offices on the
TI
basis of quota system between competing candidates. This will
M
M
6 GENDER BASED VIOLENCE
O
Conference decided that:
.C
i. Special Courts should be established to try cases of rape. This is important to
G
encourage victims to present themselves in court without fear of stigmatization;
N
ES
ii. The populace should be educated on the danger of the continued growth of the
iii.
M
current high trend of violence against women in the society.
Gender-sensitivity education for law enforcement agents be put in place;
TI
iv. Gender Desk to be set up and made operable in police stations. This will give
M
counterpart;
v. Victims of violence should not shy away from going to help providers such as
M
and when this is exhausted, victims should seek formal support system through
.P
the police, medical personnel, social welfare and the law court;
vi. In response to the seeming high rate of sexual abuse of children, the
W
M
5.17.9 PERSONS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES
O
.C
1. GENERAL ISSUES
G
Conference decided thus:
N
a) Special passage ways should be made for PLWDs in banks, hotels and airports
ES
where metal detectors prevent entry or exit;
b) M
Separate lift carriers in high rise buildings for PLWDs to avoid injury by
overcrowding;
TI
c) A law should be passed for compulsory assistance to persons living with
M
and other development efforts in Nigeria using the Right-based Approach, this
W
M
ii. Government implements a pilot project targeting persons with
O
0disabilities specifically around democracy and good governance,
.C
through selected representatives of organizations of people with
G
disabilities and other stakeholders;
N
iii. Government should promote awareness on the rights of person with
ES
disabilities at the National and community levels, highlighting all forms
iv.
M
of barriers face by PWDs around issues of Access and participation;
There should be an amendment of the current provisions of the
TI
Constitution through insertion and deleting of clauses that do not
M
5.17.10 CHILDREN
.P
M
society through empowerment to prevent them from being (re)trafficked;
O
iii. The Federal Government should make and enforce a law banning all forms of
.C
child trafficking and stipulate stiff punishment for offenders;
G
iv. Labour laws and regulations should stress and monitor the compliance to the
N
minimum wage in both public and private sectors;
ES
v. The Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Federal Government
vi.
M
and transit and destination countries on human trafficking be implemented;
Laws against trafficking at the regional level, especially between English and
TI
French speaking countries be harmonized. All the countries in the region
M
viii. Anti-trafficking measures and laws should be revised so as to address all forms
.P
2. Child Labour
W
5.18 RELIGION
M
5.18.1 RELIGIOUS PRIVILEGES: SPONSORSHIP OF RELIGIOUS
O
PILGRIMAGES
.C
G
a) Conference decided that the apex religious organizations in Nigeria be allowed
N
to handle all matters relating to pilgrimage through Pilgrims Commissions duly
ES
managed by them under a law to be passed by the National Assembly which will
regulate their functions and protect pilgrims. M
TI
b) In consonance with Section 10 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999, Conference
M
decided resolved that Government, at all levels, shall not utilize public funds to
IU
sponsor any religious pilgrimages for any category of citizens and government
functionaries.
M
RE
official Government delegations on any pilgrimage, for the same reasons as stated
above.
W
W
responsibility to the citizens of Nigeria shall provide normal Consular services for the
pilgrims through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the established Nigerian foreign
missions in the relevant destinations.
M
i) Discrimination in granting of land for places of worship and cemeteries
O
ii) Discrimination over opportunities to education
.C
iii) Discrimination in employment, promotion and admission
G
iv) Pilgrimage sponsorship
N
v) Infringement on right to Religious attire and symbols
ES
vi) Deprivation of access to religious studies and
vii)
instructions in M
public educational institutions.
Religious hate speeches and sermons
TI
viii) Religiously partisan public policies
M
M
O
(iii) Independent Religious Equity Commission (RECOM) with branches in
.C
every State of the Federation should be established with the statutory
G
mandate which inter alia includes advocacy, enforcement of constitutional
N
religious rights such as freedom of religion, freedom to acquire land for
ES
religious purposes e.t.c. within the limits of the Constitution of Nigerian
1999; M
TI
(iv) Building of worship places should be regulated in such a way that they are
M
criminalized;
RE
.P
M
O
(ii) Some crucial needs for the establishment of a distinct Religious Equity
.C
Commission include the facts that such a Commission will:
G
N
6 Monitor, investigate and prosecute cases of religious discrimination and
ES
violation;
7 Serve as a platform for the promotion of inter-faith unity, understanding and
harmony; M
TI
8 Serve as a watchdog and enforcer of religious rights of all persons thereby
creating confidence and trust in every Nigerian no matter their religious
M
affiliations;
IU
crisis;
10 Detect early warning signals that can trigger religious tension and nip them in
.P
the bud;
W
formulate counter narratives (that are balanced and tolerant) to neutralize such
extremisms; and
W
12 Create awareness of the common grounds of all religions and promote the
practice and sharing of such commonalities;
1. In view of the fact that religion plays a vital role in many aspects of our national
life especially in the aspect of national security and national unity, it is highly
imperative that it be singled out from other fundamental rights and given a special
M
attention via the creation of an Equity Commission whose sole mandate will be to
O
focus on religious rights and their promotion. This is in line with best global
.C
practices as many advanced democracies have special legal and institutional
G
arrangements for some very sensitive aspects of their national life. Examples of
N
such specialized agencies from other countries are presented below:
ES
M
a) In the United Kingdom, despite the existence of the UK Equal Opportunities
Commission (UK-EOC), a Commission for Racial Equality (created by the
TI
Race Relations Act, 1976) which existed alongside UK-EOC for many years.
M
This was done because at the time, issues of racial discrimination were very
IU
b) In the United States, despite the existence of the US State Department Bureau
.P
of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, it has other special human rights
enforcement agencies created to promote specific rights. One of such agencies
W
M
O
5.18.5 RESTORING NATIONAL ETHICS, CULTURE, MORALS AND CORE
.C
VALUES
G
Conference noted that:
N
Section 23 of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999, stipulates the following ethics
ES
for the nation:
i.
ii.
Discipline;
Integrity;
M
TI
iii. Dignity of Labor;
M
v. Religious tolerance;
vi. Self-Reliance; and
M
vii. Patriotism.
RE
.P
Nigerians to preserve and sustain national ethics and values. However, the
Agency needs to be strengthened in order to perform its functions effectively.
M
democracy, human rights, equality, social justice and the rule of law;
O
.C
iii.Section 24 of the 1999 Constitution should be amended to include in its
G
current provisions that:
N
Citizens of Nigeria shall without fail, exhibit the core national values of
ES
Nigeria as encapsulated in section 23 of the Constitution";
M
iv. The NOA Board membership should be expanded to include:
TI
women, persons with disabilities, and youth; and
M
IU
v. The NOA must strongly advocate and proclaim the "dignity of labour", and
have a Do the Right Thing campaign to promote good and orderly
M
behaviour.
RE
c. The amendments proposed and the harmonized stance of NOA on core ethics
.P
and national values must be adopted and given daily relevance by the following
institutions:
W
W
3. CULTURE
Conference noted that the traditional African culture of courtesy, politeness, honesty,
M
integrity, communal interdependence, good neighbourliness, and peaceful co-
O
existence are being rapidly eroded in Nigerian society due to our penchant for copying
.C
foreign values and life-style. Conference therefore recommends as follows:
G
N
i. The provision of the National Policy on Education for the medium of
ES
instruction in the first 3 years of basic education should be the mother
M
tongue or language of the immediate community should be enforced or
implemented;
TI
M
ii. The learning of Nigerian history be included in primary and secondary school
IU
curricula;
M
iii. The social studies curriculum should be reviewed to reflect Nigerias cultural
RE
4. POVERTY REDUCTION
ii. Efforts must be made to fund business projects at the grassroots through
schemes like Micro-finance Banks and Cooperative Societies;
M
iii. The flaws in these schemes that hinder access to funds by people should be
O
removed so that more Nigerians can access funds for cottage industries and
.C
small scale ventures;
G
N
iv. The Government should establish the payment of unemployment welfare
ES
allowances to Nigerians who lack sources of income. Such welfare
M
allowances should be time bound and must primarily target the most
vulnerable groups, people with disabilities, youth, women and men who
TI
clearly are unable to generate income;
M
IU
vi. Government should, as the key driver of the economy, harmonize its
W
policies on public and private sectors to facilitate job creation. For those
W
M
enough to breed disorder even in the poorest or the most stoical of societies,
O
what more of a nation that is visibly well endowed yet cyclically mismanaged. In
.C
an attempt to stem this disorder, Confrence is suggesting a mechanism that may
G
help in breaking the trap locking these desperately poor people and ease the
N
hardships of life for them.
ES
M
2. Conference considered the following facts:
i. On December 27th 2013, UNICEF released its official statistics on Nigeria
TI
pointing out that the situation of poverty in the country was most alarming;
M
IU
ii. Out of the 20 indices used by UNICEF, 13 of them showed that 113 million
Nigerians live on daily income of below US $ 1.25. The indices include,
M
iii. This has come after a World Bank report that Nigeria's GDP in 2013 had
W
iv. In February 2014, Nigeria's inflation rate decelerated to 7.7% down from
8% in January. To cap it all, on 6th April 2014, Head of the National
Bureau of Statistics officially announced that after rebasing, Nigeria's
economy expanded by more than three-quarters to an estimated US $488
billion (N80 trillion;
FINAL CONFERENCE REPORT PAGE 437
v. Earlier in February 14th 2012, the same National Bureau of Statistics
pointed out that:
"...it remains a paradox that despite the fact that Nigeria's economy
is growing, the population of Nigerians living in poverty is
increasing every year.. the impact of the GDP growth rate has not
M
translated into poverty reduction."
O
.C
vi. The World Bank Report 2011 has lamented that a multiplicity of factors
G
have technically disabled 80% percent of Nigerians from relative
N
sufficiency to stark poverty and has virtually wiped out the Middle-class.
ES
3. M
In order for the country to re-integrate the 80% of Nigerians wallowing
in stark poverty, Conference proposed a scheme which has been tried
TI
elsewhere in order to free people living in extreme poverty. The scheme was
M
families (through mothers in most cases) who must prove that their children:
RE
.P
b) are vaccinated.
W
W
5. Conference decided that the PEP can start with 12 million families (2 million
from each of the 6 geo-political zones). Each family can receive grants of N5,000
FINAL CONFERENCE REPORT PAGE 438
fortnightly, or N10,000 monthly on conditions that can be varied and increased
according to zone, but school attendance by the children of the recipients being
crucial to many other needs, shall remain. The programme and its recipients shall
be reviewed after every 5 years, and members of the National Youths Service
Corps (NYSC) could be trained to serve as personnel to execute the PEP.
M
O
.C
G
N
ES
M
TI
M
IU
M
RE
.P
W
W
W
FOR
AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE RELIGIOUS
EQUITY COMMISSION (REC) AND TO PROHIBIT ALL FORMS OF
M
RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION, RELIGIOUS VICTIMIZATION,
O
RELIGIOUS HARASSMENT,
.C
HATE SPEECHES, AND FOR MATTERS CONNECTED
G
THEREWITH
N
ES
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
M
TI
M
4. Cessation of Membership
RE
M
23. Regulations
O
24. Interpretation
.C
25. Citation
G
N
A BILL
ES
FOR M
AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NATIONAL
TI
RELIGIOUS EQUITY COMMISSION AND TO PROHIBIT ALL FORMS OF
M
WHEREAS considering that the United Nations Charter and several provisions of the
.P
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, are based on the
principles of the dignity and equality of all human beings and seek, among other basic
W
objectives the promotion and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for
W
AND WHEREAS, having realized the sensitive role religion plays in National
Security, peace and harmony, the Federal Government wishes to promote inter-
religious harmony and understanding due to the chequered history of religious
intolerance in the Nigerian polity:
M
identities and to check the insidious effects of religious bigotry, profiling,
O
stereotyping, extremism and hate speeches:
.C
G
Now THEREFORE THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY hereby enacts as follows:
N
ES
PART I
M
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NATIONAL RELIGIOUS EQUITY
COMMISSION
TI
M
COMMISSION
(1) There is hereby established a body to be known as the National Religious
M
(2) The Commission shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession and a
.P
common seal and may sue and be sued in its corporate name.
W
1) There shall be for the Commission, a Governing Council (in this Act referred to
as "the Council") which shall be responsible for the discharge of the functions
of the Commission.
M
iii. Internal Affairs.
O
(d.) Two representatives of the National Human Rights Commission;
.C
(e.) Two representatives of a registered Network of Muslim Human rights
G
organisations in Nigeria;
N
(f.) Two representatives of a registered Network of Christian Human
ES
rights organisations in Nigeria
M
(g.) Two legal practitioners who shall not have less than ten years post
qualification experience and each to be nominated by the Christian
TI
Association of Nigeria and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic
M
Affairs respectively;
IU
(h.) three representatives of the media, at least, two of whom shall be from
the private sector;
M
(i.) three other persons to represent faiths other than Christianity and
RE
Islam; and
.P
3. TENURE OF OFFICE
M
1) A member of the Council, other than the Executive Secretary, shall hold office
O
for a term of four years and may be re-appointed for one further term of four
.C
years and no more.
G
N
2) A member of the Council may at any time resign his office in writing addressed
ES
to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and which
M
resignation shall become effective on acceptance by the President,
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
TI
M
4. CESSATION OF MEMBERSHIP
RE
M
the Armed Forces.
O
.C
PART II
G
FUNCTIONS AND POWERS
N
ES
5. FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION
(a.)
The Commission shall - M
deal with all matters relating to the protection of the fundamental human right to
TI
freedom of religion and belief as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal
M
Republic of Nigeria, the African Charter, the United Nations Charter and the
IU
victimization and harassment and take such other actions as it may deem
.P
(d.) undertake studies on all matters relating to religious rights and practices and
W
M
of religious rights and recommend appropriate remedial measures;
O
(i.) publish regular reports on the state of religious rights protection and promotion
.C
in Nigeria;
G
(j.) create awareness and promote advocacy through seminars, workshops and
N
conferences on religious harmony and inter-faith peaceful co-existence and any
ES
other programmes;
(k.) M
participate in all international activities relating to the promotion and protection
of human rights especially as it relates to freedoms of religious beliefs and
TI
expressions;
M
(l.) maintain a library, collect data and disseminate information and materials
IU
(a.) do all things which by this Act or any other enactment are required or permitted
W
PART III-
M
O
8. PROHIBITION OF RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT
.C
AND VICTIMIZATION
G
N
1) All direct or indirect forms of religious discrimination, religious
ES
victimization, religious harassment and religiously induced hate speeches
are hereby prohibited. M
TI
2) All complaints relating to any or all of the above prohibited acts mentioned
M
rights may-:
(a.) call for information or report from an individual, private or public
W
by it:-
Provided that-
i. if the information or report is not received within the time
stipulated by the Commission, it may proceed to inquire into the
complaint on its own;
M
necessary, having regard to the nature of the complaint, initiate an
O
inquiry.
.C
G
10. STEPS DURING AND AFTER INQUIRY
N
The Commission may take any of the following steps during or upon the
ES
completion of an inquiry held under this Act, namely-
(a.) M
Where the inquiry discloses the commission of violation of religious
rights and freedom or negligence in the prevention of violation of
TI
religious rights or abetment thereof by a private individual or public
M
-
i. To make payment of compensation or damages to the complainant
M
persons;
W
M
3) The Executive Secretary shall hold office for a term of five years in the first
O
instance on such terms and conditions as the President, Commander-in-Chief of
.C
the Armed Forces, may, on the recommendation of the Attorney-General of the
G
Federation determine, and may be reappointed for one further term of five
N
years and no more.
ES
4) Subject to such general directions as the Council may give, the Executive
M
Secretary shall be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the
Commission and the implementation of the decisions of the Council.
TI
5) The Executive Secretary shall perform the functions of keeping the record of
M
proceedings and decisions of the Council and such other functions as the
IU
1) The Council shall have power to appoint directly, and either on transfer or on
.P
Commission in the discharge of any of its functions under this Act, and shall
W
M
regulations may provide for
O
.C
(a.) the appointment, promotion and disciplinary control (including
G
dismissal) of employees of the Commission; and
N
(b.) appeals by such employees against dismissal or other disciplinary
ES
measures.
M
(1) of this section -
O
(a.) such sums as may be provided by the Government of the Federation for
.C
the Commission.
G
(b.) any fees charged for services rendered by the Commission; and
N
(c.) all other sums accruing to the Commission by way of gifts, testamentary
ES
depositions, endowments and contributions from philanthropic persons
M
and organisations or otherwise however.
TI
17. POWER TO ACCEPT GIFTS
M
2) The Commission may accept gifts of land, money or other property on such
IU
3) The Commission shall not accept any gift if the conditions attached by the
RE
person or organisation making the gift are inconsistent with the functions of the
.P
Commission.
18. BORROWING POWERS ETC.
W
1) The Council may, with the consent or in accordance with any specific authority
W
3) The Council may invest any surplus funds of the Commission in securities
prescribed by the Trustee Investments Act or such other securities as may, from
time to time, be approved by the Attorney-General of the Federation.
M
O
4) Subject to the provisions of the Land Use Act, and any special or general
.C
direction which the Attorney-General of the Federation may give in that behalf,
G
the Council may acquire or lease any land required for its purpose under this
N
Act.
ES
19.
1)
ANNUAL ESTIMATES, ACCOUNTS AND AUDIT M
The Council shall cause to be prepared, not later than 30th December in each
TI
year, an estimate of the expenditure and income of the Commission during the
M
next succeeding year and when prepared they shall be submitted, through the
IU
2) The Council shall cause to be kept proper accounts and proper records in
.P
relation thereto and when certified by the Council such accounts shall be
audited as provided in subsection (3) of this section.
W
W
the list of auditors and in accordance with the guidelines issued by the
Auditor-General of the Federation and the fees of the auditors and the
expenses for the audit generally shall be paid from the funds of the
Commission.
M
PART V
O
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
.C
G
N
21. MATTERS NOT SUBJECT TO JURISDICTION OF THE
ES
COMMISSION
M
The Commission shall not inquire into any matter which is pending before a Court of
Records of a State or Federal Government or before the National Human Rights
TI
Commission.
M
IU
to the Council such directives of a general nature with regard to the exercise by the
RE
23. REGULATIONS
W
24. INTERPRETATION
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires -
"Commission" means the National Religious Equity Commission established under
Section 1 (1) of this Act.
Harassment, means conduct or actions with the purpose or effect of violating the
dignity of a person and of creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or
offensive environment.
M
Direct discrimination means the treatment of a person less favourably than others
O
because of his religion or belief.
.C
G
Indirect discrimination means practices, criteria, policies or employment rules
N
which, when equally applied to all employees, have the effect of disadvantaging
ES
people of a particular religion or belief.
M
Victimisation means the treatment of a person less favourably for having made a
TI
complaint about religious discrimination, or having supported another person in their
M
complaint procedure.
IU
M
25. CITATION
RE
This Bill may be cited as the National Religious Equity Commission Bill, 2014.
.P
W
W
(2) The quorum of the Council shall be eleven members, including the
Chairman and Co-Chairman or, in their absence, the person elected under
paragraph 2(2) of this Schedule to preside, and nine other members and the
M
quorum of any committee of the Council shall be determined by the Council.
O
.C
2. (1) The Council shall meet at least once a month in each calendar year and
G
subject thereto, the Council shall meet whenever it is summoned by the Co-
N
Chairmen, and if the Co-Chairmen are required to do so, by notice given to
ES
them by not less than six other members, they shall summon a meeting of the
M
Council to be held within fourteen days from the date on which the notice is
given.
TI
M
(2) At any meeting of the Council, Co-Chairmen shall preside but if any of
IU
both is absent, the members present at the meeting shall elect one of their
number to preside at the meeting.
M
RE
(3) Where the Council desires to obtain the advice of any person on a
.P
particular matter, the Council may co-opt him to the Council for such period as
it thinks fit, but a person who is in attendance by virtue of this sub- paragraph
W
shall not be entitled to vote at any meeting of the Council and shall not count
W
towards a quorum.
W
COMMITTEES
M
appointment.
O
.C
(3) A decision of a committee of the Council shall be of no effect until it is
G
confirmed by the Council.
N
ES
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM M
TI
The Bill seeks to establish the National Religious Equity Commission to be charged,
M
amongst other things, with the task to monitoring, investigating and prosecuting cases
IU
5.19.1 Conference was guided in its consideration on this critical areas of National
W
1. Nations the world over have made significant improvements in their standard
of living when they have tapped available resources of education, science and
technological know-how. Science and Technology touch all spheres of life (social,
economic, political etc.) and all sectors of society.
3. Science, and the technologies derived from it, form the basis of all human
activity, from the houses that we live in, the food that we eat, the cars that we drive, to
M
the electronic gadgetry in almost every home that we use to remain informed and
O
entertained. What is common to all the highly industrialized and advanced countries
.C
of the world, is their commitment and capacity to use science and technology to
G
socially and economically transform their society. Science and technology (S&T) is
N
intrinsically linked to most, if not all, sectors of an economy and development,
ES
therefore, many countries have demonstrated strong political will and leadership in
M
focusing on research & development in areas of their comparative advantages in
agriculture, mining, petrochemicals, and renewable energy, for example.
TI
M
their GDP to research and development. Between 2009 and 2013, while allocations for
R&D amounted to 3% or more of the GDP in Israel, Japan Germany and South Korea,
M
South Africa is about 1% and Nigerias allocation of 0.47% to 0.61% of GDP came in
RE
the form of the budgets. The Nigerian figure, however, included general recurrent and
.P
capital expenditures, and actual R&D does not feature in subsequent disbursements of
the allocations in that Ministry. While the federal government provides funds for
W
research to tertiary institutions through other sources, these research efforts are mostly
W
these research efforts were too often directed towards academic publications for
personal advancement, rather than economic and industrial growth.
5. One other evidence of our failure in Research and Development is the numbers
of patents applied for compared to countries such as China and the USA. Between
2009 and 2011, the average number of applications for patents in those countries was
FINAL CONFERENCE REPORT PAGE 457
between 238,000 and 310,330. While the figure for Egypt averaged over 500 for the
same period, that for Nigeria was about 45. Again, between 2006 and 2009, scientists
in China published an average number of 50,376 research papers in peer reviewed
journals, compared to Nigerian scientists with only 440 papers.
6. The low ranking of Nigeria in the Global Human Development index scale,
153 out of 187 countries is also related to her low acceptance of Science and
M
Technology.
O
.C
7. It can be seen that Nigeria is in this poor state because of poor political will and
G
commitment to the use of S&T as a tool for human development and corresponding
N
adequate funding for the sector.
ES
8. M
Despite the fact that Nigeria is blessed with abundant natural resources and a
large population, the national economy is characterised by:
TI
M
value addition;
M
ii. More than 50% of the population living under $1 a day due to
RE
poverty;
.P
and
W
W
10. Certain socio-economic features are found, from observation among the
technologically driven societies, and Nigeria should hasten to adopt them in order to
catch the technology train: high literacy rate, science education, healthy investment
M
climate, sound work ethic, pro-active political leadership and self-confidence.
O
.C
11. Conference observed that the Nigerian S&T sector is characterised by:
G
N
i. Lack of stability in the organisation of S & T system in the past;
ES
M
ii. Dearth of researchers and technical personnel as well as inadequate
planning in the production of such personnel;
TI
M
iii. Education and Research and Development ( R&D) not demand driven
IU
iv. Lack of synergy among system components in the public and private
RE
M
O
xi. Reliance on external research, result and resources.
.C
G
12. It is no longer enough for the nation to rely on the individual whims of a leader
N
to pay attention to S&T or not to, as that will not sustain the sweat and toil required
ES
for high growth in the difficult task ahead.
13.
M
The World Bank indicators of 2006, show that different levels of economic
TI
development are linked to the state of S & T in the different countries. For example
M
South Africa, a lower middle economy has been more productive in terms of patents
IU
14. Considering many more countries the differences in the GDP per capita are
RE
certainly due to inputs in the systems of S & T measured in terms of R&D expenditure
.P
as percentage of GDP.
W
S&T. Between 2009 and 2013, while allocation for R&D amounted to 3% or more of
W
the GDP in Israel, Japan, Germany and South Korea, South Africa is about 1%, and
Nigeria allocation of less than 0.5% of the GDP came in the form of budget. Nigerian
figure however, included general recurrent and capital expenditure, and actual R&D is
considerably less.
17. In the light of the foregoing and the need to give S&T the place it deserves in
the new Nigerian, Conference endorsed governments Science, Technology &
M
Innovation (ST&I), Policy (2012) with the following recommendations:
O
.C
a. In order to advance S&T development in Nigeria, there is the need to
G
faithfully implement the National Science, Technology and Innovation
N
Policy (ST&I), 2012. In this regard, Government should establish a
ES
Presidential Council on ST&I with the responsibility for approving
M
National ST&I strategy and ensure its successful implementation. Such
a Council should be chaired by the President of the Federal Republic of
TI
Nigeria and be composed of Heads of key ST&I related Ministries,
M
Sectors. The Council will render account to the Nation through the
Senate on an annual or other periodic basis. This is in order to effect
M
the S&T sector. The Council should be on the Federal Executive Bodies
list in the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria Section 153(1);
W
and
W
W
18. The funding of ST&I Foundation for R&D will be by way of not less than a
charge of 2% of the Federation Account or 2.5 % of the GDP, whichever is higher.
M
O
.C
19. Ajaokuta Steel Rolling Mill:
G
A flourishing foundry and fabrication industry are a strong indication of
N
the level of skilled workforce available in a nation. It is no wonder that 75% of
ES
the twenty largest economies in the world are among the twenty crude steel
M
producing countries to date. Nigeria must develop the steel industry as the
bedrock for industrialization. Despite the strategic role of iron and steel for
TI
technology advancement and industrialization a number of internal and
M
external factors have stalled the development of the sector. Arising from the
IU
above submissions, the Report of the Vision 2020 National Technical Working
Group on Science Technology and Innovation in Nigeria (2009) stated that the
M
and innovation in Nigeria (namely: foundries, versatile iron and steel industry,
.P
are simply not there, The completion of the Ajaokuta Steel Project remains
critical to the future of industrialization in Nigeria through science and
W
technology.
W
W
ii. The federal government should as a matter of urgency, halt the on-going
privatisation of all strategic industries such as the steel plant, Nigeria Defence
Industries etc. Collaboration with the private sector may be considered after
full development of these industries; and
M
O
iii. The Federal Government should provide the sum of USD$500 million required
.C
to complete the Ajaokuta Steel Project and the additional sum of USD$700
G
million for the infrastructure required by the steel plant to fast-track the
N
acquisition of skills in the fabrication and foundry industry.
ES
20. Radio and Television Licence M
Ownership of Radio and Television sets with which a person receives
TI
free-to-air programmes/signals of terrestrial broadcasting stations all year
M
round carry with it a yearly financial fee. In the United Kingdom, Local
IU
Councils collect the fee and remit it to the broadcasting stations. Unfortunately,
in the case of Nigeria, whilst the responsibility for collection was given to the
M
beneficiaries.
.P
21. Conference therefore decided that Section 1 (b) of the Fourth Schedule of the
W
should be deleted. This provision should give way to the operation and
W
M
revenues as concerns their roles and sources of revenue. Accordingly, the annual
O
average for the entire duration of advertising by public service broadcasting stations
.C
shall not exceed twenty minutes on working days. Advertising time which has not
G
been completely used up may be made up for to a maximum of three minutes on
N
working days. Public service broadcasting should not broadcast advertisements after
ES
7.00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays nor on public holidays which are observed
throughout the country. M
TI
24. Conference decided that adequate enabling laws be put in place to insulate
M
media operators. The State should take effective measures to prevent and shield them
IU
from any form of attack and to ensure perpetrators are punished while victims have
access to effective remedies. Also, a Special Trust Fund should be created to insulate
M
the industry from the vagaries of the economic power of the advertisers/ government.
RE
.P
collecting society for musical works, and to provide for licensing of multiple
W
collecting societies for musical works where there is support and request for the
W
28. Conference recommends that the existing rule which imposes a levy of 2.5%
M
on the revenue of broadcasting stations should be reviewed downward to a maximum
O
of 1%.
.C
i. Conference further decided that there should be two or three licensed
G
Broadcast Signal Distributors. As result of the aggressive timelines for
N
the transition from analogue to digital, terrestrial television
ES
broadcasting, the Broadcast Signal Distributors should be:
(a)
M
An entity carved out of the NTA and the FRCN which utilised their
TI
existing infrastructure as government has invested heavily over the
M
years in the broadcast industry through the NTA and FRCN and their
IU
29. Government should fund incentives to guarantee the manufacturers of Set Top
Boxes to site their companies in Nigeria, bearing in mind that the cost of a basic Set
Top Box should not be more than N2,000 to ensure affordability. Importation of set-
top boxes should be discouraged completely.
FINAL CONFERENCE REPORT PAGE 465
30. Seed grant should be provided for the broadcasting signal distributors for the
procurement of new digital transmitters, acquisition of all digitally compliant
broadcast equipment, and for human capital development.
31. The Content Service Providers would require funds to meet the challenges of
the new dispensation. The funding requirements for successful switchover will
M
involve among others the replacement of existing analogue production equipment,
O
owned by most broadcast stations, with digital broadcast production equipment. Since
.C
digital TV allows 4-8 channels in the space of one analogue spectrum segment, this
G
implies the quadruple of content requirements and increased production costs. This
N
calls for capacity building and maximum utilisation of talents and strengthening of the
ES
copyright agency and personnel.
32.
M
There should be an effective communication strategy to undertake public
TI
education to keep the public informed and prepare for the coming changes and ensure
M
acceptance.
IU
harnessed for national development, then a formal structure and system need to be put
in place:
.P
W
M
purposes. This figure has not even been approached yet in Nigeria, after seven
O
years. Hence, Conference recommended that the National Research and
.C
Innovation Fund (NRIF) as stipulated in the National Science, Technology and
G
Innovation Policy (2012) should be made a centralized fund, sourced from
N
Government special taxes, levies, and monies from R&D based Agencies, the
ES
Private Sector and International Organizations. This fund will be utilized for
M
Science, Technology and Innovation activities, service-wide to be managed
closely and transparently and monitored in line with international best
TI
practices. This Fund should also be enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal
M
Republic of Nigeria.
IU
quality and quantity by providing the critical mass of Science and Technology
.P
R&D capacity.
W
vi. Facilitate the acquisition of knowledge to adapt, utilise, replicate and diffuse
technologies for growth in a virile system of innovation;
M
vii. Support the establishing and strengthening of organisations, institutions and
O
structures for effective coordination and management of S&T activities;
.C
G
viii. Provide adequate and sustainable funding for the needed infrastructure
N
facilities for training and research and development;
ES
ix. M
Increase public awareness in S&T and their vital role in national development
through all possible means, including the media;
TI
M
x. Recognize the wide gap between what Nigeria should have achieved and where
IU
the one hand, and the S&T system in Nigeria, there should be a deliberate
W
M
soft loans and tax incentives;
O
.C
d. Facilitating interaction between such entrepreneurs and scientists; and
G
N
e. Directing that S&TI be integrated into the primary and secondary
ES
education curricula.
xiii.
M
Promote the translation of results into actual goods and services e.g. cassava
TI
flour in bread and other products, Nicosan drug for sickle cell disease
M
xiv. Declare an emergency on, and proceed to resuscitate such infrastructures as are
M
xv. Ensure that S & T permeate all strata of the economy, including the use of
weights and measures, even by ordinary folks in the market place;
xviii. Vigorously mobilise Nigerian S&T professionals and experts in the Diaspora to
play their rightful role in the national development, as successfully done in
India;
M
xix. Establish technology incubators in all tertiary institutions for the purpose of
O
high technology outputs by faculties;
.C
G
20. Take seriously the critical act of product branding, business development,
N
marketing creativity and innovation, as well as granting tax incentives to
ES
Nigerian producers in order to increase product acceptability, quality, and the
M
competitiveness of Nigerian products with imports; and
TI
21. Mainstream Science and Technology into all sectors of our economy.
M
IU
CAPACITY BUILDING
1. Conference noted that the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy
(1986 & 2012) captured the need for an appropriate curriculum for Science and
Technology. Similarly, the National Policy on Education (2013) highlighted
Basic Science and Technology training at all levels of education. However, the
FINAL CONFERENCE REPORT PAGE 470
curriculum needs to be translated into practice. As stated earlier, Curriculum is
a systematic and intended packaging of competencies (i.e. knowledge, skills
and attitudes that are underpinned by values) that learners should acquire
through organized learning experiences both in formal and non-formal settings
(UNESCO year). In particular, Conference recommends that Government
should:
M
a. Establish standards and policy for S &T education, and Quality
O
Assurance units all over the country for monitoring the progress;
.C
G
b. Popularize ST&I through regular technology workshops, fairs,
N
exhibition, S&T clubs and mass media (firms, newspapers, radio,
ES
television, Internet, etc);
c.
M
Utilize as much as possible Nigerian STE&I personnel and institutions
TI
for services and supplement if necessary, with foreigners;
M
IU
e. Pursue the further development and use of local languages for the
.P
M
polytechnics; 80: 20 in universities of technology in favour of Science;
O
.C
G
h. Initiate and support continuing education programmes aimed at specific
N
training for top level Science, Technology, Engineering and Innovation
ES
(STE&I) practising teachers, engineers and technologists;
i.
M
Establish Science and Technology Colleges in each local government
TI
area of the country as a means of giving practical training in different
M
endeavour;
W
W
M
actualized government should:
O
a. Restore the core values to education; integrity, honesty, discipline, focus,
.C
commitment, and passion for learning to acquire knowledge and skills;
G
N
b. Insist on zero tolerance for corruption, fraud, examination malpractice
ES
including dismissal of students and termination of appointment of staff with
malpractice; M
TI
c. Develop special S & T post-graduate programmes in Universities,
M
Polytechnics and Research Institutes with the aim of forging inroads into
IU
institutions;
.P
country;
W
M
j. Create special incentives for students and graduates of Science,
O
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education such as
.C
scholarships;
G
N
k. Encourage and provide opportunities for the products of informal training
ES
schemes in ST&I to go for further formal training;
M
l. Strengthen capacity building institutions within the military, public and
TI
private sectors of the economy;
M
IU
organizations;
.P
M
Conference decided that:
O
For the judicious management of the funds that may accrue from the
.C
various sources mentioned above (multinational companies, indigenous
G
entrepreneurs and public/private service organisations), there is the need to set
N
up a National Science and Technology Fund (NSTF) to among other things:
ES
(a) M
participate in the capitalization of research organizations formed
by public and private sectors;
TI
M
2. Conference resolved that the way forward is to strengthen the basic science and
W
that can lead to innovation and Strengthening the capabilities of the institutions by
W
M
O
(d) Institutionalization of competition amongst researchers and
.C
establishments for awards and grants; and
G
N
(e) Basing the funding of research projects on competition and relevance.
ES
3. M
In view of the foregoing, Conference further recommends that:
TI
(i) Federal Government should fund science and technology development
M
and
W
M
R and D activities,
O
.C
(v) Philanthropic contributions to the NSTF by individuals and groups for
G
specified R and D projects should be promoted;
N
ES
(vi) Disbursement of the National Science and Technology Fund(NSTF)
M
based on projects proposed by relevant professional bodies should be
ensured;
TI
M
encouraged;
W
M
exported from Nigeria.
O
.C
4. Promotion and Improvement of indigenous Technological Innovations:
G
Conference decided that the promotion of indigenous technological innovation
N
is necessary to develop a strategic plan backed by appropriate policy guidelines.
ES
The plan has to be geared towards:
i.
M
Documenting the technologies, including the reviving of those that have
TI
virtually gone extinct with the view to establishing a database;
M
IU
ii. Evaluating and assessing the technologies and the scientific principles
that informed such technologies that ought to be rediscovered and the
M
improvements;
.P
rule;
W
W
(b) An Innovation clusters involving both the government and private sector
based on agreed guidelines;
M
(c) Innovation fund as provided by the National Research and Innovation
O
Council;
.C
G
(d) Create efficient mechanism for the development of small and medium
N
scale enterprises (strat-ups and fledgling);
ES
(e) M
Ensure that fundamental discoveries are transformed into applications or
technological innovations;
TI
M
(f) Research and Development Centres must be well equipped, funded and
IU
(h) Restrict to a certain extent importation of goods and services for which
competencies exist in Nigerian for their production; and
W
W
M
a. A review of the Act establishing the Council of Registered
O
Builder of Nigeria;
.C
b. Registration of tradesmen and artisans; and
G
N
c. Monitoring of new scheme on Building sites,
ES
(iii) To further empower the Council of all registered professional bodies in
M
the Building Industry to play their roles in this sector, the National
TI
Assembly should expedite action for the passage of:
M
IU
Industry.
RE
3. Communication Technology
i) All security agencies in the country to key into the NPSCS Network for
their communication needs;
M
keys into the Network for their communication needs;
O
.C
iii). All Government agencies to utilize NIGCOMSAT Ltd and Ministry of
G
Communication Technology services;
N
ES
iv). The prohibition of indiscriminate deployment of disparate systems for
M
security, communication need without recourse to NIGCOMSAT Ltd
and Ministry of Communication Technology;
TI
M
v). Government offices and MDAs that lease satellite bandwidth from
IU
and
W
4. Nuclear Technology
To facilitate the development of Nigerias nuclear capability,
Conference recommended that:
a) Government should pursue vigorous manpower development for Nuclear
Technology; and
M
Conference decided that:
O
a). A National Biodiversity Conservation Authority be established. State
.C
Biodiversity Board and Local Government Biodiversity Task Forces
G
should be created;
N
ES
b). Government should discourage the use of foreign plants for
M
afforestation, so that indigenous flora ecosystem is protected from
extinction and disease;
TI
M
c). Government should fast-track the passage of the Bill establishing the
IU
d). There is need to fast-track the passage of the bill on BIOSAFETY, with
RE
h). Deliberate steps should be taken to recruit staff with required expertise,
who can add value to the Agency;
M
maintained to ensure that staff remain productive and free of concerns
O
which inhibit productive and innovative research and work;
.C
G
j). States should be involved in biotechnology development, as well as the
N
private sector to cut cost and also give the students the needed relevant
ES
experience;
k).
M
There should be increased and improved training and retraining facilities
TI
and international exposure;
M
IU
m). More collaboration between the cognate ministries such as Science and
.P
M
O
ii. Agencies of government that have been established to supervise/execute
.C
one aspect of technology acquisition should be revitalized so they
G
deliver what is expected. Prominent among these is the National office
N
for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP);
ES
iii. M
Tertiary educational institutions in the country should be required to
develop a master plan for Technology Transfer with clear and specific
TI
focus on areas of excellence. More Technology Parks should be set up.
M
v. There should be greater protection of the local industry and market. The
W
other sectors;
vi. Specific laws and guidelines should be made for Cyber-Cafe operators
and Internet Service Providers to protect children from access to
dangerous sites so as to make IT safe for children and young people.
M
O
3 Standardization and Quality Assurance.
.C
G
Conference decided that:
N
a) Agencies set up to establish standards and monitor compliance should be
ES
directly from related taxes such as import and excise duties;
M
b) Regulatory agencies should license tertiary research institution and reputable
TI
private laboratories to undertake standardisation measurements on their behalf;
M
and
IU
c) There should be clear political will and commitment to implement the policies
M
M
have access to effective remedies;
O
c. States should ensure that laws relating to defamation conform to
.C
the following standards:
G
N
No one shall be found liable for true statements, opinions or
ES
statements regarding public figures which are reasonable to make in
.
the circumstances. M
TI
d. Economic Measures: The states shall promote a general
M
2. Broadcasting
W
Across the world, radio and television licence fees form a major
revenue source for the funding of broadcasting stations, particularly,
W
a) Sweden
M
O
Funds collected through licence fees are distributed by the
.C
government through three ownership foundations:
G
Swedish radio, which manages public radio; Swedish
N
television, which manages public television; and Swedish
ES
Educational Broadcasting, which oversees educational
M
content for both public television and radio.
TI
b) United Kingdom
M
IU
television sets;
RE
channels;
c) France
M
The system provides that public broadcasting should be
O
financed by a 50-50 split between revenues from licence fees
.C
and revenues from advertising;
G
N
The Ministry of Culture sets the amount of the licence fee;
ES
and
M
TI
The administration of the collection of the fee is handled by
the Department of Licensing for Audio-Visual Services,
M
d) Japan
RE
e) Greece
M
O
.C
G
g. Conference therefore proposed that:
N
ES
i. Section l (b) of the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution
M
which empowers local governments to collect radio and
television licence fees should be removed/deleted completely
TI
from the 1999 Constitution. This provision should give way
M
M
sources of revenue accruable to Public and Private Broadcasting
O
Stations in Nigeria as contained in the Mass Communications
.C
Policy in the 1999 Constitution as a binding constitutional
G
provision.
N
ES
14 RELIEFS: M
Conference decided that there should be an amendment of the
TI
National Broadcasting Commission Act or the inclusion in the
M
world as follows:
RE
.P
M
shall not exceed 20 minutes on working days.
O
Advertising time which has not been completely used
.C
up may be made up for up to a maximum of 3 minutes
G
on working days;
N
ES
(ii) Public service broadcasting stations shall not broadcast
M
advertisement after 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays
or on Public holidays which are observed throughout
TI
the country; and
M
IU
M
stations; and
O
.C
(ii) There should be an expansion of membership of the Governing Board of
G
the Nigerian Copyright Commission by amending Section 35 of the
N
Copyright Act to include at least four representatives of broadcasting
ES
stations as members of the Governing Board of the Commission.
4.
M
Broadcast Rights to International Sporting Events.
TI
Conference decided there should be:
M
match in which Nigerias national teams are playing against any opponent
RE
as a matter of right;
.P
match in which Nigerias national teams are playing against any opponent
as a matter of right; and
c) Conference decided that the existing rule which imposes a levy of 2.5%
on the revenue of broadcasting stations should be reviewed downward to
a maximum of 1%.
M
O
a) An entity carved out of the NTA and the FRCN which utilised their
.C
existing infrastructure as government has invested heavily over the
G
years in the broadcast industry through the NTA and FRCN and their
N
infrastructure can be used as the backbone for the establishment of
ES
one of the Broadcast Signal Distributors; and
b)
M
A consortium of State and Private Broadcasters formed under the
TI
auspices of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON). In the
M
same vein, these State and Private broadcasters have invested heavily
IU
cost of a basic Set Top Box should not be more than N2,000 to ensure
W
completely;
iii) Seed grant should be provided for the broadcasting signal distributors for
the procurement of new digital transmitters, acquisition of all digitally
compliant broadcast equipment, and for human capital development;
M
building and maximum utilisation of talents and strengthening of the
O
copyright agency and personnel; and
.C
G
v. There should be an effective communication strategy to undertake public
N
education to keep the public informed and prepare for the coming changes
ES
and ensure acceptance.
(ii) The requisite manpower in ICT should be trained to create jobs and check the
W
(iv) Measures should be adopted to reduce the cost of accessing ICT tools such
as computers; and
M
O
.C
5.20 TRANSPORTATION
G
5.20.1 THE NIGERIAN TRANSPORTATION SECTOR
N
ES
General Issues:
All transport investments need to be subject to careful analysis to ensure that the
M
benefits, net of the costs, meets appropriate investment criteria and represent value for
TI
money; while policies and plans are practical and sustainable. The Governments
M
DECISIONS OF CONFERENCE
M
Nigeria should:
RE
i. Have a policy formulating body which is the Council and the National
.P
ii. Create independent economic and safety regulation departments for the
W
M
O
5.20.2 RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE:
.C
Conference decided thus:
G
i. A shift from road to rail is essential to achieve greater efficiency and lower
N
transport costs, eventually leading to a positive impact on economic
ES
growth;
ii. M
Nigeria does not have an integrated, inter-modal transport system. There is
therefore, the need to invest in inter modal linkages to integrate operations,
TI
especially between the PortRailInland Container Depot (ICD)Road
M
cargoes are transferred between ocean going ships and road transport. The
M
iii. Though the Master Plan for Integrated Transport Infrastructure provides
.P
the basis for the FGN to develop an inter-modal plan, it is the resolution of
W
sector inputs;
W
iv. There are considerable potentials for the railways to recapture the market
of low value, bulk commodities, container traffic and the distribution of
petroleum products. The railway has, however, failed to grow its overall
market share between 1996 and 2001, despite the steady growth of trade;
The railways are carrying less than 1% of the total cargo throughput
M
the private sector and state governments in rail development;
vi. Federal Government should be saddled with the responsibility of
O
.C
constructing rail lines to important commercial nerve centres and all state
capitals while States should engage themselves with Intra-state Network
G
and Metrolines (intra-city);
N
vii. conference regrettably observed the neglect of the ancillary railway
ES
network meant to have an efficient and effective Ajaokuta Steel Plant, and
calls for urgent action;
M
TI
viii. Conference identified the fact that the rolling Stock (Wagons and coaches)
M
of our railways are in very poor condition, but noted that the Ajaokuta
Steel Complex if operationalised can in concert with the Aladja Steel plant
IU
and the three inland rolling mills located at Oshogbo, Katsina and Jos
M
produce the raw material components of the rolling stock that is modern
RE
ix. Conference also of the view that instead of heaping the burden of rail
W
M
Lagos and Kano, Port Harcourt Maiduguri with branch offs to Jos and
can also be used to integrate every vital part of the federation to the
O
national rail system;
.C
xi. To this end Conference decided that the existing Master Plan for
G
Integrated Transport Infrastructure or the 25 Year Strategic Vision should
N
be modified to accommodate the inclusion of the railway system to
ES
locations with natural resources, commercial nerve centres and to state
M
capitals that have never had railways. The rail expansion programme will
TI
have a greater economic impact on the Nigerian economy than the RMP.
The revitalisation should commence simultaneously with the rehabilitation
M
xii. Railway construction must also have a dualization policy to allow for mass
M
movement of trains;
RE
xiii. A decision has to be made on which gauge to adopt for the expansion
taking into account the transhipment costs incurred between narrow and
.P
standard gauge and the need for seamless train movements within the
W
acquired for the proposed expansion. Linking the Federal Capital Territory
to the railway system and to the three major ports must be a priority. The
W
M
improved performance. The NTC shall accurately determine the total number of
O
roads, give identification number to each of the roads covered and their
.C
geographical directions and finally produce a geographical road-map for
G
Nigerian roads, and:
N
ES
a. Monitor the development and the condition of the Nigerian roads
system; M
b. Establish general road development and road maintenance strategies
TI
based on the perceived needs of road users and the existing road
M
conditions;
IU
maintenance;
W
M
attract additional funding by promoting private sector investment in the
upgrade and maintenance of roads and management of tolls through PPPs. In
O
.C
this way, performance risk will be passed to the private sector and there will
be a strong discipline for efficient delivery of services. To find the funds to
G
meet the high cost of rehabilitation and improvement programmes:
N
ES
a. additional sources of revenue need to be considered to fund the roads,
M
including user charges in the form of road tolls; and
TI
b. better control and more efficient use of available funds is also needed;
M
IU
iv. Conference was also of the view that Government should introduce user charges
on Federal Roads, as the primary means of augmenting the budgetary allocation
M
v. All roads and highways should be rehabilitated and maintained using technically
.P
vi. The current dualisation programme of all highways leading to the Federal Capital
Territory by the Federal Government is commendable and should be hastened;
W
and
W
M
i. Lagos-Ibadan- Ilorin- Mokwa- Suleja- Kano(north-south
O
rehabilitation/dualisation)
.C
ii. Onne-Warri-Benin- Lokoja-Abuja(North/South and East/West
G
dualisation/rehablitaion
N
iii. Enugu-Makurdi-Lafia-Akwanga(North-South rehabilitation/dualisation)
ES
iv. Maiduguri-Damaturu-Dutse-Kano(East-West dualisation/rehabilitation)
v. Onne-Aba-Uyo-Calabar(East-West rehabilitation/ upgrading)
M
vi. Jos-Akwanga-Abuja (dualisation/rhabilitation)
TI
vii. Enugu-Port Harcourt(North-South rehabilitation)
M
xiii. Yenagoa Nembe Brass Road (to serve AGIP terminal and the proposed
W
M
Border;
O
ix. Otta Idiroko - Benin Republic Border;
.C
x. Sokoto Badagry Seme - Benin Republic Border;
G
N
c) Phase Three 2025-2030
ES
i. Sokoto-Gausau-Zaria(East-West rehabilitation/upgrading)
ii. M
Maiduguri-Jalingo- Calabar (East-West rehabilitation)
TI
iii. Kano-Katsina-Niger border(East-West rehabilitation)
M
ix. The completion of the Billiri Mutum Daya Karim-Lamido Jalingo Road
W
in Taraba State.
W
viii. Government, through Public Private Partnership (PPP), should hasten the
provision of modern services such as Parks for trailers and tankers,
Weighbridges, Rest stations, Recovery vans, Medical facilities, Security outposts
M
etc. on the highways. Incentives should also be given to the private sector for the
building of trailer parks;
O
.C
ix. Government should utilise other sources of revenue including amongst others,
toll gates, vehicle tax, weighbridges and parking fees and Petroleum Tax;
G
N
x. Government should establish a Special Bank (Transport Development Bank-
ES
TDB) to support national transport development through the provision of loan
facilities to key stakeholders;
xi.
M
The Federal and other tiers of Government and the development partners
TI
should broaden the scope of the RAMP to transform Rural Roads in all States
M
taxes and weighbridge fees should be allocated to the Local Government Areas
RE
for the purpose of development and maintenance of the rural feeder roads;
xii. Funding:
.P
M
means of augmenting the budgetary allocation for road maintenance and
O
rehabilitation;
.C
c. Private sector funding through investment: Innovative approaches to the
G
management and financing of the road network are emerging through
N
private sector participants. Governments across the world are now
ES
working with the private sector not only to provide service, but to build
M
new roads and maintain existing ones. A major way of involving the
private sector in road construction and maintenance is through road toll
TI
concession with alternative routes. Under this arrangement the private
M
ii. Preparation of the list of such roads and the potential ones that will
go on toll concession
W
M
Transfer system would either construct a new road, or upgrade an
existing one with alternative routes;
O
.C
b. Establish government owned autonomous Toll Roads Authority in the
case of roads for which there are no private sector concessionaires; and
G
xiv. Government should commence work on the Nigerian section of the Trans
N
African Highway.
ES
M
5.20.4 ROADS SERVICES
TI
M
State Governments should introduce well organised high capacity bus mass
transit systems which the existing infrastructure can accommodate. In order to achieve
IU
resources, and that there will be a changing role for the unions;
W
iv. It is important for government to develop the required bus infrastructure such
M
as bus stops and terminals, garages and depots. Effective road maintenance
O
along designated bus routes will be necessary and measures taken against
.C
encroachment by markets and other users. In appropriate circumstances,
Bus Rapid Transit will be the right solution and physically segregated lanes
G
will need to be constructed;
N
ES
v. The provision of proper maintenance facilities is essential in meeting the vision
and policy objectives. Vehicle suppliers may have a role to play but the
M
extent of the role needs to be clearly understood but the onus for providing
TI
a defined level of service should also rest with the operator;
M
vi. The bus operator is likely to be required to possess adequate facilities for at
IU
route licence which might have a short duration, say five years;
vii. Government should review and harmonise the roles and functions of
.P
viii. Road design standard and road worthiness of vehicles (MOT) on highways
should meet international standards. Relevant agencies should review existing
laws for effective implementation.
M
iii. Review and update the Ports Master Plan, driven by integration between
federal and state governments and the transport network, particularly
O
.C
rail;
iv. Within the framework of the Ports Master Plan, fast track the
G
development of additional ports that will have the capacity to attract
N
large vessels and be a transit hub, such as Lekki, Badagry, Olokola,
ES
Ibaka, Agge and Ogidigben so as to encourage reduction of ship
turnaround time;
M
TI
v. Reduction of ship turnaround time by improving discharge operations
M
rehabilitate those that are presently linked to railway and land transport
W
M
ii. Assist the development of other activities reliant on inland waterways such as
tourism, agriculture and rural development;
O
.C
iii. Increase the competitive edge of inland waterways as an alternative mode of
transport especially in the conveyance of heavy cargo thereby increasing
G
inter-modalism;
N
ES
iv. Dredging of the rivers/Ports, development of more Inland River ports with
adequate facilities as well as convenient links to the cities and
M
encouragement of local construction of shallow river vessels and barges
TI
designed for local needs;
M
maintenance dredging will reduce and will guarantee an all year round
W
navigation;
W
viii. For effective coverage of the Nations over 3,000 km navigable waterways, for
W
M
5.20.7 MARINE TRANSPORTATION: SHIPPING
In view of the identified challenges in the sector, Conferences resolution is for
O
.C
government to:
G
Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) must comply with the
N
ES
Act;
be given the right of first refusal in the transportation of products and services
from the oil and gas sector;
IU
iii. Integrate the steel plants to the provision of steel and allied products for ship
M
building and a deliberate policy tying the Naval dry dock and other ship
RE
building yards should be tied to the funding program involving local finance
institutions and improvement on Manpower and Technological Development
.P
iv. Facilitate full indigenous participation in the carriage of cargoes including the
W
vi. Deploy monetary and fiscal policies that adequately favour the shipping
companies. This will in turn:
M
vii. The Cabotage Act should be reviewed to effectively achieve its set objectives;
O
and
.C
viii. Nigeria should establish a National Coast Guard for effective security in
G
Nigerian coastal waterways and to protect Nigerians fisheries resources.
N
ES
5.20.8 AVIATION SECTOR: INFRASTRUCTURE
i. Safety and Security
Conference noted that:
M
TI
To comply with ICAO regulations Aeronautical Accident Investigation should
M
charged with the responsibility of the investigation of any accident or incident arising
RE
should also investigate serious aviation incidents as defined by ICAO and publish
monthly bulletins of accident reports and special one-off publications for serious
incidents and accidents.
M
aviation regulatory organisation, at least the following two acts would be required to
O
simplify the structure:
.C
a. Civil Aviation Act; and
G
b. Aviation Security and Anti-terrorism Act
N
In view of the foregoing, Conference decided that:
ES
i. Public-Private Partnerships or Joint Ventures should be encouraged to the
M
extent that the country can benefit from the BASA and OSA agreements it has
TI
entered into with other countries, through growing local aviation capacity to
M
qualify for ICAO principles and standards for international flight services;
IU
ii. All efforts should be made to complete and on schedule the ongoing upgrade
of the local international airports, especially the 5 new international airports
M
and the 22 local airports nationwide, to the extent that the Nigerian Aviation
RE
iii. The interest of the people living with disabilities should be incorporated in the
.P
vi. Government should be serious with fight against corruption. The case of the
Aviation Intervention Fund should be thoroughly investigated and offenders
M
should be and prosecuted and punished;
O
vii. National Interest and Security shall be uppermost in the minds of government
.C
officials while granting approvals, permits and rights to users of the Nigerian
air space and airports. With the spate of insecurity in the country, it is
G
imperative that appropriate checks be put in place not only to regulate air
N
services but to ensure safety of lives;
ES
viii. a second Run-Way be put in place as a matter of critical urgency at the Nnamdi
Azikiwe International Airport;
M
TI
ix. Conference was is of the opinion that instead of using the word merger which
M
would mean the integration of the functions of the regulatory and services
IU
agencies, the agencies distinct functions should be over sighted and regulated
by the FCAA who would ensure the independence of the agencies and that
M
each agency carries their different functions in line with ICAO/SARPS for the
RE
regulatory agencies like NCAA and the demands of the services agencies like
NAMA, NIMET, FAAN and NCAT; and
.P
W
M
(EU) and other favoured trading nation states, should generally seek to open up and
O
liberalise agreements to enable airlines operate competitively.
.C
G
Nigeria should also encourage private participation in the provision of aviation
N
services so that the country can fully benefit from the BASA and OSA agreements. .
ES
The same is true of its airlines having the capacity to qualify for the ICAO principles
and standards for international flight services. M
TI
b. Training
M
Government should not only retool and upgrade the technical and human
capacity of NCAT but develop a program to encourage Nigerians pursue career
M
opportunities in the aviation industry. This can be done by adopting the approach used
RE
in the 1960s and 1970s where young Nigerians were trained as dedicated and skilled
.P
aviation professionals.
W
c. Funding
W
M
d. Significant reduction in land charge by FAAN;
O
.C
e. In addition government should grant a corporate tax holiday
for at least 15 years; and
G
N
f. Government should reduce insurance premiums paid by
ES
domestic airlines by empowering Nigerian insurance
companies to form a local aviation pool that is able to negotiate
M
better rates in the international insurance market for Nigerian
TI
airlines.
M
d. Airport Infrastructure
IU
viable PPPs that can integrate the international and domestic terminals, refurbishment
RE
of existing runways and construction of new ones where necessary like the Nnamdi
Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) Abuja, improvement of Navigation and
.P
Landing aids, and install runway lighting at 18l in Lagos, Akanu Ibiam Airport Enugu
W
M
O
F. Qualification and Tenure of Chief Executive Officers
.C
Government should ensure that only qualified persons with requisite professional
G
experiences are appointed as Ministers and Permanent Secretaries of the Aviation
N
Ministry and into agencies like the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA),
ES
Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and NAMA. Furthermore, government
M
should ensure that the appointment and removal of chief executives of the regulatory
and service agencies of the aviation industry are done in line with international best
TI
practice. The appointment of all the Chief Executive Officers on acting capacity is
M
in the industry;
W
5.20.10 PIPELINES
M
Conference recommended:
O
i. Linkages of the production and construction of pipelines and depots to
.C
the Ajaokuta Steel Plant, the Aladja Steel plant and the three Inland
G
Rolling Mills in Jos, Oshogbo and Katsina; and
N
ii. Deployment of modern technology that can be human signature-
ES
sensitive in securing, identifying and blocking vandalized pipelines until
repairs are carried out. M
TI
M
CONFERENCE
M
1. Anti-Corruption Measures
RE
public funds as largely responsible for this scenario. Conference advocated very stiff
W
officials. These deterrent measures will safeguard the delivery of the transportation
W
sector.
M
3. Poverty Alleviation
O
Conference decided that:
.C
i. The federal government needs to provide the framework for the provision of
G
accessible mass transit that can facilitate the realization of poverty
N
alleviation;
ES
ii. The transportation sector should not only create cosmopolitan centres but must
M
be remodelled to drive inclusive growth and creation through the linking of
TI
its services to those job creation sectors of the Nigerian economy in the rural
areas like agriculture, mining, manufacturing and markets;
M
Nigeria due to its capacity to create jobs and by implication alleviate poverty;
M
iv. Government should support unprofitable PPP projects through the funding of
RE
social service projects and regulate the profitable projects to ensure that
prices are kept at affordable levels and quality is maintained; and
.P
Conference decided that Government needs to review and update the draft
National Transport Policy and hold a public stakeholders consultation process on
the National Transport Policy that will take into account the views of key
stakeholders and users of the transport system.
i. Review the existing legislation by including all States and the private sector in
the provision of transport services provided such participation is subject tothe
policies and guidelines of the National Transport Commission This will allow
the development of transportation infrastructure to be inclusive of rights of
M
State governments to build intra-state transport infrastructure as well as
O
encourage private investors to build and operate rail,ports and road
.C
infrastructure and invest in critical sectors like mines, beneficiation plants and
G
integrated agriculture projects; and
N
ii. For effective and efficient transportation system, through healthy competition
ES
and specialization for agricultural, navigational, security, social services and
M
general economic wellbeing of the citizens; it is recommended that the sector
(Railway, Port, Land, Water, Sea and Air) be listed under the Concurrent
TI
Legislative List that will spell out the areas of legislative competence of both
M
6. Transportation Planning
M
RE
ii. The development of a definitive Integrated Transportation Master Plan for the
W
rate of return on each transport project looking at the economic impact and
financial implication of such projects.
M
d. Environmental benefits;
O
e. Health and safety benefits;
.C
f. Infrastructure maintenance benefits; and
G
g. Operation and maintenance benefits
N
ES
Conference observed that the Transport Master Plan will also support the
M
deployment of an Integrated Transport Infrastructure Programme that would
intricately tie a fixed and appreciable percentage of steel and allied materials for use in
TI
rail lines, roads construction, air ports remodelling and boat and ship building to the
M
Ajaokuta, Aladja, Oshogbo, Katsina and Jos steel plants and rolling mills.
IU
M
FRAMEWORK
.P
M
O
.C
2. Funding
G
N
a. Public Sector
ES
Conference emphasised that during the emergency period, the budget for
M
transportation infrastructure should be put on first line charge and adequate budgetary
TI
provisions must be made.
M
Conference observed that Federal and State governments can decide to allocate
IU
address specific issues such as improved access for disabled people and school
W
children;
W
iii. Intervention Funds: deployed to key sectors of the economy during times of
crisis or economic downturn as low-interest, repayable loans;
M
vi. Viability Gap Funding (VGF): to bridge the gap between financial and
O
economic rates of return on infrastructure projects, normally as a one-off
.C
payment at the start of a project which has high socio-economic benefits but
G
unattractive investment returns compared with alternative investment
N
opportunities, with the advantage over on-going subsidies of being finite and
ES
quantifiable;
M
TI
vii. Subsidies: to provide public sector obligations for unviable projects,
M
viii. Interest Draw Back: operators could borrow at market rate and the interest
RE
ix. Sure-P: should provide more funds for mass transit, considering that its source
W
of funds is from vehicle fuel. The funds so provided can be used for the setting
W
M
countries, and so on. These loans are for tenor of up to 50 years with
O
moratorium on principal repayments of up to 10 years;
.C
ii. Non-Concessional Loan for infrastructure projects are available mostly
G
to private sector led projects that have high socio-economic and
N
developmental impact. Interest rate is always around 4-10% per annum
ES
and tenor could be for up to 40 years;
iii. Availability of Technical Assistance and Grants Assistance for
M
capacity building and institutional strengthening targeted at specific
TI
institutions and programmes that would develop specific sectors,
M
iv. Clean Technology Fund Such as the Climate Investment Funds (CIFs)
were designed by developed and developing countries and are
M
the financing and learning gap between now and the next international
.P
M
ii. Private Sector Equity whereby individuals and some private organisations
O
through Venture Capitalists, Business Angels, Capital Market and others can
.C
provide equity to start up infrastructure projects and ventures. This is usually
G
risk capital that should ordinarily yield dividends at some point in the future.
N
Equity investment in transportation in Nigeria is usually limited to the
ES
provision of rolling stock and easily disposable items rather than
infrastructure;
M
iii. Contractual Savings Sector such as Pension Funds, Mutual Funds, and the
TI
Insurance Sector. Funds within this group are in excess of trillions of naira
M
and the Government must design policies and instruments that would allow
IU
iv. Export Credit Agency Facilities Whereby most developed countries have
.P
balance of 85% to be financed through the ECA. These are good for
W
M
could be explored to fund transportation services and infrastructure.
O
.C
d. Other potential areas of financial support
G
N
i. Government Credit Enhancement which not necessarily cash injections
ES
but incentives that stimulate investments into projects afforded that priority;
ii. Pioneer Status for landmark transport infrastructure projects could be
M
afforded Pioneer Status to encourage private sector investment and return
TI
on their invested capital. Pioneer Project status could be in the form of tax
M
funding through institutions such as the DFIs and other Donor Agencies.
RE
describe the percentage which the borrower needs to contribute in order for
W
Government should leverage on the success of PPP in the ports subsector, and extend
same to follow in other parts of the transportation sector.
M
O
.C
G
N
5.20.13 CONCLUSION
ES
It is the view of this Conference that considering the role of transportation in
M
the effective functioning of many other sectors of the economy, it is imperative that
TI
the overall objectives set for the sector should be such that the quality, cost, and
quantity of service provided by different modes namely road, rail, inland waterways,
M
shipping and airlines is optimized through development models that ensure that:
IU
emphasis on safety;
W
iv. User charges take into account both the benefits and affordability to users,
W
and create a level playing field between different providers and transport
W
modes;
v. Transport provision, and its costs provide choice for users, and the
transportion of freight;
vi. Costs imposed by borrowing to invest be fair and appropriate where
transport costs are subsidised, this should be in response to specific market
failings or for quantifiable social benefit; and
FINAL CONFERENCE REPORT PAGE 525
vii. The procurement of private sector contracts be based on fair and transparent
competition, and decisions on the roles of public and private parties based
on value for money.
From the foregoing, Conference believes that resolving the perennial challenges
of our transportation sector would require the integration of transport with national
development priorities through the deployment of appropriate funding and financing
M
mechanism that would enhance the delivery of efficient and effective transportation
operations that would protect our economy and encourage inclusive growth.
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6.0 CONSTITUTIONAL, LEGAL AND POLICY MODALITIES FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RESOLUTIONS OF THE
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NATIONAL CONFERENCE
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6.1 AGRICULTURE AND WATER RESOURCES
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6.1.1 Constitutional Matters
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S/N RESOLUTIONS RELEVANT OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTING
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SECTIONS AGENCIES
1 Strengthen the provisions of the Water Decree 101 of 1993 a. Chapter II a. Ensure safe and a. The Presidency
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through a review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to adequate water
b. Chapter IV b. National Assembly
include the definition of access to water resources, the supply
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establishment of water protection zones, regulation on raw water c. Second Schedule, c. States Houses of
abstraction and sanctions for water misuse, pollution, and Part I and II Assembly
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punishment for those who sabotage assets and frustrate efforts to
provide water for all. The amendments should include:
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i. Access to safe and adequate water as a Fundamental Human
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Right.
ii. Trans-boundary waters should be placed on the Exclusive
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iv. Set specific standards and limits for the various uses of water
domestic, commercial, industrial, fisheries and other
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S/N RESOLUTIONS PROPOSED/ OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTING
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EXISTING AGENCIES
POLICIES
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1. a. Link agricultural policy frameworks to the global policy a. Nigerian a. Streamline and a. The Presidency
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dynamics to attract foreign investors and aids/grants. Agricultural Policy harmonise
b. Federal Ministry of
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b. Leverage on Research and Development to drive b. Agricultural Federal
Agriculture & Rural
Government
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agricultural production. Transformation Development
Agenda participation in
c. Create intersect oral linkages to facilitate access to finance agriculture c. Federal Ministry of
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and input service delivery in agricultural production development to Industry, Trade &
d. Develop Agricultural Trade policy to encourage agricultural emphasize Investment
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exports and discourage importation agricultural d. Federal Ministry of
research and Finance
e. Provide infrastructure as part of general rural development
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development,
effort. intersect oral e. Central Bank of
Nigeria
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linkages,
implementation f. State Ministries of
of policies and
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Agriculture
programmes.
g. State Ministries of
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Industries
h. State Ministries of
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Finance
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2. a. All forms of extension work should be devolved to the Nigerian Agricultural a. Encourage a. Office of the
States Governments. Policy States to focus Secretary to the
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Agricultural
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programmes set up to generate employment or create wealth Agriculture &
b. To encourage
that are working at cross purposes or duplicating each Rural Development
Productivity in
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other's functions in order to create an umbrella National
agricultural c. Federal Ministry of
Scheme to pursue common objectives.
Sector Finance
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d. Encourage private sector participants as agric-equipment
d. States Ministries
vendors, through soft loans, tax exemptions, duty-waivers,
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of Agriculture
etc.
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e. Source and import rugged, small scale equipment for sale to
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those newly trained mechanized farmers.
f. Facilitate access to farmlands for young farmers even on
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renewable-term basis, until they are able to acquire their
own land.
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3. a. Link all the Federal Agriculture-related Research National Agricultural a. Enhance the a. Federal Ministry of
Agriculture & Rural
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Centres/Institutes with the Faculties of Agriculture in the Research and role of
Federal Universities close to such Centres. Development Policy Agricultural Development
b. States Ministries of
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b. Re-engineer and re-focus the Agricultural Research Council Research and
Development in Agriculture
of Nigeria. c. Agricultural
Agricultural
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c. Support the development of a farmers-led Commodity production, Research Council of
Marketing Board and demand-driven marketing commodity Nigeria
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e. Strengthen effective operational connectivity with the States government f. Federal Universities
in the service delivery of the current subsidy regime and distribution g. State Universities
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current policy drive, so as to ensure sustainability. private sector Agriculture
system utilizing
f. Imbibe and assimilate the culture of patience and discipline
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input vouchers
in the implementation and sustainability of policies and
programmes. c. To promote
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productivity and
effectiveness.
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a. Efficient and
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4. a. Undertake soil survey operations in a systematic manner, a. Federal Ministry of
such that year after year contiguous Local Government effective use of
Agriculture & Rural
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Areas and/or States should be surveyed with the aim of Agricultural
Development
eventually having the entire country covered by semi- land resources
to increased b. States Ministries of
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detailed and eventually detailed soil surveys.
agricultural Agriculture
b. Carry out extensive enlightenment campaigns on the use of production
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c. Research Institutes
soil survey information for improved control of erosion, b. To provide under the Federal
desertification and flood, in English and in local languages friendly soil
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Ministry of
throughout the country, using electronic and print media as maps for states Agriculture
well as agricultural extension agents. c. To promote
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c. Conduct extensive needs assessment of soil and water
laboratories available in the country so as to systematically
effective
dissemination
d. Federal Ministry of
Water Resources
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upgrade at least two laboratories in each political zone in the of information e. State Ministries of
country. to stem erosion, Water Resources
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desertification
d. Consult and compensate land owners irrespective of and flood f. Federal Ministry of
purposes for which land is acquired. d. To make Works
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e. To reduce
tension arising
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acquisition
5. a. Intensify manpower development and training programmes National Water Using irrigation a. The Presidency
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on the management, operation and maintenance of the Conservation and system to b. Federal Ministry of
.C
different components of large scale irrigation schemes Irrigation Policy revolutionize all
Agriculture & Rural
(surface/non-pressurised and pressurised). year round
Development
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b. Adopt the current draft National Irrigation and Drainage agricultural
production c. Federal Ministry of
Policy which provides the essential guidance necessary for
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Water Resources
irrigation farming.
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d. River Basins
c. Develop a formal structure and institutional framework for
Development
cooperation between all irrigation stakeholders at all levels.
Authorities
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d. Determine a practical fee structure to ensure appropriate
financial returns that will ensure the availability of funds for
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proper maintenance and improvement of completed
irrigation systems.
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e. Undertake a diligent and holistic study of all the large dams
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in the country to determine their state and to take immediate
action where maintenance or repair is required.
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6. a. Recognise the synergy between climate change and National Adaptation Address climate a. The Presidency
irrigation in the Agricultural Policy of Nigeria and the Strategy and Plan of change issues in
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b. Federal Ministry of
Agricultural Transformation Agenda. Action on Climate agricultural Agriculture & Rural
b. Synchronise the National Irrigation and Drainage Policy, the Change in Nigeria
production
Development
(NASCPA CCN).
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Environment
Blueprint or Action Plan.
d. Nigeria
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Plan of Action on Climate Change in Nigeria (NASCPA
CCN).
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e. Introduce species of trees/crops that are adapted to deserts
and minimum water.
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7. a. Encourage private sector participants as agric-equipment a. Fiscal Strategy Using tax policy to a. Federal Ministry of
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vendors through soft loans, tax exemptions, duty-waivers, Paper encourage Finance
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etc., to source and import rugged, small scale equipment for b. National Tax agriculture b. Federal Ministry of
sale to those newly trained mechanized farmers production
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Policy Agriculture
8. a. Establish a strong institution akin to the defunct Federal Nigerian Agricultural Ensuring proper a. The Presidency
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Agricultural Coordinating Unit (FACU) in the Federal Policy sectoral
b. Federal Ministry of
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development that will coordination for the
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Agriculture & Rural
effectively coordinate and monitor the contribution of other agriculture Development
agencies to agricultural development, as well as make production.
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informed contributions to the budget and resource allocation
of relevant Institutions/Ministries to agriculture.
9. IU
a. Develop a formal structure and institutional framework for National Policy on Effective a. Federal Ministry of
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cooperation between all irrigation stakeholders at all levels. River Basin Authority management of Agriculture & Water
Development irrigation systems Resources
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for improved
agricultural
productivity
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10. a. Establish a well-structured promotion of the institutions and Nigerian Agricultural a. The Presidency
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i. Commodity trading exchanges which allow spot and Agriculture & Rural
forward sales as well as crops being used as collateral Development
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c. Federal Ministry of
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Investment
iii. Government (Federal/State) guarantee scheme for cash
crops, especially those for export d. Federal Ministry of
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b. Expedite the establishment of the necessary policy and Finance
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legislative frameworks to make them a reality in the short e. Central Bank of
term. Nigeria
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f. Securities &
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Exchange
Commission
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11. a. Promote research and development of indigenous and a. Nigerian Adopt mechanised a. The Presidency
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appropriate agricultural machinery, taking into consideration Agricultural Policy farming to ensure
b. State Governments
the culture and traditions of the people. sustainable
b. National Science c. Federal Ministry of
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b. Introduce policies for the protection of local entrepreneurs, agriculture for
and Technology Agriculture & Rural
and timelines for transfer to the use of local technology. Policy domestic
Development
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consumption and
c. Promote mechanised agriculture at all levels using exports d. Federal Ministry of
appropriate technology and mechanical power as well as the
use of cooperatives.
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Technology
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d. Revive farm settlements. e. Research and
e. Develop a policy to provide basic infrastructure in all areas Development
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for income generation both internally and for foreign
exchange earnings;
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i. Government Policy should enhance the availability of
improved seedlings for Agricultural and Horticultural
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purposes, for increase in food production and income
generation.
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12. a. Adequate funding should be devoted to biotechnological National Effective use of a. The Presidency
research, especially those that do not involve cross-species Biotechnology and Biotechnology to
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b. Federal Ministry of
genetic manipulations. Biodiversity Policy improve Science &
b. Public participation when applications to introduce GMOs agricultural
Technology
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are being considered. production
c. Federal Ministry of
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c. Specify clearly how large-scale field trials would be Agriculture & Rural
contained and regulated to avoid contamination of Development
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surroundings or farms.
d. National
d. Specify criteria for risk assessment and such assessments Biotechnology
must be carried out in Nigeria and not offshore.
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e. The implementation of the precautionary principle that
Development
Agency
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entitles our government to decide against approval or for
restriction in cases of incomplete or controversial
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knowledge.
13. a. Complement the incentive policy for nomadic education a. National Policy on Using modern a. The Presidency
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with an enforcement mechanism that would require nomadic Nomadic technique and b. Ministry of Culture
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households to register for Government services in their Education policy linkages to and Tourism
locations of choice for access to services (including enhance livestock
b. National Policy on c. National Institute for
W
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implementation. Finance stability
e. Central Bank of
c. Phase out cattle routes and grazing reserves in the long term Nigeria
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to lay emphasis on ranching. f. National Planning
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d. Bring cattle rustling under control by better policing because Commission
it is a disincentive to ranching. In the meantime, States g. Federal Ministry of
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which have large livestock populations should endeavour to
Education
maintain grazing reserves.
N
h. Federal Ministry of
e. The traditional institutions should be primarily responsible
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Power
for the Conflict Resolution between the Herdsmen and
Farmers, and also their respective Associations. Where i. Nigeria Police Force
M
resolutions failed, then the Alternative Dispute Resolution j. Multi-Door Courts
(ADR) Centre should be their last resort.
k. Transmission
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f. Ensure humane handling of animals being transported to and Company of Nigeria
from markets. Fine for any act of cruelty to livestock, should
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be impose. l. Traditional
institutions
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g. Establish comprehensive private-public contributory poultry
insurance for the subsector, coupled with appropriate m. Federal Ministry of
investment guarantee and credit guarantee schemes. Agriculture
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h. Enhance inter-seasonal and inter-year food price stability for
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food and value added products over similar imported
products.
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l. Provide access roads to farming communities in the
hinterlands to reduce handling and transportation damages
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and consequential losses in agricultural produce.
G
m. Stabilize and provide electric power so as to ensure prompt
and long term storage and processing. Economic produce
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storage and processing cannot be realized under a system
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dependent on self-generation of power.
n. Promote research in control of post-harvest losses by
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upgrading and funding existing institutions and centres
involved in such research and activities to ensure year round
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agricultural produce.
o. Construct silos for grain farmers; compartmentalised cold
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rooms for fish farmers; and other types of appropriate
storage and preservative facilities at appropriate strategic
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area across the Country, to attract token from farmers as
encouragement to produce to their maximum capacity.
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p. Put in place special incentives and agricultural loan facilities
for agricultural produce processing industry across the
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country.
14. a. Consider private sector participation in the regulatory a. Water Resource Effective a. Federal Ministry of
.P
framework which will open up new financing opportunities. Management and management of Water Resources
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b. The various draft policies with regard to the water sector are Conservation water resources b. Federal Ministry of
comprehensive and need to be updated, finalised and Policy through the River Finance
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Basin Development
implemented to give direction to efforts to effectively b. National Public
Authorities c. Bureau for Public
develop and manage activities in the sector. Private Partnership Enterprises
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holistic institutional management framework. Concession
c. Infrastructure
Regulatory
d. Increase Investment in infrastructure and in implementation Concession Policy
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Commission
of policies in this sector (new projects and the completion of
abandoned projects.) e. Nigeria Export
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Promotion Council
e. Address financing shortfalls for water infrastructure projects
G
through financing alternatives (as distinct from Government f. River Basins
funding) and income generation. Public Private Partnerships Development
N
(PPP) are a viable means. Authorities
ES
f. Restore dried up lakes and rivers as this will have g. Nigeria Integrated
consequences on the environment through the restoration of Water Resources
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ecosystems, and facilitate the return of cordial relationships Management
between affected communities. Commission
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g. Set specific standards and limits for the various uses of h. Research and
water domestic, commercial, industrial, fisheries and other Development
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agricultural uses for water to prevent pollution and also fix Institutes
penalties for non-compliance.
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i. Lake Chad Basin
h. Embark on manpower development at every level in the Commission
water sector to counteract the effects of low capacity and
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j. River Basin
ensure that the water mandate is executed. Development
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of the Lake Chad Basin Commission.
m. Commercialise not privatise River Basin Development
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Authorities to combine the need for income generation with
social obligations to local communities and farmers.
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n. The Federal Ministry of Water Resources as the supervising
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ministry should work out an implementation time table for
commercialisation that should not exceed 12 months.
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o. Incorporate the role of River Basin Development Authorities
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in supporting agricultural production through irrigation,
available water bodies and hydropower in the Agricultural
M
Policy of Nigeria and the Agricultural Transformation
Agenda.
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p. Ensure that River Basin Development Authorities are an
obvious choice to support the management of completed
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irrigation systems within their catchment areas, without
prejudice to the proposed Irrigation Management
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Authorities proposed in the National Water Resources Bill.
q. Phase the projects undertaken by River Basin Development
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Authorities which must be realistic. Public Private
Partnerships should provide an alternative to Government
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r. Recruit new staff and train existing staff to fill the gaps
created by the retired and retiring staff.
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standards of fertilizer utilization (kg/hectare) to achieve
agricultural production for domestic and international
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markets.
u. Initiate concrete action (in mobilizing the required resources
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in conjunction with international donors) towards the
realization of the Inter-Basin Water Transfer from the
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Congo River Basin to Lake Chad so as to avert any
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impending humanitarian catastrophe in the already socially
dislocated and economically traumatized region of the
ES
country.
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15. a. Refocus Agricultural courses and programmes in a. National Science Using Strategic a. Federal Ministry of
Agricultural Institutions with greater practical emphasis to and Technology human resources Education
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enable graduates of such Institutions become drivers of the Development development to
b. Federal Ministry of
agricultural programmes. Policy energize Agriculture & Rural
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b. Recruit and train relevant personnel to fill the existing agricultural
b. National Policy on Development
capacity and skills gaps especially in agricultural extension, Education production and
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export. c. National
soil surveys, land evaluation, hydrogeology/hydrology,
Universities
biotechnology, agricultural mechanisation, irrigation,
Commission
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drainage etc.
d. Research and
c. Research Institutes and Universities should undertake
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Development
research directed at developing the sector. Such research
Institutes
efforts should be coordinated by designated centres of
e. Federal Ministry of
.P
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farmers and cattle herdsmen.
e. Accelerate the implementation of the Youth Employment in
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Agriculture Program (YEAP) as designed by the Federal
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in 2012 and
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launched by the President in 2013.
G
f. Change existing traditional land practices through the
enforcement of the Constitutional provision on ownership of
N
property, to increase land ownership by women and female
ES
participation in the sector as well as engender greater
commitment to farming.
M
g. Enact a policy prohibiting any educational institution
(Primary or Secondary) from using farm work as a
TI
disciplinary measure.
h. Revive the Unified Agricultural Extension System (UAES),
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which is based on visiting and training farmers. The area to
be covered should include crops and livestock production,
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agro forestry, fisheries, soil and water conservation
practice and animal traction.
M
16. a. Declare Agriculture and Water Resources development a a. National Grazing Emphasis the role a. Federal Ministry of
RE
national emergency sector with a massive infusion of funds. Reserve Policy sustainable Water Resources
The funds dedicated to this sector should be optimally funding, subsidies
b. Nigerian Science b. Federal Ministry of
managed for maximum effect. and insurance in
and Technology Agriculture & Rural
.P
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d. Use a percentage of tax revenues to directly fund the agro
and water resources sectors. This can be in the form of the
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introduction of a dedicated tax regime.
.C
e. Dedicate a designated percentage of the budget to women
farmers in the local communities; labour saving technology
G
should be funded to allow them more on-farm time.
N
f. Provide affirmative finance for women in the form of a
specified proportion of all bank lending to agriculture being
ES
made available to women.
g. Allocate 30% of the National Resources Fund to the
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development of the Agricultural sector; whilst an additional
20% of the Fund should be used for the development of
TI
Water Resources and the development of mechanized Deep
Sea Fishing as a major foreign exchange earner.
M
h. Encourage private sector funding by creating the enabling
IU
environment.
i. Provide and manage adequate subsidies for agriculture in a
M
manner that directly reaches target beneficiaries and
eliminates corruption.
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k. Put in place low interest, single digit, long tenure loans and
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improvement and inputs to persons living with disabilities.
m. Provide incentives to piggery farming, grasscutter farming,
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rabbit farming, snail farming and mushroom farming.
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6.1.3 Statutes
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S/N RESOLUTIONS PROPOSED/ OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
N
EXISTING AGENCIES
STATUTES
ES
1. a. Establish an Agricultural Pricing Policy Board by Law to a. Customs and Agriculture output a. The Presidency
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provide remunerative prices to farmers for their products, to Excise prices are made
competitive in b. National Assembly
stabilize prices and income for the farmers, to make the prices Management Act
domestic and
TI
of the Nigerian agricultural products competitive to promote c. Federal Ministry of
b. Agricultural international markets Justice
exports, and to ensure that imported agricultural products do Pricing Policy to encourage
M
not have price advantages over local commodities. d. Federal Ministry of
Board Bill farmers.
b. Promulgate an Agricultural Trade Policy Law to promote Agriculture and
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c. Agricultural Trade Rural Development
agricultural exports and discourage importation.
Policy Bill
c. Establish a National Agricultural Programme Coordinating e. Federal Ministry of
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d. National Industry, Trade and
Agency. The Agency is to:
Agricultural Investment
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Federal Government,
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M
measures where necessary; and
vi. Coordinate donor assisted programmes as well as
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providing implementation support for such programmes.
.C
2. Pass the Bill for the establishment of the Nigerian Soil Science Nigerian Soil Science Soil development for National Assembly
Institute which is currently before the National Assembly. Institute Bill agricultural
G
productivity
N
3. a. Expedite action on the passage of the Biosafety Bill to Biosafety Bill Explore the use of National Assembly
ES
regulate trans-boundary movement of genetically modified biotechnology for
agricultural products and encourage development of improved improvedagricultural
varieties and breeds under ethical research environment. productivity
M
i. Review the Biosafety Bill to include the following:
TI
ii. Public participation when applications to introduce
GMOs are being considered.
M
iii. Specify clearly how large-scale field trials would be
IU
contained and regulated to avoid contamination of
surroundings or farms.
M
iv. Besides Environmental NGOs, Farmers Organizations
should be represented on the Governing Board.
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knowledge.
O
4. a. Enact a law for Integrated Water Resource Management a. Enabling law to The Presidency
(IWRM), as it will enable the sector to generate income establish the
.C
through a system of water bills, rates and tariffs and Nigeria Integrated
enabling laws. Water Resources
G
b. Establish a National Water Commission to: Management
Commission
N
i. Maintain a comprehensive database on water sources and awaiting
ES
usage to aid overall planning Presidential Assent
ii. Manage inter-sectoral linkages b. National Water a. The Presidency
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iii. Ensure sectoral allocation of water Commission Bill b. National Assembly
iv. Manage trans-boundary rivers and lakes which can affect our
TI
access to water and create political tensions
M
v. Embark on dredging for accessibility of water generally and
for Agricultural purposes, as well as Sand filling for land
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recovery to enhance other uses, including Agriculture.
vi. Define the role of River Basin Development Authorities and
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integrate them into water sector operations because of their
interface with Federal, State, Local Governments and
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farming communities.
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6.2.1 Constitutional Matters
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S/N RESOLUTIONS RELEVANT SECTIONS OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
.C
AGENCIES
G
1. Amend Section 153 (1) of the 1999 of Section 153(1) Institutionalize nationality a. National Assembly
N
the Federal Republic of Nigeria to b. States Houses of
make the National Identity
Assembly
ES
Management Commission a Federal
Executive Body
M
2. Census should remain in the Exclusive Part 1, Item 8, Second To enable States make an input a. National Assembly
Legislative List. Schedule into the National Database.
TI
b. States Houses of
Amend part 1, item 8 to read: census Assembly
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enumeration of Nigerians.
Maintenance of machinery for data
should be in the Concurrent List.
IU
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3. The National enumeration exercise Part 1, Second Schedule and To enable States make an input a. National Assembly
should remain the responsibility of the NPC Act into the National Database.
b. States Houses of
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Federal Government
Assembly
4. The Integrated National Database Part 2, Second Schedule Enhance credibility of National a. National Assembly
.P
5. Amendment of section 26 (2) (a) to Section 26(a) To ensure citizenship of spouses a. National Assembly
read any person who is or has been or former spouses of Nigeria.
b. States Houses of
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6. Section 29 (4) (b) should be repealed in Section 29 (4) (b) To ensure thatthe definition of a. National Assembly
view of the provision of Section 29 (4) fullage is anyone that is 18years
.C
b. States Houses of
(a). and above Assembly
G
7. Constitutional amendment to make the Chapter II To enforce Socio economic a. National Assembly
N
provisions on socio-economic rights in rights and to promote patriotic b. States Houses of
Chapter II of the Constitution citizenship.
ES
Assembly
justiciable.
M
8. Section 45(1) should be amended to Section 45 To ensure that derogatory a. National Assembly
include Section 42 and read as follows: clauses pertaining to the exercise
TI
b. States Houses of
Nothing in section 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, of fundamental human rights are Assembly
contained in the same section of
M
and 42 of this constitution shall
the Constitution.
invalidate any law that is reasonably
IU
justifiable in a democratic society ...
9. Section 147 (3) should be amended to Section 147 Delete requirement a. National Assembly
M
read as follows: ofindegnityin appointment of b. States Houses of
Ministers.
RE
M
embrace national loyalty. Section 42 provisions against all forms of b. States Houses of
(2) should be amended to read thus: discrimination. Assembly
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A person shall not be discriminated
.C
against on grounds of ethnic group,
place of origin, sex, religion political
G
opinion, social or economic status,
disabilities or circumstances of birth.
N
ES
11. Insert Section 42 (3) after Section 42 To place a duty of citizens to a. National Assembly
(1) &( 2) to place a duty on citizens to embrace national loyalty above
b. States Houses of
embrace national loyalty above sectional or ethnic loyalties.
M
Assembly
sectional or ethnic loyalties and read as
follows:
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Every Nigerian citizen shall adhere to
M
the ideology of national patriotism
above sectional or ethnic interest.
13. Delete Section 6 (6) (c) of the Section 6(6)(c) To grant access tocourt with a. National Assembly
.P
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of the Report of the Presidential Nigeria is not discriminated
Committee on Review of Outstanding against in any part of Nigeria
O
Issues from Recent Constitutional where he/she decides to reside.
Conferences (The Justice Alfa Belgore
.C
Report), with a caveat to read
G
On the matter of Indigeneship, the
Committee recommends that the
N
current Constitutional position should
ES
be maintained but that a new provision
should be inserted into the Constitution
to read: The right of any Nigerian
M
citizen to be resident or domiciled in
any part of Nigeria shall not be
TI
abridged. Such a resident shall enjoy
all rights, privileges and facilities in
M
the place of his/her choice, provided
that such a person meets his/her basic
civic obligations which persons in that
area are subject to. IU
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A person born in a State or who
marries an indigene of a State
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S/N RESOLUTIONS PROPOSED/ OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
.C
EXISTING AGENCIES
POLICIES
G
1. National law and policy should be guided by United Nations Enhance the recognition of a. The Presidency
N
United Nations Declaration on Rights of Declaration on Right of Indigenous People
b. Federal Ministry of Justice
ES
Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Rights of
Indigenous
Peoples
M
2. Strengthen national institutions to prohibit and Criminal Justice To discourage discrimination a. The Presidency
TI
punish criminal conduct which target, kill or System and violent crimes associated
b. National Assembly
destroy lives and property on the basis of thereto.
M
place of origin, belief, religion or c. States Houses of Assembly
circumstance. d. Office of the Secretary to the
IU Government of the
Federation
M
e. Federal Ministry of Justice
RE
3. Strengthen the Criminal Justice System across a. Criminal a. To eradicate crimes in that a. National Assembly
the country to prosecute and punish hate Procedure Code category.
W
on religious discrimination
M
first three (3) years of primary education Education Languages Education
should be made mandatory. b. States Ministries of
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Education
.C
c. Universal Basic Education
Commission
G
d. States Universal Basic
N
Education Board
ES
5. Strengthen border control. Prevention of unlawful entry a. Federal Ministry of Interior
of persons, goods and services b. Nigeria Immigration Service
M
into Nigeria
c. Other relevant security
TI
agencies
M
6. Extend the implementation of the Transit Customs &Excise Prevention of smuggling of a. Federal Ministry of Interior
Code system to all other borders outside the Management Act cars arms and drugs into the
b. Nigeria Customs Service
North-Eastern part of Nigeria.
IU Country.
c. Nigeria Immigration Service
M
7. Take full advantage of the ECOWAS Protocol ECOWAS Enhance national economic a. Federal Ministry of Interior
on Free Movement of Persons Protocol growth and movement of
RE
8. Construct and maintain federal and states road National Transport Ensure smooth movement of a. Federal Ministry of Works
W
M
d. Nigeria Emergency
Management Agency
O
.C
9. a. Federal Road Safety Commission should Grand Strategy for Ensure safe driving a. The Presidency
ensure that road users obey rules/regulations National Security
b. Federal Road Safety
G
on safe driving.
Commission
b. Federal Road Safety Commission should be
N
well funded and provided with modern
ES
technology for improving on its
performance.
M
10. Ensure that government and affected Nigerian Acculturation/acclimation of a. Federal Ministry of
stakeholders promote modernisation of Agricultural herdsmen in settling down to Agriculture & Rural
TI
pastoralists/nomadic livelihood through the Policy designated grazing reserves Development
following means: and encourage less nomadic
M
b. StatesMinistries of
lifestyles.
i. Design and implement an integrated Agriculture
IU
development and livelihoods
modernisation program, to address the
issue of settling nomadic herdsmen into
M
settled communities based on established
cattle ranches with fodder development
RE
M
after which such settlements should have
become self-sustaining with the full
O
integration of the nomadic herdsmen
community into modern Nigeria political
.C
economy.
G
11. Officers and men of the Nigerian Immigration National Border Ensuring that aliens do not a. Federal Ministry of Interior
Service should be more imbued by a sense of Security Policy take advantage of our porous
N
b. Nigeria Immigration Service
patriotism in the area of aliens taking borders.
ES
advantage of our borders to gain entry for c. Nigeria Customs Service
subversive activities.
M
12. Commit more resources into building border National Border Strengthening border control a. Federal Ministry of Interior
fences across the nation; Security Policy for national security.
TI
b. Nigeria Immigration Service
c. Federal Ministry of Works
M
13. Involve border communities in the policing of National Border Enhance border policing in a. Federal Ministry of Interior
Nigerian borders.
IU
Security Policy border control.
b. Nigeria Immigration
Services
M
c. Nigeria Customs Services
RE
14. Adopt a regional approach to the management National Border Establish cooperation with a. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
of Nigerian borders. Security Policy neighbouring states for
b. Federal Ministry of Interior
.P
National Security
W
15. Install the Public Key Directory (PKD) Enables authentication of a. Federal Ministry of Interior
Infrastructure. passports presented at the point b. Nigeria Immigration
W
of entry
Services
W
M
Master Plan labour and improving national Trade & Investment
security. b. States Ministries of Industry
O
.C
17. Fund and equip the National Population To achieve accurate census a. The Presidency
Commission, National Identity Management figures and Integrated
b. Office of Secretary to the
G
Commission and National Bureau of Statistics Database for Nigeria Government of the
with modern technology.
N
Federation
ES
c. Federal Ministry of Finance
18. Ensure the strengthening of the countrys a. Grand Strategy Fortifying the borders a. Ministry of Defence
M
land, air and sea borders. for National
b. Nigeria Army
Security
TI
c. Nigeria Navy
b. National
Aviation d. Nigeria Air Force
M
Policy e. Nigeria Immigration Service
IU
c. National
Maritime
f. Nigeria Customs Service
M
Policy
19. Reform, retrain and provide kits for the National NIS reform to enable effective a. Federal Ministry of Interior
RE
Nigeria Immigration Service for better Immigration and efficient boarder control.
b. Nigeria Immigration Service
effectiveness in managing our land borders. Policy
.P
20. Create Border Guards or Border Corps Ensure that the capacity of this a. Federal Ministry of Interior
W
within the Nigeria Immigration Service. unit is built for full combat
b. Nigeria Immigration Service
operations/border control.
W
21. Ensure that the Nigeria Immigration Service Grand Strategy for Enhance the effectiveness of a. Federal Ministry of Interior
W
recruits at least 10,000 persons yearly within National Security the Service
M
found to be under-staffed.
Grand Strategy on
O
22. There is the need for increased intra-agency Enhance more effective a. Office of the National
collaboration between the Nigeria National Security policing of Nigerian borders. Security Adviser
.C
Immigration Service and other security
b. Ministry of Defence
agencies.
G
c. Federal Ministry of Interior
N
d. Nigeria Police
ES
e. Nigeria Army
f. Nigeria Navy
M
g. Nigeria Air Force
h. Department of State Security
TI
i. National Intelligence Agency
M
j. National Agency for Food
and Drugs Administration
23. Map the identified illegal routes and create Manning of illegal routes a. Ministry of Defence
W
M
members of the border b. Nigeria Army
communities.
O
c. Nigeria Police
.C
d. Nigeria Immigration Service
e. Border Communities
G
N
25. Construct border plazas which should be Border Policing a. Ministry of Defence
equipped with radars, sensors as well as cargo b. Nigeria Army
ES
and document scanners.
c. Nigeria Police
M
d. Nigeria Immigration Service
TI
26. Capacity building and motivation for border Border Policing a. Ministry of Defence
patrol personnel.
b. Nigeria Army
M
c. Nigeria Police
agencies
W
28. Partner with Civil Society Groups and NGOs To build confidence and a. Federal Ministry of Interior
through the NIS to carry out advocacy at all patriotism.
b. Nigeria Immigration Service
W
border communities.
M
disasters in the management of ecological disasters b. Office of the Secretary ro the
funds. Government of the
O
Federation
.C
c. Ecological Fund Office
G
30. Monitor those seeking refugee or asylum Asylum Monitoring a. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
N
status in Nigeria more carefully in this age of
b. Nigeria Immigration Service
asymmetric conflict and international
ES
terrorism. c. National Intelligence Agency
d. Department of State Security
M
e. Nigeria Police (INTERPOL)
TI
f. National Commission for
Refugees
M
g. Other relevant security
agencies
31. Ensure that those being granted asylum in IU Asylum Monitoring a. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
M
Nigeria are properly investigated and are
b. Nigeria Immigration Service
found not to be related to any agents of
RE
32. Properly document refugees and asylum Asylum Monitoring a. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
seekers and properly monitor those granted
W
M
prevent them from fronting for other
c. Nigeria Immigration Service
troublesome groups across the globe.
d. National Intelligence Agency
O
e. Department of State Security
.C
f. Nigeria Police (INTERPOL)
G
g. National Commission for
N
Refugees
h. Other relevant security
ES
agencies
M
33. Return refugees to their countries immediately Asylum Monitoring a. Federal Ministry of Justice
the causes of their movement to Nigeria have
b. Ministry of Interior
TI
been dealt with.
c. National Commission for
M
Refugees
IU
34. Tap more creatively into international Asylum Monitoring a. National Commission for
resources which abound for managing Refugees
refugees.
M
RE
35. Increase the facilities for managing natural a. Preventing anything that a. The Presidency
disasters. could cause man-made
b. National Emergency
human displacement
Management Agency
.P
b. Natural disaster
c. States Emergency
W
36. National Emergency Management Agency To enable a prompt response to a. The Presidency
and States Emergency Management Agencies needs of IDPs
b. Federal Ministry of Finance
W
M
d. National Emergency
Management Agency
O
e. States Emergency
.C
Management Agencies
G
37. Ensure collated credible and disaggregated To design effective policies a. Federal Ministry of Interior
data on the numbers, location and conditions and programmes for IDPs
N
b. National Emergency
of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in order Management Agency
ES
to design effective policies and programmes.
c. States Emergency
Management Agencies
M
38. Develop training programmes for government Ensure that they are aware of a. The Presidency
TI
officials, including camp administrators, the rights and needs of the b. National Emergency
military and police on the Guiding Principle displaced and their official Management Agency
M
of internal displacement duties to protect and assist
them. c. States Emergency
a. The Presidency
M
build upon their skills in the design of rehabilitation and reintegration
b. National Emergency
assistance programmes which will facilitate of IDPs.
RE
Management Agency
their effective rehabilitation and reintegration.
c. States Emergency
.P
Management Agencies
W
40. Support recovery efforts of affected persons Support for Displaced Citizens a. The Presidency
including bringing perpetrators of man-made b. Federal Ministry of Justice
W
M
Management Agencies
O
6.2.3 Statutes
.C
S/N RESOLUTIONS PROPOSED/ OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
EXISTING AGENCIES
G
STATUTES
N
1. Enact laws to criminalise any attempt by National To prevent/discourage the a. The Presidency
ES
census officials or members of the public to Population distortion or attempted
b. Federal Ministry of Justice
inflate or distort in anyway, the outcome of Commission distortion or inflation of a
M
the enumeration of people and households in (NPC) Act, Part V census outcome. c. National Assembly
Nigeria by reviewing the penalties contained (Offences and
TI
in the Act. Penalties),
Sections 18 25.
M
2. Introduce a Bill guaranteeing the granting of Special Immigrant Granting of residency rights to a. The Presidency
IU
special immigrant status with full residential Status Bill spouses of Nigerian citizens b. Federal Ministry of Justice
rights to non -Nigerian spouses of citizens of
Nigeria who do not wish to acquire Nigerian c. National Assembly
M
Citizenship.
RE
3. Precede the national census exercise with the National Ensure accurate and a. The Presidency
development of a full scale integrated national Population comprehensive collation and b. Ministry of Justice
.P
database which will include: Commission Act registration data for National
census. c. National Assembly
i. Registration of all settlements (including
W
M
iv. Update and sustenance of birth
registration.
O
v. Update and sustenance of death
.C
registration.
vi. Registered information or data of citizens
G
and immigrants in Nigeria.
N
vii. Language, tribe and religion.
ES
4. The Integrated Database should include the National Identity Collation of accurate and a. National Assembly
records of: Management comprehensive data in national b. National Identity
M
i. The Nigerian Communication Commission Act database.
Management Commission
Commission (which should provide (NIMC)
TI
telephone registration information).
M
ii. The Federal Road Safety Corps (which
should provide information on drivers
licences).
iii. State Ministries of Health (which should IU
M
provide information on births and
deaths).
RE
enrolment figures).
v. The Immigration Service (which should
W
country).
W
M
Commissions, Trade Unions and
Associations, employers of labour as
O
well as Traditional Institutions etc,
should feed the Integrated National
.C
Database with information.
vii. All tiers of Government, i.e. Federal,
G
States and Local Governments should
N
maintain data base and be involved in
collating data for the Integrated National
ES
Database.
M
5. Enact laws to uphold the rights of IDPs, Internally Development of legal National Assembly
taking into account the Guiding Principles. Displaced Persons standards in line with
TI
Bill international obligations.
M
IU
M
RE
.P
W
W
W
M
6.3.1 Constitutional Issues
O
S/N RESOLUTIONS RELEVANT SECTIONS OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
.C
AGENCIES
G
1. Merge Chapter II and IV of the Constitution a. Chapter II, Sections 13 24 To ensure Nigerians a. National Assembly
N
of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, (as b. Chapter IV, Sections 33 benefit from the b. States Houses of
amended) thus making Chapter Two fundamental
46 Assembly
ES
justiciable under our law. obligations, functions
and duties of
Government
M
2. The African Charter on Human and People a. Chapter II, Sections 13 24 To ensure Nigerians a. National Assembly
TI
Rights domesticated as part of Nigerian law b. Chapter IV, Sections 33 benefit from the
b. States Houses of
be incorporated into the Constitution. fundamental
M
46 Assembly
obligations, functions
and duties of
IU Government
M
3. Strengthen the Federal and State Judicial Third Schedule part 1, Section To secure a strong and a. The Presidency
Service Commissions. 153, Item E, Paragraph E independent judiciary b. National Assembly
RE
c. Federal Judicial
Service Commission
.P
d. State Governments
W
e. States Houses of
Assembly
W
Commissions
M
entrenched in our Constitution, to cause the peoples active b. National Assembly
citizens to participate in deciding how they participation in
O
are governed, including choosing projects government and c. States Houses of
they want in the Appropriation Laws and the achieve optimal Assembly
.C
contractors who will execute these projects. reduction in corruption.
G
5. Retain the National Minimum Wage on the Second Schedule, Part 1 To secure the National a. National Assembly
N
Exclusive Legislative List. Minimum Wage from b. States Houses of
political manipulation
ES
Assembly
6. Retain Labour and unionism on the Second Schedule, Part 1 To promote right of a. National Assembly
M
Exclusive Legislative List. unionization and b. States Houses of
collective bargaining.
TI
Assembly
7. To sustain minority rights and allay their Chapter IV To provide for equal a. National Assembly
M
fears towards building a just, free, stable, participation in b. States Houses of
equitable, peaceful and strong nation all governance
the executive and strategic positions in all
tiers of government rotate among all the IU Assembly
M
zones or states or ethnic nations making
up Nigeria, senatorial districts or Local
RE
M
S/N RESOLUTIONS PROPOSED/EXISTING OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
O
POLICIES AGENCIES
.C
1. Allocate 30% to Education in Annual Annual Appropriation Act To revive our a. The Presidency
Appropriation Laws of our Government at all educational sector and b. National Assembly
G
the tiers from Federal to Local Government. build a strong nation.
c. Federal Ministry of
N
Education
ES
d. Federal Ministry of
Finance
M
e. Budget Office of the
Federation
TI
2. a. Reserve 15 percent of employment places ILO Convention No 159 for To promote affordable a. The Presidency
M
in public and private sectors of the vocational rehabilitation and housing for persons with
b. National Assembly
economy for persons with disabilities and employment of persons with disabilities
IU
ensure that they are given jobs that match Disabilities c. Federal Ministry of
their qualifications. Justice
Housing for persons with
M
b. Ratify and implement ILO Convention Disabilities d. Federal Ministry of
No. 159 by developing a National Labour& Productivity
RE
Agencies
the labour market.
W
M
3. a. Regulations guaranteeing casual workers Casual Workers Regularization Regularization of casual a. The Presidency
O
permanent employment after working for Policy workers to permanent b. Federal Ministry of
six months, irrespective of the number of employment Labour& Productivity
.C
contracts making up the period should be
enacted.
G
b. Put in place policies which extend labour
N
and social protection to domestic
workers.
ES
4. a. Workers should not be denied the right of Labour and Trade Union To promote right of a. The Presidency
M
unionisation. Strikes are legitimate Policy unionization and b. All State Governments
instruments of enforcing workers rights collective bargaining
TI
and negotiations within the framework of c. All Local Government
collective bargaining. Areas
M
b. The Pan-National Character of Labour
Unions which has played an important
role in national development should not
be compromised by balkanizinglabour IU
M
and trade unionism.
RE
5. Establish a Labour and Employment Labour and Employment To assist and identify a. The Presidency
Exchange or Job Centres in major cities Exchange Policy unemployed youth with
b. Federal Ministry of
throughout the Federation requisite skills. Labour& Productivity
.P
W
6. a. Revive and develop domestic industries a. National Industrial Policy To create sustainable a. The Presidency
through the enactment of fundamental employment, skill
b. Roadmap for Electric b. Federal Ministry of
W
policies to provide incentives to and Power Sector Reform acquisition and promote Industry, Trade &
protect domestic industries. Entrepreneurship
c. National Agricultural Policy Investment
W
M
Industry, Commerce
c. Fix the power sector to enable industries
& Trade
thrive
O
d. Encourage and protect farmers to produce d. Federal Ministry of
Power
.C
raw materials for industry. This can be
done through guaranteed markets for e. Abuja Securities
G
agricultural produce. Commodities
Exchange
N
a. Full implementation of the 2nd National
ES
7. National Youth Policy and a. To ensure youth a. The Presidency
Youth Policy and the Nigerian Youth Development development and
b. Federal Ministry of
Employment Action Plan (NYEAP). empowerment
M
Youth Development
through skills
b. Provide adequate funding and proper
acquisition, c. Federal Ministry of
TI
supervision of relevant government
entrepreneurial Education
Agencies, MDAs on Youth development
trainings and access d. Federal Ministry of
M
programmes
to loans for SMEs. Communication
c. Value reorientation in the country; A
Technology
IU
b. To abrogate the
general public enlightenment that
dichotomy between e. Federal Ministry of
admonishes the citizenry to noble values
B.Sc and HND
M
such as honesty, dignity of labour, love Information
holders
for country and fellow human beings and f. Central Bank of
RE
programmes and the conduct of NEEDS persons living with i. Universal Basic
assessment programme to determine the disabilities Education
W
M
f. Harmonization of all Youth Development j. National Orientation
Programs, projects and initiatives into Agency
O
one comprehensive programme k. Office of the
supervised by the Federal Ministry of
.C
Millennium
Youth Development. Development Goals
G
g. 30% affirmative action to involve the
youths in decision making positions.
N
h. Revival of vocational schools and
ES
provision of disability-friendly gadgets to
facilitate learning.
M
i. There should be effective monitoring of
the various empowerment programmes to
TI
ascertain the level of impact the
programmes have and if really it is
M
empowering the youths.
IU
j. Teaching of life skills at secondary
school level to prepare the youth for
coping in the society. The curriculum
M
should include:
RE
v. Leadership training
vi. An understanding of Nigeria and its
W
M
vii. Introduction to total quality concept
viii. Civic responsibilities
O
ix. Agricultural Orientation
.C
k. Review of educational policies to include
G
practical application of theories such that
the discrimination between B.Sc. and
N
HND qualifications will become a thing
ES
of the past.
l. Revival of vocational schools and
M
emphasis on development of
entrepreneurial skills to enable youth
TI
have access to credible means of
livelihood, and thus rise above untoward
M
engagements.
m. Active collaboration of relevant
Government agencies in youth
development with other stakeholders IU
M
such as the National Youth Council;
Youth Parliament; Civil Society
RE
M
phases as follows;
i. One month of orientation
O
ii. Six months of primary assignment,
.C
integration and industrial exposure.
iii. Five months of vocational and
G
entrepreneurial skills acquisition.
N
p. Stakeholders particularly states and local
ES
governments should play their supportive
role of providing logistics and
accommodation (some states are already
M
doing so) for youth corps members.
TI
8. Pension for those retired under the old Pension Policy To ensure prompt a. Presidency
M
pension system should be placed on first line payment of pension and
b. National Assembly
charge. encourage human
M
c. Fund skills acquisition projects through f. National Directorate of
revolving loans for their take-off. Employment
O
g. Industrial Training
.C
Fund
G
N
10. Revive and strengthen the Labour Labour and Industrial Policy To restore the a. The Presidency
Inspectorate Division of the Federal Inspectorate Division of
ES
b. Federal Ministry of
Ministry of Labour& Productivity. the Ministry Labour& Productivity
M
11. a. Create an unbiased structure negating a. National Sports Policy To ensure adequate a. The Presidency
nepotism, ethnocentrism and corruption funding for sports as
b. National Public-Private b. Federal Ministry of
TI
in the sports sector. well as promote sports
Partnerships Policy Youth Development
b. Ample spread of sporting and practice development, equality
M
and specialization. c. National Sports
facilities in all the 774 local government
Commission
areas (LGAs) of the country.
c. Consolidate a befitting, competent,
IU
M
willing and well compensated leadership
across the over Forty Four (44) Sporting
RE
Federations.
d. Adequate and prompt funding of all
sports should be seen and attended to as a
.P
priority.
W
M
basketball or table tennis).
f. Sports should be inclusive of all
O
Nigerians, irrespective of gender, age,
religion, tribe, ability or disability.
.C
g. There should be a mechanism for
G
motivating and monitoring of the
Corporate Social Responsibility budgets
N
for sports sponsorship to spread ensure
ES
over all sports, instead of only football.
h. Early identification of prospective talents
M
and consequential multiplication of
training facilities across the nation should
TI
be encouraged, to complement and
consolidate harvested talents.
M
i. Specialization should be encouraged
based on natural resources and physical
features, for example, swimming at the
Riverine areas and Polo in the North and IU
M
other areas where there are established
cultural festivals in Wrestling, Boxing,
RE
of sporting equipment.
k. All sports federations should be based in
W
M
stop indiscriminate conversion of
sporting arenas into residential or other
O
uses.
m. In each state of the federation, a body to
.C
be known as State Collegiate Athletics
Association and at the federal level, a
G
National Collegiate Athletics Association
N
should be established for the purpose of
organizing sporting activities among
ES
Secondary Schools in the states and
among Universities at the federal Level
M
respectively.
n. The Federal Government should take
TI
immediate physical possession of the
about 147 hectares of land in Afuze
M
Village of Owan East Local Government,
Edo State, to set up a Campus of the
National Institute of Sports, which will
serve as a Zonal Laboratory, equipped IU
M
with state of the art facilities for camping
and training to ensure the overall
RE
12. a. Formulate a National Mentoring Policy National Mentoring Policy To promote the ethics of a. The Presidency
.P
Productivity
The Policy, when established, will
c. National Directorate of
W
M
The Policy should also require all e. Nigeria Stock
companies quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange
O
Exchange, as part of their Corporate
Social Responsibility (CSR), to accept a
.C
specified number of unemployed youths
under a 6-month mentoring programme
G
each year.
N
13. Youths should be trained as mediators with a National Peace Builders Corps To grow the ranks of a. Ministry of Youth
ES
view to building a National Peace Builders Policy peace ambassadors Development
Corps of Nigeria particularly, among the
b. National Orientation
M
youth
Agency
TI
M
6.3.3 Statutes
IU
S/N RESOLUTIONS PROPOSED/NEW OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
STATUTES AGENCIES
M
1. a. Establish a self- regulatory Commission for civil Civil Society To have an effective a. The Presidency
society activities whose membership shall be civil Regulatory civil society to
RE
b. National Assembly
society activists to regulate the conduct and activities Commission Bill perform their watch
of civil society organizations in Nigeria. dog roles in the
.P
impunity, promote
be to:
transparency and
W
M
iii. Propose Grants on behalf of Non-government
organizations to the National Assembly and make
O
them available for the CSOs access to do their
work to the society.
.C
iv. Statutory funds to be known as Civil Society
G
Grants/Funds be annually appropriated by the
National Assembly. The Fund/Grant shall be
N
managed by the Civil Society Regulatory
ES
Commission.
2. a. Establish a National Jobs Creation Agency through National Jobs Creation To create coordinated a. The Presidency
M
the merger of the National Directorate for Agency Bill employment agencies b. National Assembly
Employment (NDE), the Small and Medium for Nigerian Youth
TI
Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria and people.
(SMEDAN), the YOUWIN Department, the
M
Community Services, Women and Youth
Employment Project (CSWYE) and graduate
b.
Internship scheme SURE-P.
The agency will receive and review applications IU
M
against a set of criteria and eligibility factors. The
funding will be allocated on a competitive basis.
RE
Evaluation Committees:
W
the government
ii. The Investment Committee will have
W
M
independent of the management of the agency.
iii. The Technical Evaluation Committeeshall be
O
responsible for technical assessment of proposals
and recommendations to the Investment
.C
Committee.
G
3. Make it mandatory for all employers of labour to provide Labour Act To create sustainable a. The Presidency
N
First Aid Corridors in their workplaces. employment, skill
b. Federal Ministry of
acquisition and
ES
Labour&
promote Productivity
Entrepreneurship
M
c. Federal Ministry of
Justice
TI
d. National Assembly
M
4. The National Child Rights Act should be strengthened Child Rights Act To make the child States Houses of
and made applicable to all the states that have not Right Act applicable Assembly
domesticated it.
IU in all States
M
5. Enact a law which extendlabour and social protection to Protection of Domestic To extend labour and a. The Presidency
domestic workers. Such law should regulate working Workers Bill social protection to
b. National Assembly
RE
6. Any group of workers that remain on strike for more than a. Labour Act To minimize strike a. The Presidency
four (4) weeks shall not be entitled to and shall not be b. Trade Union Act actions b. National Assembly
W
7. a. Give legal backing to the 2nd National Youth Policy a. National Youth a. To ensure youth a. The Presidency
W
M
through skills
b. Create an Agency backed by law to be saddled with the b. National Youth
acquisition,
responsibility of drawing up policy framework and Development
O
entrepreneurial
work plan for Youth development. The Agency shall Agency Bill
trainings and
facilitate the enactment of a law to fund and regulate
.C
c. National Youth access to loans for
the activities of the National Youth Council of Nigeria Development Fund
(NYCN) and its affiliates without undermining its SMEs.
G
Bill
independence. b. To abrogate the
N
c. Create the National Youth Development Fund to: dichotomy
between B. Sc and
ES
i. Administer Start-up Enterprise Development HND holders
Programme
c. To harmonize
M
ii. Safeguard the use of loans obtained by young government
entrepreneurs. agencies on youth
TI
iii. Monitor repayment of loans development
M
d. Reposition the NYSC Scheme for relevant Youth d. To ensure
empowerment. The one year time tenure should be inclusiveness for
IU
split into three phases as follows; persons living with
disabilities
i. One month of orientation
M
ii. Six months of primary assignment, integration
RE
8. a. The 2004 Pension Act should be amended to raise the a. Pension Reform Act To increase the a. The Presidency
W
minimum contribution of employer to 15% and clearly No 2 of 2004 Cap minimum contribution
b. Federal Ministry of
state the continuous existence of gratuity. P4LFN 2004 of employers and
W
Justice
b. The statutory provision or the periodic review of b. Penal and Criminal review Pension
Reforms c. National Assembly
W
M
c. Relevant legislation should be made to prescribe life c. Criminal Justice
imprisonment for those found to have stolen money Policy
O
meant for pensioners and public funds.
.C
9. Enact a law to provide for life imprisonment with hard a. The Criminal Code a. To amend the a. The Presidency
labour for any person convicted of rape and sodomy, and Act Cap C.38LFN Criminal Code Act
G
b. Federal Ministry of
death penalty for the rape of a minor. 2004. to provide for life
Justice
N
b. The Penal Code Act. imprisonment,
death penalty and c. National Assembly
ES
c. Criminal Justice other serious
Policy offences
M
b. To amend the
Penal Code Act to
TI
provide for life
imprisonment,
M
culpable homicide
punishable with
Diasporathat will take care of the issues affecting this for Nigerians in for the welfare and
b. Federal Ministry of
category of the population. Diaspora Bill security of Nigerians Justice
in Diaspora
.P
c. National Assembly
W
11. Enact laws to criminalize child labour and the use of a. The Criminal Code To protect children a. The Presidency
W
children to solicit for alms. Act, Cap C.38LFN from abuse and other
b. Federal Ministry of
2004 related problems
W
M
c. Child Rights Act c. National Assembly
O
.C
12. a. The National Assembly should expedite the passage of National Sports To deal with sports a. The Presidency
the National Sports Commission Bill. Commission Bill administration in
b. National Assembly
G
Nigeria
b. The National Sports Commission should not be
N
managed by a Sole Administrator as currently
practiced. Rather, it should be run by members of the
ES
governing Board comprising heads of sports agencies.
13. Enactment of a Civil Society Consultation Act which a. Section 40 To enact an Act to a. The Presidency
M
will among other things:- guide Civil Society
b. Chapter III b. Federal Ministry of
TI
i. Formalize some level of civic power around the functions, operations
c. Civil Society Justice
three tiers of government in Nigeria and activities as well
Consultation Act as promote c. National Assembly
M
ii. Smoothen the loose ends between citizen rights to participatory
participate in governance and actual participation
IU
democracy
itself
M
iii. Make it mandatory for government to put in place
structures and programs for consulting and
RE
M
vii. Provide for Town Hall Meetings between Civil
Society and Chairmen of Local Councils
O
viii. Provide for periodic evaluation of both official and
.C
unofficial spaces of citizen participation in
governance. This will be with a view of reinforcing
G
both models and getting the best out of them.
N
14. a. Expedite the passage of the National Sports National Sports a. To ensure a. The Presidency
ES
Commission Bill. The National Sports Commission Commission Bill transparency, b. Federal Ministry of
should not be managed by a Sole Administrator as accountability and Justice
presently done. Rather, it should be run by members efficiency in sports
M
of the governing Board comprising Heads of sports administration in c. National Assembly
agencies. the country.
TI
b. The Director-General for the National Sports b. To ensure
M
Commission should be on a tenure basis and shall be adequate funding
appointed from outside the Civil Service. for sports as well
IU
c. The Commission should have nine (9) as promote sports
development,
External Members, with the Minister in charge of
equality and
M
Sports as the 10th Member and Chairman of the
Commission. specialization.
RE
15. Amendment of relevant Statutes to provide that: a. The Criminal Code To secure a strong National Assembly
W
M
without an option of fine.
O
.C
6.4 DEVOLUTION OF POWER
G
6.4.1 Constitutional Issues
N
S/N RESOLUTIONS RELEVANT SECTIONS OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
ES
AGENCY
M
i. Banks, Banking, bills of These items have always i. The Presidency
TI
exchange and promissory been in the Exclusive
Part 1 ii. The National
notes, Currency, coinage and Legislative List in all
Assembly
M
Legal tender and Exchange Items 6, 15, & 24 of the previous Constitutions of the
control should be merged, 2nd Schedule country and it ensures iii. State Governments
IU
amended and be retained in the balance of power between iv. States Houses of
Exclusive Legislative List. the arms of government. Assembly
M
ii. Census, including the
establishment and maintenance
RE
M
Immigration into and legislation
emigration from Nigeria and
O
Passports and visas should
merged and amended to read:
.C
Citizenship, naturalization,
immigration and emigration,
G
passport, aliens, and
deportation of persons who are
N
not citizens of Nigeria. The
ES
items (as amended) should be
retained in the Exclusive
Legislative List
M
iv. Construction, alteration and
TI
maintenance of such roads as Item 11 of the 2nd Schedule
may be declared by the
M
National Assembly to be
Federal Trunk Roads should be
amended to read: Federal
Trunk Roads and retained in
IU
M
the Exclusive Legislative List.
v. Copyright should be moved
RE
them separated
vi. Customs and excise duties and
W
nd
Export duties should be merged Items 16 and 25 of the 2
and amended to read: Schedule
W
M
vii. Defence should be retained in
the Exclusive Legislative List Items 9, 18, 30 and 42 of
O
viii. Citizenship, Naturalization the 2nd Schedule
.C
and aliens, Deportation of
persons who are not citizens
G
of Nigeria, Immigration into
and emigration from Nigeria
N
and Passports and visas
ES
should be merged, amended
and retained in the Exclusive
Legislative List.
M
Item 22 of the 2nd Schedule
TI
ix. Election to the offices of
President and Vice-President or
M
Governor and Deputy
The overriding need to bring
Governor and any other office
IU
all the other mineral resources
to which a person may be
of the country, hitherto
elected under this Constitution,
undeveloped into mainstream
M
excluding election to a local
development by activating
government council or any
National Strategic Plan for
RE
M
oil fields, oil mining, nd between the federal
Item 39 of the 2 Schedule
geological surveys and natural government-state and
O
gas should be retained in the investor(s).This is meant to
Exclusive Legislative List but diversify the economy of the
.C
amended to read:- mines and country rapidly and give those
all minerals, including oil states involved, a sense of
G
fields, oil mining, geological belonging in the Nigerian
surveys and natural gas nation .Such diversification of
N
provided that: the economic base of the
ES
(a) the governments of states country would reduce the over
where the mining activities dependence on oil and gas
revenue; engender economic
M
take place shall be involved in
sustainability and substantially
matters relating thereto;
reduce the tensions over the
TI
(b) the government of the issue of revenue sharing.
federation shall create a
M
special fund to develop mines
and minerals in states where
such resources are
undeveloped. IU
M
xii. The Police should be moved Item 45 of the 2nd Schedule
from the Exclusive Legislative This will give States the
RE
own people.
xii. Public holidays should be Item 56 of the 2nd Schedule
moved from the Exclusive This in the view of Conference
W
M
List. liberalise trade among States
and by the recognition of the
xiv. Trade and Commerce, and
O
current trend among many
in particular:
states that are already building
.C
a. Trade and commerce between economic and commercial
Nigeria and other countries Item 62(a) of the 2nd relationships with one another,
G
including import of schedule and the fact that there already
commodities into and export of exists interstate enterprises that
N
commodities from Nigeria bind many States together.
ES
should be retained in the
Exclusive Legislative List,
while trade and commerce
M
between the states should be
moved to the Concurrent
TI
Legislative List.
M
e. Control of the prices of goods
Item 62(e) of the 2nd
and commodities designated by
Schedule
IU
the National Assembly as
essential goods or
commodities; should be moved
M
to the Concurrent Legislative
List. Item 62(f) of the
RE
2ndSchedule
f. Registration of business names
should be moved to the
.P
Concurrent List.
W
Assembly
Government and the States
M
Concurrent Legislative List to Governments
the Exclusive Legislative list.
iv. States
O
(ii) among the States of the Houses of
Federation should be moved Assembly
.C
from the Concurrent
Legislative List to the
G
Exclusive Legislative list.
N
(iii) among the local government
ES
councils in the States should be
moved to Residual Legislative
List.
M
(b) grants or loans from and the
TI
imposition of charges upon the
Consolidated Revenue Fund or
M
any other public funds of the
Federation or for the
IU
imposition of charges upon the
revenue and assets of the
Federation for any purpose
M
notwithstanding that it relates
to a matter with respect to
RE
M
imposition of charges upon the
revenue and assets of the
O
Federation for any purpose
notwithstanding that it relates
.C
to a matter with respect to
which the State House of
G
Assembly is not empowered to
make laws
N
ii. Subject to the provisions of this
ES
Constitution, any House of
Assembly may make
M
provisions for grants or loans
from and the imposition of
TI
charges upon any of the public
funds of that State or the
M
imposition of charges upon the
revenue and assets of that State
for any purpose
notwithstanding that it relates
IU
M
to a matter with respect to
which the National Assembly
RE
M
for any purpose
notwithstanding that it relates
O
to a matter with respect to
which the National Assembly is
.C
empowered to make laws, and
be retained in the Concurrent
G
Legislative List.
N
iii. The National Assembly may
make laws for the Federation
ES
or any part thereof with respect
to-
M
(a)the generation, transmission
and distribution of electricity to
TI
areas not covered by a national
grid system within that State To remove bottlenecks
M
should be retained in the associated with generation,
Concurrent Legislative List but transmission and distribution
to be amended to read: The
generation, transmission and IU of electricity by the States.
M
distribution of electricity within
that State.
RE
Schedule be retained.
W
(Director-General) of the
M
separate office from the Office
of the Accountant General of
O
the Federal Government.
ii. The functions of both offices
.C
shall be clearly outlined and
demarcated.
G
iii. Any name could be designated
N
to the Offices provided that
ES
their functions are clearly
spelt out.
M
iv. The Office of Accountant
General (Director-General) of
TI
the Federation shall oversee
the accruals of revenue into
M
and disbursement from the
Federation Account as and
IU
when due; and shall
administer these funds as
required by the Constitution,
M
while the office of the
Accountant General of the
RE
Federal Government.
v. The power of the Federal
W
M
revenue (Federation Account)
shall be exercised through the
O
Revenue Mobilization
Allocation and Fiscal
.C
Commission, which shall
consult the Federal and State
G
governments before
presenting a draft Bill on the
N
matter to the National
ES
Assembly for enactment into
law.
M
5. Revenue Sharing (Vertical To ensure equity in the i. The Presidency
Allocation) distribution of State funds
TI
ii. Revenue
Review of the sharing of the funds Section 162 Mobilization and
M
accruing to the Federation Account Fiscal
among the tiers of government. Commission
Conference resolved that
Government should set up a IU iii. National
Assembly
M
Technical Committee to determine
iv. State
the appropriate percentages on all
Governments
RE
M
land mass and terrain, social Assembly
development factors (i.e.
iv. States
O
education, health, and water
Governments
supply), and Internally Generated
.C
Revenue. v. Local
Governments
Conference recommends that
G
Government should set up a
N
Technical Committee to determine
the appropriate percentages on all
ES
matters relating to revenue sharing.
M
7. Resource Control The development of States i. The Presidency
Conference recognized the need to from which oil and other ii. Revenue
TI
review the percentage of revenue mineral resources are derived.
Mobilization and
Section 162
allocation to States producing oil Fiscal
M
(and other resources) Commission
IU
Conference noted that assigning iii. National
percentages for the increase in Assembly
derivation principle require some
M
iv. States
technical details and
Governments
considerations and therefore
RE
Committee to determine
theappropriate percentage on the
W
M
by problems of insurgency and conflicts. Mobilization and
Section 162
internal conflicts; and Fiscal Commission
To facilitate the rapid
O
b. Diversification of the Nigerian development of other mineral iii. National Assembly
economy by fast tracking the resources in every State of the
.C
development of the solid Federation. iv. States Governments
minerals sector.
G
v. Local Governments
Conference noted that setting up
N
Special Intervention Funds to
ES
address issues of reconstruction
and rehabilitation of areas ravaged
by insurgency and internal
M
conflicts as well as solid minerals
development, require some
TI
technical details and
considerations and therefore
M
recommends that Government
should set up a Technical
Committee to determine the
appropriate percentages on the two IU
M
issues and advise government
accordingly.
RE
ii. National
the establishment of a Special Resources. Assembly
Fund for the development of
W
M
that shall be specified by the
National Assembly.
O
10. The Sovereign Wealth Fund To strengthen the Sovereign i. Presidency
.C
currently operating as Nigeria Wealth Fund.
ii. National
Sovereign Investment Authority Assembly
G
(NSIA), 2011, be enshrined in the
Constitution of the Federal iii. State Houses of
N
Republic of Nigeria. Assembly
ES
6.4.3 Statutes
M
S/N RESOLUTIONS PROPOSED/EXISTING OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
TI
STATUTES AGENCIES
M
Allocation)
ii. Revenue
Review of the sharing of the funds
accruing to the Federation Account
IU
Allocation of Revenue
(Federation, etc.) Act
To ensure equity in the
distribution of State funds
Mobilization and
Fiscal
M
among the tiers of government. Commission
Conference resolved that iii. National
RE
v. Local
Governments
W
M
Mobilization and
Review of the sharing formula on Allocation of Revenue To enhance economic,
Fiscal
the basis of allocation of revenue to (Federation, etc.) Act infrastructural and human
O
Commission
States using some principles of development in the country.
equality of states, population, land iii. National
.C
mass and terrain, social Assembly
development factors (i.e. education,
G
iv. States
health, and water supply), and
Governments
N
Internally Generated Revenue.
v. Local
ES
Conference recommends that
Governments
Government should set up a
Technical Committee to determine
M
the appropriate percentages on all
matters relating to revenue sharing.
TI
3. Resource Control
M
Conference recognized the need to The development of States i. Presidency
IU
review the percentage of revenue from which oil and other
Allocation of Revenue ii. National
allocation to States producing oil mineral resources are derived.
(Federation, etc.) Act Assembly
(and other resources)
M
iii. State Houses of
Conference noted that assigning Assembly
RE
M
a. Reconstruction and Allocation of Revenue areas affected by problems of
rehabilitation of areas affected (Federation, etc.) Act insurgency and internal
O
by problems of insurgency conflicts.
.C
and internal conflicts; and To facilitate the rapid
b. Diversification of the development of other mineral
G
Nigerian economy by fast resources in every State of the
Federation.
N
tracking the development of
the solid minerals sector.
ES
Conference noted that setting up
Special Intervention Funds to
M
address issues of reconstruction and
rehabilitation of areas ravaged by
TI
insurgency and internal conflicts as
well as solid minerals development,
M
require some technical details and
considerations and therefore
recommends that Government
should set up a Technical IU
M
Committee to determine the
appropriate percentages on the two
RE
M
6.5.1 Constitutional Issues
O
S/N RESOLUTIONS RELEVANT OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
.C
SECTIONS AGENCIES
G
1. Make Socio-Economic Rights and Directive Principles Section 16 (1) (a-d) To make the economic a. National Assembly
of State Policy justiciable objectives of Chapter II
N
b. States Houses of
obligatory rather than Assembly
ES
optional
2. Amend authorisation of expenditure from the Section 81 To rekindle the plan- a. National Assembly
M
Consolidated Revenue Fund to indicate that: budget link which has b. States House of
been absent in recent Assembly
i. Appropriation Bill (Federal and State) must be
TI
past, to prevent plan
accompanied by an underlying Medium Term Plan and budget indiscipline,
M
and Plan Compatibility Statement detailing and regulate spending
deviations from previous plans with justifications. of excess revenue.
ii. The enactment of a National Revenue Act every
year prior to the Appropriation Act. IU
M
3. Amend the Constitution to clearly specify taxes/levies For the clarification of a. National Assembly
RE
5. Remove the provision on restriction of legal Section 308 To enhance a. National Assembly
W
bringing those
managing the economy
W
to justice
M
Wealth Fund (SWF) and legalise the Excess Crude b. State Houses of
Accounts (ECA). Assembly
O
.C
7. Make SocioEconomic Rights justiciable. Chapter 2 (Sections 14- To legalise the a. National Assembly
G
22) enforcement of socio- b. States House of
economic rights
N
Assembly
ES
8. The budgets of anti-corruption and regulative agencies To guarantee a. Economic Crime
should be made first line charges. independence of all and Fiscal
agencies in anti- Commission
M
corruption crusade b. IndependentCorrupt
Practices
TI
Commission
c. Code of Conduct
M
Bureau
d. Security and
IU Exchange
Commission
M
e. National Deposit
Insurance
RE
Commission
f. The Chief Justice of
the Federation
.P
g. Accountant- General
of the Federation
W
h. Auditor- General of
the Federation
W
W
M
S/N RESOLUTIONS PROPOSED/ OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
O
EXISTING AGENCIES
POLICIES
.C
1. Convert the National Planning Commission to Federal To ensure an a. The Presidency
G
Ministry of Planning and Economic Development with institutional b. National Assembly
the Vice President as Minister of Planning and arrangement for
N
Economic Development effective plan-budget
ES
link
2. Return the Budget Office of the Federation to the To ensure an The Presidency
M
Ministry of Planning and Economic Development institutional
arrangement for
TI
effective plan-budget
link.
M
3. Invest in the people, science and technology. National Policy on a. Federal Ministry of
IU Science and
Technology
Science and
Technology
M
b. Ministry of
Education
RE
b. Relevant MDAs
W
5. Nurture, support and promote development of world Economic Development Capacity building to a. Federal Ministry of
class indigenous private sector operators, organizations Policy enable partnership with National
W
and institutions to get them to be able and ready to foreign counterparts PlanningCommissio
partner with their foreign counterparts to their mutual and compete globally n
W
M
Sector
O
6. Invest in direct productive activities necessary to shift Economic Development To fast track the growth a. The Presidency
the frontiers of development opportunities by getting Policy of the nations economy b. Relevant MDAs
.C
things started in given areas while at the same time
taking steps to encourage the indigenous private sector,
G
in partnership with their foreign counterparts where and
when necessary, to take over such activities at the
N
earliest possible time.
ES
7. Create and strengthen institutions and mechanisms to National Policy on Advancing the frontiers a. Federal Ministry of
provide the needed linkages and partnerships between Education of knowledge between Education
M
knowledge providers (Educational Institutions and knowledge providers b. Research Agencies
Research Institutes) with the productive sector as a and the productive
TI
whole and industries in particular. sector with a view to
improving the economy
M
8. Government should as a matter of policy, ensure, that National Policy on To create an a. Relevant Ministries,
9. Nigeria should not enter into any partnership/trade Nigeria Foreign Policy To secure domestic a. The Presidency
agreement that could be detrimental to the current economy and comply b. Ministry of Foreign
W
M
Trade Organization. Justice
O
10. Publish Treaties and Agreements All Treaties and To achieve a. The Presidency
Agreements transparency and b. Ministry of Foreign
.C
encourage public Affairs
scrutiny and debate.
G
c. National Planning
Commission
N
ES
11. Hold consultations with all relevant stakeholders of Agriculture Policy Promote agricultural a. Federal Ministry of
manufacturing and agro-businesses enterprises. Manufacturing Policy investment and increase Agriculture & Rural
revenue Development
M
b. Federal Ministry of
TI
Industry, Trade &
Investment
M
c. Federal Ministry of
Finance
Investment
13. Remove all impediments to the revival of the Iron and National Agricultural Promotion of a. Federal Ministry of
.P
steel and petrochemical industries and fund Research Policy alternative uses for Finance
&Development into possible petrol chemical uses for agricultural products
W
b. Ministry of Mines&
Nigerias major agricultural products. Steel
W
14. Promote large scale mechanised farming in areas where National Agricultural To achieve food a. The Presidency
W
Nigeria has comparative and competitive advantage Policy security b. Federal Ministry of
M
Development
O
15. Evaluate the operations of the EPZs, tighten the Industrialization Policy Promote domestic a. Federal Ministry of
regulatory framework and enforce relevant legislations industries and economy Industry, Trade &
.C
to check abuses; in particular, the speedy removal of the Investment
aspects of the regulation that allows the manufacturing b. Nigerian Investment
G
of items on the prohibition lists in the EPZs and Promotion
allowing same to be sold 100 per cent in the Custom
N
Commission
Territory (Local Market).
ES
16. Initiate a program for small farm holders Agricultural Policy To increase agricultural a. Federal Ministry of
productivity Agriculture & Rural
M
Development
TI
b. States Ministries of
Agriculture
M
17. Provision of basic rural infrastructure National Rural To accelerate the a. The Presidency
IU
Development Policy development of a b. Federal Ministry of
comprehensive Agriculture & Rural
programme of rural
M
Development
development and
modernization to attract c. State Governments
RE
18. Encourage and assist peasant farmers, through National Food To boost food a. Federal Ministry of
W
appropriate public policy, to embrace the culture of Production Policy production and secure Agriculture & Rural
agriculture insurance and get organised into small holding farmers Development
W
M
Commodity Marketing Corporations being facilitated by Policy production Agriculture & Rural
the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and add to their Development
O
mandate the commitment to research and development b. State Ministries of
of new and innovative industrial uses for the crops and
.C
Agriculture
facilitating private sector participation.
G
20. Invest in the development of a Military Industrial National Defence To support Nigerias a. The Presidency
N
Complex. Industrial Policy defence needs as the b. National Assembly
largest economy in
ES
Africa c. Ministry of Defence
d. Federal Ministry of
M
Industry, Trade &
Investment
TI
e. The Armed Forces
M
f. Organized Private
sector
22. Provide world-class infrastructure like roads, power, National Tourism Promote tourism a. The Presidency
.P
c. Federal Ministry of
W
Works
d. Ministry of Aviation
W
M
f. State Governments
O
23. Provide incentives to investors in the tourism sector to National Tourism Promote tourism a. The Presidency
encourage private participation Policy
.C
b. Federal Ministry of
Tourism, Culture &
G
National Orientation
N
c. Federal Ministry of
Finance
ES
24. Develop all areas of tourism. Vision 20:2020 Promote tourism a. The Presidency
M
b. Federal Ministry of
Tourism, Culture &
TI
National Orientation
c. All relevant MDAs
M
25. Invest revenue from crude oil sales, rents and royalties Vision 20:2020 To fast-track growth of a. The Presidency
to ameliorate the infrastructure deficiencies in the
country. IU the real sector. b. Federal Ministry of
Finance
M
c. Ministry of
RE
Petroleum
Resources
.P
sector
W
26. Privatise existing refineries and reinvest proceeds in National Privatization To achieve greater a. The Presidency
identifiable and sustainable infrastructural projects. Policy efficiency and b. Ministry of
W
accountability Petroleum
M
c. Bureau for Public
Enterprise
O
27. Increase public expenditure on education and health Fiscal Strategy Paper To promote education a. The Presidency
.C
and health for all b. Federal Ministry of
G
Finance
N
c. Federal Ministry of
Health
ES
d. Federal Ministry of
Education
M
28. Create more incentives to encourage industries to National Policy on To achieve greater a. Federal Ministry of
TI
support industrial liaison and attachment programmes of Education results from education Education
educational institutions. b. National
M
Universities
Commission (NUC)
Fund
29. Strengthen, equip and motivate the security agencies Grand Strategy for To enhance their a. The Presidency
.P
National Security
Adviser
W
c. Ministry of Defence
W
d. Ministry of Police
M
e. Nigeria Army
f. Nigeria Navy
O
g. Nigeria Air Force
.C
h. Nigeria Police
G
i. Department of State
N
Security
ES
j. National
Intelligence Agency
k. National Security &
M
Civil Defence Corps
TI
l. Other security
agencies
M
30. Strengthen the operations of the anti-corruption National Policy on To enable their a. The Presidency
agencies.
IU
Anti-Corruption operations to devolve to
the sub-national levels,
b. National Assembly
c. Federal Ministry of
M
and the private sectors.
Justice
RE
d. Economic &
Financial Crime
Commission
.P
e. Independent Corrupt
W
Practices
Commission
W
f. Code of Conduct
Bureau
W
M
towards positive Agency
national endeavours and b. State Governments
O
peaceful co-existence c. Local Governments
.C
G
32. Reduce the number of political appointees and aides Vision 20:2020 To reduce the cost of a. Federal Government
governance and safe
N
b. State Governments
time in decision making
ES
c. Local Governments
33. Streamline MDAs to avoid duplication of functions and To reduce the cost of The Presidency
M
unnecessary cost outlay governance and achieve
Office of the
effective bureaucracy Secretary to the
TI
Government of the
Federation
M
Office of the Head
35. Political commitment of the leadership to maximizing Vision 20:2020 To achieve good a. Federal Government
W
c. Local Government
Councils
W
M
in all activities of government Affirmative Action mainstreaming or b. State Governments
equity in government
O
c. Local Government
Councils
.C
37. Create and maintain a competent and highly motivated Vision 20:2020 To achieve efficiency a. Federal Government
G
bureaucracy with the ability and necessary authority to in public service b. State Governments
N
carry out all development policy activities including
formulating sound development plans, policies and c. Local Governments
ES
programs and vigorously and pragmatically
implementing them.
M
38. Impose Luxury Taxation on some categories of luxury National Taxation To discourage wasteful a. The Presidency
TI
items in the country. Policy consumption and b. Federal Ministry of
increase revenue Finance
M
c. Federal Inland
Revenue Service
IU d. Nigeria Customs
M
Service
RE
39. Create an intervention fund to be strategically applied Vision 20:2020 To stimulate domestic a. The Presidency
towards funding productive sectors for a defined period. economy and increase b. Federal Ministry of
productivity
Finance
.P
c. Ministry of Industry,
W
Trade and
Investment
W
d. Central Bank of
Nigeria
W
M
Equity Investment Scheme (SMEEIS) where banks Small and Medium regulated and legislated b. Federal Ministry of
willingly contribute 10% of their profit to the scheme or Enterprises funding window for Finance
O
creating a program similar to the defunct CBN SMEEIS; MSME to access
equity/debt/grants c. Ministry of Industry,
.C
investment Trade and
Investment
G
d. Central Bank of
N
Nigeria
ES
41. Create tested programs for massive development of the National Economic To boost the housing a. The Presidency
mortgage and insurance sectors and establishment of a Policy sector of the economy
b. Federal Ministry of
M
mortgage regulator in Nigeria. and reduce housing Land, Housing &
deficit
TI
Urban Development
c. Federal Ministry of
M
Finance
d. Federal Mortgage
IU Bank of Nigeria
M
e. Nigeria Mortgage
Refinance Company
RE
f. Federal Housing
Authority
.P
g. National Insurance
Commission
W
h. State Governments
W
42. Place the Financial System Strategy (FSS) 2020 under Financial System To elevate the Financial a. The Presidency
the implementation leadership of the Minister of Strategy 2020 System Strategy (FSS)
W
b. Minister of Finance
2020 to a critical
M
O
43. Coordinate and streamline the regulators in the financial National Economic To promote financial Federal Ministry of
sector Policy sector of the economy Finance
.C
44. Design innovative instruments and strategies to include National Taxation To enhance Federal Ministry of
G
tax incentives to: Policy productivity Finance
N
i. To attract Funds from new development financing
ES
opportunities such as Diaspora Bond, emerging
funds from the Middle East and international
institutions.
M
ii. Raise capital from the listing of local and foreign
TI
companies operating in Nigeria
iii. Provide tax relief or holiday of 3 years for operators
M
of micro, small and medium enterprises
46. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) To encourage rapid a. The Presidency
should be made to pay prevailing interest rates on remittances of revenue
.P
b. Federal Ministry of
unduly delayed remittances to the Federation Account. Finance
W
c. Ministry of
Petroleum
W
Resources
W
d. Central Bank of
M
47. Formulate a policy of low tax on food and high tax on National Taxation To promote production a. The Presidency
O
luxury goods Policy of food locally b. Federal Ministry of
Agriculture& Rural
.C
Development
G
c. Federal Ministry of
Finance
N
ES
48. Establish Economic Planning Departments to be headed To promote a. State Governments
by certified Economists at Local Governments or professionalism and b. Local Governments
Municipal Governments as may be created to interface accelerated technology
M
with the proposed Science and Technology Skills at the grass root level
Development Centres of Tertiary Institutions.
TI
49. Implement short and medium term poverty eradication Provide social welfare a. The Presidency
M
programs packages for the b. Federal Ministry of
vulnerable population, Finance
50. Pay up local public debt amounting to N1 trillion to Fiscal Strategy Paper To alleviate the a. The Presidency
encourage cash flow and reduce economic insecurity suffering of creditors b. Federal Ministry of
.P
51. Initiate a 5-year development plan as was done Vision 20:2020 Governance is made a. The Presidency
W
M
Finance
c. National Planning
O
Commission
.C
52. All banks should have gender desks to ease the stress of National Gender Policy Gender equality and a. Federal Ministry of
borrowing by women access to finance Finance
G
b. Central Bank of
N
Nigeria
ES
53. Exempt local textiles from Value Added Tax (VAT) for National Taxation Promote Local Industry a. The Presidency
a period of five (5) years and Government should Policy b. Federal Ministry of
M
impose a levy of not less than 5% on imported textiles Finance
to boost the Textile Revival Fund.
TI
c. Federal Ministry of
Industry, Trade &
M
Investment
d. Federal Inland
IU Revenue Service
M
54. Release the sum of N100 billion budgeted for the Cotton National Industrial Promote Textile a. The Presidency
and Textile and Garment Revival Scheme, through the Policy Industrial
RE
b. Federal Ministry of
Bank of Industry (BOI). Finance
c. Federal Ministry of
.P
d. Bank of Industry
W
55. Investment in social institutions should be specifically Promote artisans and Ministry of Industry,
W
structured to direct more resources towards areas that auxiliary workers Trade and Investment
M
O
6.5.3 Statutes
.C
S/N RESOLUTIONS PROPOSED/ OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
G
EXISTING AGENCY
STATUTES
N
ES
1. Enact Acts of National Assembly to establish the Section 16(3) To actualise the a. The Presidency
body prescribed in Section 16(3) of the Constitution Constitutional
b. National Assembly
requirement to review
M
ownership and control c. Federal Ministry of
of business enterprise in Justice
TI
Nigeria and administer
laws for the regulation
M
of ownership and
control of such
IU enterprises.
M
2. Enact a Law for National Participatory National Participatory Establishment of a. The Presidency
Development Planning Process Development Planning Sectoral Policy and b. National Assembly
RE
3. Enact a Law for National Integrated Infrastructure National Integrated Establishment and a. The Presidency
and Industrial Master Plan Law Infrastructure and implementation of a
W
b. National Assembly
Industrial Master Plan developmental agenda
Bill for successive c. Federal Ministry of
W
M
and States, to follow
O
4. Enact legislations on all industrial policies. To ensure policy a. The Presidency
coherence and
.C
b. National Assembly
continuity
c. Federal Ministry of
G
Justice
N
ES
5. Ratify all Treaties and Agreements Domestication and a. The Presidency
implementation of all b. National Assembly
M
Treaties and
Agreements c. Federal Ministry of
TI
Justice
M
6. Hasten the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill. Petroleum Industry Bill To accelerate National Assembly
(NHIS) Commission Bill 2012 into an Act of the Insurance Scheme and make health b. National Assembly
National Assembly (NHIS) Commission facilities cheap,
Bill affordable and c. Federal Ministry of
.P
available. Justice
W
8. Enact a Law for Investors Assurance Act To protect pioneer and a. The Presidency
W
M
O
9. Enact an AntiTrust Law To prevent monopolies. a. The Presidency
.C
b. National Assembly
c. Federal Ministry of
G
Justice
N
ES
10. Create agencies for mechanical and technical National Youth Policy To empower the a. National Assembly,
education to target those out of school and unemployed youths b. Ministry of Youth,
M
unemployed youth.
Sports
TI
c. National Directorate
of Employment
M
11. Enact a law to prohibit Government from sourcing Prohibition of sourcing Boost economy and a. The Presidency
IU
for goods that are available and made in Nigeria goods that are made in protect local b. National Assembly
from abroad. Nigeria from abroad entrepreneurs
Bill c. Federal Ministry of
M
Justice
RE
.P
W
W
W
M
6.6.1 Policy Issues
O
S/N RESOLUTIONS EXISTING/PROPSED OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTING
.C
POLICIES AGENCIES
G
1. The National Electric Power Policy (NEPP) need to be National Electric Power To bring the Policy in line with a. Federal Ministry of
carefully reviewed to address challenges presently Policy (NEPP) current realities and emerging Power
N
affecting the performance of the sector. trends. b. National Council
ES
On Privatization
2. A two-year time frame be given to firms in the Electric a. National Energy Provision of efficient power a. The Presidency
M
Power sector to enable them stabilize and provide Policy supply.
b. Federal Ministry of
efficient power supply.
TI
b. National Electric Power
Power Policy (NEPP) c. Federal Ministry of
M
c. Roadmap for Power Finance
Sector Reform
IU
d. Energy
Commission of
Nigeria
M
e. Nigerian
RE
Electricity
Regulatory
Commission
.P
3. Solution be found to large cash deficit threatening the Fiscal Strategy Paper a. Provision of efficient power a. The Presidency
W
M
d. Nigerian
Electricity
O
Regulatory
Commission
.C
4. Improved Gas supply and transmission to ramp up power a. National Energy Provision of efficient power a. Federal Ministry of
G
delivery Policy supply Power
N
b. Nigerian Gas Master Energy mix b. Ministry of
Plan
ES
Petroleum
c. National Gas Policy Resources
M
c. Nigerian National
Petroleum
TI
Corporation
d. Nigeria Gas
M
Company
IU
e. Gas Aggregation
Company of
Nigeria
M
5. Use of Coal to improve power generation a. Roadmap for Power Provision of efficient power a. The Presidency
RE
d. Energy
Commission of
W
M
O
6. Exploit Bitumen as Energy source National Energy Policy Provision of Efficient Power, a. The Presidency
.C
Energy mix, Energy Security b. Federal Ministry of
Power
G
c. Federal Ministry of
N
Mines and Steel
Development
ES
d. Energy
Commission of
M
Nigeria
TI
7. Encourage production of Electrical spare parts a. National Energy Provision of Efficient Power a. The Presidency
Policy and meeting local demands. Federal Ministry of
M
b. National Electric Power
IU
Power Policy b. Federal Ministry of
Industry, Trade &
Investment
M
c. National Office for
RE
Technological
Acquisition and
Promotion
.P
8. Promote Energy efficiency in Nigeria National Energy Policy Provision of Efficient Power, a. The Presidency
W
Power
encourage efficient best
practice, minimise energy c. Energy Commission
W
M
d. Nigerian Electricity
Regulatory
O
Commission
.C
9. Development of Hydro Sites for Power generation National Energy Policy Provision of Efficient Power, a. The Presidency
Energy Security and Energy
G
b. Federal Ministry of
Mix. Power
N
c. Energy Commission
ES
of Nigeria
d. Nigerian Electricity
M
Regulatory
Commission
TI
10. Fast track Super Grid Development so power can be a. National Energy Provision of efficient power, a. The Presidency
M
developed close to fuel source Policy energy mix, Energy Security b. Federal Ministry of
b. National Electric Power
IU Power Policy
M
c. Roadmap for Power
Sector Reform
RE
11. Universal access to Electricity; Electricity for all by the a. National Energy Provision of Efficient Power to a. The Presidency
year 2020 Policy all Nigerians
b. Federal Ministry of
.P
c. Nigerian
c. Roadmap for Power Electricity
W
M
Development Commission (HYPADEC) Hydro Energy, Energy mix, b. Federal Ministry of
energy security Power
O
c. Nigerian
.C
Electricity
Regulatory
G
Commission
N
13. Remove restriction on private power generation off-grid National Energy Policy Provision of Efficient Power Nigerian Electricity
ES
Regulatory
Commission
M
14. Increase participation of Nigeria engineers in power National Electric Power Local Content development, a. The Presidency
TI
sector Policy. Capacity Building, b. Federal Ministry of
Power
M
c. Nigerian
Electricity
IU Regulatory
Commission
M
d. Nigerian Society
RE
of Engineers
15. The 1.68% Federation Account Allocation for Solid a. National Electric Solid mineral (coal) a. The Presidency
.P
Minerals Development be dedicated to CoaltoPower Power Policy development for power b. Federal Ministry of
scheme for the next six (6) years. b. National Energy generation, energy mix and Power
W
M
e. Nigerian
Electricity
O
Regulatory
Commission
.C
f. Energy
G
Commission of
Nigeria
N
ES
16. EncourageGovernment/ Private sector participation in a. National Electric Ensure effective service a. The Presidency
power sector Power Policy delivery, Sector stability. b. Federal Ministry of
M
b. National Privatisation Power
Policy c. Nigerian
TI
c. Roadmap for Power Electricity
Sector Reform Regulatory
M
Commission
IU
d. Bureau of Public
Enterprises
M
e. Independent Power
Producers
RE
17. Government should adopt clean coal technology policy National Energy Policy Energy efficiency, sustainable a. The Presidency
for power generation. power development. b. Federal Ministry of
.P
Power
W
c. Federal Ministry of
Mines and Steel
W
Development
d. Nigerian
W
M
Regulatory
Commission
O
e. Energy
Commission of
.C
Nigeria
G
18. Environmental protection in hydro dam projects in Kainji, National Energy Policy Environmental Impact a. The Presidency
N
Jebba and Shiroro dams Assessment Hydro Energy b. Federal Ministry of
ES
Power
c. Nigerian
M
Electricity
Regulatory
TI
Commission
19. Imperative need for Data collection to determine total National Energy Policy To assist long term planning, a. The Presidency
M
renewable energy potential development of new energy b. Federal Ministry of
IU
sources Power
c. Energy Commission
M
of Nigeria
RE
20. Formulate new policy for renewable energy a. National Energy To diversify energy sources a. The Presidency
Policy (energy mix), energy security, b. Federal Ministry of
enhance access to energy.
.P
of Nigeria
W
21. Funding and Financing of power sector to be handled by Renewable Energy To improve investment in a. The Presidency
public-private-partnerships. Energy pricing and carbon Master Plan energy sector
W
b. Federal Ministry of
M
in renewable energy to encourage 10% of total energy c. Federal Ministry of
mix. Finance
O
d. Nigerian
.C
Electricity
Regulatory
G
Commission
N
22. Government to enforce gas flaring ceiling a. National Gas Policy To protect the environment, to a. The Presidency
ES
b. Nigerian Gas Master attain Gas to Power initiative b. Ministry of
Plan and Gas based Petroleum
Industrialisation.
M
Resources
c. Nigeria National
TI
Petroleum
Corporation
M
d. Department of
IU
Petroleum
Resources
M
23. Root-to-branch audit of the entire PPMC logistical system Nigerian Oil and Gas For greater effectiveness, a. Ministry of
and asset integrity be carried out as a matter of urgency, Policy. accountability, efficient Petroleum
RE
and appropriate remedies mapped out for phased product delivery, safety and Resources
implementation environmental protection.. b. Nigeria National
.P
Petroleum
Corporation
W
c. Department of
Petroleum
W
Resources
W
M
archaic, and unreliable, must be migrated to digital, if Policy. accountability. Petroleum
transactional and technical data are to be pristine enough Resources
O
to facilitate a smooth flow of PPMCs business. b. Nigeria National
.C
Petroleum
Corporation
G
c. Department of
N
Petroleum
Resources
ES
25. Government and oil companies must invest in equipment Nigerian Gas Master Increased Power Generation a. Ministry of
M
to convert gas to full use in power industry. Plan, National Gas Petroleum
Policy Resources
TI
b. Nigeria National
Petroleum
M
Corporation
IU
c. Department of
Petroleum
Resources
M
d. International Oil &
RE
Gas Companies.
26. Revamp refineries for production of Petroleum Motor Effective fiscal management of The Presidency
.P
Spirits and reduce payment of fuel subsidy. Resources in Oil and Gas Ministry of Petroleum
sector
W
Resources
Federal Ministry of
W
Finance
W
M
b. Create Technical Unit to coordinate exploration Policy Improve local participation in Ministry of
oil and gas industry Petroleum
O
i. Strict enforcement of local content laws Resources
Promote creation and
.C
ii. International Oil Companies to take part in b. Nigeria National
refining crude oil. investment in local refinery
Petroleum
G
Corporation
N
c. Department of
Petroleum
ES
Resources
M
28. The current divestment by the International Oil To promote inclusiveness and a. The Presidency
Companies (IOCs) offers opportunities for indigenous guarantee economic growth Ministry of
TI
operators in the sector. Accordingly, oil producing and safety of assets. Petroleum
communities should be given opportunities to acquire a Resources
M
minimum of 10% equity interest in the successor entities. b. Nigeria National
Petroleum
IU
Corporation
c. Department of
Petroleum
M
Resources
RE
.P
W
W
W
M
S/N RESOLUTIONS PROPOSED/ OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
O
EXISTING AGENCY
STATUTES
.C
1. Criminalize acts of vandalization of the gas and electrical a. Criminal Code Act, Strengthen the Efficient a. The Presidency
G
equipment. (Amendment of Chapter 42, Sections 443, Cap. 77 LFN 2004 generation of power. Preserve b. Federal Ministry of
444, 452, 460 and 451 of Criminal Code Act Cap. 77 government infrastructure,
N
b. Penal Code Act Justice
Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and sections of Environmental protection and
ES
the Penal Code (Northern States) Federal Provisions Act economic growth. c. Ministry of
Chapter P3 to cover arson on/against electrical equipment Petroleum
and pipelines Resources
M
d. National Assembly
TI
2. a. Pass the Petroleum Industry Bill with its amendments Petroleum Industry Bill For greater efficiency and a. The Presidency
M
at the earliest possible date NAPAMCO Act regulatory certainty in the oil b. Federal Ministry of
b. Merge Nigerian Petroleum Assets Management and gas sector. Justice
Company Limited (NAPAMCO) and National
Petroleum Assets Management Corporation IU c. Ministry of
Petroleum
M
(NAPAMCorp) for greater clarity of purpose.
Resources
RE
d. National Assembly
3. a. Enact Laws to provide for: Nigerian Gas Regulatory Efficient power production a. The Presidency
.P
Commission Bill
b. Legislative framework for setting up of a Regulator b. Federal Ministry of
for the Gas-to-Power industry; and Justice
W
Petroleum
Resources
W
M
O
4. The EPSR Act 2005 need to be carefully reviewed. Electricity Power Sector To bring the Act in line with a. The Presidency
Certain provisions of the Act need to be amended, to Reform Act, 2005 current realities and emerging b. Federal Ministry of
.C
address challenges presently affecting the performance of trends. Justice
the sector.
G
c. Ministry of
Petroleum
N
Resources
ES
d. National Assembly
e. Nigerian Electricity
M
Regulatory
Commission
TI
5. Review of the Petroleum Act of 1969 Petroleum Act 1969 To bring the Act in line with a. The Presidency
b. Federal Ministry of
M
current changes in the oil and
gas sector. Justice
IU
c. Ministry of
Petroleum
Resources
M
d. National Assembly
a. The Presidency
RE
6. Create agency to promote clean fuels, bio-fuel, use of Renewable Energy To promote alternative power
energy efficient products, awareness in general public Agency Act sources, energy efficiency b. Federal Ministry of
and energy security Justice
.P
c. Ministry of
Petroleum
W
Resources
d. National Assembly
W
W
M
6.7.1 Constitutional Issues
O
.C
S/N RESOLUTIONS RELEVANT OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
SECTIONS AGENCIES
G
1 Enshrine the rights of nature to maintain its natural Chapter II To secure a. The Presidency
N
cycles without disruption in our Constitution because of environmental
b. National Assembly
the vital need to preserve the integrity of the Nigerian sustainability for
ES
environment. This must include justiciable rights to a present and future c. States Houses of
safe and satisfactory (as stipulated by Article 24 of the generations with clear Assembly
M
African Charter on Peoples and Human Rights to which and direct stipulations
Nigeria is a signatory) environment including the rights in the Nigerian
TI
to water, clean air, food, shelter Constitution
M
2 Transfer the Environmental Objectives of the State Chapter IV To make a. The Presidency
under Chapter II of the Constitution to the justiciable environmental b. National Assembly
IU
rights under the Fundamental rights chapter of the objectives a
Constitution since Section 20 of the 1999 Constitution fundamental human c. States Houses of
does not establish any legally enforceable code of rights Assembly
M
environmental rights
RE
3 Amend Section 251 (1) of the 1999 Constitution to give Section 251(1) To confer jurisdiction a. The Presidency
jurisdiction to the state High Court over the items listed on the State High
b. National Assembly
.P
Assembly
W
4 Define waste beyond refuse in the Constitution such Section 20 a. The Presidency
as Federal, State and Council wastes. In consonance b. National Assembly
W
M
operations (radioactive wastes), mineral resources and Assembly
mining operation (mining wastes). State wastes include
O
all hazardous wastes other than federal wastes, whereas
Council wastes are essentially non-hazardous (domestic
.C
and wastes from small businesses) and institutionally
generated.
G
6 Amend the 4th Schedule of the Constitution to limit the 4th Schedule To prevent abuse of a. The Presidency
N
powers of Councils to non-hazardous wastes power and ensure b. National Assembly
ES
specialization
c. States Houses of
Assembly
M
TI
6.7.2 Policy Matters
M
S/N RESOLUTIONS PROPOSED/ OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
EXISTING
IU POLICY
AGENCIES
M
1. a. Ensure the restriction of modern biotechnology in To ensure safety in a. Federal Ministry of
agricultural laboratories. agricultural research Agriculture& Rural
RE
Environment
c. National
W
Biotechnology
Development Agency
W
2. Raise the bar and demand a polluter stop principle. National Policy on To promote pollution National Environmental
W
M
Enforcement Agency
O
3. The need to establish a framework for the regulation of To promote less noisy Federal Ministry of
noise pollution. Polluted environment. Environment
.C
4.
G
5. There is need to regulate emission of fumes from National Policy on To promote free Federal and State
N
vehicles that ply Nigerian roads. Environment polluted environment. Ministries of Transport;
ES
and Environment.
6. Develop and enforce guidelines pertaining to erecting of National Building To avoid construction a. Federal Ministry of
M
buildings and other structures in vulnerable areas. Code of buildings in Flood Land, Housing &
vulnerable area. Urban Development
TI
b. Federal Ministry of
M
Environment
IU
7. Establish, protect and properly maintain forest reserves. National Policy on For the establishment a. Federal Government
Forest Reserves of Forest Reserve
b. State Governments
M
8. a. NESREA should be the only Body to regulate National Policy on To have an Integrated a. The Presidency
RE
Federal Waste (be it in the Oil or Solid mineral Integrated Waste Waste Management b. Federal Ministry of
sectors of the economy). Management Environment
b. Development of national framework for waste
.P
c. National
management should be all inclusive (private & Environmental
W
Enforcement Agency
W
M
develop a broad regulatory system for all forms of Integrated Waste Waste Management at b. Federal Ministry of
hazardous waste and should have broad authority to Management the Federal level. Environment
O
regulate and control Federal wastes. In addition, there
should be criminal prosecution for indiscriminate c. National
.C
disposal of toxic waste. Environmental
Standards and
G
Regulations
N
Enforcement Agency
ES
10. State Government shall develop a broad regulatory To promote Integrated State Governments
System for all non-Hazardous Waste and shall be Waste Management at
M
especially responsible for regulation and control of the State level.
Hazardous Waste other than Federal Wastes.
TI
M
6.7.3 Statutes
S/N RESOLUTIONS
IU PROPOSED/
EXISTING
OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
AGENCIES
M
STATUTES
RE
1. Enact laws to uphold the rights of Internally Displaced The Rights of To protect the rights National Assembly
Persons. Internally Displaced of Internally
Persons Bill Displaced Persons
.P
2. a. Amend the Nigerian Environmental Standards and NESREA Act To achieve effective a. The Presidency
W
M
3. Unify Oil Pipelines Laws and make provisions that Oil Pipelines Act To compel polluters to a. National Assembly
O
compel polluter to clean up impacted areas to standard. clean up impacted b. Ministry of Petroleum
areas to the Resources
.C
satisfaction of the
citizenry. c. Federal Ministry of
G
Environment
N
4. Enactment of new law on oil and gaspipelines in line Oil Pipelines Act To comply with a. National Assembly
ES
with: International standard b. Ministry of Petroleum
i. Rio Declaration 1992;
M
ii. American Superfund Act, already cited;
iii. Articles 16 and 24 of the African Charter on Human
TI
and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement)
Act, CAP 10, Laws of the federation of Nigeria,
M
1990.
e. Make the Petroleum Industry Bill cater for future communities from
exploration and exploitation in zones outside of the hazard.
W
operations.
M
and treaties.
h. The penalty for gas flaring should be paid to the
O
communities that are directly affected by such
flaring rather than the Federal Government.
.C
6. Need to regulate electronic waste disposal. To effectively control a. Federal Ministry of
G
disposal of electronic Environment.
waste.
b. NESREA.
N
c. National Assembly
ES
7. Amendment of Environmental Impact Assessment Act Environmental To provide for social a. National Assembly
M
to provide for social dimensions in environmental Impact Assessment dimension in
b. Federal Ministry of
management. Act Cap E 12 LFN environmental Environment.
TI
2004 management
c. Federal Ministry of
Justice.
M
8. The Act establishing the Nigerian Meteorological Nigerian To bring it up to date National Assembly
Agency (NIMET) should be reviewed as to who
nominates Board Membership. IU Meteorological
Agency
with current realities Federal Ministry of
M
Justice.
(Establishment) Act
RE
Environment
b. NESREA Act principle of strict
W
M
e. Territorial Waters
Act
O
f. Nigerian Mining
.C
Corporation Act
g. Factories Act
G
h. Federal National
N
Park Act
ES
10. Prohibition of use of asbestos in Nigeria. To prevent the disease a. National Assembly
of cancer
b. Federal Ministry of
M
Environment
TI
11. Establishment of Environmental Restoration Agency to a. Environmental The Agency shall a. The Presidency
replace the Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project Restoration have the
M
b. National Assembly
(HYPREP) and ensure government and polluters fund Agency Act responsibility:
the agency. c. Federal Ministry of
IU b. Hydrocarbon
Pollution
a. To rehabilitate
persons whose
Justice
M
Restoration farmlands and
Project fishing site has
RE
companies carry
W
out environmental
remediation
exercises wherever
W
oil is explored.
W
M
Bill reduce deforestation. b. States Houses of
b. State Forests Bill Assembly
O
.C
13. Establish a National Forestry Commission National Forestry To harmonize forest National Assembly
Commission Bill and coordinate all
G
policies.
N
14. Establish laws that recognise the right of nature to Rights of Nature Bill Rights of Nature a. The Presidency
ES
maintain its cycles for the survival of human beings and b. Federal Ministry of
other species on the plant Justice
M
c. Federal Ministry of
Environment
TI
d. National Assembly
M
15. a. Ensure the quick passage of the bill to Professional Environmental National Assembly
professionalise the environmental practice in Environmental Legislation
Nigeria.
b. The Professional Environmental Council will IU Council Bill
M
regulate and control waste and environmental
RE
management in Nigeria.
c. Waste and environmental management and control
has legal and various ethical responsibilities and so
.P
16. Create an agency for desertification and to make National To address the issue a. The Presidency
concrete recommendations. Desertification of desertification b. Federal Ministry of
W
Justice
Agency Bill
c. National Assembly
W
M
6.8.1 Constitutional Issues
O
S/N RESOLUTIONS RELEVANT OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
.C
SECTIONS AGENCIES
G
1. Amend the Constitution by adding a Subsection (4) to Section 12(1)(3)- The significance of this is that a. National Assembly
Section 12, to provide thus: Implementation of no Act can be enacted without
N
b. State Houses of
(4) The Treaty shall be ratified by the Executive after its Treaties, the Bills passing through the Assembly
ES
enactment into Law by the National Assembly three stages of reading and
passage and eventual assent by
the President.
M
2. Amend the Constitution to provide for Diaspora voting Sections 77(2) and To provide for Diaspora a. National Assembly
TI
rights. 117(2) Voting Rights b. State Houses of
M
Direct election and Assembly
franchise and
Extradition out of Nigeria for Trial Elsewhere with an short-changed or treated as a Affairs
emphasis on the need in favour of Nigeria. weaker partner. b. Federal Ministry of
Justice
.P
4 Ensure strict compliance with the Section on Federal Section 164(2) To ensure that abuses which a. Ministry of Foreign
W
Grants-in-Aid of State Revenue. This Section is apt and were rampant under some past Affairs
has placed essential checks through the legislature. Federal administrations are
W
b. Federal Ministry of
avoided. Finance
W
M
Commission
O
5 Retain the Section on Appointment of Ambassadors, Section 171(1) (2) (4) To ensure that in making a. The Presidency
High Commissioners or other Principal Representatives (5) ambassadorial appointments, b. Ministry of Foreign
.C
of Nigeria Abroad nevertheless, the President is at liberty the President, as much as Affairs
to appoint persons of high integrity and competence as possible; make the bulk of
G
non-career ambassadors. Conference agrees that the ratio such appointments from career
of non-career to career Heads of Mission should be in the diplomats from the Ministry
N
range of 30% to 70%, respectively. who have received the
ES
necessary training to be
appointable as the principal
representatives abroad.
M
6 Retain the Section on the Exclusive Jurisdiction of the Chapter 1 Section To continue to give exclusive a. Ministry of Foreign
TI
Federal High Court. 251(1) (a) (1) jurisdiction of the Federal Affairs
High Court (FHC) in respect
M
b. Federal Ministry of
of diplomatic, consular and Justice
trade representation,
IU citizenship,naturalisation and
aliens, deportation of persons
c. The Judiciary
d. Federal High Court
M
who are not citizens of
Nigeria,extradition,
RE
7 Retain the Section on the Exclusive Jurisdiction of the Section 254(C) (2) To ensure that the National a. Ministry of Foreign
National Industrial Court. Industrial Court shall continue Affairs
W
M
application of any international d. National Industrial
convention, treaty, or protocol, Court
O
which Nigeria has ratified
relating to labour,
.C
employment, workplace,
industrial relations or matters
G
connected therewith.
N
8 Retain the Section on Extraditable Offences Section 41(1) (2) (b) To enable Nigeria to continue a. Ministry of Foreign
ES
to enter into extradition Affairs
treaties, prisoner exchange or
b. Federal Ministry of
swap arrangements and
M
Justice
prisoner transfer agreements,
with Nations where there are c. The Judiciary
TI
Nigerians as prisoners as part
of our commitment to our
M
citizens including those in
foreign prison and to promote
9 Entrench the process of treaty making in the Constitution New Section To upgrade treaty making from a. National Assembly
of the Federal Republic of Nigeria this is because treaty the level of Act of the National
W
b. States Houses of
making is an Act of sovereignty. Assembly. Assembly
W
W
M
S/N RESOLUTIONS PROPOSED/ OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTING
O
EXISTING AGENCIES
POLICIES
.C
1. Concepts of Foreign Policy a. Nigeria Foreign Promotion of Nigerias Economic a. The Presidency
G
a. Adopt a more all-encompassing philosophy to Policy interest in a new World Economic b. Ministry of
Order
N
underpin our foreign policy by deploying our immense i. The Principle of Foreign Affairs
human and natural resources to addressing our Non-Alignment
ES
domestic challenges while placing Africa as the centre ii. Citizens
piece of Nigerias foreign policy. Diplomacy
M
b. Employ the principle of concentric circles and iii. Economic
prioritize, in sequence, our domestic security, relations
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Diplomacy
with our neighbours in West Africa, ties in Africa and
her ties with the rest of the world.
M
c. Continue to practice both economic and citizens
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diplomacy while remaining non-aligned in the strict
sense of assuring our sovereign rights to take
decisions in our best interest, as these will ensure that
M
we are able to improve living standards for our
citizens at home and abroad
RE
M
Tourism and Cultural Exchange
Culture and tourism should, in addition to being treated as Nigerian Culture &
O
a. Promotion of Tourism to an a. Federal Ministry
important means of attracting foreign direct investment Tourism Policy economically viable Industry of Culture,
.C
(FDI), be used as effective foreign policy tools. The Tourism and
following machinery should be put in place: b. Make Nigeria a Prominent
National
G
Tourism destination
a. Provide necessary infrastructure to support tourism Orientation
N
i.e. Hotels, air and road and water connections, c. Promote Tourism-Based Rural
enterprises b. Federal Ministry
cultural and tourist facilities and trained tour guides
ES
of Foreign Affairs
and tourism staff
c. State Ministries of
b. Develop strong and effective communication
M
Commerce and
strategies to promote Nigeria as a good, safe, and Tourism
interesting tourist and cultural destination;
TI
c. Clean up Nigerias image marred by unscrupulous
M
activities of some Nigerian fraudsters at home and
abroad;
d. Deal successfully with the security challenges
e. Use Nigerian fashion, music and movies as well as IU
M
educational institutions to promote the positive
changes image of Nigeria
RE
more tourists.
h. A re-branding exercise be preceded or accompanied
W
M
Nigerias image and they must see themselves as
formal ambassadors and cultural diplomats for the
O
country. Such a campaign must be loud and consistent
and the creative use of communication must be a part
.C
of Nigerias foreign policy.
G
3. Nigeria and International Peacekeeping Operations
N
a. Bridge disconnect between Ministry of Defence and a. Africa as the Promotion of International a. Ministry of
the Defence Headquarters and the men on the field. To Centrepiece Cooperation for Universal Peace Foreign Affairs
ES
ensure Nigerian contingents in peacekeeping b. Peace Support and Mutual respect among all b. Federal Ministry
operations receive the best support they need to Operation Policy nations and the elimination of of Defence
M
succeed. discrimination in all its
manifestations. c. Federal Ministry
b. Creation of Inter-Ministerial Committee between
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of Information
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Finance and Information,
Nigerian Missions in field of Operation, Nigerian
M
Military and Police Officers in Peacekeeping Missions
to manage participation in peacekeeping operations.
c. Create point of liaison between Ministry of defence,
Defence HQ and Missions IU
M
d. Careful selection of participants of peace keeping
RE
as representatives of Nigeria
f. Ensure that Nigeria takes maximum benefits in
W
M
claimed promptly for the benefit of the country.
h. Nigeria should push for representation in
O
peacekeeping where Nigerian officers are given
leadership roles in the peacekeeping operations which
.C
are commensurate with the level of troop contribution.
G
i. Participation in peacekeeping operations should be
seen as an important foreign policy tool, an avenue to
N
build good will for Nigeria, an international relations
ES
strategy and a means to increase both the capacity and
professionalism of Nigeria Armed Forces and the
Police, promote Nigerias economic interests and
M
every effort must be made to do it right.
TI
4. Promoting the Economic Community of West African a. ECOWAS Protocol a. Strengthen the West African a. The Presidency
States (ECOWAS) Regime on Free Movement Sub-Region
M
b. Ministry of
a. Ensure that the Committee of ECOWAS of Persons, b. To promote trade and Foreign Affairs
Residence and
IU
Ambassadors in Abuja work closely with the investments
Establishment. c. The Directorate of
ECOWAS Commission, like the Permanent c. To strengthen Nigerias Technical
Representatives Committee (PRC) does with the b. ECOWAS Protocol
M
borders and enhance security Cooperation in
African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Democracy and Africa in the
to ensure that the former works in accordance with its Good Governance d. Provision of rapid response to
RE
M
with Benin Republic, Togo and Ghana, Equatorial
Guinea.
O
f. Enter Agreement for Security with Niger, Tchad and
Cameroon
.C
g. Spearhead the rapid operationalism of the ECOWAS
G
Brigade of the African Standby Force and encourage
countries of Central African states to do same.
N
ES
5. Participation of Nigeria in International Organization
a. Ensure that Nigeria sees her membership of Nigerian Foreign Policy a. To further Nigerias National a. The Presidency
M
international organisations as a foreign policy tool to Interests b. Ministry of
be used, at all times, to maximum advantage; b. Strengthen Nigeria Continental Foreign Affairs
TI
b. Nigeria must calibrate her interests by developing a and Intercontinental relevance
short, medium and long term agenda in the West c. Effective service to both
M
Africa sub-region, the African continent and the Nigerians and foreigners
world. She must begin by sharpening her role in all
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abroad
the organisations she belongs to;
d. Strengthen Nigerias
c. Nigeria should intensify efforts to get Nigerians
M
performance in Foreign Affairs
appointed or elected to positions in international
organisations and support them once appointed or
RE
M
organisations.
O
6. African Union
.C
a. Create strategic alliances across Africa with a few a. Nigerian Foreign a. To further Nigerias National a. The Presidency
G
countries of like mind and interest with which we Policy Interests b. Ministry of
could work to promote their interests and the unity of
b. Strategic Action b. Strengthen Nigeria Continental Foreign Affairs
N
the continent. Plan for Africa relevance c. Federal Ministry
ES
b. Make an unambiguous statement with Nigerias c. Strengthen Nigerias of Finance
presence in Addis Ababa which exudes: Commitment,
performance in Foreign Affairs d. Nigerian Mission
Capacity, Confidence, Determination, Influence and
M
Principle since Addis Ababa has become the defacto in Addis Ababa
political capital for the continent. Take this into
TI
account in our diplomatic calculus.
M
c. For this purpose, Nigerian Mission in Addis Ababa
must be recognised as the pre-eminent Mission in
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Africa and so treated in terms of:
i. The selection of the Head of Mission who should
M
always be a career officer and one with flair for
the multilateral diplomacy;
RE
as well as communication;
iii. Constructing a more appropriate Chancery
W
M
with Nigeria-owned properties which should be a
policy objective; and
O
v. Provide adequate facilities, such as transportation,
to enable the Mission properly meet its
.C
obligations to the flood of visitors to Addis
Ababa or who pass through it for official
G
functions.
N
d. Build strategic partnerships with Africas key
ES
institutions, the African Union, African Development
Bank and UN Economic Commission for Africa
(ECA), in order to help promote Nigerias interests in
M
Africa. Such activities should include sponsoring
specific projects, hosting or co-hosting special events
TI
of interest to Nigeria and hosting African institutions
such as the African Remittances Institute which is to
M
be established.
IU
e. Adopt a Strategic Action Plan for Africa with the
following guiding principles:
M
i. Minimise delays in decision making on matters
that are of strategic interest to Nigeria;
RE
identified partners;
iii. Consolidation of ECOWAS as an impenetrable
W
M
and diplomatic skills that will defend and
promote Nigerias foreign policy and positions in
O
ECOWAS, AU and Economic Commission for
Africa.
.C
7. Role of Foreign Missions in Nigerias Domestic
G
Affairs Nigerian Foreign Policy To ensure better coordination a. The Presidency
N
a. Remind diplomatic missions in Nigeria of the well- between foreign missions in b. Ministry of
established practice of diplomats and diplomatic Nigeria and Ministry of Foreign
ES
Foreign Affairs
missions not to interfere in the internal affairs of the Affairs.
country. When this is violated, the Ministry of c. Foreign Missions
M
Foreign Affairs must call attention to the violation; in Nigeria
b. Remind diplomatic missions that requests for
TI
meetings with government Ministries and
Departments, and visits to places outside Abuja or
M
Lagos, must be made through the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs;
c. Ensure that diplomats respect the age-old practice of
IU
dealing with Nigerian officials at their own level as it
M
is not acceptable for First Secretaries or Counsellors
and Consuls to invite Nigerian Ministers, Governors,
RE
M
e. Ensure that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs beefs up
its Protocol Department to enable it perform these
O
functions effectively.
.C
8. Status of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
G
a. Reduce the number of actors in foreign policy Nigerian Foreign Policy To enhance the ability of the a. The Presidency
activities to enable the Ministry perform its functions Ministry of Foreign to carry out
N
b. Ministry of
effectively. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the its mandate effectively and Foreign Affairs
ES
primary vehicle through which Nigeria formulates and efficiently.
prosecutes foreign policy. c. Federal Ministry
of Finance
M
b. Empower the Ministry through the following:
d. Ministry of
i. Creating a separate Foreign Service;
TI
Defence
ii. Recruitment into the Foreign Service should be
e. Nigerian Institute
through a competitive and transparent exercise,
M
of International
followed by training in the Nigerian Foreign Affairs
IU
Service Academy;
iii. Final recruitment into the Nigerian Foreign
M
Service should be strictly based on successful
graduation from the Nigerian Foreign Service
RE
and curriculum;
v. All Nigerian Foreign Service Officers should
W
M
should be made a condition for promotion beyond
Counsellor grade;
O
vi. Efforts should be made to implement reforms of
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as approved by
.C
the Federal Executive Council decision of May 2,
2007 which is capable of achieving effectiveness,
G
efficiency, competiveness, professionalism and
N
specialisation;
ES
vii. The outcome of the 2011 Review carried out by
the PAC and the Ministry should be fully
implemented; and
M
viii. High-tech information technology, which will
TI
enable Missions interact with the Ministry and
between each other in real time, must be in place.
M
c. Ensure synergy between the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs and the NIA as they should complement each
other for the benefit of the nation.
d. Ensure synergy between the Ministries of Foreign IU
M
Affairs, Defence and Information on issues of
security, the civic responsibilities of Nigerian citizens,
RE
M
Ministrys expenditure is in foreign exchange and
must so be provided for.
O
f. Proceed with caution calls for the reduction of the
number of Nigerian Missions on account of cost. If
.C
Nigeria is to compete with South Africa and Egypt for
a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, she
G
needs more, not less diplomatic missions abroad, as
N
both countries have far more missions than Nigeria. It
may therefore be more beneficial for Nigeria to
ES
introduce what has been described as smart
missions with only two or three staff manning them.
M
g. Give the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs
(NIIA) room to play its constitutional role of
TI
supporting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in terms of
providing training of Nigerian diplomats, carrying out
M
appropriate research to support Nigerias foreign
policy efforts, providing information and advice to the
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Ministry based on its inter-action with similar foreign
institutions and providing testing ground for new
M
policy thinking by the Ministry.
RE
9. Treaties and Legal Matters Nigerian Foreign Policy To handle all legal business in a. Ministry of
W
a. Establish a full-fledged, in-house, independent Legal the Ministry and ensure Foreign Affairs
Department within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to specialization and attention on b. Federal Ministry
W
handle all legal business of the Ministry in view of the the treaties which Nigeria signs. of Justice
need for specialization and concentrated attention and
W
M
enter into.
b. Agreement for mutual legal assistance should not give
O
foreigners a carte blanche to operate with impunity on
Nigerian soil.
.C
c. Nigerias compliance with its International Treaty
G
obligations is critical, as an important member of the
international community and a leading member of the
N
AU. However, in as much as Nigeria and other
ES
African signatories to the Rome Treaty ought to
respect their obligation to the Treaty, both the ICC
and the UN Security Council (UNSC) should also
M
respect the sensitivities of African countries by
positively responding to demands made by the latter
TI
also based on provisions of the Treaty.
M
6.8.3 Statutes
IU
M
S/N RESOLUTIONS PROPOSED/ OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
EXISTING AGENCIES
RE
STATUTES
Amend Section 31 of the Electoral Act to allow Nigerians Electoral Act 2006 To provide for Diaspora Voting a. The Presidency
1.
in the Diaspora to vote at Nigerian elections. Rights b. Federal Ministry of
.P
Justice
W
c. National Assembly
W
W
M
Commission Bill foreign affairs officials/ b. Ministry of Foreign
Promotion and protection of Affairs
O
national interest. c. Federal Ministry of
Justice
.C
d. National Assembly
a. Create an Agency for External Aid, which brings Nigerian Agency/ a. Synchronise all Aid giving a. The Presidency
G
3.
under one umbrella all aid giving processes in the Commission for processes in the country b. National Assembly
N
country, should be created. External Aid Bill b. For greater efficiency in the c. Ministry of Foreign
b. The Agency should be a parastatal of the Ministry of handling of aid. Affairs
ES
Foreign Affairs with the Ministries of Finance, c. To make them more d. Federal Ministry of
National Planning, Defence, Trade and Industry, and responsive to their objectives Justice
M
Justice, as well as the Central Bank, NIA and NIIA and more attractive to e. Ministry of Defence
being represented in its Board; prospective Nigerian f. Federal Ministry of
TI
c. Transfer the current Technical Aid Corps Scheme Industry, Trade and
(TAC) and the Directorate of Technical Cooperation Investment
M
in Africa (DTCA) to the new Agency to constitute g. Central Bank of
separate Directorates or Departments under the Nigeria
IU
Agency, but not in a merged form as recommended by h. National
the Orosanye Panel; Intelligence Agency
d. Review both TAC and DTCA so as to make them i. Nigeria Institute for
M
more responsive to their objectives, and be more International Affairs
effective and attractive to prospective Nigerian (to be represented
RE
External Aid.
W
M
6.9.1 Constitutional Issues
O
S/N RESOLUTIONS RELEVANT SECTIONS OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
.C
AGENCIES
G
1. Separate the offices of the Attorney Sections 174(1) and 195(1) To enhance efficiency and a. The Presidency
General of the Federation/ State separation of powers
N
b. National Assembly
from that of Minister and
c. State Houses of
ES
Commissioner of Justice
Assembly
d. State Government
M
e. Federal Ministry of
TI
Justice
f. State Ministries of
M
Justice
IU
2. a. 70 years to be the uniform Sections 291 a. To achieve uniformity in Ditto
retirement age of all judges of the retirement age of
superior courts of record judicial officers
M
b. Amend the Constitution to b. To guarantee and protect
RE
3. a. Merge Chapter 2 and 4 of the Chapters 2 and 4 To ensure effective governance Ditto
W
M
standi in Public Interest Chapters 11 and 111
Litigation
O
d. Establish an implementation
.C
agency to ensure that
Constitutional rights are made
G
justiciable
N
e. Serving Judges should preside
over Election Matters.
ES
4. a. Create Constitutional Court for Section 6 (5) To enhance speedy Ditto
the Federation. administration of justice and
M
Section 241
b. Create an Anti-corruption court. efficiency of the judicial
system
TI
c. Create a State Court of Appeal
for every State
M
d. The State Court of Appeal shall
IU
be a terminal Court for States on
State matters. However Appeal
shall lie to the Supreme Court in
M
State matters involving weighty
Constitutional issues, civil
RE
M
cases from Federal Courts,
Tribunals and General Court
O
Marshal. However appeal shall
lie to the Supreme Courtin
.C
matters involving weighty
Constitutional issues, civil
G
liberties and matters of
overriding public interest.
N
h. Increase the number of Supreme Section 230
ES
Court Justices
i. Put the funds of the Judiciary on Ensure financial autonomy and
M
first line charge on the independence of the judiciary
Consolidated Revenue Fund of
TI
the Federation/State
M
j. Make failure to release funds to
the Judiciary a gross misconduct
5. a. Retain the functions and
headship of the National Judicial IU To achieve efficiency, fairness
and balance of powers
Ditto
M
Council (NJC)
b. Review the Composition of NJC,
RE
6. a. Sharia and Customary Courts Section 241 Ensure easy and quick Ditto
should be retained disposition of cases
W
M
Constitutional significance, civil
liberties and matters of
O
overriding public interest, in
which cases, appeal shall lie to
.C
the Supreme Court.
G
7. Insert new Section to enable the Section 236 To constantly update the Ditto
Chief Justice of Nigeria set up a comprehensive and unified
N
National Council for both Civil and Rules of Court to cover the
Criminal Procedure Rules entire system
ES
8. No candidate shall be sworn in after Section 285 To prevent illegitimate Ditto
an election until judicial occupation of public office and
M
proceedings arising from the spending of State money on
election have been concluded election petitions
TI
unless there is still 120 days to oath
taking and matters before the
M
Tribunal should be finished within
90 days
9. a. Tribunals of Enquiry should be Section 153
IU Prosecution of electoral Ditto
M
an item under the Concurrent offences
Legislative List
RE
offences
d. The decisions of such Tribunals
W
M
supervisory jurisdiction of the
High Court. Appeals from such
O
Tribunals shall be to the Federal
Court of Appeal.
.C
e. Stay of proceedings should not
be entertained in such tribunals.
G
f. On the qualifications of members
N
of Specialized Tribunals, the
ES
Conference recommends that:
i. Serving Judges should head such
M
Tribunals as Chairmen.
ii. The Chairmen of the Tribunals
TI
shall be appointed by the President
of the Court of Appeal
M
10. a. Amend Section 291(3)(a) to Section 291(3)(a) To encourage judicial officers Ditto
IU
entitle judicial officers who have and prevent corruption in the
served for 10years to pension administration of justice.
M
b. Section 13 of the 1999
Constitution (as amended) be
RE
M
and basic human rights
including the rights to health,
O
education, work and housing
.C
11. Jurisdiction of National Section 285 To ensure citizens right of Ditto
Industrial Court appeal and speedy disposition
G
a. The right of appeal should be of appeals
retained as it is
N
b. Appeal from NIC should
ES
terminate at the Federal Court of
Appeal, except for weighty
M
issues of Constitutional
significance, civil liberties and
TI
matters of overriding public
interest.
M
12. Citizenship Section 26(a) To remove citizenship by Ditto
registration
IU
Repeal Section 26(a) of the
Constitution regarding citizenship
M
13. a. Delete Section 29(4)(b) of the Section 29(4)(b) To prevent child marriage and Ditto
Constitution which deems any protect womens right;
RE
M
a. Amend Section 285 to allow of election petitions
Election Tribunals take
O
Interlocutory Matters along with
.C
substantive Petitions within 180
days
G
b. Serving judges to preside over
N
election petition tribunal.
ES
c. Governorship election petition to
terminate at the Supreme Court
M
d. The President of the Federal
Court of Appeal to set up
TI
election tribunal panels
M
6.9.2 Policy Issues
IU
M
S/N RESOLUTIONS PROPOSED/EXISTING OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTING
POLICIES AGENCIES
RE
1. a. There should be equality before Administration of Justice To ensure fairness in the a. Judiciary
.P
M
d. Include the phrase not less than Gender Policy To encourage the participation
35% affirmative action in the of women in public life
O
1999 Constitution (as amended);
and in the Constitution of
.C
political parties
G
2. a. The Nigerian Bar Association Administration of Justice To ensure professional ethics a. Nigerian Bar
N
should monitor the conduct of for legal practitioners Association
Lawyers to ensure that they take
ES
b. Judiciary
their assignments seriously and
act in line with the rules of c. Legal Practitioners
M
professional conduct Disciplinary
Committee (LPDC)
b. Lawyers involved in misleading
TI
Judges should face disciplinary
actions for unethical conduct
M
c. All Nigerian Lawyers, especially
IU
the senior ones, should ensure
the efficiency of the Nigerian
Judicial System.
M
3. a. Criminal and Penal Code Administration of Justice To ensure uniformity of the a. Judiciary
RE
M
d. The State Judicial Service should
be reformed to ensure optimal
O
performance.
.C
e. There should be verbatim
reporting in all Courts.
G
f. The fast track system should be To enhance speedy
N
introduced in all Courts. dispensation of justice by
introduction of effective
ES
g. Continuing Legal education technologies
should be looked into with a
view to ensuring efficiency and To enhance personnel
M
excellence. productivity
TI
h. Training of Verbatim Reporters,
though expensive, should be
M
given priority in the annual
training budgets.
i. The National Judicial Institute
(NJI) should be circumspect in IU
M
endorsing sponsorship of
Workshops and Seminars by
RE
corporate bodies.
4. a. The Legal Aid Council, National To ensure effective justice a. The Presidency
.P
M
who should be obliged to take up f. National Human
such cases as State brief. Rights Commission
O
c. Private prosecution should be g. Public Complaints
enhanced.
.C
Commission
d. All preliminary objections and To ensure speedy dispensation
G
interlocutory matters should be of justice and prevent the
taken together with the triumph of legal technicalities
N
substantive matters, except over substantive justice
ES
where the court directs
otherwise.
M
e. The practice of seeking leave of
Court in cases of mixed law and
TI
facts or facts alone, should be
abolished.
M
f. All cases from inferior Courts
should terminate at the State
Court of Appeal except in cases
where issues of Constitutional IU
M
significance, civil liberty and
matters of public interest are
RE
involved.
g. Ensure that judges elevated to
.P
M
i. Introduce due process and fair To protect the offices of the
hearing in the process of removal Heads of Courts such that they
O
of heads of Courts so as to can dispense justice without
confer greater protection and fear or favor
.C
remove arbitrariness and
politicization of their removal
G
N
5. a. Competence and integrity should Judicial Policy To ensure competence and a. Judiciary
guide the appointment of Judicial integrity in the judicial system
ES
b. National Judicial
personnel. Council
b. Retain the present appointment
M
c. Federal Judicial
procedures, Service Commission
TI
c. There must be mandatory d. States Judicial
consultation with the Bar in the Service Commission
M
appointment of judicial officers
d. The process leading to and
concerning the appointment of
Judicial Officers should be IU
M
advertised, done openly and
transparently and essentially on
RE
considerations.
W
M
of seniority except there are
reasons to the contrary.
O
f. Qualified and experienced
Lawyers/Academics at the Bar
.C
should be appointed directly to
all Appellate Courts
G
N
6. a. Existing judgments on the timely a. Fiscal Policy To ensure independence of the a. The Presidency
release of funds to the Judiciary judicial and enhance the
ES
b. The Rule Of Law and b. The Judiciary
from the Consolidated Revenue Separation of Powers Nigerian legal system
Fund should be enforced. c. Federal Ministry of
M
Justice
b. The stakeholders in the Judiciary
should be vigilant and proactive. d. Federal Ministry of
TI
Finance
c. The office of and powers of the
e. National Judicial
M
Accountant General should be
strengthened. Council
Arbitration
Resolution
d. Institutionalize Alternative institutions,
W
M
centers
O
8. a. The remuneration of Judicial Fiscal Policy and To improve the condition of a. Presidency
Officers must be improved. Administration of Justice service of judicial officers b. National Judicial
.C
Politicians should not earn more Council
than judges.
G
c. Revenue
b. All Superior Court Judges should Mobilization
N
not be members of social clubs. Allocation and
ES
c. The National Judicial Council Fiscal Commission
(NJC) should commence the
improvement and enhancement
M
of condition of service of
Judicial Officers (both serving
TI
and retired), including their
health needs.
M
d. NJC to seek the assistance of any
IU
Agency in carrying out (c)
above.
M
e. The Revenue Mobilization
Allocation and Fiscal
RE
9. a. The system that requires Judges Administration of Justice To ensure quality, justice and a. The Judiciary
to turn in a certain number of fairness in the dispensation of
b. National Judicial
W
M
judgment should be discouraged. c. Federal Judicial
b. The working conditions of the Service Commission
O
Magistrates, Area, Sharia, d. States Judicial Service
Customary Courts Judges and
.C
Commission
Judicial Staff should be
improved.
G
c. Magistrates, Area, Sharia,
N
Customary Courts Judges and
ES
Judicial Staff should have all
necessary tools to discharge their
functions creditably.
M
d. Magistrates, Area, Sharia,
TI
Customary Courts Judges and
Judicial Staff should be insulated
M
from interference and undue
influence by the Executive,
IU
Legislature and other persons in
the society.
M
10. a. The Federal Government should Legal, Welfare and To ensure proper prison a. The Presidency
build more Prisons to take care Correctional Policy reforms and international best
RE
b. National Assembly
of the present overwhelming and practices
future prisoners population. c. State Governments
.P
Service
c. The condition of Nigerian f. Federal Ministry of
W
M
able to fulfill its mandate of g. Nigeria Police
reformation.
h. Nigerian Immigration
O
d. Borstal Homes and Service
Reformatories should be
.C
established in the States of the
Federation.
G
e. There should be provision for
N
Marshals of Court who will
ES
receive Para-military training
and carry out the duty of
ensuring the enforcement of the
M
judgment and orders of the Court
and also ensure that those
TI
convicted by Courts serve the
Prison terms accordingly.
M
f. The fingerprints of every
IU
prisoner should be captured for
records and information
management.
M
g. Pregnant women or nursing
RE
sentences in prison.
W
M
compensation for accused
persons who were unreasonably
O
kept on awaiting trial but were
later released pursuant to an
.C
order of a court of competent
jurisdiction
G
11. Issue of death penalty should be left Death Penalty and To ensure true federalism and a. The Presidency
N
for the States to decide since it is a Administration of Justice guarantee autonomy of States b. State Governments
ES
State matter in the issue of sentencing and
death penalty
M
TI
12. a. The current provision for National Policy on Ensure free education and The Presidency
compulsory education of Education access to justice
M
Nigerian children up to Junior
Secondary 3 should be extended
IU
to Senior Secondary 3.
b. The Nigerian Education Bank
M
should be activated and made
accessible and workable.
RE
13 Aggrieved parties shall have access Administration of Justice To encourage access to justice The Judiciary
to Industrial Arbitration Panel and alternative dispute
W
M
a. The right to property inheritance b. National Human
and full employment rights Rights Commission
O
without discrimination. c. Federal Character
.C
b. The right to enjoy the Commission
indigeneship of her place of
G
d. National Orientation
birth/origin as well as that of Agency
N
husband/marriage.
e. Traditional
ES
c. The right to hold not less than Institutions
35% of the elective and
appointive Offices.
M
d. The right not to be subjected to
TI
all cultures, customs, traditions
and practices that undermine the
M
status of women, or that derogate
from their welfare, dignity,
IU
interests and aspirations
15. a. Parade of suspects by Police and Criminal Justice System To ensure dignity of all a. Nigeria Police
M
allied authorities is illegal and Administration persons and prevent abuse of b. National Human
pre-judicial and therefore should power by the Nigerian Police.
RE
Rights Commission
be discontinued.
c. The Judiciary
b. There should be Coroners
.P
M
killing and abuse of human
rights should not exceed a period
O
of 12 months
e. Human rights training should be
.C
included in Police training
curriculum in the country
G
N
16. An Anti-Corruption Court should Legal and Judicial Policy To prevent corruption. a. The Presidency
be established
ES
b. National Assembly
c. The Judiciary
M
TI
17. a. There should be provision for the Legal and Judicial Policy To ensure speedy disposition The Judiciary
conclusion of cases commenced of cases
M
before a judge before transfer of
such a judge to prevent such
matters starting de novo except
in cases of death or retirement of IU
M
such a judge.
b. Appointments and welfare of
RE
18. Establish a Commission, which Administration of Sharia This is to ensure that cases of a. The Presidency
shall amongst other objectives Law divorce in Northern Nigeria b. National Assembly
W
M
19. a. Policy recommendations arising a. To ensure full a. The Presidency
O
from the Conference should be implementation of b. The Judiciary
implemented by the Presidency Conference
.C
Recommendations c. MDAs
b. Recommendations requiring
abrogation or amendment of b. To ensure separation of d. The Legislature
G
existing Laws other than the powers and equality
N
Constitution should be amongst the arms of
initiated/carried out by the government
ES
relevant Authorities, Ministerial
Departments and Agencies
M
c. On recommendations requiring
amendments to certain Sections
TI
of the Constitution or the
emergence of an entirely new
M
Constitution, the Conference
should draft a Bill to that effect.
d. Conference recommendations
should be taken to the Court of IU
M
public opinion/Referendum, if
the need arises.
RE
M
S/N RESOLUTIONS PROPOSED/EXISTING OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
O
STATUTES AGENCIES
.C
1. There should be Unified Rules of a. Rules of Court To ensure that the Criminal Heads of Courts;
Courts covering both civil and and Civil Procedure Rules do Rules drafting
G
criminal procedures. This not vary from Court to Court committee established
recommendation shall not be or State to State
N
for that purpose
applicable in the Sharia and
ES
Customary legal systems
2. Enact a law to ensure that the funds a. Police Act To encourage synergy in the a. The Presidency
M
of the Police, the Economic and b. Economic and legal framework of law b. National Assembly
Financial Crimes Commission, the enforcement and justice
TI
Financial Crimes c. The Judiciary
Code of Conduct Bureau and Commission Act
Judiciary all form first line charges
M
on the consolidated Revenue Fund c. Code of Conduct
of the Federation/State. This will Bureau Act
ensure greater financial autonomy
of the Judicial arm of government IU
M
and insulate it from manipulative
tendencies of the other Arms.
RE
3. The Consolidated Prisons Reform The Consolidated Prisons To ensure prisons reform in National Assembly
Bill before the National Assembly Reform Bill tandem with global best
.P
4. The National Health Insurance National Health Insurance To make all Nigerians benefit a. The Presidency
W
Scheme (NHIS) Act be amended Scheme Act from the NHIS b. Federal Ministry of
and expanded to accommodate all Justice
W
M
5. a. Abolish all discriminatory Laws Federal Character To eradicate all discriminatory a. The Presidency
O
and practices against the female Commission Act and all laws against women b. Federal Ministry of
gender should be abolished from other Statues where such Justice
.C
our statute books and discriminations occur
communities, respectively. c. National Assembly
G
b. Repeal Section 55(1)(d) of the Penal Code Act d. National orientation
N
Penal Code Act, Cap. 89 LFN Agency
dealing with the offence of
ES
e. Traditional
Battery. Institutions
c. Amend Section 282 of the Criminal Code Act
M
Criminal Code and Section 357 To reflect contemporary
of the Criminal Code Act Cap. realities, e.g. gang rape
TI
79 LFN 1990 dealing with the
offence of Rape.
M
d. Amend Sections 353 and 360 of
Ditto
IU
the Criminal Code Act which
discriminate against women in
prescribing punishment for
M
indecent assault on males and
females, respectively, to cure the
RE
disparity.
e. The review of the definition of Ditto
.P
1990.
W
M
marriage.
g. Section 221 of the Criminal Criminal Code Act
O
Code Act which requires
corroboration before a conviction
.C
for defilement of a girl under 16
years of age could be sustained,
G
should be repealed.
N
6. Rename Federal Character Federal Character To ensure fulfilment of its a. The Presidency
ES
Commission as Equal Commission Amendment mandate and scope of b. National Assembly
Opportunities Commission Bill 2011 operation
M
c. Judiciary
d. Federal Ministry of
TI
Justice
e. Federal Character
M
Commission
7.
Character Commission to the effect Bill IU
The Guideline made by the Federal Women and Peoples Right To prevent female
marginalization, ensure equity
a. The Presidency
M
b. National Assembly
that a woman married to a man and 35% women affirmative
from another State should benefit action c. Federal Character
RE
8. a. Establish legal framework for the Small Claims Courts Bill To enhance dispensation of a. The Presidency
creation of Small Claim Courts justice b. National Assembly
W
in the States.
Juvenile Courts Bill c. States Houses of
b. Create Juvenile Courts in all the Assembly
W
M
children and minors
O
9. a. Abolish the requirement of Pre- Rule of Law To ensure access to justice to a. The Presidency
action Notice in litigation all classes of Nigerians b. National Assembly
.C
b. Repeal the Public Officers c. The Judiciary
Protection Act.
G
d. Nigeria Bar
Abolish the requirement of locus
N
Association
standi in Public Interest
ES
Litigation.
10. Abolish the concept of Plea Bargain Administration of Justice To ensure fairness in the a. The Judiciary
M
dispensation of justice b. All Agencies of
TI
Government
c. Security Agencies
M
d. National Assembly
IU e. Federal Ministry of
Justice
M
11. Establish a Commission, which Administration of Sharia This is to ensure that cases of a. The Presidency
RE
shall amongst other objectives, Law divorce in Northern Nigeria b. National Assembly
regulate Islamic divorce are minimized and adequate
proceedings in accordance with provisions made to safeguard c. The Judiciary
.P
M
6.10.1 Constitutional Matters
O
S/N RESOLUTIONS RELEVANT OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
.C
SECTIONS AGENCIES
G
1. Land Tenure Matters Section 315 (5) (d) of To remove the i. The Presidency
Retain the Land Use Act in the Constitution the 1999 Constitution
ambiguities and
N
a. ii. National Assembly
as amended. contradictions of The
but be amended to take care of those concerns,
ES
1999 Constitution and iii. State Houses Assembly
particularly on compensation in Section 29(4) (Land Use Act)
the Land Use (Decree)
of the Act to read; land owners should
Act on the issue of
M
determine the price and value of their land
customary tenure.
based on open market value.
TI
b. Amend Customary Right of Occupancy in
Section 21 of the Act:
M
Customary right of occupancy should have
IU
the same status as Statutory right of
occupancy. It should also be extended to urban
land.
M
c. Amend Section 7of the Act; restriction on the
RE
Rationale
Any form of amendment to the LUA is subject to
W
M
LUA is constitutional. Therefore all amendments to
the LUA are akin to amendments of the provisions
O
of the Constitution (see proviso S.315 (5). CFRN)
.C
2. International and Internal Boundaries Section 8 (2) i. The Presidency
a. Amend Section 8(2) of the Constitution to ii. National Assembly
G
read: iii. State Houses Assembly
N
The boundary of any existing State(s) and
ES
Local Governments and shall be adjusted by
the National Boundary Commission, which
shall act upon receiving an application from
M
the area requesting boundary adjustment,
provided that:
TI
i. the application is supported by relevant
M
stakeholders from/representing the
communities in the area demanding,
IU
and
ii. the area concerned is geographically
M
contiguous with the state to which the
area will be adjusted, and
RE
M
3. Remove all the stringent conditions from the Section 315 (5) To remove all i. National Assembly
O
Constitution so as to give effective implementation inhibitions to
to the result of settlement of disputes over enforcement of ii. State Houses of
.C
boundaries, and in response to credible application decisions of the Assembly
by communities for boundary adjustment. National Boundary
G
Commission
N
ES
6.10.2 Policy Issues
M
S/N RESOLUTIONS PROPOSED/ OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
EXISTING AGENCIES
TI
RELEVANT
POLICIES
M
1. Governors should hasten titling of land (like it Land Acquisition and To ensure easy State Governments
IU
has been done in Edo state where almost 90% of Documentation Policy accessibility to land
land is titled) and fees paid by land owners for
certificates of occupancy should indemnify them
M
from further taxation, when leveraging their land.
RE
as carbon sink.
W
M
infrastructures such as schools, health centres, Integration Policy such areas a sense of
roads etc. belonging to the
O
Nigerian nation and
contribute to
.C
maintenance of our
National security.
G
N
4. Set up a committee of experts to re-examine the The Green Tree To ensure that the i. The Presidency
ceding of Bakassi and make recommendations on Agreement national interest,
ES
ways of protecting Nigerian national interest. national security and ii. National Assembly
the rights and
M
livelihoods of
Nigerians are not
TI
undermined
M
5. Address the following major causes of internal Internal Boundary Amicable internal i. National Boundary
boundary disputes:- Dispute Resolution boundary dispute Commission
IU
i. The colonially imposed administrative (by the Internal resolution.
ii. State Boundary
framework in the form of Regions, Provinces, Boundary Technical Commissions
Divisions and Districts from which later State Committee)
M
structure evolved; and the concepts of
RE
climatic changes.
W
M
vi. Population pressure on land.
O
6. Pursue joint exploitation of cross-border Internal Boundary To ensure effective i. National Boundary
resources, because sole claims of resources that Dispute Resolution management of
.C
Commission
straddle interstate boundaries by one community (By the Internal boundaries in Nigeria,
or State on the issue of resource control have Boundary Technical especially areas with ii. State Boundary
G
also created problems in the management of Committee) resources. Commissions
N
boundaries in Nigeria.
ES
7. Evolve and apply a policy for equitable sharing Internal Boundary To ensure effective i. National Boundary
of straddling resources between affected States Dispute Resolution management of Commission
M
and Local Government Areas, and Communities. (By the Internal boundaries in Nigeria,
Boundary Technical especially areas with ii. State Boundary
TI
Committee) resources. Commissions
M
8. Embark on full scale sensitization program to Internal Boundary To foster peaceful co- i. National Boundary
address the challenges faced on the resolution of Dispute Resolution existence amongst Commission
the process.
9. Involve traditional institutions in ensuring Traditional Land To foster peaceful co- i. State Boundary
.P
peaceful coexistence between border dwellers as Tenure System existence amongst Commission
they command respect. border dwellers.
W
M
(NECSP) Convention on the maritime territory in
Laws of the Sea the Gulf of Guinea ii. Federal Ministry of
Pursue the success of this laudable project
O
(UNCLOS) Justice
because of its political, economic and strategic
.C
potentials vigorously. This is a project where iii. Federal Ministry of
Nigeria has applied to the United Nations for the Foreign Affairs
G
extension of its maritime territory in the Gulf of
Guinea by over one-tenth of its total land area.
N
ES
6.10.3 Statutes
M
S/N RESOLUTIONS PROPOSED/ OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
TI
EXISTING AGENCIES
STATUTES
M
1. A Review Of The Right Of Land Owners Under Mining Act a. The Presidency
IU
The Minerals And Mines Act b. Federal Ministry of
a. Amend Section 102 of the Mining Act to Justice
M
include:
c. National Assembly
A certain percentage of
RE
community/land owner.
a. Include the provisions of the Nigerian
W
M
such provisions include Sections 3(1)(c), 4c,
19, 71(1)(c), 100, 102, 107 because apart
O
from the land rent, communities and
individual land owners are still entitled to
.C
compensation for disturbance of surface
rights.
G
2. Ensure that the provisions of the Nigerian Minerals To protect the interest a. The Presidency
N
and Mining Act 2007 should serve as the minimum of communities.
b. Federal Ministry of
ES
standard for dealing with communities, land owners Justice
and land users in legislations relating to the
extraction of all minerals and the setting aside of c. National Assembly
M
forest to serve as carbon sink.
TI
3. Ensure the right of communities to have land is Land Protection Bill To ensure the a. The Presidency
protected from human activities that would hinder protection of lands in
M
b. Federal Ministry of
or degrade the productivity of such land, through communities. Justice
pollution and flooding. Such law should also
guarantee the maintenance of adequate tree cover
for mitigating impacts of climate change. IU c. National Assembly
M
4. i. Strengthen and adequately fund National National Boundary To ensure effective a. The Presidency
RE
M
authorities of States of the Federation.
iii. Ensure that approved boundaries are enforced.
O
.C
6.11 NATIONAL SECURITY
G
N
6.11.1 Constitutional Issues
ES
S/N RESOLUTIONS RELEVANT OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
SECTIONS AGENCIES
M
1. National Security Management
TI
a. Invite States where matters of National Security Section 153 (1), Third a. To provide an a. The Presidency
challenges originate, to the meeting of the Schedule part 1, Item K, effective national
b. National Security
M
National Security Council and to hold National paragraph 25. security system. Council
Security Council meetings quarterly except in
IU
times of emergency. c. National Assembly
b. Constitute a new membership of the State d. States House of
M
Security Council to comprise the Governor of the Fourth schedule Section b. To provide an Assembly
State who will serve as chairman of the Council, 7(1) (5) effective national
RE
council.
c. Appoint the Chief of Defence Staff and Service c. To provide effective
W
M
jurisdiction covering the entire country and on (1) - (5), and 216. Police that will ensure b. States Houses of
clearly spelt out matters and offences. law and order at federal Assembly
O
and inter-state levels.
.C
3. For any State that requires it, there shall be a State Section 214(1), 215 To ensure effective a. National Assembly
police at the State level to be established funded and policing at State levels.
G
(1)-(5), and 216 b. States Houses of
controlled by the State. Assembly
N
ES
4. State law may also provide for community policing. Section 214(1), 215 To ensure effective a. State Governments
(1)-(5), and 216 policing at community b. States House of
levels. Assembly
M
5. Funding of the Department of State Services (DSS) Section 162 (1) (10) To enable the agency to a. National Assembly
TI
is to be through a first line charge from the effectively discharge its
b. States Houses of
Federation Account. statutory duties.
M
Assembly
IU
6. The appointment as the Chief of Defence Staff by Section 218(2) To ensure cohesion in the a. National Assembly
the President as the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff operation of the armed
b. States Houses of
should be inserted in the Constitution. forces and national
M
Assembly
defence strategy.
RE
7. Decentralize control of the police a. Section 214 To ensure effective a. National Assembly
policing at all levels of
b. Section 215 b. States Houses of
.P
government.
c. Section 216 Assembly
W
8. Establish an inspectorate body for the National Section 153, Third To develop a new general National Assembly
W
Intelligence Agency in line with that of the Police Schedule, Part 1, item A framework for national
Service Commission appointed by the President. The paragraphs 29 (a) (c) security.
W
M
Chairman;
ii. Two other members- one being a former Head of
O
the Civil Service of the Federation;
.C
iii. A former Director General of the State Security
Service or the National Intelligence Agency as
G
members.
N
All the above should be persons who retired
meritoriously after a distinguished record of service.
ES
9. The Police Council should be responsible for the Section 153, Third To enhance the role of a. National Assembly
M
appointment of the InspectorGeneral of Police on Schedule, Part 1, Item L, the Police Council in the
b. States Houses of
the advice of the Police Service Commission. Paragraph 27 (a) (c); administration of affairs Assembly
TI
Paragraph 28 (a) (c). of the Nigerian Police.
c. Police Service
Commission.
M
10. Rename the Nigeria Police Force to be the Nigeria Section 214 To give the Police a face a. National Assembly
Police because the Police ought not to be a Force.
IU of service
b. States Houses of
M
Assembly
11. Make Inspector General of Police accountable to Sections 214 and 215 To promote a. National Assembly
RE
Police
W
12. Funding of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) To enable the NIA to a. National Assembly
should be on first line charge of the Consolidated effectively discharge its
b. States Houses of
W
M
S/N RESOLUTIONS EXISTING/ OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
PROPOSED
O
AGENCY
POLICIES
.C
1. Create a crises management department in the Grand Strategy for Towards an effective Ministry of Interior
G
Ministry of Internal Affairs, management to be National Security policy on National
drawn from the National Emergency Management security management.
N
Agency (NEMA), Nigeria Security and Civil
ES
Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Voluntary
agencies in accordance with international best
practices. In addition, the Armed Forces and Police
M
can have their own dedicated crisis management
units within their organizations.
TI
2. Equip the Armed forces and police adequately. Federal Road Safety a. Police Service
M
Review their welfare package including pension and Policy Commission
gratuity.
IU
b. National Assembly
3. Establish one modern prison in each state of the To prevent inmates from Federal Government of
M
country to ensure that prison facilities actually relapsing into crime after Nigeria
become correctional centres. release.
RE
5. Strengthen the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Federal Road Safety The Ministry of Interior
should be further strengthened appropriate so that it Policy
W
M
6. The State Security Services (SSS) and it sister National Assembly
O
organization, the National Intelligence agency (NIA)
are to remain under the Central Government
.C
irrespective of the form of government finally agreed
upon.
G
7. Headship of the Service is to be sourced from among The Presidency
N
the serving professionals within the service.
ES
8. Appointment to the Office of the Director-General of The Presidency
M
the NIA should be made in line with the existing
procedure.
TI
9. Establish an independent, multi-disciplinary national Grand Strategy for To enhance National The Presidency
security think-tank. National Security Threat Assessment.
M
10. Re-professionalize the military. Civil- Military Relation To have an enduring The Ministry of Defence
12. Ensure civilian participation in military orientation Civil- Military Relation To galvanize citizens a. The Ministry of
programmes. Policy support for the military Defence
.P
b. The National
W
Orientation Agency
W
13. Civil-Military relations should be more robustly Civil- Military Relation To galvanize citizens a. The Ministry of
encouraged for the overall benefit of the nation and Policy support for the military Defence
W
democracy.
b. The National
M
14. Adhere to the rule of law. Civil- Military Relation To have an enduring The Ministry of Defence
O
Policy Defence infrastructure
.C
15. Understand the military. Civil- Military Relation To have an enduring The Ministry of Defence
Policy Defence infrastructure
G
16. Adequate funding of the Armed Forces of not less To equip the military a. The National
N
than UN 2.3% minimum of the GDP. with modern equipment Assembly
ES
b. The Federal
Government of
M
Nigeria
17. Continuous effort should be made towards training, To equip the intelligence a. The National
TI
funding and operational engineering of the Defence arm of the military with Assembly
Intelligence Agency (DIA) and the National modern equipment
M
b. The Federal
Intelligence Agency (NIA). Government of
IU Nigeria
c. The Ministry of
M
Defence
RE
18. Set up a committee through the Ministry of Defence To review the Ministry of Defence
to review the disengagement and discharge of disengagement and
members of the Armed Forces from service. discharge of members of
.P
19. Activate the Reserve System for the Armed Forces. Veteran reserve policy To augment troops in Ministry of Defence
W
times of war
M
including the withheld 20% owed veterans without of veterans
further delay.
O
21. Effect the harmonisation of the pension rates between Pension policy To cater for the welfare Military Pension Board
.C
pre-2010 and post 2010 Veterans. of veterans
G
22. Care should be taken in making appointments into To ensure discipline, The Presidency
N
the offices of the Service Chiefs, ensuring seniority respect and harmony in
and merit in order to minimise the current high rate the Armed Forces
ES
of attrition of senior officers.
M
23. Construct adequate barracks accommodation for the To cater for the welfare Ministry of Defence
Armed Forces with essential welfare facilities of serving military
TI
personnel
M
and the Joint Task Force (JTF), the Nigerian Navy
To enhance inter-agency Ministry of Defence
and the Nigerian Air Force should be encouraged and
sustained.
IU collaboration
M
25. Maintain the federal character structure of the Armed Federal Character Policy. To ensure geo-political Ministry of Defence
Forces in the interest of our stability. balance in the ranks of
RE
the military
26. Ensure gender mainstreaming with respect to To ensure gender- Ministry of Defence
.P
recruitment into the Armed Forces and the various balance in the military
Security agencies.
W
27. The government should ensure that accountability, To ensure gender- Ministry of Defence
W
M
political office holders. Sundry security
challenges
O
.C
29. Government should be committed to the protection of To effectively handle Federal Government
the reputation of the financial sector and other sectors Sundry security
G
by doing all that is possible to combat it money challenges
laundering and terrorist financing.
N
ES
30. Sensitize the public properly on the implication of To effectively handle Federal Government
Money Laundering to our National Security and Sundry security
failure of any citizen particularly banker not challenges
M
reporting suspicious transaction to the appropriate
authority
TI
31. Ensure capacity building for the Police and other To effectively handle Nigeria Police
M
security agencies as well as increased cooperation in Sundry security
the area of small arms proliferation. challenges
32. IU
Give priority to intelligence on Nigerian oil theft, in Pipeline Surveillance and To stop pipeline a. Nigeria Police
M
the following: Security Policy vandalism and oil theft b. Nigerian Navy
a. Volume of oil stolen.
RE
c. Ministry of Defence
b. The number and operational capabilities of
active export bunkering rings.
.P
M
h. vi.Mapping of the main illegal bunkering hot
spots.
O
i. The role of coastal communities in illegal oil
.C
j. Trading.
G
k. The nationalities involved in oil theft,
particularly at very high levels.
N
l. Case studies of refineries receiving stolen
ES
crudefrom Nigeria.
m. Establish the link between oil theft and fuel oil
M
trading in Nigeria.
TI
33. Pay attention to the following: Pipeline Surveillance and To stop pipeline a. Nigeria Police
Security Policy vandalism and oil theft
a. Payment for large capital expenses, ships, etc. by
M
oil thieves
b. Nigerian Navy
IU
b. ii. The use of bulk cash smuggling to conceal oil
c. Theft process.
c. Ministry of Defence
M
d. Nigerian banks used by oil thieves to launder
their money.
RE
34. Equip the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Maritime National Maritime Policy To ensure coordination a. Ministry of Defence
W
M
duties in accordance with the NN Act and NIMASA Administration and
Act. 2007, Cabotage Act 2003, and the Shipping Act Safety Agency
O
2007.
.C
35. Sustain the synergy of operation already in place Maritime Shipping To ensure coordination a. Ministry of Defence
especially ensuring that the Nigerian Air Force is Policy in our maritime security b. Nigerian Maritime
G
provided the appropriate platform to engage in aerial efforts Administration and
surveillance of coastal areas and territorial waters,
N
Safety Agency
thus providing real time intelligence data for the
ES
Nigerian Navy, NIMASA and JTF to fight oil theft
and smuggling. The joint Nigeria/Benin patrol should
be sustained and appropriate frigates/vessels
M
provided at all times. NIMASA through private
partnership in the acquisition of vessels should be
TI
encouraged to equip the Nigerian Navy for patrol
duties.
M
36. Continue but improve the tripartite arrangement of Coastal Shipping Policy To ensure coordination a. Ministry of Defence
37. Purchase more patrol platforms NIMASA, under the Coastal Shipping Policy To ensure coordination a. Ministry of Defence
Public-Private Partnership arrangement for effective in our maritime security b. Nigerian Maritime
.P
Safety Agency
W
38. Encourage the Joint Nigeria/Republic of Benin Patrol Coastal Shipping Policy To ensure a sub-regional a. Ministry of Defence
of international waters with sufficient vessels and approach to coastal b. Nigeria Navy
W
manpower. security
M
instruments with the neighbouring states, in order to approach to coastal b. Ministry of Foreign
successfully tackle the problem of sea piracy, security Affairs
O
especially due to the contiguous nature of the
coastline in the Gulf of Guinea.
.C
40. Install coastal radars to capture the entire coastal Coastal Shipping Policy To ensure a sub-regional a. Ministry of Defence
G
terrain of Nigeria, for effective monitoring. approach to coastal b. Nigeria Navy
N
security
c. Nigeria Air Force
ES
d. Nigeria Police
(Interpol)
M
41. Acquire sufficient monitoring and response Coastal Shipping Policy To ensure a sub-regional Federal Government
TI
equipment for the effective policing of the Nigerian approach to coastal
territorial waters, (e.g. Booms and Schemers) used security
M
for oil spill detection for our coastal and territorial
waters.
coastal security
43. Enhance international collaboration and information Coastal Shipping Policy To ensure international a. The Presidency
.P
exchange among Nigeria and other countries to policing of our b. Ministry of Defence
develop effective protocols and policies for waterways
W
e. Nigeria Police
W
(Interpol)
M
Agency
g. Department of State
O
Services
.C
44. Conduct joint border patrols and exercises. National Border security To ensure a sub-regional a. Nigeria Immigration
Policy approach to Border Service
G
Security b. Nigeria Customs
N
Service
ES
c. The proposed
National Border Patrol
M
Guard
TI
45. Include the right of hot pursuit in the agreement National Border security To ensure a sub-regional a. Nigeria Immigration
between Nigeria and ECOWAS countries. Policy approach to Border Service
Security
M
b. Nigeria Customs
Service
IU c. The proposed
National Border Patrol
M
Guard
RE
46. Strengthen and reposition the Nigeria police and the National Border Security To ensure a sub-regional a. Nigeria Immigration
Nigeria Customs Service, both of which hold a Policy approach to Border Service
central and crucial position in this matter so that they Security
.P
b. Nigeria Customs
can discharge their functions adequately.
Service
W
c. The proposed
National Border Patrol
W
Guard
W
M
Committee at the local government level. Policy local government levels b. States Houses of
Membership of the Committee should compromise Assembly
O
chairman of the local government council,
representative from the state security service, head of
.C
traditional ruler, Divisional police officer (DPO),
representative, secretary to the local government (as
G
secretary of the committee).
N
48. Promote peaceful co-existence amongst the diverse Firearms Policy To Control Small Arms The Presidency
ES
ethno-religious and political groups in Nigeria. This proliferation
will minimise the outbreak and persistence of violent
M
conflicts that leads to arms proliferation.
TI
49. Deal with the demand factors that made arms Firearms Policy To Control Small Arms Federal Government
proliferation a lucrative business. proliferation
M
50. Strengthen the law enforcements agencies to enable Firearms Policy To Control Small Arms Federal Government
them perform their duties efficiently.
IU proliferation
M
51. The National Orientation Agency (NOA) should Security Awareness To enhance Public National Orientation
mount awareness programmes whereby Nigerian Campaign Safety through Civil Agency
RE
52. Embark aggressively on job creation for Nigerias National Employment To curb crime through a. FederalGovernment
teeming and idle youth. Policy employment generation
W
b. Ministry of Labour
and Productivity
W
M
Nigerian military b. Ministry of Industry,
technology Trade and Investment
O
c. The Nigeria Armed
.C
Forces
G
54. ReorganiseDefence Industries Corporation of Nigeria Defence Policy To develop indigenous a. Ministry of Defence
N
(DICON) to make it more productive and efficient. Nigerian military b. The Nigeria Armed
technology
ES
Forces
c. Defence Industries
Corporation of Nigeria
M
55. Create an enabling environment for private sector Defence Policy To develop indigenous a. Ministry of Defence
TI
participation in the local manufacture of most of our Nigerian military
b. Ministry of Industry,
military needs. technology
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Trade and Investment
c. The Nigeria Armed
IU Forces
M
56. Commit at least 5% of the defence budget to R&D. Defence Policy To develop indigenous a. Ministry of Defence
Nigerian military
b. The Nigeria Armed
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technology
Forces
Accredit courses offered in military institutions to Defence Policy To develop indigenous a. Ministry of Defence
.P
57.
ensure that personnel could be gainfully employed Nigerian military
b. Federal Ministry of
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lift capacity to support our land forces outside Nigerian military
Nigeria. technology
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59. Commence the modernisation of existing platform Defence Policy To develop indigenous The Armed Forces
.C
and training infrastructure. Nigerian military
technology
G
N
60. Good governance to arrest the failure of public The FederalGovernment
security which has led to intermittent outbreak of of Nigeria
ES
violent conflicts resulting in self-help security
measures such as vigilante groups and arms
M
stockpiling. These measures are fuelling the domestic
arms race.
TI
61. The Joint Intelligence Board (JIB) should devise The Joint Intelligence
M
means of recovering all illegal arms circulating in the Board
country by directing co-ordinated operations in this
IU
regard.
62. Work out the minimum manpower (General Duties) Police Human Resource Motivate Policemen for The Nigeria Police Force
M
requirement for the Force to achieve optimum police Development Policy effective policing
service delivery on the basis of Nigerias current
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63. Rehabilitate, expand and equip the existing police Police Human Resource Motivate Policemen for The Nigeria Police Force
institutions to enable them meet the training needs of Development Policy effective policing
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the Police.
64. Deployment of members of the Armed Forces for To reduce pressure on The Ministry of Defence
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M
emergencies.
O
65. Introduce training the trainers to acceptable standards Police Human Resource Motivate Policemen for The Nigeria Police Force
and appropriate incentives for trainers to attract some Development Policy effective policing
.C
of the best in the Service.
G
66. Screen the existing manpower, weed out the bad and Police Human Resource Motivate Policemen for The Nigeria Police Force
the untrainable ones and commence the retraining of Development Policy effective policing
N
the retained ones.
ES
67. Ensure proper screening and vetting of the Police Human Resource Motivate Policemen for The Nigeria Police Force
background of all prospective recruits using police Development Policy effective policing
M
apparatuses, the Security and Intelligence service and
traditional institutions i.e. ward, village and district
TI
heads, emirate council and similar outfits in other
parts of the country.
M
68. Provide a modern communication network and a. Federal Government
restore the integrated radio satellite communication
introduced in 1992. IU
M
69. Establish an Inspectorate Department headed by a Police Human Resource To review the activities a. The Presidency
RE
retired officer not below the rank of DIG under the Development Policy of the Nigerian Police
b. Nigeria Police
Ministry of Police Affairs to undertake inspections
with a view to maintaining standards of performance c. Ministry of Police
.P
70. Put in place a Police Reform Implementation Police Human Resource To motivate Policemen a. The Presidency
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c. Ministry of Police
Affairs
O
71. Organize capacity building for traditional rulers and Community Policing To engage traditional a. State Governments
.C
personnel of Local Government Councils on: Policy institutions in sundry b. State Police
policing duties
G
a. Documentation and record keeping
N
b. National security outfits
ES
c. Channels of information flow and communication
d. General and prevailing national security
M
e. Challenges
f. Intelligence gathering.
TI
72. Recruit volunteers in the communities requiring the Community Policing To engage citizens in a. State Governments
M
services of vigilantes and put them under the policing duties
b. State Police
surveillance of the Police.
73. Set up a National Counter Terrorism Architecture IUSoft Approach to To ensure an inclusive a. The Department of
M
(NCTA) to undertake the following functions: Counterterrorism approach to counter- State Services
Harmonize National Counterterrorism efforts and terrorism.
b. The Nigeria Police
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d. The Ministry of
the Study and Research on Terrorism
Foreign Affairs
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infrastructure.
M
reconstruct all States, including the FCT (Abuja), devastating effect of Management Agency
which have suffered devastating attacks by the Boko insurgency in all parts of b. Ministry of Special
O
Haram. the country Duties.
.C
75. Constitute a Prisons Infrastructure Reforms Prison Reforms Policy To bridge the a. Ministry of Interior
G
Committee (PIRC) to undertake an infrastructure infrastructure deficit in
b. Nigeria Prisons
needs assessment of the Nigeria Prisons Service the NPS
N
Service
(NPS) to advise government accordingly.
ES
76. Police Service Commission should implement the To ensure that every a. The Presidency
provision of the Constitution to reflect federal State of the country is
b. Police Service
M
character requirement. represented in the
Commission.
Nigerian Police.
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6.11.3 Statutes
M
IU
S/N RESOLUTIONS PROPOSED/EXISTINGSTATUTES OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
AGENCIES
M
1. Amend the Nigeria Security and Civil Nigeria Security and Civil Defence To enhance internal a. The Presidency
Defence Corps (NSCDC) Act to grant the Corps Act No. 73 of 2007, Cap N146 security and civil b. Ministry of Justice
RE
agency access to the National Integrated Laws of the Federation of Nigeria defence.
Database as resolved on citizenship, 2007. c. National Assembly
Immigration and Related Matters.
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Commission(FRSC) to effectively fulfil its (Establishment Act No. 45 of 1988 and reduce accidents. b. National Assembly
mandate Cap F.19 LFN 2004 as amended by
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Act No. 22 of 2007. c. Federal Ministry of
Justice
.C
d. Federal Road Safety
G
Commission
N
3. Facilitate the review of Section 133 of the a. Armed Forces Act Cap A 20 LFN To safeguard the a. The Presidency
ES
Armed Forces Act by the insertion of a 2004. independence and
b. National Assembly
new Sub-section 8 to strengthen the
b. Nigeria Legions Act Cap N119 LFN immunity of the
independence of the members of court members of court c. Federal Ministry of
2004.
M
martial, to wit: martial. Justice
No disciplinary or administrative action To include serious d. Ministry of Defence
TI
shall offences presently
excluded.
M
be taken against a member of the Armed
Forces for any act done or purported to To have a piece of
have been done pursuant to membership of
a court martial IU legislation consistent
with constitutional
M
a. Review section 124 (6) of the Armed democracy.
Forces Act to accommodate the serious To be in consonance
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M
f. Section 81, which deals with
manslaughter
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g. Section 105, which deals with murder
.C
h. Section 106, which deals with murder
G
i. Section 107, which deal with armed
robbery
N
j. Section 108, which deals with extortion
ES
k. Section 109, which deals with burglary
l. Section 110, which deals with house
M
breaking
TI
m. Section 111, which deals with arson
n. Section 112, which deals forgery
M
o. Section 113, which deals with cheating
p. Section 114, which generally deals with
civil offences under the criminal code or IU
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penal code
i. Review the Armed forces Act to
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service personnel.
ii. Replace the Legions Act with
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M
Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) LFN 2004. security b. National Assembly
Act to strengthen and empower law b. Robbery and Firearms (Special
O
enforcement agent in dealing with menace c. Federal Ministry of
Provisions) Act of 1984 Cap R 11 Justice
of robbery.
.C
LFN 2004.
G
N
5. Strengthen the Nigeria Security and Civil Nigeria Security and Civil Defence a. To enable the a. The Presidency
ES
Defence Corps (NSCDC) to carry out Corps Act No 73 of 2007 NSCDC to
b. National Assembly
critical mandate stipulated by the Act effectively
c. Federal Ministry of
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setting it up. Furthermore the operation and discharge its
duties of the NSCDC should be statutory duties. Justice
TI
streamlined and delineated from those of d. Nigeria Security and
b. To clearly define
the Nigeria Police. Civil Defence Corps
the roles of the
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NSCDC and the
Nigeria Police.
6. IU
Amend the NSCDC Act 2003 to grant them Nigeria Security and Civil Defence To enhance internal a. The Presidency
M
access to the National Integrated Database Corps Act No 73 of 2007 security.
b. National Assembly
as resolved on citizenship, immigration and
RE
7. Amend the NSCDC Act to compel Nigeria Security and Civil Defence To enhance internal a. The Presidency
landlords to register particulars of tenants Corps Act No 73 of 2007 security.
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b. National Assembly
on prescribed format of data forms with the
agency, which should be saddled with the c. Federal Ministry of
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d. Nigeria Security and
Civil Defence Corps
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8. Establish a Correctional Center Trust Fund Nigerian Prisons Service Act, Cap P29 To augment a. The Presidency
.C
(CCTF) to augment government budgetary LFN 2004 government budgetary b. National Assembly
funding of the NPS. funding of the NPS.
G
c. Federal Ministry of
N
Justice
ES
d. Nigeria Prisons
Service
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9. Codify the establishment of the SSS NSA Act, Cap N74 LFN 2004 Toinstitutionalize a. The Presidency
Institute for Security Studies (ISS) into an intelligence training
b. National Assembly
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Act.
c. Federal Ministry of
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Justice
d. Department of State
IU Services
M
10. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) a. Official Secret Act of 1962 To protect officers of a. The Presidency
should be required by legal instrument to the NIA and ensure
b. NSA Act, Cap N 74 LFN 2004 b. National Assembly
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Affairs
of responsibility to provide such cover.
This can be achieved by appropriate e. National Intelligence
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M
Waterways Safety Corps which should be Act No. 47 LFN 2004 inland waterways for d. National Assembly
independent of the FRSC and the proposed safe navigation
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National Coast Guard. All the above should e. Federal Ministry of
be persons who retired meritoriously after a Justice
.C
distinguished record of service. f. National Inland
G
Waterways
Authority
N
ES
12. Public Order Act which had been grossly Public Order Act Cap 42 LFN 2004 To give the Nigerian a. National Assembly
abused should be reverted to the police for Police the power to b. Nigeria Police
implementation. implement the
M
provisions of the
Public Order Act.
TI
13. Create National Border Protection Guard National Border Protection Guard Bill To secure the nations a. The Presidency
M
(NBPG) porous borders
b. National
Assembly
IU c. Federal Ministry
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of Justice
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6.12.1 Constitutional Issues
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S/N RESOLUTIONS RELEVANT OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
.C
SECTIONS AGENCIES
G
1. a. Nigeria shall retain a Federal system of Section 8 To facilitate the a. National Assembly
N
Government. merger and demerger
b. States Houses of
b. The core elements of the Federation shall be of States. To promote
Assembly
ES
as follows a Federal (Central) Government economic
with States as the federating units. development, good
c. Without prejudice to States constituting the governance, equity,
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federating units, States that wish to merge peace and security in
may do so in accordance with the accordance with the
TI
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Constitution.
Nigeria (as amended) provided that:
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i. A two-thirds majority of all members in
each of the Houses of Assembly of each
of the States, in which such merger is IU
M
proposed, support by resolution, the
merger, and
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the right to demerge following the same
procedure and processes for merger.
O
e. Any group of States may create a self-
.C
funding Zonal Commission.
G
2. Creation of one additional State for the South Section 8 To foster the spirit of a. National Assembly
East Zone. reconciliation, equity,
N
b. States Houses of
fair play and justice Assembly
ES
3. a. The criteria for the creation of new States Amend Section 8 Amendment of a. National Assembly
shall be as follows: Constitution to allow b. States Houses of
M
First Schedule
i. Any new State sought to be created must for less onerous Assembly
TI
be viable. In considering viability, the process for the
following should be taken into creation of States and
consideration: set out Criteria for the
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ii. Any new State should be economically creation of new States
IU
viable.
iii. It should have human, natural and
material resources.
M
iv. It should have a minimum land
mass/water mass.
RE
unviable.
vi. State creation should be on the basis of
W
M
geo-political zones to bring the number of
States in each zone to nine (9).
O
c. Create eighteen (18) more States as follows:
.C
i. Apa State from the present Benue State;
G
ii. Edu State from Niger State
N
iii. Kainji State from the present Niger and
Kebbi States
ES
iv. Katagun State from the present Bauchi
State
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v. Savannah State from the present Borno
State
TI
vi. Amana State from the present
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Adamawa State
vii. Gurara State from the present Kaduna
State
viii. Ghari State from the present Kano State IU
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ix. Etiti State from the present South East
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Zone
x. Aba State from the present Abia State
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xiv. Ogoja State from the present Cross
River State
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xv. Ijebu State from the present Ogun State
.C
xvi. New Oyo State from the present Oyo
State
G
xvii. Oil Rivers (from Rivers and AkwaIbom
N
states)
ES
xviii. Ose State (from Ondo State)
4. a. A system of Local Governments by First Schedule and To introduce some a. National Assembly
M
democratically elected Local Government Schedule 4 necessary safeguards
b. States Houses of
Council is guaranteed. to guarantee the
TI
Section 7 Assembly
b. States that wish to may create Local independence of local
government councils
M
Governments, which shall be under the
jurisdiction of the States.
c. The number, structure, form and
administration of Local Governments shall be IU
M
determined by the States.
RE
State.
e. The List of the Local Governments contained
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M
contained in Schedule 4 of the 1999
Constitution (as amended) shall be
O
transferred to the States subject to the power
of the State Houses of Assembly to add or
.C
reduce the said functions of the Local
Government.
G
g. Chairmen and Councillors of Local
N
Governments, not democratically elected,
shall not be recognized by all authorities and
ES
persons and shall not be entitled to any
revenue allocation.
M
h. In addition to the functions conferred upon
Local Government Councils as specified in
TI
the Fourth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution
(as amended), a House of Assembly of a
M
State may by law confer other functions on
the Local Government.
i. The Constitution should fix the tenure for
Local Government Councils at three (3) IU
M
years.
RE
5. Elections shall be held not earlier than 90 days or Section 197(1) (b To limit the practice a. National Assembly
not later than 30 days to the expiration of the of unelected officials
Third Schedule b. States Houses of
.P
Governments which
violates the spirit of
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representative
governance and
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M
State Independent Electoral Commission the Third Schedule independence of the b. States Houses of
Item 3 Local Government Assembly
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system
.C
7. Establish State Revenue Mobilization, Allocation Section 162 Protect Local a. National Assembly
and Fiscal Commission (SRMAFC) in each state Government
G
b. State House of
with representatives of Local Governments and a Administrations Assembly
N
Chairman nominated by the Governor
ES
8. a. There shall be a President for the Federation. Section 5 a. National Assembly
b. For the purpose of election to the office of Chapter VI b. States Houses of
M
President, the whole of the Federation shall Assembly
be regarded as one constituency
TI
c. A candidate for an election to the Office of
President shall run with a Vice-President on
M
the same ticket.
d. The President shall exercise full
responsibility for his Government and he IU
M
shall select not more than eighteen (18)
Ministers from the six geo-political zones.
RE
subject to re-election.
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M
address by the President.
h. In the event of death, incapacitation,
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impeachment or resignation of the President,
the Vice-President shall act as President for a
.C
period of ninety (90) days within which an
election to the office of President shall be
G
held.
N
i. Presentation of the annual budget to the
ES
Legislature will be the responsibility of the
Minister of Finance.
M
9. The provisions (c.)-(i.) above applicable to the a. National Assembly
President shall apply mutatis mutandis with
TI
b. States Houses of
regard to the election of the Governor and the Assembly
government under his charge
M
10. Retain a Bicameral Legislature. a. National Assembly
IU b. State House of
Assembly
M
11. Rotation of Power Electoral Act To achieve rotation of a. National Assembly
RE
Amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic Constitution power. The Principle b. States Houses of
of Rotation of Powers
of Nigeria (as amended) to provide for: Assembly
will also reduce the
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c. The Office of the Governor to rotate among
the three (3) Senatorial Districts in that State.
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d. The Office of Chairman of a Local
.C
Government Council to rotate within the
Local Government Area. The National
G
Independent Electoral Commission (INEC)
shall divide the Local Government into two
N
or three equal parts as the case may be for the
ES
purpose of the rotation of Office of the
Chairman.
M
e. The participation of Women, Youths and the
physically challenged in the political process.
TI
f. The domestication of the Convention for the
Elimination of Discrimination against
M
Women(CEDAW)at all levels of governance
and spheres of endeavours.
12.
of Nigeria (as amended) to provide for: IU
Amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic Chapter VIII To achieve
representation for the
a. National Assembly
M
b. States Houses of
original inhabitants
i. An elected mayor for the inner nucleus of Assembly
and indigenous people
RE
M
13. States shall have their respective Constitutions. a. National Assembly
O
b. States Houses of
Assembly
.C
14. There shall be a revenue sharing formula a. National Assembly
G
established by law in every State. b. States Houses of
N
Assembly
ES
15. The right to self-determination by the States as a. National Assembly
federating units shall be extended to ethnic b. States Houses of
M
nationalities within the State. Assembly
TI
6.12.2 Policy Issues
M
S/N RESOLUTIONS PROPOSED/ OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
IU EXISTING
POLICIES
AGENCIES
M
1. The adoption of The Nigerian Charter for National Policy on This shall form the a. The Presidency
RE
National Reconciliation and Integration. This National basis of our Union as b. National Assembly
shall form the basis of our Union as a Nation and Reconciliation and a Nation and
guarantee the national existence. Integration guarantee the national c. States Houses of
.P
existence. Assembly
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2. Nigeria should revert to her old National Anthem: The National Anthem To reinforce national a. The Presidency
consciousness.
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M
Nigerians all are proud to serve
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Our sovereign Motherland.
Our flag shall be a symbol
.C
That truth and justice reign,
In peace or battle honoured,
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And this we count as gain,
To hand on to our children
N
A banner without stain.
ES
O God of all creation,
Grant this our one request,
M
Help us to build a nation
Where no man is oppressed,
TI
And so with peace and plenty
Nigeria may be blessed.
M
3. Pay outstanding compensations due to the indigenes National Policy on To safeguard the a. The Presidency
EXISTING AGENCIES
STAUTES
W
1. Amend the Electoral Act to provide for: Electoral Act To achieve rotation of National Assembly
W
M
of agitation for
b. The Office of President to rotate between the
creation of states
North and the South and amongst the six (6)
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geo-political zones.
.C
c. The Office of the Governor to rotate among the
three (3) Senatorial Districts in that State.
G
d. The Office of Chairman of a Local Government
N
Council to rotate within the Local Government
Area. The National Independent Electoral
ES
Commission (INEC) shall divide the Local
Government into two or three equal parts as the
M
case may be for the purpose of the rotation of
Office of the Chairman.
TI
e. The participation of Women, Youths and the
physically challenged in the political process.
M
f. The domestication of the Convention for the
IU
Elimination of Discrimination against
Women(CEDAW)at all levels of governance
and spheres of endeavours.
M
2. Establish Commission to address the plight of FCT Federal Commission To address the plight a. The Presidency
RE
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THE NIGERIAN CHARTER FOR NATIONAL RECONCILIATION AND INTEGRATION
O
PREAMBLE
.C
PERSUADED that when the administrations of the Northern and the Southern Protectorates of Nigeria were amalgamated in 1914, the
G
framework of a potentially great nation was laid,
N
CONSIDERING the need to ensure that the amalgamation achieves its full intendment of building a fully integrated nation,
ES
CONCERNED that, since the post independent upheavals that abrogated the terms of nationhood entered into by our founding fathers, the
M
diverse ethnic nationalities of Nigeria have never had ample opportunities to formally express their consent to co exist as one nation,
TI
RECALLING the labours of our founding fathers and of our heroes past to build a nation where, though tribe and tongue may differ, in
brotherhood we would stand in the service of our sovereign nation.
M
HUMBLY AWARE that, in spite of our labours, our founding fathers could not attain the nation of their dreams but bequeathed to subsequent
IU
generations, including ours, the task of forging a more perfect union,
M
GRIEVED that since independence, millions of Nigerians - of different tribes and of different faiths have lost their lives, and that children have
RE
been orphaned, women have been widowed, men, women, boys and girls have been maimed, hopes have been dashed, dreams have been
shattered and properties have been destroyed, on account of conflicts brought about by the absence of genuine national integration and in total
.P
disregard of the tenets of our faith to truly love our neighbours as ourselves.
W
CONSCIOUS of the fact that these historical grievances have produced resentment, nurtured bitterness and sustained distrust amongst Nigerians
W
M
economic problems such as poverty, unemployment, disease and insecurity, have been the painful consequences of the absence of good
O
governance and genuine national integration,
.C
DETERMINED to heal the painful wounds of the past, to forgive past sectional wrongs, to let go of past sectional grievances, to close the book
on our troubled past, to open up vistas of greatness and embrace our future,
G
N
CONVINCED that, diverse though we may be, we are better off together and that, united, we can surmount every obstacle and fulfil our great
ES
national destiny,
NOW THEREFORE, WE THE PEOPLE OF NIGERIA proclaim this CHARTER FOR NATIONAL RECONCILIATION AND
M
INTEGRATION as the BASIS OF OUR UNION.
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Article 1
M
We hereby firmly and solemnly resolve to live in unity and harmony as one indivisible and indissoluble nation under God.
Article 2
IU
M
We shall build a land of Freedom, Peace and Justice and a home of Equity and Fair Play, where no one is oppressed and no one is discriminated
RE
against on the basis of ethnicity, gender or religion and where constant and consistent dialogue is encouraged.
Article 3
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We shall be a law abiding nation where the Rule of Law prevails, where Right is Might and the Law impartial and Supreme.
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Article 4
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We shall be a God fearing nation emphasizing the fear of God in our private and public endeavours.
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M
We shall freely express our ethnic, cultural and religious diversity with tolerance within the context of our corporate existence and alongside the
O
pursuit of our national destiny.
.C
Article 6
G
We shall respect, preserve, protect and defend the rights of every Nigerian irrespective of ethnic, gender or religious differences.
N
Article 7
ES
We shall not discriminate against any Nigerian on the basis of indigeneship or place of origin.
M
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Article 8
M
We shall not accept, tolerate, promote or support the subjection of the Nigerian people or any person resident in Nigeria to acts of terror or
IU
discrimination on account of their religious beliefs, ethnic identities or political allegiances or for any other reason whatsoever, nor shall we
accept, tolerate, promote or support acts organized in pursuit of disunity or the disintegration of our beloved nation.
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Article 9
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We shall uphold family values and ensure that public policy is used as a tool to promote these values so that strong families will become the
.P
Article 10
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We shall work assiduously for the development of our people and nation with zero tolerance for corruption in all spheres of life both private and
public.
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M
We shall be a caring and compassionate nation where children have free access to qualitative education and healthcare and where the welfare of
O
the old, the vulnerable and the physically challenged is guaranteed.
.C
Article 12
G
We shall be a nation of equal opportunity where young men and women are provided with the socio-economic environment to maximize their
N
potentials, to experience the dignity of labour and the triumph of enterprise and innovation, thereby earning for themselves and their families a
ES
decent standard of living while contributing to building our economy to great and enviable heights.
M
Article 13
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We have vested upon the Nigerian state, represented by government at all levels and in all arms, the power to guarantee security, development
and welfare of Nigerian people and to deploy the resources of the nation solely in the service of the people and we reserve the right to change
M
government by peaceful and constitutional means.
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Article 14
We shall be a truly federal state with such powers vested exclusively on the federal government as are necessary to firmly and prosperously knit
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together the federating units upon which residual powers shall be vested.
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Article 15
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international community for the defence of our interests and in promoting inter-African solidarity, world peace, international cooperation and
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understanding.
.C
Article 16
G
In furtherance of these objectives and in pursuance of our national destiny, we shall be governed by the best, brightest and fittest from all works
N
of life and from every geopolitical zone elected into public office through the democratic principle of free, fair and credible elections in
ES
accordance with our Constitution and our Electoral laws while the weak, old and vulnerable shall never be disadvantaged.
Article 17
M
In further pursuance of these objectives, appointments into political offices and the Civil Service at every level and in every arm shall be
TI
governed by the principles of justice, fairness and in the best interest of our nation.
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Article 18
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The consent to live together in unity and harmony and the principles and purpose of our national coexistence stated heretofore in this Charter
M
shall be incorporated into our Constitution upon adoption by the Nigerian people through a referendum.
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Article 19
With understanding and patriotic zeal and in all solemnity, we therefore pledge to ourselves as a people and to our country Nigeria, to serve in
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honour and with dignity within and outside her boundaries and henceforth conduct ourselves in such a manner as to bring no reproach and
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For this purpose, the Nigerian government at all levels and in all arms, shall propagate this Charter and shall promote the principles stated herein.
O
And to this end, in utmost faith, we, the delegates to the National Conference for National reconciliation and Integration, on behalf of the
.C
Nigerian people, do hereby append our signatures to this document as the Basis of the Union of our Nation.
G
So Help Us God.
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ES
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6.13.1 Constitution Matters
O
S/N RESOLUTIONS RELEVANT OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
.C
SECTIONS AGENCIES
G
1. Delete Section 228(c) of the 1999 Constitution. Section 228(c) To discontinue public a. National Assembly
N
government funding of b. States Houses Of
political Parties
ES
Assembly
2. Amend Section 223 as 223 (2) (c) to add: no official of any Section 223 To ensure best practices a. National Assembly
M
political party shall concurrently hold a position in in running the affairs of
b. States Houses Of
government. Political Parties
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Assembly
M
3. Amend Section 68(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) Section 68(g) To discourage carpet a. National Assembly
to indicate that any elected official, executive or legislative, crossing. b. States Houses Of
IU
who carpet-crosses, regardless of the reasons for such, shall Assembly
automatically forfeit their seat.
M
4. Amend Section 180 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) Section 180 To ensure proper a. National Assembly
and its equivalent provisions further to make it possible for application of the
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b. States Houses Of
INEC to approach the Supreme Court for interpretation of Constitution Assembly
fundamental constitutional matters.
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follows: minimum academic b. States Houses Of
i. The minimum academic qualifications for Presidential, requirement for elective Assembly
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Governorship and National Assembly candidates shall be positions/minimum age
for contesting State
.C
University First Degree or its equivalent.
House of Assembly and
ii. The minimum academic qualifications for candidates of age bar for youth leader
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the State House of Assembly and the Local Government position
N
Chairperson be University First Degree or its equivalent.
ES
iii. The minimum academic qualifications for Local
Government Councillorsbe Secondary School Certificate
or its equivalent.
M
iv. The case whereby INEC decides on what is suitable
TI
minimum qualification outside the regular school system
be abrogated.
M
v. The age of 25 years should be the minimum age for
contesting elections into the State House of Assembly.
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vi. Persons to be elected/appointed youth leaders in politics
shall not be more than 35 years of age.
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6. Amend Sections 65, 106, 131, 177, and 221 to include Sections 65, 106, To ensure that payment a. National Assembly
taxation as qualification criterion to ensure that any person 131, 177 and 221 of tax is kept as a very b. States Houses Of
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aspiring for any elective position must show evidence that important qualification Assembly
they paid their taxes as and at when due. criteria
W
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follows: and 117(2) registration of all
qualified to vote and be b. States Houses Of
(a) Section 77 (2)
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voted for. Assembly
Every citizen of Nigeria, who has attained the age of
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eighteen years and above at the time of the registration of
voters for purposes of elections, shall be entitled to be
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registered as a voter.
N
(b)Section 117 (2)
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Every citizen of Nigeria, who has attained the age of
eighteen years and above at the time of the registration of
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voters for purposes of elections, shall be entitled to be
registered as a voter.
TI
8. a. Establish a Constitutional Court. Sections 254, To ensure timely a. National Assembly
270, 235 dispensation of
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b. Vest the jurisdiction to hear and determine all pre- and b. States Houses Of
post-election matters at all levels for all elections provided constitutional issues
Assembly
for in the 1999 Constitution (as amended) in the
Constitutional Court. IU
M
c. Vest all issues relating to the Enforcement of Fundamental
Rights as provided for in the Constitution of the Federal
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action.
e. Hear and determine appeals arising from pre-election
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the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court.
f. File appeals from judgments in pre-election matters to the
O
Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court within 21 days
from the date the judgment of the lower court is delivered.
.C
g. Retain Section 285 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended)
G
requiring the hearing of election petitions and delivery of
judgements to be concluded within a period of 180 days.
N
h. Amend Section 285 further to separate the time for the
ES
hearing of election petitions and the delivery of
judgements. Hear and conclude Election Petitions within
M
170 days, i.e. the filing of Replies and other processes,
taking of evidence and delivery of final addresses, while
TI
the writing and delivery of judgements should be
concluded within a period of 10 days.
M
i. Add a proviso to Section 385 of the Constitution to the
effect that all decisions on all interlocutory matters shall
IU
be taken with the main appeal and separate appeals will
not lie on interlocutory matters.
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9. Make relevant constitutional provisions to ensure that no To discourage rigging a. National Assembly
RE
elected official is sworn in until all litigations on the elections and ensure that the right
are concluded. candidate is sworn-in b. States Houses Of
Assembly
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10 a. Amend Sections 65 (2)(b), 106, 131, 177 and 221 of the Sections 65 To open the political a. National Assembly
W
1999 Constitution to emplace Independent Candidacy (2)(b), 106, 131, space for independent
with the caveat that aspirants so inclined to run as 177, and 221 candidates b. States Houses Of
Assembly
W
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i. Constituency-based nomination by verifiable
signatures of 10 registered voters from each Ward in
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the electoral constituency;
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ii. Payment of financial deposit to be determined from
time to time by INEC. The rate of deposit should be
G
equal to 10% of the approved election expenses for
the various offices as provided in Section 93 of the
N
Electoral Act 2006; and
ES
iii. The candidate must meet all other conditions for
eligibility stipulated in the Constitution, the Electoral
M
Act or any other laws.
b. Prohibit refund the financial deposit of independent
TI
candidates for whatever reason.
M
11 Extend the provisions of Section 156 and Paragraph 14(2) (a) Section 156, para To make all staff of a. National Assembly
of the 3rd Schedule which require the Chairman and National 14(2)(a) of 3rd INEC non-partisan
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Commissioners of INEC to be non-partisan to cover all Schedule b. States Houses Of
officers of the Commission. Assembly
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12. Insert a new Subsection (3) to Section 158 to provide as Section 158 To make INEC fully a. National Assembly
follows: independent in all its
b. States Houses Of
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(i) Section 68 (Insert a new sub-section (4) thus: 109 notified in time to
conduct the election to b. States Houses Of
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The President of the Senate or the Speaker of the fill the vacancy Assembly
House of Representatives as the case may be, shall
.C
notify the Independent National Electoral Commission
within seven (7) days of the existence of a vacancy
G
arising from death or resignation of a member of the
N
National Assembly.
ES
(ii) Section 109 (Insert a new sub-section (4) thus):
The Speaker of the House of Assembly of a State
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shall notify the Independent National Electoral
Commission within seven (7) days of the existence of a
TI
vacancy arising from death or resignation of a
member of the State House of Assembly.
M
14. Insert the clause he/she is registered to vote as Paragraph Sections 65, 106, To ensure that only a. National Assembly
IU
(c) to Sub-section (2) of Section 65 and as Paragraph (e) of 131, 117 registered voters can
Sections 106, 131 and 177to ensure that every candidate who contest elections b. States Houses Of
aspires to contest any election shall be a registered voter. Assembly
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years before the date of the election, he/she has been 137, and 182 offenders
convicted of an electoral offence by a court or tribunal b. States Houses Of
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immediately after Paragraph (d) of Sections 66, 107, 137, Assembly
& 182 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
.C
b. Bar any candidate who has been adjudged by any court to
G
have been fraudulent in the electoral process from
subsequent bye elections and disqualify such a candidate
N
from vying for any elective office or holding any party or
ES
government position for 10 years.
M
16. Amend Sections 134 and 179 by adding the word valid Sections 134 and To ensure that the a. National Assembly
TI
before votes wherever this appears in the Sections so as to 179 constitution reflects that
remove any ambiguity. Candidates should be elected on valid only valid votes are b. States Houses Of
Assembly
M
votes cast only. taken into consideration
in determining a winner
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M of an election.
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S/N RESOLUTIONS PROPOSED/ OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
O
EXISTING AGENCIES
POLICY
.C
1. Women Participation in Politics
G
Institutionalize affirmative action for women and people To ensure representation Political Parties
N
living with disability. This implies provision for the of all classes of persons
reservation of a defined quota for women and persons living
ES
with disability in party hierarchies, and as candidates for
elections in every partys constitution, manifestoes and other
M
documents.
TI
2. a. Sustain Section 223 of the 1999 Constitution and the To ensure internal a. Independent National
Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) that provides adequate democracy in Political Electoral Commission
M
guidelines on internal democracy for political parties. Parties. This should be
b. Registered Political
b. Institutionalize internal democracy by each political party reflected in the party
Parties
IU
constitution and other
as stipulated in Section 223 of the Constitution and the
provisions of the Electoral Act which provide guidelines documents and
consequently all party
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on internal democracy for political parties. This should be
reflected in the party constitution and other documents and organs should function
as stipulated in the party
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3. a. Ensure that all members must submit to the principle of To maintain Party a. Independent National
party supremacy in order to enhance greater effectiveness Discipline Electoral Commission
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Parties
all times. Activities of every party should be organized and
conducted within the registered party premises and in any
W
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b. Elected political office holders are elected based on their
political parties and so political parties must not be seen as
O
being subordinate to political office holders, especially the
executive who had thus far tended to appropriate the
.C
political party organs in their individual domains.
G
4. a. Sustain the multiple party system in accordance with To maintain the freedom a. Independent National
N
extant provisions of the Constitution, for continued of association and Electoral Commission
deepening of democratic practice such that citizens would ensure diverse Political
ES
b. Registered Political
be allowed to form political parties without any undue platforms
Parties
restrictions, subject only to their compliance with the
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guidelines laid down by INEC.
b. Sustain provisions of Section 222 of the 1999 Constitution
TI
(as amended) and Section 78 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as
amended), which do not restrict the formation of political
M
parties but only require them to be registered with
PPREOC (as recommended).
5. IU
a. Locate polling stations at institutional buildings such as To ensure that polling Independent National
M
schools, community centres, etc, which are centrally stations are accessible Electoral Commission
located. Where these are not available, INEC should set up and not over crowded.
RE
6. a. Ensure that Voters Registration is a continuous exercise To ensure free, fair and a. Independent National
as provided for in the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended), credible elections Electoral Commission
W
such that every eligible voter would be given the b. National Identity
opportunity to register at designated INEC offices at all
Management
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times.
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National Identity Card and voters registration data to
c. National Broadcasting
ensure the credibility and integrity of the Voters Register.
Commission
O
c. Ensure continuous voters registration, education and
sensitization.
.C
d. Sustain the provisions on Code of Ethics enforced by the
G
National Broadcasting Corporation and the Press Council
as guide to professionalism in media involvement in
N
political and electoral activities, including electioneering
ES
campaigns.
7. a. Sustain and enforce the extant Open-Secret Ballot system To ensure free, fair and Independent National
M
which makes for credible elections. credible elections Electoral Commission
TI
b. Capture, store and use biometric data of electorates for
elections in the country. In addition, INEC should ensure
M
that latest technology is deployed at all times in the
conduct of elections as is the case in other countries.
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c. Sustain extant regulations in the 1999 Constitution (as
amended) and the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended).
M
8. Sustain the extant provisions for registering and accrediting To ensure best practices Independent National
RE
civil society organizations as election monitors by INEC in the election process Electoral Commission
through its Election Observation and Monitoring Unit. This
consists of the following:
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i. Advertisement;
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ii. Accreditation;
iii. Training and briefing of the qualified civil society
W
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the Guidelines and Regulations for Political Parties, 2013 conduct by political Electoral Commission
already drawn up by the Inter Party Advisory Council. parties
O
.C
10 Enhance the independence of INEC in the course of screening To ensure independence Senate of the Federal
nominees of the President for INEC positions, to this end, the of INEC Republic of Nigeria
G
Senate must effectively play its role and set aside at least two
weeks to allow for public objections, if any.
N
ES
11 Enhance the independence of INEC in the course of screening To ensure independence Senate of the Federal
nominees of the President for INEC positions, to this end, the of INEC Republic of Nigeria
Senate must effectively play its role and set aside at least two
M
weeks to allow for public objections, if any.
TI
12 a. Insulate political party leadership and administration from To ensure best practices Senate of the Federal
control and interference from chief executives of in running the affairs of Republic of Nigeria
M
government at all levels, so that party independence is Political Parties
restored. In so doing, the wishes of the party members as
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expressed through their votes will be reflected in party
administration.
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b. Make the administrative processes of political parties
transparent and accountable in order to enhance
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help curtail the excesses of party functionaries.
e. Enforce the provisions in the Electoral Act that encourage
O
the exhaustion of internal mechanisms for the settlement of
disputes before a referral to the courts.
.C
f. Allow the votes of party members to count at every
G
situation where the rules of the parties make for voting,
including at party primary elections.
N
g. Separate political party administration from government,
ES
such that those who must hold political offices must not
concurrently hold party positions and vice versa. Party
M
operatives therefore should be divested of their party
position automatically as they assume
TI
h. Political offices, elective or appointive.
M
13. a. Sustain the extant legal provisions on party registration, as To retain the freedom of Independent National
informed by the Supreme Court verdict in Fawehinmivs formation of Political Electoral Commission
IU
INEC, which essentially expects political parties to
register with INEC rather than for them to be registered by
Parties and remove
government funding of
M
INEC, is fair enough. political parties
b. Discontinue public funding of political parties, a factor
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M
privileges attached to that office.
O
6.13.3 Statutes
.C
S/N RESOLUTIONS PROPOSED/ OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
G
EXISTING AGENCIES
STATUTES
N
ES
1 Remove the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act, 2010 Electoral Act, Toensure free operation a. The Presidency
permitting INEC to de-register political parties in certain 2010 of political Parties b. Federal Ministry of
circumstances.
M
Justice
c. National Assembly
TI
d. Independent National
Electoral Commission
M
2 Secretary of the Commission (Section 8): Section 8, To ensure statutory a. The Presidency
IU
Inserta new paragraph (c) under Sub-section (1) of Section 8 Electoral Act protection of tenure of
secretary of INEC
b. Federal Ministry of
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of the Electoral Act as hereunder: Justice
Section 8 (1) (c) c. National Assembly
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hold office for a period of 4 (four) years from the date of d. Independent National
his/her appointment, which may be renewable for another Electoral Commission
.P
the Commission)
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W
M
empower any political party to choose its officials or Electoral Act democracy in political b. Federal Ministry of
candidates for elections except by democratic process of parties Justice
O
voting.
c. National Assembly
.C
d. Independent National
G
Electoral Commission
N
4 Delete Section 87(8) of the Electoral Act making provision for Section 87(8), To ensure best practices a. The Presidency
ES
political office holders to also hold party office. Electoral Act in the running of b. Federal Ministry of
political parties. Justice
M
c. National Assembly
d. Independent National
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Electoral Commission
M
5 a. Amend Section 13 Sub-section (2) by inserting Section 13 and 18 To allow sufficient time a. The Presidency
immediately after the word by in Line 2 the words a of Electoral Act for INEC to carry out
IU
b. Federal Ministry of
copy of and also by substituting the figure 30 in Line 2 transfer of registration Justice
with the figure 60. and issuance of
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duplicate voters cards c. National Assembly
b. Amend Section 18 in Sub-section (1) by substituting the
word thirty and the figure 30 in Line 2 with the word d. Independent National
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6 Amend Section 28 Sub-section (1) by substituting the words Section 28, To ensure integrity of a. The Presidency
the High Court in Line 2 with the words any court of law or Electoral Act the officers of INEC
b. Federal Ministry of
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c. National Assembly
d. Independent National
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7 Amend Subsection (6) of Section 31 to read: Section 31, To ensure that no The Presidency
.C
(6) if the Court determines that any of the information Electoral Act candidate presents false b. Federal Ministry of
information
G
contained in the Affidavit is false, the Court shall issue an Justice
order disqualifying the candidate from contesting the election; c. National Assembly
N
if already elected, the Court shall issue an order directing the
person to vacate the office and the next person with highest d. Independent National
ES
number of votes cast and who met the requirement of the Electoral Commission
Constitution shall be declared duly elected.
M
8 Presentation of Disqualified Candidate By Political Party:
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Insert a new Sub-section 7 of Section 31 which should read: Section 31, To increase to fine and a. The Presidency
(7) Any political party that presents to the Commission the Electoral Act discourage submission
M
b. Federal Ministry of
name of a candidate that does not meet the qualification of unqualified candidate Justice
IU
stipulated in the Constitution shall be guilty of an offence and
shall on conviction be disqualified from participating in that
c. National Assembly
M
particular election for that office. d. Independent National
Electoral Commission
Amend subsection (8) of Section 31 by substituting for the
RE
M
as Sub-section (1) and introducing a new Sub-section (2) to Electoral Act candidate who b. Federal Ministry of
read: withdraws or dies Justice
O
(2) If the candidate whose name was submitted to the before election is
replaced by the c. National Assembly
.C
Commission dies or withdraws from the election, the political
party which nominated the candidate shall forward to the contestant who was the d. Independent National
1st runner up in the
G
Commission the name of the aspirant who scored the second Electoral Commission
primary
highest number of votes at the primaries as the substitute
N
candidate.
ES
10 Amend Section 45 Sub-section (1) by substituting for Sub- Section 45, To ensure proper a. The Presidency
section (1) a new Sub-section (1) to read: Electoral Act appointment of Party
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b. Federal Ministry of
45(1) Each political party may by notice in writing agents for monitoring Justice
election processes
TI
addressed to the Electoral Officer of the Local Government
c. National Assembly
Area/Area Council, appoint a polling agent for each polling
d. Independent National
M
unit and collation centre in the Local Government Area/Area
Council for which it has a candidate and the notice which Electoral Commission
IU
shall set out the name and address of the polling agent must
be accompanied by two passport photographs of each polling
agent and sample signature as well as fingerprints of the
M
polling agent and be given to the Electoral Officer at least 14
days before the date fixed for the election.
RE
11 Amend Section 77 in Sub-section (1) by substituting for Sub Section 77, To make access to a. The Presidency
section (1) a new Sub-section (1) to read: Electoral Act electoral documents
.P
b. Federal Ministry of
easy after the election
77(1) The Resident Electoral Commissioner, in a State Justice
W
M
2010 (as amended) by including timelines within which a Electoral Act for seeking redress for
b. Federal Ministry of
candidate shall seek redress and same should read thus: non-compliance with
Justice
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Section 87(9) Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act or the provisions of the
Electoral Act or c. National Assembly
.C
rules of a political party, an aspirant who complains that any
of the provisions of this Act and the guidelines of a political Guidelines of a political d. Independent National
party on the issue of
G
party has not been complied with in the selection or Electoral Commission
nomination of a candidate of a political party for election, selection or nomination
N
shall within 14 days of the non-compliance complained of, of a candidate of a
political party for
ES
apply to the Federal High Court or the High Court of a State
or the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja for election.
redress.
M
13 Make a provision be made in the Electoral Act stating that Electoral Act To facilitate a. The Presidency
TI
when the proposal for creation of constituencies is made to the delimitation of b. Federal Ministry of
National Assembly, the proposal shall be deemed approved if constituencies
M
Justice
no response from the National Assembly is received by the
Commission within a period of three (3) months from the date c. National Assembly
of presentation.
IU d. Independent National
Electoral Commission
M
14 Amend Section 42 of the Electoral Act, 2010 to provide Section 42, To accommodate the a. The Presidency
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detailed specifications, including numbers of voters per Electoral Act needs of physically
b. Federal Ministry of
polling station and layout of a standard polling station, and challenged persons
Justice
adaptation of polling stations to accommodate the needs of
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d. Independent National
Electoral Commission
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W
M
106(1)(e) of the Electoral Act to emplace Independent 37, 45, 91(8), 92, space for independent b. Federal Ministry of
Candidacy with the caveat that aspirants so inclined to run 95,99 100, candidates Justice
O
as independent candidate should only get onto the ballot on 106(1)(e) of the
the fulfilment of the following conditions: Electoral Act c. National Assembly
.C
i. Constituency-based nomination by verifiable d. Independent National
G
signatures of 10 registered voters from each Ward in Electoral Commission
the electoral constituency;
N
ii. Payment of financial deposit to be determined from
ES
time to time by INEC. The rate of deposit should be
equal to 10% of the approved election expenses for the
M
various offices as provided in Section 93 of the
Electoral Act 2006; and
TI
iii. The candidate must meet all other conditions for
M
eligibility stipulated in the Constitution, the Electoral
Act or any other laws.
IU
b. Prohibit refund the financial deposit of independent
M
candidates for whatever reason.
RE
.P
W
W
W
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S/N RESOLUTIONS RELEVANT OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
O
SECTIONS AGENCIES
.C
1. Repeal the section of the Constitution that Section 221 To give all eligible a. National Assembly
G
deals with independent candidacy to read Nigerians equal b. States Houses of
Every Nigerian who meets the specified opportunity to contest
N
Assembly
conditions in the Electoral Act should be elections
ES
free to contest any election as an
Independent Candidate
M
2. Separate the office of the Attorney Sections 150 (1) and To ensure that partisan a. National Assembly
TI
General from that of the Minister or 195 (1) considerations do not b. States Houses of
Commissioner for Justice whittle the efforts of the Assembly
M
Attorney General to
prosecute persons c. Federal Ministry of
cases of life styles being disproportionate Para.11(3) Fifth corrupt public office b. States Houses of
with income of public officers should be Schedule holders and safeguard the Assembly
made to have application to former public sanctity of public service
.P
office holders
W
4. Amend the Constitution to ensure that the a. Section 2 Ensure that citizens are a. National Assembly
W
5. a. Amend the Constitution to grant equal New Section Ensure that a. National Assembly
M
rights, freedoms and privileges to all minority/ethnic rights are b. States House of
Nigerian citizens protected under the
O
Assembly
constitution
b. Ensure that the dichotomy between
.C
cultural indigeneship and non
indigeneship are clearly spelt out in
G
the Constitution
N
6. a. Amend the Constitution to ensure that Chapter 2 and 4 a. National Assembly
ES
political rights and freedoms, social, b. States Houses of
economic and cultural rights are
Assembly
M
justiciable
b. Amend the Constitution to ensure that
TI
Nigeria subscribed to United Nations
Declarations of Human Rights (1946)
M
to guarantee protection of minority
IU
rights and freedoms.
7 Each State shall be empowered by the New Section Leveraging on Nigerians a. National Assembly
M
Constitution to have its own Constitution cultural diversity to build
b. States Houses of
RE
8 Amend the Constitution to ensure that all Chapter IV and Chapter Ensure the peaceful co- a. National Assembly
constitutionally fundamental human rights II existence of all Nigerians
W
b. States Houses of
and democratic freedoms are justiciable. irrespective of ethnic or
Assembly
cultural orientation
W
W
9. Recognize the advisory role of traditional New Section To tap the rich cultural a. National Assembly
Rulers in the Constitution knowledge of traditional
b. States Houses of
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10. a. Amend the Constitution to adopt New Section To enhance smooth a. National Assembly
States as federating units administration of the tiers b. States Houses of
O
of government and give
b. States to be constitutionally Assembly
.C
powers to state governors
empowered to create local
to control administrative
governments as they deem necessary
G
affairs in their states
c. States by law establish the structure,
N
composition, finance and functions of
ES
local Governments
11. Ensure that the Constitution guarantees Section 6 Empower the judiciary to a. National Assembly
M
independence of the judiciary with clear become the bastion of b. States Houses of
statements to that effect. justice for all
TI
Assembly
M
12 Amend the Constitution to recognize State New Section Broaden responsibility a. National Assembly
Police of security to involve b. States Houses of
IU states Assembly
M
c. Polices Service
Commission
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13. a. Ensure that the language of the New Section Ensure the protection of a. National Assembly
Nigerian Constitution should be Women rights in the
.P
b. States Houses of
gender sensitive Constitution
Assembly
W
14. a. Make the Childs Right Act a. Section 29(4) Ensure the protection of a. National Assembly
W
constitutionally binding on all the b. Section 29 (4) (a) Child Rights in all States b. States Houses of
M
years.
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15. a. Make Section 22 of the Constitution a. Section 22 To enhance freedom of a. National Assembly
.C
justiciable to enable the media speech and information
b. Expunging Section b. States Houses of
discharge its duties more effectively
G
6 (6) (c) makes Assembly
b. To ensure that while citizens access Section 22
N
to information is not impeded in any justiciable.
ES
way, the right of journalists is
specifically guaranteed in the
Constitution.
M
16. Federating Units To ensure that true a. National Assembly
TI
a. That Nigeria adopts a true federal federalism is practiced in
New Section b. States Houses of
Nigeria
M
structure with the States operating as Assembly
the federating units.
b. That the creation of local government
councils should be done by the States IU
Section 7
M
as they deem necessary.
RE
M
To ensure that Chairmen
Transition Conference Chairmen) or of Local Governments
O
such unelected representatives at the are democratically
LGAs should be sanctioned by
.C
elected.
withholding their statutory allocations
pending the conduct of elections into
G
such LGAs.
N
Devolution of Political and Fiscal
ES
Powers
a. That to achieve true federalism in
M
Nigeria, the legislative powers/duties To ensure that true
of the respective tiers of government federalism is practiced in
TI
should be clearly spelt out in the Nigeria.
Constitution.
M
b. That the deduction in any form of
IU
what is described as Special Funds
from the Federation Account prior to
M
distribution to the mentioned
beneficiaries of the Account be
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M
Consolidated Revenue Fund for both
O
recurrent and capital expenditure.
.C
c. That the National Judicial Council
should reflect the federal judicial
G
system.
N
Electoral Bodies and Electoral Laws
Section 80
ES
a. That to ensure INECs independence,
its funds/allocations shall be made a
first line charge from the Consolidated
M
Revenue Fund (i.e. for both recurrent
and capital expenditures).
TI
Police/Policing
M
a. Both the Federal and State
IU
governments should share
responsibilities for security and the
maintenance of law and order. Thus,
M
Conference recommends a second tier
RE
M
Constitution;
O
b. Women shall have the right to
affirmative action for the purpose of
.C
redressing the imbalances created by
history, tradition and customs. Though
G
women in Nigeria constitute almost
N
half of the national population this
numerical strength has never found a
ES
corresponding expression or
representation in Nigerias public life
M
especially in elective positions. In
order to accelerate gender balance in
TI
all sectors especially towards the
promotion of political rights, it is
M
imperative to upgrade the Affirmative
Action policy from an executive
policy to a constitutional right. In this
respect, the National Gender Policy IU
M
(2006) should be fully implemented,
while the constitution should provide
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M
practices against the female gender
O
shall be removed from our statute
books;
.C
e. That all subsidiary legislations that
G
hold women down shall be repealed;
N
f. That women shall have constitutional
rights to property inheritance and full
ES
employment rights without
discrimination;
M
g. That a woman shall be constitutionally
allowed to enjoy the indigeneship of
TI
her place of origin (birth) or of her
M
husband (her place of marriage).
h. That there shall be constitutional
provisions for gender responsive
labour laws, whereby work-family life IU
M
balance options are adopted to allow
women to balance their traditional
RE
creativity.
i. There shall be constitutional provision
W
M
The Rights of the Child To protect the rights of
a. That the Child Right Act of 2003 be children
O
constitutionally binding on all the
.C
federating States (only 24 of the 36
States have domesticated this Act);
G
*As at December 2003, 26 out of 36
N
States had adopted the CRA, 2003.
The number may have increased. (This
ES
is worth checking)
b. That every child shall be protected
M
from engaging in work that constitutes
a threat to his/her health, education or
TI
development.
M
c. That no child shall be deprived by any
other person of medical treatment,
education or any other social and
economic benefit by reason of IU
M
religious or other beliefs.
RE
M
Rights of the Physically Challenged To protect the rights of
a. The physically challenged have the the physically
O
right to live with their families or with challenged.
.C
foster parents and to participate in
economic, political, social, creative or
G
recreational activities.
N
b. The physically challenged shall not be
subjected to discriminatory treatment
ES
in respect of his/her fundamental
rights other than that required by
M
his/her condition or by improvement,
which he/she may derive from
TI
treatment.
M
c. If the stay of a physically challenged
in a specialised institution is
IU
inevitable, the environment and living
conditions in that institution shall be
M
as close as possible to those of the
normal life of a person of his/her age.
RE
Immunity Clause
W
M
b. Where corruption cases are brought against the State and to
hold public officers
O
against these public officers
accountable.
Conference recommends that the
.C
investigation of these cases be done
outside the ordinary criminal
G
processes. In this case Conference
N
recommends the establishment of the
office of an Independent Grand Jury
ES
(IGJ) as follows:
i. Where the allegation of misconduct
M
relates to any form of crime as
TI
defined by any act of the National
Assembly or a law of a state, that
M
allegation must be accompanied
with a sworn affidavit.
ii. The sworn affidavit must be
presented to the Attorney General IU
M
of the Federation stating that the
holder of the office of President or
RE
M
the process of removal from office
as provided in section 143 of the
O
constitution.
.C
iv. The above process should be
inserted as a new provision in the
G
Constitution Section 143 and
N
should apply similarly to the
provision of Section 188 dealing
ES
with the removal of State
Governors and Deputy Governors
M
Qualification of the Independent Grand
TI
Jury
The independent Grand Jury should
M
consist of :-
IU
a. A serving Justice of the Court of
Appeal who shall be the chairman
M
b. Six other persons who in the opinion
of the Attorney-General of the
RE
M
a direct charge to the Consolidated
O
Revenue Fund of the Federation or of
the State as the case may be.
.C
e. We recommend that section 143 of the
G
1999 Constitution (as amended) be
altered as follows:
N
f. Where the offence is of a criminal
ES
nature and notice of the allegation
supported by a sworn affidavit-
M
i. is presented to the President of the
Senate;
TI
ii. stating that the holder of the office
M
of President or Vice President is
guilty of a criminal offence,
detailed particulars of which shall
be specified, the Attorney General IU
M
of the Federation shall at the
request of the President of the
RE
M
g. The Independent Grand Jury
O
appointed under this section shall
i. have the power of a Judicial
.C
Commission of Inquiry and
exercise its functions in
G
accordance with such procedure
N
as may be prescribed in its
instrument of appointment and
ES
ii. within three months of its
appointment report its findings to
M
each House of the National
TI
Assembly.
h. Where the report of the Independent
M
Grand Jury is that the allegation
against the holder of the office has
been proved, then within 7 days of the
receipt of the report, each House of the IU
M
National Assembly shall consider the
report, and if by a resolution each
RE
M
shall be entertained or questioned in
any court of law.
O
j. In this section: Section 308.
.C
Gross Misconduct means a grave Section 143 and
G
violation or breach of the provisions of Section 188.
this constitution or a misconduct of
N
such nature as amounts in the opinion
ES
of the National Assembly to gross
misconduct. Offence of criminal
nature means any crime as defined by
M
any Act of the National Assembly or
TI
Law of a State.
M
6.14.2 Policy Issues
1. Reorient Nigerian society along the part of a. Federal Character Ensure Good governance, a. The Presidency
honesty, probity and service to evolve into Policy Accountability and b. National
a Nation with common destiny b. Social Security National mobilizations for Orientation
.P
d. Federal Ministry
b. Develop an effective and efficient d. National Economic of Information
public service, and an effective, fair
W
M
NGOs and other institutions of civil Productivity
O
society. g. Federal Character
.C
d. Foster a culture of leadership by Commission
example, an effective media, and a h. Federal Civil
G
purposeful school curricula, as well as Service
effective instruments for instilling
N
Commission
discipline as panacea for progress.
ES
i. Federal Ministry
e. Introduce Peace Studies in school
of Education
curriculum, starting from the primary
M
level, to inculcate a positive mind-set j. National
change towards effective leadership. Universities
TI
Commission
f. Promote a stable, broad based
k. Federal Ministry
M
democratic system that is inclusive,
cost effective and which promotes of Education
IU
competition, and discourages rent- l. Independent
seeking activities. National Electoral
M
g. Promote intensive youth development Commission
and gender empowerment programmes. m. Federal Ministry
RE
private purposes.
M
l. Ensure the continuous involvement of
O
the civil service in policy formulation.
.C
m. The number of ministerial
appointments, Ministers,
G
Commissioners, and Special
Advisers/Assistants that constitute one
N
of the major drains on the economy
ES
should be drastically reduced.
n. All arms of government should be
M
transparent and accountable.
o. Institute an equitable devolution of
TI
powers among the tiers of government
M
to ensure justice, fairness and even
development.
p. Introduce Social Security measures for
vulnerable groups such as the aged, the IU
M
young the unemployed and the
disabled.
RE
equity.
W
federating units.
s. Ensure a participatory government for
M
responsibilities.
O
t. Evolve a 20-Year Perspective Plan that
should be subscribed to by all political
.C
parties and other stakeholders. The
plan should provide for: Hospital beds
G
per Person 1 : 500; Policemen per
N
person, 1 : 400; 90% adult literacy rate;
95%School enrolment of children
ES
between 5 and 15 years of age; 60
years life expectancy; Food for all
M
persons; 1,000 Megawatts of electricity
per 1,000,000 persons; 90% water
TI
supply and 35% manufacturing sectors
contribution to GDP.
M
u. The Budget Proposal to the National
Assembly should be submitted by 30th
September, if a working day, and if IU
M
not, on the immediately preceding
working day. Similarly, the National
RE
2. a. Evolve a systematic leadership a. National Policy on Enthrone that purposeful a. The Presidency
selection process to facilitate the Education and result oriented b. Independent
M
promote the virtues of effective reward integrity Education
O
and disciplinary system, integrity,
honesty, commitment, dedication and
.C
respect for the Rule of Law.
G
c. Institutionalize the culture of good
leadership by example, and ensure the
N
introduction of effective schools
ES
curricula as effective instruments for
instilling discipline in the society.
M
d. Elected officials in particular at the
Local Government level must possess
TI
and demonstrate excellent leadership
qualities and credentials for the offices
M
they occupy.
corruption cases.
d. Improve access of the citizens to timely
M
Constitution for public office holders
O
should be removed to make public
office holders accountable.
.C
4. a. Put in place effective incentives, Reform the Public Service a. The Presidency
G
disciplinary and performance to improve public service b. Bureau for Public
N
management schemes both in public and translate policies and Service Reforms
and private sectors to support program of government
ES
productivity and the development of the into outputs and outcomes. c. All relevant MDAs
right work ethic.
M
b. Evolve realistic and competitive
remuneration and recognition schemes
TI
that would adequately motivate and
M
encourage personnel to make a career
in the public service.
c. Strengthen institutions that enforce
discipline, probity and recognition in IU
M
the public service.
RE
workers.
W
M
Mortgage Institutions to empower all
O
Public Servants and other Nigerians to
own decent accommodation on owner-
.C
occupier basis.
G
5. a. Reform, modernize and motivate the Reform the Police force to a. The Presidency
N
Police Force for improved be a modern force capable b. Ministry of Police
effectiveness. of responding effectively
ES
Affairs
and efficiently to security
b. Review the command structure of the
challenges of the Nation c. Nigeria Police
Nigeria Police such that Deputy
M
Inspectors General of Police man the
Zonal Offices and report to the
TI
Inspector General of Police, while the
M
State Commissioners report to the
Zonal DIGs.
c. Create a second level of policing
IU
M
6. a. Ensure trade unions are independent Reform and modernize a. The Presidency
and accountable to their members; and labour movement to
RE
b. Federal Ministry
ensure continuous labour education. enhance productivity and of Labour&
b. Put in place effective labour accountability. Productivity
.P
Congress
c. Ensure respect for Collective
d. Trade Union
W
M
pilgrimages. Consular Services should, c. Nigerian Supreme
however, be maintained.
O
Council for
b. Religious education should start from Islamic Affairs
.C
the home, where such virtues as
honesty, fairness, sincerity, love,
G
integrity and respect for the rights of
N
other persons would be instilled.
ES
8. Electoral constituencies should demand Ensure participatory a. Civil Society
regular meetings with their respective Democracy and Organizations
M
elected officials at the constituency level Accountability.
and/or draw up a performance
TI
measurement framework to which public
office holders are to provide answers. Such
M
meetings should be held on quarterly basis
M
office holders should be disclosed to
O
the public
.C
10. a. Elected officials in particular at the Enhance result oriented a. Federal
Local Government level must possess and people focused Government
G
and demonstrate excellent leadership leadership b. State Governments
N
qualities and credentials for the offices
they occupy. c. Local Government
ES
b. Political sentiments should not be a
stumbling block in making political and
M
public office holders adhere to
principles of accountability,
TI
transparency, and responsible
M
stewardship.
c. Political office holders give credence to
merit and professional knowledge
rather than party loyalty in making the IU
M
choice of those called upon to provide
services for government.
RE
11. It is important for the country (both in the Encourage the emergence a. Federal
constitution and in practice) to clearly spell of true federalism in Government
.P
M
control of the executive arm of
government. The judiciary must be
O
impartial, that is, the courts (at all
.C
times) must base their decisions purely
on the merit of a case not on any other
G
considerations.
b. The restructuring of the Nigerian
N
judiciary demands diligence and
ES
thoroughness.
Constitutionalism
M
a. The existence of a constitution cannot
TI
ensure by itself good governance and
public good. Rather, there are built-in
M
mechanisms to ensure that public office
holders conduct their actions in a
manner that is harmonious with both
the express provisions and the spirit of IU
M
the constitution.
12. Addressing Poverty and Social Insecurity a. Fiscal Strategy Eradication of poverty in a. The Presidency
RE
workers well so that they can easily Affirmative Action c. Federal Ministry
meet basic obligations.
W
M
because of lack of financial affluence
Allocation and
and support to compete for political
O
Fiscal
positions.
Commission
.C
d. Government should enforce town
planning and environment laws to
G
discourage haphazard development of
N
slums.
ES
e. Government should devolve power so
that LGAs can adequately participate
in governance to alleviate poverty in
M
rural areas.
TI
12. Engendering Politics and Governance
M
a. The government should put in place National Gender Policy a. The Presidency
framework(s) for enhancing womens
IU
b. Federal Ministry
participation in politics and decision-
of Women Affairs
making positions;
M
c. Independent
b. Political parties should show more
National Electoral
RE
M
gender discrimination is reduced to its
barest minimum.
O
e. Institutionalize measures that promote
.C
work and family life balance for both
women and men with the aim of
G
facilitating citizens active
N
participation in public life.
ES
f. To put more value on womens health,
security and safety, the government
should show more commitment to the
M
enactment and/or implementation of
TI
Prohibition of Gender-Based Violence
Law at both federal and state levels.
M
g. The National Human Rights
Commission should be given adequate
resources and support to create and
maintain a database of victims of IU
M
violence.
RE
Democracy
a. As a requirement for registration by the
W
M
and candidates and the process should
O
be justiceable.
.C
c. Conference recommends that
Government should not fund any
G
political party. Political parties should
be funded through membership
N
subscription, levies, donations,
ES
investment, sale of party cards and
souvenirs and other fund raising
activities.
M
d. Party officials must be accountable to
TI
their members and should present
regular financial reports to the relevant
M
organs of the party who should publish
them.
e. The party constitution should make
IU
M
provision for gender balancing in the
election of leaders and candidates of
RE
the party.
f. An elected official who carpet-crosses
.P
his/her seat.
g. Inducement of voters with
W
M
challenged persons especially lepers,
O
are registered and actually vote at
elections.
.C
i. Any person who wishes to contest
G
election must make full disclosure of
source of wealth and funds. All
N
candidates with unexplained
ES
wealth/funds should be disqualified.
j. Political parties can be formed at local,
M
state and national levels not only at the
national level.
TI
Anti-Corruption and Ethics
M
a. Adoption and implementation of the
National Anti-Corruption Strategy
alongside demonstrable political will to
implement the strategy and ensuring IU
M
that the strategy flows down to the sub-
national levels rather than focus only at
RE
environment sector.
Improve the efficiency of the anti-
W
M
of the countrys commitment to
combating corruption within the
O
context of both our local and
.C
international obligations to fight
corruption, a level of financial
G
independence and adequacy in funding
is needed in the fight against
N
corruption. In this respect operational
ES
funding for the major Anti-Corruption
Agencies (ACAs) and the offices of the
M
Auditors General should be made a
first line charge on the Consolidated
TI
Revenue Fund.
c. The ACAs, particularly the EFCC and
M
ICPC should be made proactive.
Specifically, such agencies should
tackle any corruption case that is in the
public domain or has come to their IU
M
knowledge without waiting for a
petition. It shall constitute an act of
RE
M
Any agency head suspended three (3)
times in a space of a year automatically
O
loses his/her position.
.C
Whilst the President should continue to
nominate candidates for the headship
G
of the ACAs, their appointment and
N
removal should be subject to the
approval of the Senate. The heads of
ES
the ACAs should report annually to the
relevant Conferences of both Chambers
M
of the National Assembly.
TI
e. Establish special courts to handle
corruption cases in the light of undue
M
prolongation in the trials and
prosecution of corruption cases in the
regular courts.
f. Enact a non-conviction based assets IU
M
forfeiture law, with broad provisions to
deal with all issues of proceeds of
RE
M
i. Legislation on ethics should be passed
O
which will codify extant civil service
regulations, guidelines, and circulars
.C
into a single Law.
G
j. Provide for rigorous home grown
research that will seek to, over time,
N
empirically study the nature, types and
ES
effects of corruption in Nigeria as well
as the orientations and attitudes of
Nigerians towards corruption across
M
different sectors, age groups and parts
TI
of the country.
k. Fast track the passage of the Whistle
M
Blowers Bill as well as the Witness
Protection Bill which have been before
the National Assembly since 2012. In
order to create incentives for and IU
M
encourage people to expose corruption
even by their superiors, the Whistle
RE
M
Giving a constitutional backing to anti-
corruption framework might prove an
O
attractive option in the respect.
.C
m. All those convicted of corruption
should not enjoy pardon.
G
n. The heads of all arms and levels of
N
government should lead by example by
ES
setting examples of modesty to
discourage Nigerians' penchant for
flamboyance and conspicuous
M
consumption. In this regard, they
TI
should reduce the size of bureaucracy
associated with their offices, especially
M
the number of Special Assistants,
Senior Special Assistants, Special
Advisers etc. as well as the size of their
convoys, and observe speed limits. IU
M
o. Disbursement and expenditure of
Conferences' funds of National and
RE
accounting procedures.
p. All relevant government agencies at all
W
M
submitted to the Code of Conduct
O
Bureau along with a certificate of value
of the assets authenticated by a
.C
certified professional and such asset
declaration forms must be made
G
accessible to the public.
N
r. The Code of Conduct Bureau
ES
Establishment Act should be amended
to carry out lifestyle audit of all public
office holders as done in South Africa
M
and some other countries.
TI
s. The Anti-Corruption Agencies (ACAs)
should be empowered to invite anyone
M
living above their means to explain
their source of wealth. If the agencies
are unsatisfied with explanations for
the acquisition of such wealth, the IU
M
person shall be charged to court. Upon
conviction, the person shall forfeit the
RE
M
a. Carry out his duties and ensure that the
services that he provides are provided
O
efficiently and honestly.
.C
b. Carry out his duties in a way that
maintains public confidence in the
G
integrity of his office;
N
c. Treat the public and his fellow public
ES
officers with courtesy and respect
d. To the extent appropriate to his office,
M
seek to improve the standards of
performance and level of
TI
professionalism in his organisation;
e. If a member of a professional body,
M
observe the ethical and professional
IU
requirements of that body;
f. Observe official working hours and not
M
be absent without proper authorization
or reasonable cause;
RE
responsibilities in a professional
manner;
W
M
or partisan political purposes;
O
b. Only be entitled to the use of an official
car for official business and for home
.C
journeys within a reasonable distance of
the location of his office;
G
c. Not keep or be entitled to the use of
N
more than the number of official cars
ES
designated or for his office taking into
account security and other relevant
considerations. (It is understood that
M
there are government circulars that
TI
details the number of vehicles for each
level of entitled public officer)
M
d. Shall take all reasonable steps to ensure
that property that is entrusted to his care
is adequately protected and not misused
or misappropriated. IU
M
Conflict of Interest and Related Matters
RE
election;
c. Engage in political activity that may
W
M
emblem, logo, buttons, sticker, label,
O
sign or insignia representative of a
political party or candidate, while the
.C
said public employee or official is
performing the functions of his/her
G
work, independently of the place where
N
the services are being rendered.
ES
e. No public officer or employee shall
conduct religious services /activities or
display religious emblems or insignia in
M
any public office.
TI
f. No public officer shall publish or notify
matters for publication such as
M
congratulatory or condolence messages
to another public officer.
Duty to Report
IU
M
a. It shall be the duty and responsibility of
every person who has reason to believe
RE
M
paragraph results in the recovery of any
O
sum of money then the person who
made the report resulting in the
.C
recovery shall be entitled to 10% of the
value of the recovery.
G
N
13 Minority Rights/ Ethnic Minorities
ES
a. Conference recommends that the
Federal Government takes appropriate
measures to ascertain the exact number
M
of all ethnic nationalities and their
locations in the Nigerian Federation in
TI
order, amongst other public policy
M
uses, to ascertain the correct ethnic
composition of the country so as to
IU
determine their nature and geo-
political spread.
M
b. That, in order to protect minority and
ethnic group interests from extinction
RE
provisions:
i. That we recognize the
W
M
marginalization, domination and
suppression to join their kith and
O
kin through the instrumentality of
.C
relevant laws enacted and
procedures established consistent
G
with either referendum or
plebiscite with their
N
consequential boundary
ES
adjustments provided such
movements shall only be
M
applicable to communities that
have contiguous boundaries.
TI
ii. Without prejudice to 4 (b) above,
minority groups that wish to exist
M
as separate state and meet the
criteria for state creation shall be
allowed to do so under the
instrumentality of the relevant laws IU
M
and procedures as part of their
right to internal self-determination.
RE
M
partisan politics.
O
6.14.3 Statutes
.C
G
S/N RESOLUTIONS PROPOSED OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTING
N
/EXISTING AGENCIES
STATUTES
ES
1. National Orientation Agency to be known National Orientation Mobilization of the Nigeria a. The Presidency
M
as National Agency for Social Mobilization Agency Act people for National b. Federal Ministry of
Development and value Justice
TI
reorientation
c. National Assembly
M
2. The Budget proposal should be submitted Annual Appropriation To align budget a. The Presidency
IU
to the National Assembly on 30th Sept, Act preparation and implement
b. National Assembly
while the National Assembly should pass with fiscal year.
the budget by 31st of the last working day c. Federal Ministry of
M
of the Year. Finance
RE
d. Budget Office of
the Federation
.P
3. Amend labour laws to be fair and Nigerian Labour Law To strengthen labour a. The Presidency
W
M
gender issues to which Nigeria is signatory c. Federal Ministry of
O
Women Affairs
d. Federal Ministry of
.C
Justice
G
5. Fast track the passage of the Whistle Nigerian Whistle To empower citizens to a. National Assembly
N
Blowers Bill as well as the Witness Blowers Bill report cases of corruption
ES
Protection Bill which have been the before and constitutional
the National Assembly since 2012. In order breaches.
to create incentives for and encourage
M
people to expose corruption even by their
superiors, the Whistle Blowers Bill should,
TI
however, have provisions for a system of
reward for whistle blowers like in other
M
jurisdictions where whistle blowers are
IU
allowed a percentage of funds recovered by
their whistle blowing.
M
6. The Code of Conduct Bureau Code of Conduct Ensure that peoples life a. National Assembly
RE
Establishment Act should be amended to Bureau Act styles match their income
carry out lifestyle audit of all public office levels.
holders as done in South Africa and some
.P
other countries.
W
W
7 a. Establish a National Council of National Council of Enhance the participation a. The Presidency
Traditional Rulers (NCTR). Traditional Rulers Bill of traditional rulers in
b. Federal Ministry of
W
M
resolution
O
c. That membership of the proposed
National Council of Traditional Rulers
.C
(NCTR) should consist of;
G
i. Chairmen of the State Council of
Traditional Rulers.
N
ii. Two (2) Traditional Rulers from
ES
each State including the FCT;
M
8. Review the revenue allocation formula Allocation of Revenue Empowering the states to a. The Presidency
such that what accrues to the central (Federation, etc.) Act deliver on development
b. Revenue
TI
government is reduced; while making more projects
Mobilization
resources available to the States for
Allocation and
M
development in their rural and urban
Fiscal Commission
communities
IU c. National Assembly
M
9. Electoral Bodies and Electoral Laws Electoral Act Strengthen INEC to a. The Presidency
a. That the central electoral body (INEC) conduct free and fair b. National Assembly
RE
11 a. That all discriminatory laws and All Acts that have Enhance women a. The Presidency
M
practices against the female gender discriminatory clauses participation in national
b. National Assembly
shall be removed from our statute against women. development and to
O
books. guarantee their basic rights c. Federal Ministry of
.C
and freedom as equal Justice
b. That all subsidiary legislations that
citizens. d. Federal Ministry of
hold women down shall be repealed.
G
Women Affairs
N
e. Civil Society
ES
Organizations on
Gender Rights
M
f. States Houses of
Assembly.
TI
12. a. To transfer responsibility for ensuring a. Freedom of To make denial of access a. The Presidency
M
compliance with the FOI Act from the Information Act to information justiciable.
b. National Assembly
office of the Attorney-General, to the
b. Nigerian Press
National Human Rights Commission.
b. Conference recommends a thorough IU Council Act
c. Federal Ministry of
Justice
M
c. Press Freedom and d. Ministry of
review of the Nigerian Press Council
Responsibility Fund Information
Act to make it more acceptable to the
RE
Act
Nigerian Press Organisation;
d. National
c. We also recommend the creation of a
.P
Broadcasting
Press Freedom and Responsibility Fund
Commission Act
W
M
Broadcasting and Communications
O
Authority/Commission, whose
members shall be drawn from Media
.C
organisations and Civil Society Groups,
nominated to the President by the
G
Media organisations, and approved by
N
the National Assembly. This body shall
be responsible for granting
ES
broadcasting licenses.
e. In addition, the granting of
M
Radio/Television broadcasting licenses
TI
shall be patronised, and the fees
drastically reduced from the prohibitive
M
ones now being charged.
f. The social media have become a global
phenomenon patronised by the old and
young alike. However an unregulated IU
M
medium can sometimes become a
danger to society. There should be
RE
M
S/N RESOLUTIONS RELEVANT SECTIONS OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
O
AGENCIES
.C
1. a. Appointment of the Accountant Section 85(5) To enhance accountability and a. National Assembly
General of the Federal transparency in the accounts
G
b. States Houses of
Government; and and allocation of revenue to Assembly
N
the federating units
b. Accountant General of the c. The Presidency
ES
Federation
M
2. a. RMAFC approved remuneration Paragraph 32 part1(N) of a. To enforce compliance and a. National Assembly
and pension of public officers the Third Schedule sanction defaulters in the
TI
b. StatesHouses of
must be complied with. administration of pension
Assembly
of public officers.
M
b. The Constitution to be amended c. The Presidency
to put the Budget of RMAFC on b. To empower RMAFC to
first line charge.
IU discharge its duties.
M
3. a. Agencies of government shall Section 162 (3) To ensure that all internally a. National Assembly
comply with the Constitutional generated revenue of b. State Assemblies
RE
d. Nigeria Maritime
b. Expenditure shall be through the Service
W
e. Nigeria Ports
Authority (NPA).
W
f. Corporate Affairs
M
(FIRS).
O
h. Nigeria Customs
.C
Service (NCS)
G
4. Taxation should be appropriately Parts 1 and 11 of the To reduce the incidence of a. National Assembly
classified in the Constitution under Second Schedule multiple taxation
N
b. State Houses of
the Exclusive and Concurrent
Assembly
ES
Legislative List
5. The Nigerian Sovereign Investment Section 153(1) To institutionalize the Nigerian a. National Assembly
M
Authority should be made part of Sovereign Investment b. State Houses
the Constitution Authority (NSIA) in the
TI
Assembly
Constitution
c. The Presidency
M
6. Solid Minerals and Mines should be Part 11 of the Second To involve States in the a. National Assembly
included in the Concurrent
Legislative List
Schedule
IU extraction of solid minerals
b. StatesHouses of
M
Assembly
a. The Presidency
RE
.P
W
W
W
M
EXISTING AGENCIES
O
POLICIES
.C
1. a. Retain external borrowing provided National Debt Policy Sustainable Domestic and a. The Presidency
that the funds are tied to designated External Debt Management
G
b. Federal Ministry of
projects.
Finance
N
b. Need to deepen the bond market.
c. Debt Management
ES
c. Establishment of a long term fund for Office (DMO)
entrepreneurship and innovation
d. Securities and
M
d. Debt Ceiling Should be placed on Exchange
Government borrowing Commission(SEC)
TI
e. Debt Monitoring Office (DMO) e. Nigerian Stock
M
should be established in each state of Exchange (NSE)
the federation to monitor projects tied
f. Financial
to borrowed funds
f. The private sector companies should IU
Security and Exchange
Institutions
M
g. State Governments
also be encouraged to take advantage Commission(SEC)
of existing sovereign benchmark to
RE
M
b. Federal Ministry of
Partnership (PPP)
Mines and Steel
O
b. An Agricultural Development Fund
c. Federal Ministry of
.C
(ADF) should be established to boost
Agriculture & Rural
mechanized farming
Development
G
c. 10% of Funds from Excess Crude
d. Central Bank of
N
Account should be set aside to the
Nigeria
proposed Agricultural Development
ES
Fund e. The Presidency
d. Government should adopt diplomatic f. Ministry of Finance
M
option to persuade and bring back g. Ministry of
Russia and Ukraine that were part of
TI
Agriculture and
the Soviet Union that started the Rural Development
project originally it theirs
M
e. That partnership or any other
acceptable funding arrangements be
negotiated to finance the project IU
M
f. Government should avoid
RE
b. National Assembly
issues)
c. Federal Ministry of
W
M
30th
September preceding the budget Framework Agencies
O
year b. Fiscal Strategy Paper f. Fiscal Responsibility
.C
d. Passage of Appropriation Act by the Commission
National Assembly and the
G
Presidents Assent should be
concluded on or before 31st
N
December to enable budget
ES
implementation commence with
effect from 1st January
M
e. The Legislature to improve its
oversight functions and the Fiscal
TI
Responsibility Commission should
be fully empowered to carry out its
M
monitoring responsibilities
M
advanced economies in tax
O
collection.
.C
e. Maintenance of the current Value
Added Tax (VAT) rate and inclusion
G
of more categories of individuals and
organizations in the VAT net.
N
f. Implement the National Tax Policy.
ES
5. a. The Solid Mineral Development National Policy on Solid To boost National Revenue a. Federal Ministry of
M
Fund should be increased from the Mineral Development Mines & Steel
present 1.68 % to 5%
b. Debt Management
TI
b. Funds for Solid mineral development Office
should be utilized
M
c. Federal Ministry of
Finance
IU d. National Assembly
M
6. a. Build new refineries and repair a. Subsidy Reinvestment Development of the a. National Assembly
existing ones to full capacity and Empowerment downstream oil sector
RE
b. Presidency
utilization and remove fuel subsidy Programme
within a period of three years from c. Federal Ministry of
b. Petroleum Industry
.P
M
7. a. Intensify security and military a. Grand Strategy for Increase revenue a. The Presidency
presence to stem criminality in the National Security
O
b. Ministry of
oil sector b. National Local Petroleum Resources
.C
b. Provide opportunities for young Content Development c. Security Agencies
people to be involved in the Oil and Policy for the Oil &
G
Gas activities, as this will engender Gas Sector d. Federal Ministry of
N
gainful employment for youths Transport
ES
c. Deployment of modern technology e. Nigerian National
in on and offshore locations Petroleum
Corporation
M
d. Encourage capacity building and
transfer of technology f. International Oil
TI
Companies
e. Regular maintenance of pipelines
M
8. a. Nigerian Sovereign Investment Fiscal Strategy Paper Increase revenue generation a. Federal Ministry of
Authority Account should be
embraced. IU and create reserve Finance
b. Nigerian Sovereign
M
b. A minimum of Fifty percent (50%) Investment
RE
Authority Account.
W
Account.
M
Assembly
O
c. State
Governments
.C
d. State Houses of
G
Assembly
N
6.15.3 Statutes
ES
S/N RESOLUTIONS PROPOSED/EXISTING OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
M
STATUTES AGENCIES
TI
1. Amend Tax Laws a. Company Income Tax To curb tax evasion. a. National Assembly
Act b. Ministry of Finance
M
b. Petroleum Profit Tax
Act c. FIRS
2. IU
Pass the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) Petroleum Industry Bill To increase governments a. Ministry of
M
revenue from the oil sector Petroleum
b. National Assembly
RE
3. Enact Ill-Gotten Gains Act Ill-Gotten GainsBill To place the burden of proof a. Ministry of Justice
.P
of innocence on a person
b. National Assembly
alleged to have illegally
W
acquired wealth.
W
M
O
5. a. Harmonize NIMASA Act and a. Nigerian Maritime a. To promote synergy a. National Assembly
Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Administration Safety between the two
.C
b. Federal Ministry of
Agency Act institutions
b. Diligent prosecution of all those Transport
G
involved in illegal shipping b.Nigerian Ports Authority b. To attain international c. Nigerian Maritime
activities in accordance with Act best practices
N
Administration
International Maritime Laws. Safety Agency
ES
d. Nigerian Ports
Authority
M
e. Federal Ministry of
TI
Justice
f. Nigerian Navy
M
g. Nigeria Police
IU
M
RE
.P
W
W
W
M
6.16.1 Constitutional Matters
O
.C
S/N RESOLUTIONS RELEVANT OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
SECTIONS AGENCIES
G
1. Appointments of Chairman and Commissioners of the Section 158(i) To strengthen the a. The Presidency
N
Federal Civil Service Commission made by the President integrity of the Civil b. National Assembly
ES
shall be only of seasoned and retired Civil Servants with Service Commission.
cognate experience and integrity c. States Houses of
Assembly
M
2. Appointment of the Head of Service to either the Federal Sections 171(3) and To insulate public a. The Presidency
TI
or State Civil Service shall not be made except from 208 (3). service from political b. National Assembly
among serving Federal or State Permanent Secretaries. influence.
M
c. States House of
Assembly
IU d. State Governments
M
4. Review Constitutional provision to include a State To safeguard interest a. National Assembly
Character Commission. of minority
RE
b. States Houses of
communities and Assembly
ensure inclusive
governance at the
.P
State level.
W
5. Free medical service for retired Public Officers. Section 173(3) a. To provide health a. National Assembly
care for retired
W
b. States Houses of
Public Officers. Assembly
W
b. To boost morale of
M
Officers.
O
6. The President shall exercise full responsibility for his Section 147 (3) To reduce the cost of a. The Presidency
government and he shall select not more than 18 ministers governance. b. National Assembly
.C
from the six geo-political zones
c. States Houses of
G
Assembly
N
7. Submission and approval of the Budget, by the Executive Section 81 (1) To make budgeting a. The Presidency
ES
and the Legislature, shall be: implementation
b. National Assembly
i. September deadline for presentation of the meaningful in
governance. c. States Houses of
Appropriation Bill by the Executive to the National
M
Assembly
Assembly.
TI
ii. Consideration and passage of the Bill by the National
Assembly not later than 30th November.
M
iii. Mr. Presidents Assent within 30 days.
iv. Implementation to commence on 2nd January every
year.
IU
M
8. Provide for review of public sector pay every five years Section 173 To boost morale of a. National Assembly
RE
9. Retain Labour on Exclusive Legislative List Second Schedule, To achieve a. National Assembly
W
10. Provide public service objectives among Fundamental Chapter II To ensure a productive a. National Assembly
W
M
Assembly
O
11. Include Foreign Service Commission amongst the Federal Section 153 (1). To institutionalize National Assembly
Executive Bodies Foreign Service
.C
Commission.
G
6.16.2 Policy Matters
N
S/N RESOLUTIONS EXISTING OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTING
ES
POLICIES AGENCIES
1. Implement Constitutional provisions with respect to Pension and Salary a. Federal Civil Service
M
payment of Pension to Public Officers review to boost Commission
morale in Public
TI
b. State Civil Service
Service. Commission
M
c. Ministry of Finance
2.
that Public Service rules are complied with. IU
Head of Civil Service of the Federation/State to ensure Public Service
Rules.
To achieve best
practices in public
a. Federal Government
b. State Governments
M
service.
RE
3. Common rules and practices for Public Officers at Public Service Rules To ensure standard a. Federal Government
Federal and State levels and uniformity in
b. State Governments
rules of Public
.P
Service.
W
4. a. Insulate Public Officers from Political pressure Civil Service Rules To Achieve best a. Federal Government
particularly in personnel recruitment, promotion and practices in public
W
b. State Governments
posting in the true spirit of merit based system being services.
hallmark of an efficient and effective Civil Service.
W
M
enhance capacity without prejudice to principle of
Federal Character.
O
5. Appoint Permanent Secretaries from Grade Levels 15 Tenure Policy Encourage The Presidency
.C
17 in the directorate level of the Civil Service of not less professionalism in
than 10 years. public service.
G
6. Put in place mechanism to ensure synergy in budgetary To eliminate acrimony a. The Presidency
N
processes and execution between the Executive and the and misunderstanding
b. National Assembly
ES
Legislature. between the Executive
and the Legislature. c. Federal Ministry of
Finance
M
TI
7. The Federal Ministry of Finance (FMF) and the National To ensure synergy a. The Presidency
Planning Commission (NPC) shall jointly present annual between the two
M
b. National Assembly
budget. bodies in budget
presentation. c. Federal Ministry of
IU Finance
d. National Planning
M
Commission
RE
8. Annual Capital Budget should originate from National To ensure a. The Presidency
Planning Commission, included in the draft budget by synchronized and
b. National Assembly
.P
Finance
d. National Planning
W
Commission
W
M
in the budget of the National Assembly Departments and b. States Houses of
Agencies of Assembly
O
Government from
their oversight
.C
functions.
G
10. Political Office holders and Civil Servants must create To create and ensure a. National Assembly
N
and ensure synergy for the advancement of the cause of an ideal Democratic
b. States Houses of
Democratic governance and the promotion of the governance.
ES
Assembly
common good.
c. Federal and State Civil
M
Service Commissions
TI
11. The National Council on Establishment should meet at To enhance the ability National Council on
least twice a year of the Council to Establishment
tackle issues of the
M
Public Service.
14. The wide disparity in the emoluments of officers in the To ensure standard in a. Federal Government
W
Public Service should be bridged to take cognizance of pay for all Public
b. State Governments
equal pay for equal work. service officers
W
c. Local Governments
W
M
productive Public b. State Governments
service
O
16. The Civil Service must not compromise on training and To derive capacity a. Federal Civil Service
.C
capacity building at all levels. building for Civil Commission
Servants.
G
b. State Civil Service
Commissions
N
ES
17. Structured training should be tied to career progression in To achieve capacity a. Federal Civil Service
the Service and should be significantly increased to 10% building for Civil Commission
of emoluments. Servants. b. State Civil Service
M
Commissions
TI
18. Without prejudice to the above provisions, the principle To ensure a a. Federal Civil Service
of Federal Character shall not compromise competence. productive public Commission
M
service b. Federal Character
19. IU
Free medical service should be available to all Nigerians To provide free
Commission
a. Federal Government
M
above the age of sixty (60). medical services to
b. State Governments
RE
aged Nigerians.
20. Integrated register and accurate databank of pensioners in For efficient Record a. Federal Civil Service
.P
the Federal and States Civil Services. for Pensioners in the Commission
Federal/State Civil b. State Civil Service
W
Service Commission.
Commissions
W
21. Employers and employees of labour should substantially The Contributory To ensure standard in a. Federal Government
increase their share of the contribution in the Pension Scheme both public and
W
b. State Governments
M
Commission
O
22. The New Contributory Pension Scheme should be made The new To enable the entire a. Office of the Head of
known to the Public service by PENCOM. Contributory Public Officers benefit the Civil Service of the
.C
Pension Scheme from the Contributory Federation
Pension Scheme
b. National Pension
G
Commission
N
c. Federal Civil Service
ES
Commission
d. State Civil Service
M
Commissions
TI
23. Stiffer penalties should be prescribed for perpetrators of To deter and a. Federal Ministry of
pension fraud and ghost workers. discourage Justice
prospective Public
M
b. National Pension
Officers from
Commission
IU
fraudulent activities.
c. The Judiciary
M
d. Independent Corrupt
Practices Commission
RE
e. Economic and
Financial Crimes
Commission
.P
24. Allowances of legislators at the National and State levels To ensure that only a. National Assembly
W
should be comparable with what obtains in other arms of selfless and willing
b. States Houses of
the public service. individuals aspire for
W
Assembly
executive positions.
W
M
found to be unwieldy. best practices of b. Office of the Secretary
governance. to the Government of
O
the Federation
.C
26. Reverse some Agencies to Departments in relevant To reduced the cost of a. The Presidency
G
Ministries. governance. b. Office of the Secretary
N
to the Government of
the Federation
ES
c. Office of the Head of
the Civil Service of the
M
Federation
TI
27. Discontinue Government funding of professional To reduce the cost of a. The Presidency
bodies/councils. governance
b. Federal Ministry of
M
Finance
IU c. Relevant Professionals
Bodies/Council
M
28. Implement the Integrated Personnel and Payroll To ensure payroll a. Office of the Head of
Information System (IPPIS) in the Civil Service. integrity and eliminate the Civil Service of the
RE
Finance
W
c. Central Bank of
Nigeria
W
M
generating substantial revenue and ensuring its funds and revenue for b. Office of the Secretary
remittance. the expenditure of the to the Government of
O
Government. the Federation
.C
c. All relevant MDAs
G
30. Streamline and improve the funding of Research through To promote education a. National Assembly
N
the establishment of a National Research Development development and
b. Ministry of Education
Fund. Indigenous
ES
innovations
31. Discontinue the appointment of Special Advisers and To reduce the cost of a. National Assembly
M
Special Assistants for Ministers, Commissioners and governance by
b. States House of
TI
Local Government Chairmen as a cost-saving measure. utilizing the staff of Assembly
their Ministries
M
32. Encourage Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to To ensure completion Non-governmental
independently track implementation of programmes and of government Organisations (NGOs)
projects.
IU development task
M
33. Include key performance indicators and effective To achieve a. The Presidency
sanctions for non performance to every Appropriation consistency and
RE
b. National Assembly
Bill. effectiveness
c. Ministry of Finance
.P
34. Evolve a new budgeting system to de-emphasize the line To promote efficient a. Presidency
item. administrator.
W
b. Ministry of Finance
W
35. Executive and Legislative Arms of Government must To foster cooperative a. The Presidency
work harmoniously. relationship between
b. State Governments
W
Executive and
M
Government in the
c. National Assembly
overall interest of the
d. State House of
O
Nation
Assembly
.C
36. Sectors and Agencies of government should be primed To promote corporate a. Federal Government
G
for enhanced service delivery responsibility of the b. State Government
Government.
N
c. Relevant Agencies
ES
37. Agencies should strive to ensure value for money in the To promote prudence a. The Presidency.
delivery of services and accountability in b. State Government
M
Government
transactions c. Relevant Agencies
TI
38. Redress for citizens who are denied of effective, efficient To promote corporate a. The Presidency.
M
and courteous service by agencies and/or officials responsibility of the
b. State Government
Government.
IU
c. Relevant Agencies
39. All agencies of government should strive to be customer- To promote cooperate a. The Presidency.
M
driven and accountable. responsibility of the
b. State Government
Government.
RE
c. Relevant Agencies
40. Effective steps to involve the different arms of To discourage a. The Presidency.
.P
good governance
c. Local Government
W
41. Ensure financial autonomy and adequate funding for anti- To ensure effective a. The Presidency
corruption agencies and efficient Anti
W
M
O
42. Full implementation of the Public Procurement Act. To ensure good a. The Presidency
governance and
.C
b. Relevant Agencies
promote due process.
G
43. Monitoring of the life style of Public Officers and the To discourage a. The Presidency
N
enforcement of the provisions of the Code of Conduct corruption by Public b. Code of Conduct
Bureau Officers.
ES
Bureau
44. Active involvement of Civil Society Organizations To promote check and a. Civil Society
M
(CSOs) and the Media balance by the Media Organisation
and CSOs. b. Ministry of
TI
Information and
Communication
M
45. Code of Conduct, Ethics and core values for Public To ensure productivity a. National Assembly
Officers to be provided and enforced
IU and accountability by
Public Officers.
b. Code of Conduct
Bureau
M
c. Federal Civil Service
RE
Commission
46. Training and Capacity Building programmes in the Public To enhance a. Federal Government
.P
Bureau
humility, courtesy and humanness. delivery.
W
47. Dismissal of Public officers involved in bribery and To ensure strict a. Code of Conduct
Corruption. measures to foster Bureau
W
M
c. Anti-graft Agencies
O
.C
48. The Civil Service should adopt the Bank Employees Bank Employees To discourage Code of Conduct Bureau
(Declaration of Assets) Act, Cap B1 LFN 2004 on (Declaration of corruption in Public
G
disclosure of assets by all employees. Assets) Act, Cap B1 officers.
LFN 2004
N
ES
49. Every budget should clearly indicate the performance To avoid duplicity and a. Ministry of Finance
targets and performance indicators for all Ministries, over lapping functions
b. National Assembly
Departments and Agencies of MDAs.
M
50. Targets and performance indicators of the performance of To enhance a. Presidency
TI
Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) should be transparency in
b. All MDAs
publicized. governance.
M
51. Individual level of good performance management should To encourage best a. The Presidency.
IU
be used as an incentive or sanctions in the public service practice and expertise
in Public Officers.
b. State Government
c. Federal/State Civil
M
Service Commission
RE
52. Training programmes based on identified training needs, To encourage best a. The Presidency.
especially in information and modern technological practice and expertise
b. State Government
.P
Service Commission.
W
53. Existing Public Service training institutions should, as a To increase capacity a. The Presidency.
matter of urgency, be refurbished and their capacities building for Public
b. State Government
W
M
Service Commission
i. Centre for Management Development (CMD)
ii. Public Service Institute (PSI)
O
.C
54. New entrants to the Public Service should be exposed to To improve capacity a. The Presidency.
training programmes relevant to their Scheme of Service building for Public b. State Government
G
and career progression. Servants.
c. Federal /State Civil
N
Service Commission
ES
55. Redundant and ineffective public officers whose on the To increase efficiency a. The Presidency.
job performance has been accessed to be below average and value in Public b. State Government
M
shall be required to leave the Service Officers
c. Federal /State Civil
TI
Service Commission
M
56. Fresh Graduate applicants shall not be charged any fee To eliminate any a. The Presidency.
whatsoever for the purposes of recruitment into financial burden on
b. State Government
IU
Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies unemployed youth in
(MDAs). seeking employment. c. Federal /State Civil
Service Commission.
M
57. Government shall set up recruitments centres at all States To bring information a. The Presidency.
RE
58. Existing housing policy for Civil Servants should be To cater for the a. The Presidency.
W
reviewed accommodation of
b. State Government
Civil servants
W
59. Strict adherence to the policy that Contributory Pension Pension Reform Act, To boost availability a. The Presidency.
Scheme to be invested in the Real Estate Sector. 2004 of mortgage for Public
W
M
60. The operations of the National Health Insurance Scheme To promote the a. The Presidency
O
(NHIS) should, as a matter of priority, be overhauled. On wellbeing of more b. Ministry of Health
this note, it is imperative that: Nigerians.
.C
c. Ministry of Foreign
a. Government makes Social Health Insurance Affairs
mandatory for every employer and employee in
G
both private and public sector.
N
b. Government should ensure accelerated passage of
ES
the amendment to the NHIS Act No.35 of 1999
currently before the National Assembly.
M
c. The National Assembly should speedily pass the
National Health Bill;
TI
61. Everyone indicted of corruption in relation to pension To discourage a. Ministry of Justice
M
administration should be promptly brought to justice Corruption among
b. Anti-graft Agencies
Public Officers
62.
IU
On a general note, a division of the Federal High Court
should be dedicated to the handling of corruption cases
To expedite timely
disposal as a measure
a. Ministry of Justice
M
b. Judiciary
for stemming the high
tide of corruption in
RE
our system
63. The following recommendations are being made to a. To ensure the a. The Presidency
.P
Public Service
i. Recognizing that Reforms are a continuous exercise c. State House of
and the need for them to be sustained and deepened b. To improve
Assembly
W
M
Public Service.
iii. The need to ensure that reform is focused not only on e. State Civil service
management but also on leadership and thereby Commission
O
encourage the emergence of a critical mass to
champion and sustain reforms;
.C
iv. Involvement of critical stakeholders in the reform
G
process by involving all arms and tiers of
Government, the Private Sector, Civil Society
N
Organizations (CSOs) right from the reform design
ES
stage to enhance its credibility and the chances of
successful implementation.
M
v. The commitment of Public Sector employees in the
different arms of Government to reform efforts in
TI
order to create a sense of ownership.
vi. Enlisting the support of the general public, Civil
M
Society Organizations (CSOs) and the Media in
tracking the implementation of reforms.
vii. Development of a national system of monitoring and
evaluation of the implementation of reforms. IU
M
64. The Principle of Comparability should be restored to To ensure comparable a. Federal Civil Service
RE
65. Job evaluation in the entire Public Service as a premise Job Evaluation in the a. Federal Civil Service
W
for harmonizing pay in the parastatals and agencies with Public Service b. State Civil Service
what obtains in the Civil Service. This would not only
W
M
capable of reducing the size of the recurrent budget.
O
66. Efforts should be made by governments at all levels to To provide a. Federal Civil Service
make all Public Offices disability friendly employment for the b. State Civil Service
.C
disabled and less
privileged in the
G
society
N
67. In Public Offices, special toilets should be provided for To encourage the a. Federal Civil Service
ES
People Living With Disability (PLWD) disabled b. State Civil Service
M
68. Ministries, Departments and Agencies should have a desk To encourage the a. Federal Civil Service
for PLWD which should be occupied by one of them to disabled
b. State Civil Service
TI
enable him/her cater adequately for PLWD
69. Governments at all levels should design Scheme of The employment and a. Federal Civil Service
M
Service for Sign Language Interpreters work of the PLWD
b. State Civil Service
will be facilitated
70. A deliberate policy for all governments to have IU Provision for PLWD a. Federal Civil Service
M
affirmative action in the employment of PLWD in the
b. State Civil Service
Public Service
RE
71. Governments at all levels should add an allowance To encourage and a. Federal Civil Service
equivalent to Salary Grade Level 06 to the pay of each facilitate to work of
.P
and chaired by the Head of the Civil Service of the Institutional linkages,
b. Federal Civil Service
Federation, experience sharing,
W
M
peer review and
effective coordination
O
of the Service
.C
73. The state of the art Information Storage and Retrieval To ensure a versatile All Agencies of
System manned by well-trained professional Civil storage capability of Government
G
Servants should be installed in the offices of the Secretary information
to the Government, Head of the Civil Service and all
N
Ministries, Departments and Agencies(MDAs ).
ES
74. There is need to undertake a comprehensive study of all To diagnose MDAs to a. Presidency
Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in order arrive at probable and
M
b. Federal Ministries
to determine and identify those factors impeding on their effective solutions
service delivery models.
TI
75. The establishment profiles of all MDAs should be To ensure appropriate a. Presidency
M
reviewed and sanitized. complement of
b. Federal Ministries
manpower to carry out
IU effectively the
mandate of the MDAs
M
76. Funds accumulated under the New Pension Scheme To boost availability a. National Assembly
RE
scheme including
public servants
W
77. The Bureau of Statistics should in conjunction with the To enhance the a. National Assembly
W
M
O
78. Establish a national framework for monitoring and a. National Assembly
.C
evaluating budget performance b. Pension Commission
G
N
79. Set budget performance targets for MDAs a. National Assembly
ES
b. Pension Commission
M
80. The issue of Constituency Projects should be resolved a. National Assembly
constitutionally
b. Pension Commission
TI
M
81. Adoption of the American model of Budget Preparation To improve Budget a. National Assembly
and Management by the Office of Management and Preparation and
b. Ministry of Finance
Budget (OMB)
IU Management and
supervision
M
82. Government should design standards of service delivery
RE
83. Anti-corruption fight must address the root causes of To ensure a victory in Anti-graft Agencies
W
M
recommended by the AdamuWaziriFika Presidential
Committee of 2012 should be adopted
O
85. Government should begin to develop new ways of Improve Corporate a. Presidency
.C
thinking about the conduct of Government business in Governance
b. National assembly
line with the global trend of Reinventing Governments
G
to become catalytic, competitive, mission-driven,
N
enterprising, proactive, decentralized and market
oriented.
ES
86. Implement Constitutional provisions with respect to To boost morale of a. The Presidency
M
review the payment of pension to Public Officers public officers
b. National Assembly
TI
6.16.3 Statutes
M
S/N RESOLUTIONS PROPOSED/ OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
IU EXISING
STATUTES
AGENCIES
M
1. Enact a Civil Service Act to provide a legal framework To enhance a. National Assembly
RE
c. Federal/State Civil
Service
W
2. Review Section 4 (1) (d) of the Federal Character Federal Character To eliminate biases a. The Presidency
W
M
d. Federal Character
Commission
O
3. Create of a Separate Foreign Service Commission with a To serve officers of a. The Presidency
.C
Chairman and six (6) Commissioners, one from each of foreign service b. Federal Ministry of
the six (6) geo-political zones
G
Justice
N
c. Ministry of Foreign
Affairs
ES
d. National Assembly
M
4. The National Assembly should domesticate the To further enhance the National Assembly
International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention No. employment and
TI
159 retention of persons
living with disabilities
M
in Public Service.
IU
M
RE
.P
W
W
W
M
6.17.1 Constitutional Issues
O
S/N RESOLUTIONS RELEVANT OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
SECTIONS
.C
AGENCIES
G
1. a. Primary education should be regulated and Part I, Part II and Part III To streamline and ensure a. National Assembly
controlled by Local Governments. of the First Schedule. autonomy in the education
N
b. States Houses of
b. Secondary School by the State Governments sector
Assembly
ES
and.
c. Tertiary institutions and Unity Schools by
the Federal Government; except in case of
M
special intervention.
TI
2. Violation or breach of pensions rights should Section 173 To enforce strict adherence of a. National Assembly
be considered a constitutional breach, and Section 173 of the Constitution
b. States Houses of
M
should be made punishable. with respect to Pension rights Assembly
.
Constitution conform to
global standard and
international conventions.
.P
4. a. Section 42 (1) &(2) should be merged and Section 42 (1), (2) To promote gender equality in a. National Assembly
W
M
discriminated against on grounds of ethnic Chapter 4 in the Constitution of Assembly
group, place of origin, sex, religion, Federal Republic of Nigeria
O
political opinion, social or economic status, 1999(as amended).
gender, disabilities or circumstances of
.C
birth.
G
5. Section 14 (3) of the Constitution should be Section 14 (3) To ensure Federal Character, a. National Assembly
amended to read, after the word group, to social Justice and gender
N
include the phrase or from a particular equality. b. States Houses of
ES
gender to read: Assembly
The composition of the Government of the
M
Federation or any of its agencies and the
conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in
TI
such a manner as to reflect the federal
character of Nigeria and the need to promote
M
national unity, and also to command national
loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no
IU
predominance of persons from a few State or
from a few ethnic or other sectional groups or
from a particular gender in that Government
M
or in any of its agencies
RE
6. Section 223 (b) should be amended to include Section 223 (b) To further entrench Federal a. National Assembly
Federal Character of Nigeria and gender character, social Justice and
b. States Houses of
.P
gender equality
Assembly
W
7. Amendment of the Constitution for the Section 36-46 To ensure gender equality and a. National Assembly
W
M
strengthen the protection of married women minority protection, gender
and prevention of child marriage. equality and social justice. b. States Houses of
O
Assembly
.C
9. Constitution be amended as follows: Sections: 147; 223; and To ensure: a. National Assembly
106(d)
G
a. The State at all levels shall put in place a. Gender equality b. States Houses of
35% affirmative action to ensure that Assembly
N
b. Minority protection
women, minorities, people with disabilities
c. Social Justice
ES
and other marginalized groups participate
and are represented in governance and other d. True democracy
spheres of life.
M
b. That the affirmative action policy herein
TI
provided shall be a temporary measure to
operate for not less than 10 years after
which it shall be assessed to determine its
M
continuance.
c. No gender shall occupy less than 35% of
the positions to be filled. IU
M
d. All party list sent to INEC should reflect a
minimum representation of 35% women
RE
10. Amendthe constitution by deleting clauses that To ensure protection of people a. National Assembly
do not guarantee the rights and freedom of with disabilities and social
W
M
S/N RESOLUTIONS PROPOSED/ OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTING
EXISTING
O
AGENCIES
POLICIES
.C
1. Systematized decentralization of the National National Health Ensure the active involvement of a. The Presidency
G
Health Insurance Scheme Policy all the tiers of Government b. National Insurance
towards enthroning a synergistic
N
Commission(NAICOM)
approach to achieve Universal
ES
Health Coverage.
2. Expansion of the Community Based Health To ensure accessibility to and a. The Presidency
M
Insurance Scheme to cover more people in general provision of health care b. National Insurance
the informal sector. for all.
TI
Commission (NAICOM)
M
minimum of 15% of Federal, State and Local Coverage b. Budget Office of the
Government budgets, in line with the 2001
Abuja declaration of African Heads of State,
with a portion of the budget dedicated to IU Federation
M
Universal Health Coverage.
RE
4. Primary Healthcare should be the exclusive To achieve basic health care to a. National Primary Health
responsibility of Local Governments with the the people at the local Care Development
state providing monitoring, evaluation and government level. Agency
.P
technical support.
b. State Governments
W
c. Local Governments
W
5. All monies meant for Local Governments, To help achieve development at a. The Presidency
including that meant for implementation of the local government level.
W
b. Federal Ministry of
M
them.
c. State Governments
d. Local Governments
O
.C
6. Full implementation of the Primary To ensure basic health care for a. The Presidency
Healthcare System as enunciated in the Alma all. b. State Governments
G
Ata Declaration of 1978.
N
7. Adequate training of appropriate human For better and effective health a. The Presidency
ES
resource for health in Primary Healthcare care delivery. b. Federal Ministry of
Centres, including the employment of
Health
Medical Officers of Health, and other cadres
M
of needed health personnel. c. National Primary Health
Care Development
TI
Agency
d. State Governments
M
8. Sustained public education on the benefits of To ensure Health awareness and a. The Presidency
health and healthcare services.
IU healthy living as well as better
the health conditions in the
b. Federal Ministry of
Health
M
nation
c. State Governments
RE
d. National Orientation
Agency (NOA)
.P
9. Collaboration and integration of health- To foster and integrate health a. The Presidency
W
c. Federal Ministry of
Agriculture & Rural
W
M
d. Federal Ministry of
Housing & Urban
O
Development
.C
e. Federal Ministry of
Education
G
f. State Governments
N
10. Provision of appropriate conditions of To create good working a. The Presidency
ES
service, welfare benefits and incentives for conditions for workers in
b. State Governments
health workers in the Primary Healthcare Primary Healthcare Centres.
c. Local Governments
M
Centres.
TI
11. Development and funding of an appropriate Foster standard and basic health a. The Presidency
framework for monitoring and evaluation of care and services.
b. Federal Ministry of
Primary Healthcare services.
M
Health
c. State Governments
12. Provision of adequate security for Healthcare To better the living/welfare of a. The Presidency
personnel. health workers.
b. Federal Ministry of
.P
Health
W
c. Nigeria Police
d. State Governments
W
13. Government should encourage the training of Better health care and reduced a. The Presidency
W
M
Health
c. State Governments
O
14. Higher Incentives for health workers posted For better welfare for health a. The Presidency
.C
to rural area. workers in the rural areas. b. Federal Ministry of
G
Finance
N
c. State Governments
ES
d. Local Governments
15. Implementation of the 2001 Abuja Better healthcare and welfare for a. The Presidency
M
Declaration of African Heads of Government healthcare workers.
b. Federal Ministry of
which prescribed a minimum allocation of
Health
TI
15% of the national budget for health.
M
16. Encourage and strengthen Public-Private Better health care services, a. The Presidency
Partnership in Healthcare, with single digit facilities and encourage private
b. Federal Ministry of
low interest loans and incentives.
IU investment. Health
c. Federal Ministry of
M
Finance
RE
b. State Governments
health related matters. healthcare.
W
W
18. Training and production of adequate and Better healthcare service and Presidency and State
M
Tertiary Institutions
O
19. Provision of adequate and standard health Advancement health care Federal and State
infrastructure including ICT and power to facilities and infrastructure and Governments
.C
Primary, Secondary and Tertiary levels of promotion of health education in
Healthcare. the educational institutions.
G
N
20. Taxes on products that constitute health To check consumption of Presidency and State
hazards (Tobacco and Alcohol); one percent hazardous substances. Governments
ES
consumer tax on telecommunication services. Federal Inland Revenue
Service(FIRS)
M
21. Enhance the coverage of National Health prove affordable healthcare and Presidency and State
TI
Insurance Scheme. service in the Nation Governments
NAICOM
M
22. Formulation of an effective National Health To ensure constant and effective Presidency
Research Policy with adequate funding.
IU development in the healthcare
sector.
M
23. Establishment and promotion of daily To achieve full immunization of Presidency and State
RE
24. Public Health education, including specific To improve health Presidency and State
programmes on school health and nutrition orientation/education and Governments
W
M
25. a. Revival and enforcement of sanitary To improve healthy, clean Presidency and State
O
inspection and environmental health environment and healthy living. Governments
services as provided in the extant public
.C
health laws.
b. Improved Environmental Health Services.
G
N
26. Enforcement of extant legislation prohibiting To check the advertisement of Presidency and State
indiscriminate advertisements of herbal and medical and herbal products and Governments
ES
medicinal products and services. services. Advertising Practitioners
Council of
M
Nigeria(APCON)
TI
27. Policy to set aside a special day for annual Better health awareness and Presidency and Local
health check-up at all levels of Government. services Governments
M
28. Strengthening of Disease Surveillance
mechanism at Local and State levels IU to enhance prevention and
prompt detection of disease at
Presidency and Local
Governments
M
Local and State levels
RE
M
particular, the Social Media to campaign for preventive health and Governments
Preventive Health, provide information on reproductive education. National Orientation
O
reproductive health, and monitor national Agency(NOA)
epidemics through electronic surveillance.
.C
G
32. Government should re-introduce the Sanitary For the purpose of household Presidency and State
N
Inspectors health facilities in homes and Governments
ES
public places Local Governments
M
33. Promotion of research into the development To develop herbal medical Presidency
TI
of herbal medicine. research and practice.
M
34. The systematized integration of herbal and To develop areas of herbal and Presidency and State
alternative medicines into health system
should be vigorously pursued by the Federal
IU alternative medical product,
service and practice.
Governments
M
and States Ministries of Health.
RE
35. The Federal Ministry of Health should study To bridge the gap between Presidency
and draw lessons from how countries such as orthodox and herbal/alternative
South Korea, Malaysia, and particularly medicine.
.P
36. Institutions such as the College for To develop basic health care and Presidency
W
M
should be strengthened.
O
37. The Federal Government should dedicate To assure the welfare of medical Presidency
.C
special funds to support houseman-ship and doctors and doctors trainees.
residency training programmes for medical
G
doctors.
N
ES
38. Government should initiate a policy that To ensure mentally and Federal Road Safety Corps
would mandate drivers of vehicles to psychologically sound road user.
M
undergo regular medical check. All Public
Officers and those aspiring to Public Offices
TI
should undergo mandatory drugs, alcohol,
and sanity check-up.
M
39. Closer relations should be established Effective regulation and Ministry of Foreign Affairs
between NAFDAC and sister organizations
in countries where drugs meant for the IU enforcement of drug laws by
relevant organizations and
National Agency for Food
and Drug Administration
M
Nigerian market are procured from. agencies.
Council
RE
(NAFDAC)
40. Regular updating of the compendium of drug Effective regulation of drug Pharmacy Council of
.P
41. A regular updating of a list of drugs To effectively ensure the safety NAFDAC
considered sub-standard should be drawn up of the public.
W
M
Healthcare facilities in the country to ensure
they do not find their way into the drug
O
distribution network.
.C
42. Regulatory agencies and companies involved In order to maintain the potency NAFDAC
in the importation of drugs and raw of the pharmaceutical materials.
G
pharmaceutical materials should ensure that
their ideal storage conditions are strictly
N
adhered to.
ES
43. The Government and National Medical To ensure standards and Presidency
Association (NMA) should enforce extant compliance with medical ethics.
M
National Medical
rules to check and monitor privately owned
Association
health facilities
TI
(NMA)
M
44. The quantitative (employment) and To ensure the optimal Presidency
qualitative (on-the-job-training) of human functioning of healthcare
resources for health. Appropriate health
infrastructure should be provided. IU providers.
M
45. Making SERVICOM more visible in public So that patients could avail Presidency
RE
47. a. Restriction of Government sponsorshipof To promote and ensure the Presidency, State and Local
public officers for foreign medical care.
W
development of Nigeria's
M
referral abroad, all public officers in need delivery.
of Government sponsorship for medical
O
care should mandatorily utilize local
health facilities.
.C
c. These exceptional cases should be
screened by a medical board made up of
G
appropriate medical and Healthcare
professionals.
N
d. The recommendations of the board should
ES
be subject to the approval of the Chief
Medical Adviser to the Federal
Government (Honourable Minister of
M
Health) except where such exceptional
cases are serious emergencies, in which
TI
instance immediate approval may be
given.
M
48. There should be deliberate efforts to re- To ensure more effective health Presidency, State and Local
orientate the attitude of healthcare workers to
patients in Nigeria. IU services. Governments
M
49. There is need for improved political Develop the health sector of the Presidency, State and Local
RE
50. There is need to strengthen accountability To fight corruption and ensure Presidency, State and Local
processes in the various health parastatals effective service. Governments
W
51. Ensuring that there are modern equipment To help improve and further Presidency, State and Local
M
Nation
O
52. Making the constant supply of power supply To aid in the effective delivery Presidency
in health facilities by every means possible a of health care and services at all
.C
top notch priority in the country. level.
G
53. Improving on facilities for the storage of To ensure public safety. Presidency
reagents.
N
ES
54. Placing great premium on capacity building Presidency
M
for health professionals, particularly in this
case for those that manage ultra-modern
TI
equipment.
55. Ensure that people keep to their areas of To ending the unnecessary Presidency
M
training and core-competence. crises in the health sector
NMA
57. That people take responsibility for their Promote accountability and Presidency
.P
bodies
M
59. Health workers should adhere to their areas Further promote specialization Presidency
O
of certified professional competence and Professional bodies
work as a team in the interest of the
.C
healthcare system.
G
60. Negotiation and agreements between To ensure that policies and Ministry of Labour and
Government, Unions and Associations in the practices in the health sector are Productivity
N
health sector should be based on up to the international standard.
Unions
ES
international best practice.
Associations
M
61. Strict adherence to existing labour laws, To promote ethics Ministry of Labour and
TI
Public Service Rules, and Ethical Code of Productivity
Conduct pertaining to industrial action.
M
62. All parties should respect collective Unions
bargaining agreements at all times and
promote negotiations as the basis of peaceful
industrial relations. IU Federal Ministry of Labour
and Productivity
M
63. Government should strive to improve the To improve the welfare of Presidency
RE
64. Federal Government should focus on tertiary To help improve the quality of Presidency
education because it is capital intensive and man power produced from
W
65. Government should increase funds to better To help the students get a closer Presidency
W
M
especially in the science based disciplines in develop their learning and
tertiary institutions. understanding abilities and
O
capacity.
.C
66. The 30:70 polytechnic and 40:60 universities Presidency and State
G
ratio in favour of science based courses Governments
N
during admission should be strictly enforced. Joint Admissions and
ES
Matriculation Board(JAMB)
67. Regular meetings with the various unions, a To forestall frequent strikes by Presidency and State
M
review of existing agreements and unions. Governments
implementation of agreements should be
TI
Unions
undertaken
M
68. Pro- Chancellors should be persons who can Presidency and State
attract funds for the institutions. Governments
70. Government and unions should own up to To avoid cases of prolonged Presidency
agreements reached and Government should strike actions. Unions
.P
71. The quality of programmes offered in the To enable and ensure quality and Presidency
W
M
Council(NUC)
O
72. Government should facilitate the removal of To avoid discrimination. Presidency
dichotomy on polytechnic/university NUC
.C
graduates.
National Board for
G
Technical
Education(NBTE)
N
ES
73. Establish institutions to absorb OUT OF To empower and provide means Presidency, State and Local
SCHOOL CHILDREN (who lack the for out-of-school children. Governments
opportunity to further their education, at
M
whatever level) under apprenticeship
schemes linked up with vocational schools,
TI
adult education, mass education and other
educational programmes. These schemes
M
should be adequately funded by the
Governments as the case may be and made
attractive to encourage enrolment of every
out-of-school child. IU
M
74. Industries should be compelled to accept To foster practical learning Presidency
RE
Curriculum through:
W
M
education system through the Curriculum democracy and unity in the Governments
inculcate in children at early stages, the youth and create a greater and
O
following: better Nigeria through this
generation.
.C
Peace, Democratic principles,
Strength in Diversity and Other Nigerian
G
values
N
ES
77. Enforce the implementation of the 3-3 Presidency and State
secondary school curriculum to facilitate Governments
M
Technical and Vocational Education skills
acquisition for employment.
TI
78. Encourage commercial publishers to produce To promote effective education Presidency and State
M
books to support the curriculum as well as and learning process. Governments
Teachers Guides.
enterprises.
80. Harmonize curriculum operated by the To ensure uniformity between Presidency and State
.P
national school system and that of private the curriculum of public and Governments
school. privates schools.
W
81. Encourage exchange of ideas and resources To promote and encourage Presidency and State
W
M
both the federal and state levels. levels. Governments
O
83. The already approved Teachers Salary Scale To ensure the welfare of teachers Presidency and State
(TSS) should be maintained, protected by in educational institutions. Governments
.C
law and implemented with other welfare
packages.
G
N
84. The curriculum is overloaded and therefore To avoid overwhelming the Presidency
the use of thematic approach should be students with works.
ES
employed in the selection of subjects for the
students.
M
85. Three years pre-primary (early childhood) EDUCATION Presidency
TI
education provided in the National Policy on
Education (NPE) and the 2005 conference
M
was hardly implemented before government
enacted a new policy of one year pre-primary
IU
school to commence at 5 years of age.
However, it is recommended that there
should be a two year pre-primary school
M
education to start from age four.
RE
86. Funding and implementation of the approved To improve technical and Presidency
National Vocational framework. The NUC, Vocational education for job
NUC
NBTE and such other bodies should be firm opportunities.
.P
87. All teachers should be given a period to be To further better the quality of Presidency and State
ICT compliant and be rewarded and all teachers and better the welfare of Governments
teaching ICT computer appreciations should teachers
W
M
88. Drug education should be included in the To develop awareness from the Presidency and State
O
curriculum of our Primary and Secondary youth level. Governments
Schools.
.C
89. The teaching of History should be made Schools to sustain our historical Presidency
G
mandatory in Secondary heritage.
N
90. Government should as a matter of urgency To force an improvement in the Presidency, State
ES
declare a state of emergency in the education sector. Governments
sector. It should therefore ensure that Local Government
M
education gets at least 20% of budget
allocation annually.
TI
91. State Governments should stop withholding To enable the local governments State Governments
funds belonging to Local Government Areas develop in the aspect of primary
M
but can supervise the LGAs to ensure that education.
they prioritize primary education.
92. That the government should discourage IU To encourage steady Presidency, State
M
automatic promotion of pupils and students development of the Governments
to new classes in primary and secondary pupils/students.
RE
Local Governments
schools.
schools curricula.
W
94. The Nigerian universities should recognize To meet with the ICT advance Presidency and State
and encourage e-learning programmes. around the globe. Governments
W
M
95. That Government should formulate and To reduced crowdedness and Presidency and State
O
implement a policy that would strictly limit encourage effective teaching and Governments
the number of students per class in schools. development of the students.
.C
96. Salary of teachers should be reviewed To secure the welfare of Presidency and State
G
upwardly. teachers. Governments
N
97. State government must strengthen their To ensure proper and positive State Governments
ES
commitment to Basic Education as it development of children in the
represents the most important stage of nation.
M
socialization of the child.
98. State governments must regularly and To secure the welfare of teachers State Governments
TI
promptly release their counterpart funds in and to ensure quality education. UBEC
order to access UBEC funds for quality
M
education.
development.
.P
100. The Consolidated Revenue Fund for UBEC This will increase funds Presidency
W
M
O
101. Appointment of managers in the sector such Setting standards in the Presidency and State
as education secretaries, principals, provosts, education sector. Governments
.C
rectors, vice-chancellors and related officials
should be on merit. Targets should be set for
G
them which should determine whether they
N
can retain their positions.
ES
102. Strengthen mechanisms to encourage fiscal To ensure value for money and Presidency and State
responsibility. reduce corruption in the system. Governments
M
103. Partnerships and direct investments with Promote private sector Presidency and State
TI
private individuals and companies . participation in education Governments
through
M
104. Enhance investments in capacity To ensure effectiveness. Presidency and State
development of all levels of personnel in the
education sector.
IU Governments
M
105. Establish strong project implementation units National social To foster development in the Presidency and State
RE
in all education agencies and tertiary policy management, facilities and Governments
institutions. infrastructures in education
sector.
.P
106. Stop the double taxation of private school To reduce hardship on the Presidency and State
W
proprietors by the Ministry of Education and private sector and encourage Governments
the Board of Internal Revenue. quality and accessible education.
W
107. Federal and State governments should To foster development, as well Presidency and State
W
M
least 20% funding, release of budgeted funds sector.
as first line charge and ensuring that funds
O
released are spent with attention to prudence
and value for money.
.C
108. The Universal Basic Education (UBE) To enhance secondary school Presidency and State
G
programme should be extended from Junior education. Governments
Secondary School (JSS 3) to Senior
N
Secondary School (SSS3).
ES
109. The concept of community service should To develop a sense of Presidency and State
be introduced in our educational curriculum. nationalism through the Governments
M
educational institutions.
TI
110. Substantial funds for the provision of To provide adequate learning Presidency and State
infrastructural and instructional facilities for facilities to the public in the Governments
M
library education in our institutions, nation.
National Commission for
departments, and in public places, should be
IU
Mass Literacy, Adult and
budgeted for and made available to the
Non-Formal Education
public.
M
Librarian Registration
Council of Nigeria
RE
111. Primary education should be regulated and To streamline and ensure Presidency and State
controlled by Local Governments; autonomy in the education sector Governments
.P
and;
Tertiary institutions and Unity Schools by
W
M
ECCDE Centres in all public primary effectiveness Local Governments
schools and ensure:
O
1. Provide relevant resources needed to
.C
implement the policy.
2. Regularly review curriculum.
G
3. Qualified teachers.
N
4. Provision of infrastructure and learning
ES
tools.
5. Funding
M
113. Strengthen Inspectorate Services at Federal Enhancement in the standard of Presidency and State
TI
and State levels to collaborate in enhancing basic education Governments
standard of Basic Education.
UBEC
M
114. Regulatory agencies of tertiary institutions To enhance quality of products Presidency
NBTE, NCCE, and NUC to ensure that
minimum standards for running courses are IU of the institutions.
M
met
RE
115. Pupils must be six years in September of the To curtail the growing number Presidency and State
year of admission to be eligible for of under-age pupils in our Governments
admission into primary one. primary schools.
.P
W
116. Sanctions against parents and guardians in To ensure basic education for all. Presidency
the UBE Act (2004) who prevent their
W
M
through proper care, protection, guidance and of belonging. Governments
other needs to enhance their educational
O
attainment.
.C
118. Implement strategies on the eradication of To rid the sector of corrupt Presidency and State
examination malpractice, miracle centres, practices and abuse. Governments
G
secret cults, sexual harassment and other NOA
N
abuses in the education system and punish
offenders accordingly.
ES
119. Regular review and implementation of the To ensure regular and constant Presidency
M
policy in line with national needs. development in the sector.
TI
120. Mainstream the Almajiri education into the Promote and encourage Presidency and State
National policy on education for education especially in Northern Governments
M
sustainability. Nigeria.
121. When establishing schools in rural areas To secure the welfare of teachers Presidency and State
teachers' accommodation should also be
considered as important as the school. IU in the rural areas. Governments
M
RE
122. Establish Federal Polytechnics and Colleges More institution and Presidency
of education in each state. accessibility.
.P
123. Government and owners of missions/private To enhance synergy between Presidency and State
W
schools should dialogue to facilitate the public and private interest in Governments
handover of all missions and private schools education.
W
to their owners.
W
M
that they are affordable and able to serve of mission schools. Governments
wider variety of the public.
O
125. There should be regulation of fees paid by To achieve affordable and Presidency and State
.C
mission and private schools. accessible education. Governments
G
126. Mission and private schools should provide To achieve affordable and Presidency and State
N
assistance to the local community through accessible education. Governments
scholarships and other services.
ES
127. Children from different denominations To prevent discrimination and Presidency and State
M
should not be discriminated againstin the foster unity in develop. Governments
admission process.
TI
128. Staff of the institutions should have the To ensure the welfare of the Presidency and State
option of remaining with the institution or staffs of institutions. Governments
M
being absorbed into government service in
the case return of the mission and private
schools to their original owners.
IU
M
129. Integrate Technical and Vocational To enhance the acquisition of Presidency and State
Education in the Nomadic Education skills. Governments
RE
Curriculum.
130. Special incentives to attract teachers for the To ensure the welfare of the Presidency and State
.P
131. Build more schools to accommodate more To achieve basic education for Presidency and State
nomadic school children across the country. all. Governments
W
132. Peace Education as a component of Nomadic To promote peace through the Presidency and State
W
M
implemented.
O
133. The Federal Government should build To expand the sphere and reach Presidency and State
additional Almajiri Schools to bring them up of the Almajiri School project. Governments
.C
to 400 as originally planned.
G
134. A ten-year plan of sustained implementation To achieve accessibility to Presidency and State
should be put in place with a view to learning. Governments
N
providing access to all children.
ES
135. Convert all Almajiri schools to normal Unification in the educational Presidency and State
schools and integrate Quranic education institutions. Governments
M
curriculum to absorb the millions of out of
school children; and provide free basic
TI
education with free uniforms, books and
mid-day meals for all children from Primary
M
1 to Junior Secondary 3.
138. Entry qualifications for pre-service teacher To ensure good quality teachers, Presidency and State
training should be good and high. encourage competence and Governments
W
better professional
image/prestige.
W
139. Retrain unqualified teachers to support their To promote efficiency in Presidency and State
W
M
140. Provide continuous professional Continuous development for Presidency and State
O
development programmes for teachers. teachers. Governments
.C
141. All teachers must be registered by the To enhance professional Presidency and State
Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria development activities. Governments
G
(TRCN).
N
142. Enforce discipline among teachers, pupils For moral development and Presidency and State
ES
and students at all levels of the education effectiveness. Governments
system.
M
143. All levels of government should make To achieve education and Presidency, State and Local
adequate provisions for adult and non-formal literacy for all levels. Governments
TI
education.
M
144. Provide incentives to attract teachers of adult To secure the welfare of Presidency, State and Local
education. teachers. Governments
IU
M
145. Provide infrastructure and learning resources To improve and encourage the Presidency and State
to support the growth and effectiveness of adult and non-formal education Governments
RE
146. Governments and other stakeholders should To promote effectiveness Presidency, State and Local
.P
educational curriculum.
W
W
147. Special needs schools should be constructed To promote moral values and Presidency, State
M
Organizations and other private providers of
education.
O
148. Existing Special Needs Schools should be To promote effectiveness. Presidency, State
.C
expanded to accommodate more children Governments
with the needed Special Education
G
equipment.
N
149. Train teachers and provide adequate Welfare of teachers in special Presidency and State
ES
incentives for special needs schools. needs schools. Governments
150. Establishment of Special Education To ensure regulation and proper Presidency and State
M
Commission to cater for the comprehensive attention to special education. Governments
needs of Special Education.
TI
151. Government should note that TVET is the To improve Technical vocational Presidency and State
M
pre-requisite to a successful industrial base. education and training Governments
153. TVET should be fully integrated in all To improve Technical vocational Presidency and State
aspects of education. education and training Governments
.P
154. Government and non-government To reduce illiteracy level. Presidency and State
organizations should encourage greater Governments
W
155. Economic incentive programmes should be To encourage education and Presidency and State
W
M
156. Special girls schools should be constructed in To encourage child education Presidency and State
O
order to address culture issues where parents Governments
prefer single-sex schools for their children.
.C
157. Provide adequate security at all schools To ensure the security of the Presidency and State
G
especially perimeter fencing. students and staffs at the Governments
institutions.
N
ES
158. Provide legal framework for pregnant girls, Ensure basic education for all. Presidency and State
married girls and girl mothers to access Basic Governments
Education.
M
159. Utilize the Right to Housing proposed in the Universal housing To promote affordable housing; Presidency and State
TI
Bill of Rights/Social Charter as a basis to policies. and the requirements for Governments
enforce Political will on the part of standards and quality.
M
governments to implement progressive parts
of existing policies, legislation and
programs; in particular the provisions,
sections, and or chapters that deal directly IU
M
with Provisioning Social Housing.
RE
160. Ensure that Town and rural planning policies ,, To achieve uniformity and Presidency and State
are in sync with housing policy. effectiveness. Governments
.P
161. Improve access to mortgage and housing ,, To enable more persons to own Presidency and State
financing by reviewing criteria for accessing houses. Governments
W
162. The use of the Sovereign Wealth Fund ,, To make more house available. Presidency and State
W
M
163. Encouragement of Diaspora investments in ,, Mobilization of funds for Presidency and State
O
the housing sector. housing development. Governments
.C
164. Strengthen the cooperative societies in their ,, To achieve access to affordable Presidency and State
G
role and function of providing funds housing funds. Governments
especially for housing development for the
N
rural dwellers and the urban poor.
ES
165. The use of retirement benefits as collateral ,, To achieve access to housing for Presidency and State
for Housing loans. more Nigerians Governments
M
TI
166. Actively promote micro insurance to insure ,, To give psychological assurance Presidency and State
risks in micro finance for affordable housing of safety. Governments
M
for the low income earners, rural dwellers
and urban poor.
167. The roles and responsibilities of the different IU ,, To promote investment and Presidency and State
M
tiers of government in providing affordable coordination in housing sector. Governments
housing should be clearly delineated,
RE
168. The relevant policy frameworks must make ,, To ensure effective Presidency and State
stakeholder participation in designing and implementation of housing Governments
W
M
coordinate interventions in the housing accessible to citizens in Governments
sector; particular rural dwellers and the
O
urban poor.
.C
170. In accordance with provisions of vision ,, To ensure access to affordable Presidency and State
2020:20, government should invest in building materials. Governments
G
development of building materials sector as
N
way of bringing down costs.
ES
171. Establishment of Housing Development and ,, To provide accessible and Presidency and State
Financing corporations by state and Federal affordable funding to citizens for Governments
M
Governments. housing projects.
TI
172. A clear framework of responsibilities and ,, To enable each stakeholder Presidency and State
roles should be agreed among stakeholders; know their roles. Governments
M
For instance who is to provide infrastructure,
funding, coordination and management:
through Private Public Partnership (PPP).
IU
M
173. Policy frameworks and administrative ,, To ensure affordable housing. Presidency and State
processes should address the challenges Governments
RE
174. Council involvement in provision of ,, To ensure affordable housing. Presidency and State
W
175. The development and implementation of a ,, To bridge the Housing deficit Presidency and State
comprehensive program for ensuring over a specific period of time, Governments
W
M
176. States and local government councils should ,, To stem rural urban drift and State Governments and
O
mandatorily invest in planned rural reduce cost of housing Local Governments
development in particular to ensure provision
.C
of basic infrastructures in the rural areas.
G
177. Implementation of Policies, legislations and Social welfare To cater for the social welfare of Presidency and State
practices to address the housing issues of the policies the less privileged. Governments
N
needs of the vulnerable, of senior citizens,
ES
and of people living with disability.
178. Adoption of the UN definition of the elderly ,, To accord rightful respect to Presidency and State
M
as persons who are 60 years and above. senior citizens. Governments
TI
Local Government
179. Immediate steps to develop and adopt a ,, To ensure the social welfare of Presidency
M
national policy framework on senior citizens senior citizens.
and that will implement the senior citizen bill
of rights.
IU
M
RE
180. Strengthen health and geriatric care systems ,, To address the health challenges Presidency and State
for the elderly by developing appropriate and needs of senior citizens. Governments
human resource and infrastructure. Ministry of Health
.P
181. Establishment of adequately resourced public ,, To ensure the social welfare of Presidency and State
W
M
183. Early preparation of the youth through the ,, To prepare the youths for life Presidency and State
O
educational system to understand the ahead. Governments
challenges and benefits that come with aging NOA
.C
and better prepare them to care for the
elderly.
G
184. Ensure social protection and income security ,, To ensure the social welfare of Presidency and State
N
of older persons through the establishment of the senior citizens. Governments
ES
a comprehensive Social Security Fund for
the elderly, the vulnerable, the indigent, and
the unemployed; and a Social Security
M
Commission to manage the fund and social
security process.
TI
185. All pensioners earning less than the approved ,, To ensure the social welfare of Presidency, State and Local
M
minimum wage should be paid the equivalent pensioners. Governments
of the national minimum wage (N18, 000).
IU
PENCOM
186. A Contributory Social Security fund, with ,, To ensure social welfare to Presidency and State
M
Workers and businesses in both the formal senior citizens in both the formal Governments
and informal sectors contributing. and informal sectors.
RE
188. Ensure Synergy with the pension policy. ,, To achieve uniformity Presidency and State
W
Governments
W
189. Develop and regularly update a Social ,, To foster social welfare and Presidency
Security Beneficiary Register to be managed security.
W
M
National Planning Commission.
O
190. A concerted drive to get every citizen ,, To aid funding of social welfare Presidency and State
earning an income to register to contribute to projects and policies. Governments
.C
and participate in the fund.
NSITF
G
191. That the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust ,, To accord rightful respect to Presidency and State
N
Fund (NSITF) Bill currently before the senior citizens. Governments
National Assembly, which covers such areas
ES
National Assembly.
as Old-Age Scheme, Employment (Work)
Scheme, Unemployment Benefit,
M
Family/Child Benefits and Medical Care
Benefit among others, should be passed
TI
expeditiously.
M
192. Repatriate monies stolen and taken abroad to '' To enable job creation, promote Presidency
create jobs. probity and encourage citizens.
194. Promote concerted public and private sector ,, To create jobs through an active Presidency and State
Investment in business development and the industrialization process, Governments
.P
195. Take immediate and appropriate steps ,, To encourage and foster Presidency and State
W
M
generation,
reduced cost of doing business and,
O
Improved access to funds at affordable
.C
interests rates among others.
G
196. Promote agriculture as a business and To achieve economic and Presidency and State
support small scale agro business; through agricultural development. Governments
N
for instance the encouragement of willing
ES
young persons interested in agro-business.
197. Make criteria for accessing loans friendly to To create enabling environment Presidency
M
business development and in particular small for the informal sector to access Central Bank of Nigeria
business development. loans for business development.
TI
(CBN)
198. Ensure development and implementation of To promote industrial harmony Presidency and State
M
Employment friendly and inclusive wealth and promote wealth creation. Governments
generating economic policies and economic
planning processes.
IU
M
199. Create awareness on employment generation Promoting job creation and Presidency and State
and business development among citizens. economic development. Governments
RE
NOA
.P
200. Investment in basic infrastructure that To ensure the achievement of Presidency and State
supports industrial, business and agricultural economic development. Governments
W
201. Succession planning in public sector through To ensure continuity in the Presidency and State
W
M
development.
O
202. Social Security of 20,000 Naira but not less To ensure the social welfare of Presidency
than approved minimum wage for those who the unemployed and non-income NSITF
.C
are not earning an income. earners.
G
203. Appropriate annual budgetary allocation to Ensure the social welfare of Presidency and State
ensure full and prompt payment of pensions. pensioners. Governments
N
PENCOM
ES
204. Government to raise a supplementary budget To ensure the payment of Presidency
M
to pay in full the pension arrears in four entitlements of pensioners as
PENCOM
instalments, once every quarter. well as securing their welfare.
TI
205. Full payment without any deductions of the For government to inspire Presidency
53.4% pension increase approved since July confidence
M
2010.
207. Records compiled during the previous To save cost and update the data Presidency and State
Biometric Data Capture exercise, be updated base. Governments
.P
208. That administration of the Old pension Old pension scheme out-dated. Presidency
W
M
Service of the Federation and placed under
the direct management and supervision of the
O
Ministry Of Finance.
.C
209. Pension payments should subsist for life, To ensure the social welfare of Presidency and State
while the elderly in our society who do not the senior citizen. Governments
G
benefit from any pension should be entitled PENCOM
to social security payments of a minimum of
N
N50,000 monthly.
ES
210. Ensure that retirement benefits for same level To ensure uniformity in social Presidency and State
at retirement regardless of the interval welfare. Governments
M
involved are harmonized.
TI
211. Salary reviews should be reflected in To ensure uniformity in social Presidency and State
calculating pension benefits across the board, welfare. Governments
M
in particularly in reference to long time
retirees. Salary increases should
automatically affect retirees in both the old
and new pension systems. IU
M
212. The use of smart cards and software based on To tackle the issues of pension Presidency
RE
213. To ensure full coverage of citizens, pension To secure the social welfare of Presidency
W
M
214. Retirees should be allowed as groups to take For both economic development Presidency and State
O
loans from the pension funds for business and social welfare of senior Governments
development purposes. citizens. PENCOM
.C
215. Given that political office holders are Severance pay encourages Presidency, state and Local
G
professionals who when they leave office political office holder not to be Governments
N
return to their professions and other gainful involved in corruption.
employment, the conference recommends the
ES
immediate cessation and banning of making
severance payments to political office
M
holders at all levels.
TI
216. Recommendation for an open and To ensure speedy resolution of Presidency
independent Judicial Commission of inquiry matters of fraud. National Judicial
M
into pension fraud led by a retired Chief Commission(NJC)
Justice of Nigeria.
218. Mandatory policy of insuring risks in every To promote and support other Presidency
transaction, including trade and investments, sector through the insurance
Federal Mortgage Bank of
.P
housing, properties, mortgage, social security sector, at the same time, Nigeria(FMBG)
etc. must be introduced and enforced. In this developing the insurance sector.
W
NSITF
M
Council of Nigeria
(ARCON)
O
219. There is an urgent need to develop and adopt To use the insurance sector to Presidency
.C
a National Policy on Risk that will in promote disasters and
NAICOM
particular factor insurance into disasters and emergency management.
G
emergencies management.
N
220. All government properties and assets at all To secure government properties Presidency, State and Local
ES
levels must be covered by insurance. and make the insurance sector Governments
more effective.
NAICOM
M
221. All employers of labour must be made to To ensure social welfare of Presidency and State
TI
cover their employees for group life and worker through insurance Governments
personal accident. policies, as well as, making the
M
insurance companies more
efficient.
NSE
ARCON
.P
223. The Commissioner of Insurance at the To aid the government in National Insurance
W
National Insurance commission should also making effective and efficient Commission
play advisory role to the Federal Government policies. Presidency
W
M
laws, policies and programmes for the gender equality. Governments
development of the Nation.
O
.C
225. Internal Policies within MDAs at all levels to To ensure social justice and Presidency, State and Local
include deliberate gender mainstreaming in gender equality. Governments
G
the planning and execution of all policies and
activities.
N
ES
226. Federal Government should put into effective To ensure social justice and Presidency
use, the National Policy on Women adopted gender equality.
in 2004 and which was replaced with the
M
National Gender Policy in 2006.
TI
227. Respective relevant institutions should To ensure social justice and Presidency, State and Local
organize sensitization programmes, gender equality. Governments
M
supported by government to discourage the
NOA
traditions.
IU
M
228. Promulgation of equal opportunities Laws To ensure social justice, Presidency, State and Local
operational on all tiers of Government. minority protection and gender Governments
RE
equality.
.P
229. Develop the capacity of the Nigerian Courts To ensure social justice and Presidency and State
to apply international African and ECOWAS gender equality. Governments
W
230. Organise institutional mechanism including To ensure social justice and Presidency and State
M
advancing women protection, access to
opportunities and development in the
O
country;
.C
231. Establish a funding and financing Model To foster social justice and Presidency
capable of facilitating speedy gender equality.
G
implementation of outcomes of the National
Conference on the matter and onward
N
operation of women protection and
ES
development in the country.
232. Sensitization of the public on the effects of To ensure social justice, Presidency and State
M
child trafficking and the need to discourage minority protection and gender Governments
the release of their children to trafficking equality.
TI
National Agency for
merchants in the guise of taking them out for Prohibition of Trafficking in
better living.
M
Persons and Other Related
Matters(NAPTIP
234. Government supports relevant MDAs and To tackle the needs of persons Presidency and State
Disability Organizations in the formulation with disabilities and their careers Governments
.P
of a National Disability Action plan that will thereby ensuring social welfare.
W
M
235. Implement a pilot project targeting persons I. Ensuring social welfare and Presidency
O
with disabilities specifically around development of persons
democracy and good governance, through with disabilities.
.C
selected representatives of organizations of II. Participation of persons
people with disabilities and other with disabilities in
G
stakeholders. democracy.
N
236. Promote awareness on the rights of person To ensure social justice, Presidency, State and Local
ES
with disabilities at the National and minority protection and gender Governments
community levels, highlighting all forms of equality.
M
barriers face by PWDs around issues of
Access and participation.
TI
237. The populace should be educated on the To ensure social justice and Presidency, State and Local
M
danger of the continued growth of the current gender equality. Governments
high trend of violence against women in the
IU
society.
238. Gender sensitivity education for law To ensure social justice, Presidency
M
enforcement agents is highly recommended. minority protection and gender
equality.
RE
239. Gender desk to be set up and make operative To ensure social justice, Presidency
in police stations. This will give victims the minority protection and gender
.P
Nigeria Police
confidentiality to open up and confide in her equality.
W
240. Formal support system for victims through To ensure social justice, Presidency and State
W
the police, medical personnel, social welfare minority protection and gender Governments
and the law court. equality.
W
O
sexual abuse of children, the government minority protection and gender Governments
should develop a National Plan of Action equality. NOA
.C
aimed at preventing and responding to such
incidences. This includes mass sensitization
G
programmes across the country.
N
242. Policies for all state and non-state actors at To ensure social justice, Presidency, State and Local
ES
all levels, such as the police, medical/health minority protection and gender Governments
workers, the judiciary, social workers, equality.
women affairs ministries, non-governmental
M
organizations and community based
organizations to be sensitized on response
TI
strategies to reported cases involving
violence against women and rape.
M
243. Special courts should be established to try This is important to encourage Presidency and State
cases of violence against women in order to
allow evidence in privacy, especially cases of IU victims to present themselves in
court without fear of
Governments
NJC
M
rape as mentioned in above. stigmatization.
RE
244. Regulatory functions of the National Primary Promote basic health care. Presidency
Healthcare Development Agency should be
.P
245. Harmonization of existing regional Public To monitor the herbal medical National Assembly
W
M
O
246. Stiffer penalties should be instituted for Discourage the usage, National Assembly
persons and corporate bodies that produce, production and selling of fake
.C
State Houses of Assembly
sell or knowingly use fake, adulterated or drugs.
sub-standard drugs.
G
N
247. Provide stiffer penalties for negligence by To secure safety and effective National Assembly a
health care professionals healthcare as well as instil
State Houses of Assembly
ES
discipline and professional ethics
in the medical field. NMA
M
248. Pass pending bills on the establishment of To achieve welfare and National Assembly
National Agency for senior citizens. healthcare for senior citizens.
TI
State Houses of Assembly
Senior citizens should be integrated into
M
National Health Insurance Scheme.
IU
249. Designation agency or commission to To ensure accountability as it National Assembly
manage the social security funds relate to social security funds.
State Houses of Assembly
M
RE
250. Need to expedite action on the passage of the To encourage, protect and boost National Assembly
consolidated insurance bill. the insurance sector.`
State Houses of Assembly
.P
251. Implement the MOU signed between the Transport policy To widen the route for Nigerian National Assembly
W
Federal Government and transit and airline and empower the aviation
FAAN
destination countries. sector.
W
M
and/or enforce the existing laws on sexual State Houses of Assembly
violence in both our criminal and penal
O
codes.
.C
G
N
6.18 RELIGION
ES
6.18.1 Constitutional Issues
M
SECTIONS
AGENCIES
TI
1. Fundamental objectives and directive principles of state CHAPTER II To make compliance with a. National Assembly
M
policy to be made justiciable the provisions of chapter
b. State Houses of
II of the 1999 Constitution Assembly
IU
(as amended) obligatory.
2. a. Amend section 23 of the Constitution and expand the Sections 23 and 24 To promote National a. National Assembly
M
National Ethics to include: Ethics and Values
b. States Houses of
RE
Constitution to include:
Citizens of Nigeria shall without fail, exhibit the
W
M
3. The Government of the Federation or a State shall not Section 10 of the Realigning the need to c. Federal Government
O
adopt any religion as state religion Constitution, 1999 Promote freedom of d. State Governments
(as amended) Religion
.C
G
N
6.18.2 Policy Matters
ES
S/N RESOLUTIONS EXISTING/ OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
M
PROPOSED AGENCIES
POLICIES
TI
1. a. Allow the apex religious organizations in Nigeria to National Policy on To remove Government a. Ministry of Foreign
M
handle all matters relating to pilgrimage through Pilgrimages Sponsorship of Affairs (Consular
Pilgrims Commissions duly managed by them under a Religious Pilgrimages Services)
law to be passed by the National Assembly which will
regulate their functions and protect pilgrims. IU and make section 10 of
the Constitution
b. Established Nigerian
Foreign Missions in the
M
b. Government, at all levels, shall not utilize public funds meaningful.
relevant destinations.
to sponsor any religious pilgrimage for any category of
RE
c. Nigerian Supreme
citizens and government functionaries in consonance
Council for Islamic
with Section 10 of the Constitution.
Affairs
.P
M
Affairs and the established Nigerian foreign missions in
the relevant destinations.
O
.C
G
N
2. a. Regulate building of worship places in such a way that a. National a. To ensure a. Federal Ministry of
they are far from residential areas and major highways. Building Code harmonious Housing & Urban
ES
existence of all Development
b. Subject the businesses of religious establishments to b. National
religions
taxation Taxation Policy b. Federal Ministry of
M
Finance
TI
c. Federal Inland Revenue
Service
M
3. a. Implement the provision of the National Policy on National Policy on To promote cultural a. Federal Ministry of
IU
Education for the medium of instruction for the first 3 Education heritage, values and Education
years of basic education to be in the mother tongue or indigenous languages
b. Universal Basic
language of immediate community.
M
Education Commission
b. Include learning of Nigerian history in primary and
RE
neighbourliness, etc
W
M
and wealth creation in the nation. 2020 poverty Commission
b. Make efforts to fund business projects at the grassroots b. National Policy b. States Planning
O
through schemes like Micro-finance Banks and on Job Creation Commissions
.C
Cooperative Societies. c. Ministry of Labour&
c. Remove the flaws in these schemes that hinder access to Productivity
G
funds by people so that more Nigerians can access
d. Ministry of Finance
N
funds for cottage industries and small scale ventures.
e. Central Bank of Nigeria
ES
d. In tackling poverty in the nation, Government must
distinguish between empowerment and welfare. There
are Nigerian citizens that do not require welfare but
M
require enabling environment to be empowered. For this
category of people, access to funding through grass root
TI
financial institutions and cooperatives must be
provided.
M
e. Harmonize policies on public and private sectors to
IU
facilitate job creation. For those whose needs cannot be
met by the empowerment scheme, a national social
welfare scheme is hereby proposed as Poverty
M
Emancipation Package (PEP) to aim at reintegrating the
extremely poor from despondency, and gradually bring
RE
M
S/N RESOLUTIONS PROPOSED/ OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTING
EXISTING
O
AGENCIES
STATUTES
.C
1. a. Amend National Orientation agency (NOA) Act to National Promote National values, a. The Presidency
G
promote national ethics and values of Nigeria through Orientation Agency ethics and involve women
b. National
extensive advocacy. Act and children.
N
OrientationAgency
b. Expand the NOA board to include women, persons
ES
c. National Assembly
with disabilities and youth.
c. NOA to strongly advocate and proclaim the dignity of
M
labour and do the right thing campaign.
TI
2. Establish a national body to be called Religious Equity Religious Equity To promote religious a. The Presidency
Commission to be allowed to handle all issues relating to Commission Bill harmony.
b. The National
M
religion. Assembly
IU
M
3. a. Conversion from one religion to another to be free from a. Criminal Code To ensure harmonious a. The Presidency
discrimination, harassment, etc existence of all religions
b. Religious b. National Assembly
RE
subjected to taxation
d. Federal Inland
Revenue Service
W
M
allowances to Nigerians who lack sources of income. Such Security Bill the most vulnerable
welfare allowances should be time bound and must groups in the society.
O
primarily target the most vulnerable groups, people with
disabilities, youth, women and men who clearly are unable
.C
to generate income.
G
N
ES
6.19 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND DEVELOPMENT
M
6.19.1 Constitutional Issues
TI
S/N RESOLUTIONS RELEVANT OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
M
SECTIONS AGENCIES
2 Establish and include a Presidential Council on Section 153(1) To institutionalize the Council as a. National Assembly
Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I) in an Executive Body b. States Houses of
the list of Federal Executive bodies
.P
Assembly
W
W
W
M
S/N RESOLUTIONS EXISTING/PROPOSED OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTING
O
POLICIES AGENCIES
.C
1. Dedicate not less than 2% of the Federation a. Fiscal Strategy Paper To ensure sustainable a. The Presidency
Account or 2.5% of GDP whichever is funding of Research and
b. National Science, b. Federal Ministry
G
higher to effective funding of Research and Technology and Development
of Finance
Development(R&D)
N
Innovation Policy c. Revenue
(ST&I), 2012
ES
Mobilization
Allocation and
Fiscal
M
Commission
TI
2. a. Revive, not privatize, the Ajaokuta Steel a. National Privatization a. To enable Government a. The Presidency
Plants as a launching pad for Policy to take over strategic b. Bureau for Public
M
industrialization. b. Fiscal Strategy Paper industries for Enterprises
b. Effective Funding of Ajaokuta Steel Plants accelerated development
through government injection of the
required USD$500m for completion and IU before inviting private
sector participation
c. Ministry of Mines
and Steel
M
Development
another USD$700m for infrastructure and b. To fast track domestic
skills development in Foundry and development of d. National Planning
RE
3. a. Reduction in the levy imposed on Radio a. National Taxation a. To reduce running costs a. The Presidency
W
and Television Broadcast Stations from Policy and improve services of b. Federal Ministry of
2.5% to 1% National Science and the broadcast stations Information
W
M
Nigeria Television Authority and Federal to Digital Terrestrial Communications
Radio Corporation of Nigeria Transmission Technology
O
c. Grant States broadcasting media automatic c. Encourage States and d. Federal Inland
broadcast signal Distribution Licenses as private owners to invest Revenue Service.
.C
NTA and FRCN in Broadcast
e. National
infrastructure
G
d. Government should incentivize the Broadcasting
domestic manufacture of Set Up Boxes d. This is will reduce Commission
N
e. Provide Seed Grant for Broadcast stations importation and
ES
encourage import
for Human Capital Development and
acquisition of high tech equipments. substitution
industrialization
M
f. Need for the development of effective
Communication Strategy in Nigeria to e. Human Capital
TI
drive modern broadcasting Development and
modern equipment to
M
guarantee improved
services delivery
IU f. Achieve sustainable
public information,
M
education and
entertainment critical
RE
To effectively deepen
4. a. Improve Science and Technology a. National Policy a. The Presidency
W
M
internet,amongst others.)
d. State governments
c. Regular use of Nigerian S&T experts e. Organized Private
O
and institutions to develop solutions. Sector
.C
d. Strengthen S&T institutions such as
f. Nigerian Institute
Ministries at national and state levels of Laboratory
G
e. Use of local languages for the transfer of Technology
N
S&T knowledge g. National
ES
f. Science and Technology teaching in the Universities
primary schools Commission
M
g. Provision of adequate teaching
laboratories and aids
TI
h. Train and hire more science teachers and
motivate them to work harder
M
i. Introduce gainful practical activities
such as model making, handicraft, etc
j. Establish Science and Technology
IU
M
colleges in each local government
k. Provide incentives for science and
RE
5. a. Mainstream gender in Science and a. Women Affirmative Encourage participation of a. The Presidency
W
M
encouraging women to embrace development. of Education
b. National UME
Science, Technology, Engineeringand
Admissions Policy c. State Ministries of
O
Mathematics (STEM) career
Education
b. Enforce government existing policyon
.C
d. Ministry of
60:40 ratio of admission placements in
Women Affairs
our conventionaluniversities, and 70:30
G
in polytechnics; 80:20 in Universities in e. Joint Admissions
N
favourof Science and Technology Management
Board
ES
f. National
Universities
M
Commission
TI
g. National Board
for Technical
M
Education
6. a. Initiate and support continuing education a. National Science a. Promotion of Education a. The Presidency
for top level S&T practicing experts such
as teachers, engineers and scientists IU
andTechnology policy - Industry linkage in
S&T as a way of
b. Federal Ministry
M
b. Import-Substitution of Science &
utilizing scientific
b. EstablishScience and Technology Trust Policy Technology
research outputs in
RE
f. The Armed
M
e. Establish mechanisms to manage patents g. Defence
generated through research and Industries
O
development Corporation of
Nigeria
.C
f. Institutionalize scientific and
technological competition through awards h. National Board
G
and grants for Technology
Incubation
N
g. Ensure that every industry establish their
own research units and encourage i. National Office
ES
institutions to give scholarships for for Technology
scientific studies Acquisition and
M
h. Establish high Risk Venture Capital Promotion
companies to fund Start-up SMEs in j. All research
TI
Science and technology businesses institutes under
the Federal
M
i. Encourage Technology transfer
programmes Ministry of
Science and
j. Establish Military-Industrial Complex to
contribute to scientific and technology IU Technology
k. Industrial
M
research
Training Fund
k. Ensure mandatory acceptance of Students
RE
M
can be manufactured locally
p. Promote the commercialization of expired
O
patents in the global domain
.C
7. a. Security agencies to key into the National Leveraging on Space
a. National Science and b. The Presidency
Public Security Communication System Science to enhance
Technology Policy
G
National Security c. Federal Ministry of
for their communication needs
b. National Defense Science and
N
a. Enlarge Community policing and Policy Technology
ES
encourage all registered security
d. Ministry of
companies to key into the network for
Defense
enhanced security surveillance through
M
communication e. Department of
State Services
TI
b. Encourage all government agencies to
utilize the services of NIGCOMSAT Ltd f. Nigeria Police
M
and Ministry of Communication g. Nigeria Armed
Technology Forces
c. Prohibit indiscriminate deployment of
many systems for security communication IU h. Other security
agencies
M
without recourse to NIGCOMSAT Ltd
and Ministry of Communication
RE
Technology
d. Mandate all MDAs that lease
Satellitebandwidth from international
.P
NIGCOMSAT Ltd
e. Expand Ground Station infrastructure and
W
M
Technology through manpower development Treaty Nuclear Technology for b. Federal Ministry of
and Funding National Development. Science and
O
Technology
.C
c. National
Universities
G
Commission
N
d. National Academy
ES
of Sciences
e. Energy
M
Commission of
Nigeria
TI
9. a. Collaborate with Cognate ministries and National Science and Building relevant a. The Presidency
institutions for investment in Biodiversity Technology Policy Institutions and Capacity
M
b. Federal Ministry of
and Biotechnology for the use of Biodiversity Science and
and Biotechnology for
b. Government should facilitate efforts at
Technology Transfer and acquisition for IU National Development
Technology
c. Federal Ministry of
M
the development of biotechnology
Trade and
c. Incentive Technology Transfer through Investment
RE
Industry
e. National
e. Aggressive Marketing and dissemination Biotechnology
W
M
10. Ensure progressive and stable economy Vision 20:2020 To promote a viable media a. The Presidency
O
that will enhance the media practice sector b. National Planning
Commission
.C
11. a. Declare Emergency for critical National Policy on Harnessing Infrastructure a. The Presidency
G
infrastructure for manufacturing and Investment Development for b. Federal Ministry of
N
industrialization Biotechnology and Works
domestic manufacturing
ES
i. Power Generation, transmission and
c. Federal Ministry of
Distribution
Mines and Steel
ii. The Ajaokuta Steel Plant Development
M
iii. National Metrological Development d. Federal Ministry of
TI
Centre Jos Science and
b. Agencies set up to establish standards Technology
M
and monitor compliance should be e. National University
excluded from imports and excise duties Commission
c. License tertiary research institutes and
IU f. National Board for
M
reputable private laboratories to Technical
undertake standardization and Education
RE
measurements
d. Demonstration of political will to
develop and implement critical policies
.P
M
S/N RESOLUTIONS PROPOSED/ OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTING
EXISTING
O
AGENCIES
STATUTES
.C
1 Amend the National Broadcasting Act to National Broadcasting Identify sources of funds a. The Presidency
G
define the source of funds for broadcasting. Act, promulgated as for broadcast stations and
b. National Assembly
NBC Amendment regulate the timing of
N
Decree 55 of 1999 advertisements on c. Federal Ministry of
ES
weekends and public Justice
holidays d. National
Broadcasting
M
Commission
TI
2 Amendment of Copyright Act to provide for Section 39(3) of the a. To ensure that works of a. The Presidency
the regulation of royalties and collection of Copyright Act, Cap C28, art are well rewarded
M
b. National Assembly
fees in respect of works of art Laws of the Federation, and the right to collect
c. Federal Ministry of
Expand the membership of the Governing 2004. royalties are not
Board of the Nigerian Copyright Commission
IU monopolized by one
agency
Justice
d. National
M
b. To ensure that private Copyrights
Commission
RE
and broadcasting
organization are
represented in the
.P
governance of
copyright issues and
W
royalty payments
W
3 Protection of journalists and broadcasting Freedom of Information a. Protection of the a. The Presidency
organizations from harassment under the Act, 2010 fundamental rights of
b. National Assembly
W
media practitioners
M
Information Act. Justice
b. Create a Special Trust Fund for media
practitioners to insulate them from b. To ensure d. Federal Ministry of
O
economic power of advertisers and independence of media Information
governments as found in Denmark and personnel
.C
Sweden
G
4 a. Amend National Biotechnology National Biotechnology To ensure safety in the a. The Presidency
N
Development Agency Act to include Development Agency operations of bio- b. National Assembly
Strict Liability provision Act technology companies
ES
c. Federal Ministry of
Justice
M
d. Ministry of
Information
TI
e. National
Biotechnology
M
Development
Agency
M
6 Amend the Council of Registered Builders of CORBON Act a. To empower the a. The Presidency
O
Nigeria (CORBON) Act Council of Registered b. National Assembly
Professional Builders
.C
to play their roles in the c. Federal Ministry of
building and housing Justice
G
Sector d. Council of
b. To ensure registration
N
Registered Builders
of tradesmen and of Nigeria
ES
artisans
c. To monitor new
scheme on building
M
sites
TI
7 a. Establish a Science and Technology National Science, To develop strategies for a. The Presidency
Council to develop strategies for Technology and the advancement and
b. National Assembly
M
implementation of Science, Technology Innovation Policy development of ST&I
and Innovation policy (ST&I), 2012 policy c. Federal Ministry of
b. Establishment a Science and Technology
Foundation IU Justice
d. Federal Ministry of
M
c. The Foundation will be responsible for the Science and
effective execution of ST&I Policies and
RE
Technology
strategies
d. Membership of the Foundation to be
.P
committed individuals
W
W
M
6.20.1 Constitutional Issues
O
S/N RESOLUTIONS RELEVANT OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTING
.C
SECTIONS AGENCIES
List the sector (Railway, Port, Land, Water, Sea and Air) Second
G
1. Ensure the participation of a. National Assembly
under the Concurrent Legislative List, which will spell out Schedule PartII States in the provision of
N
b. StatesHouses of
transport infrastructure
the areas of legislative competence of both the Federal and Assembly
ES
State Governments. c. Federal Ministry of
Transport
M
d. Ministry of
Aviation
TI
2. Provide for the budget for transportation infrastructure on Section 84 Enhance fiscal strength for a. The Presidency
M
first line charge the transport sector
b. National Assembly
IU c. States Houses of
Assembly
M
RE
PROPOSED AGENCIES
W
POLICIES
W
1. a. Promote economic development, expand trade, and National Ensure adequate transport a. The Presidency
improve Nigerias competitiveness through an efficient Transport Policy services to aid rapid
b. Federal Ministry of
and affordable integrated transport network. economic transformation
W
M
provision, maintenance, operation, and upgrading of sustainability
transport infrastructure.
O
c. Improve the safety, environment, security, reliability,
quality, and speed of movement of goods and people, at
.C
both national and international levels.
G
d. Develop transport infrastructure that ensures
environmental sustainability and internationally accepted
N
standards;
ES
e. Create a national integrated multimodal transport network
M
2. a. An integrative assessment of the transportation a. Vision Use effective planning to a. The Presidency
infrastructure including roads, railway, airports, seaports, 20:2020 integrate transport b. Federal Ministry of
TI
inland waterways and pipelines; infrastructure for
b. Medium Term Transport
b. Analysis of existing transport volume (demand); Development efficiency and reliability.
c. National Planning
M
c. Analysis of the current transport infrastructure (supply); Plans Commission
IU
d. Estimate of the expected growth in transport demand and
the need for further investment to improve the overall
M
capacity and effectiveness of the transportation system for
international, urban, rural and inter-State passengers and
RE
freight;
e. A prioritized list of recommendations within each
transport mode;
.P
sector
W
M
non-utilisation of other ports by adopting the principles of Transport Policy other modes of Transport
intermodal transport such as: transportation to address b. Ministry of
O
i. Rehabilitating the rail links at the ports and improving decongestion Aviation
.C
access to the Inland Container Depots;
ii. Improving the movement of cargo to and from the
G
ports; and
N
iii. Decentralising port cargo away from Lagos to other
ES
ports.
iv. The Onitsha Cargo Airport should also be concluded
M
to enhance commercial activities.
b. Develop an effective intermodal system to link the modes
TI
of transport so that each mode can complement the other.
c. Restrict, screen and equip all existing security agencies
M
nationwide and in particular those attached to the
intermodal transport systems with modern weapons and
IU
other technical knowhow to enable them fight the new
wave of crimes, terrorism and other forms of security
M
threats.
RE
4 a. Declare an emergency in the transportation sector with a Vision 20:2020 Enhance the sustainable a. The Presidency
time frame of five years of continuous funding priority to funding of the transport b. Federal Ministry of
budget for railway transportation sector to achieve sector for effectiveness
.P
Finance
success. and efficiency
c. Federal Ministry of
W
M
projects Corporation of
Nigeria
O
f. Nigeria Sovereign
Investment
.C
Authority
G
g. Nigeria Export
Import Bank
N
h. Bank of Industry
ES
i. Infrastructure Bank
M
j. State Governments
5. a. Emphasise road to rail to achieve greater efficiency and a. Master Plan Strategic development of a. Federal Ministry of
TI
lower transport costs, and impact on economic growth. for Integrated the rail system to serve as Transport
Transport a major backbone for
M
b. Invest in inter modal linkages to integrate operations, b. Nigeria Railway
especially between the PortRailInland Container Depot Infrastructure transportation and impact Cooperation
b. 25-year economic growth.
(ICD)Road modes.
c. Review the Master Plan for Integrated Transport IU Strategic plan
for Railway
M
Infrastructure to ensure the inclusion of allied services like Transport
the mining and agricultural sector inputs. Development
RE
M
Aladja Steel plant and the three inland rolling mills located
at Oshogbo, Katsina and Jos produce the raw material
O
components of the rolling stock that is modern and of
international standard while reducing the prohibitive cost
.C
of building rail lines.
f. Establish a dualization policy in railway construction to
G
allow for mass movement of trains.
N
g. Decideon which gauge to adopt for the expansion of rail
ES
infrastructure taking into account the transhipment costs
incurred between narrow and standard gauge and the need
for seamless train movements within the country.
M
h. Conduct feasibility studies and acquire land for the
TI
proposed expansion.
i. Connect the Federal Capital Territory to the railway
M
system and to the three major ports as a priority. The
following routes are therefore proposed:
IU
i. Links to the Ports such as Onne, Calabar and Tin Can
M
ii. Links to Abuja connecting the western and eastern
ports
RE
6. a. Ensure adequate and efficient maintenance of the existing National Ensure the development a. Federal Ministry of
W
road network. Failure to do so imposes high costs on road RoadsDevelopme and maintenance of an
M
transport system.
b. Check the misuse of road infrastructure due to excessive b. Federal Road
axle load. Maintenance
O
c. Rehabilitate and maintain all roads and highways using Agency
.C
technically competent construction firms and supervising c. State Ministries of
engineers. Works
G
d. Hasten the current dualisation programme of all highways
N
leading to the Federal Capital Territory by the Federal
Government.
ES
e. Complete all ongoing works and initiate the necessary
process for the rehabilitation, construction, reconstruction
M
and upgrading of the North-South, East-West federal
highways in the next fifteen years to provide a
TI
comprehensive and integrated road network in the country.
M
f. Develop all categories of the Federal Roads in the current
government priority Road Network Development Plan and
IU
execute them in phases to provide a comprehensive road
network that will link all states and the six geo-political
zones:
M
Phase one 2015-2020
RE
iii. Enugu-Makurdi-Lafia-Akwanga(North-South
rehabilitation/dualisation)
W
iv. Maiduguri-Damaturu-Dutse-
W
M
v. Onne-Aba-Uyo-Calabar(East-West rehabilitation/
upgrading)
O
vi. Jos-Akwanga-Abuja (dualisation/rhabilitation)
.C
vii. Enugu-Port Harcourt( rehabilitation)
G
viii. Jos Gombe Yola Road
N
ix. Mayo Belwa Jada Ganye- Tongou Jamtan
Road
ES
x. Gombe Biu Yola Road
xi. Gombe Damboa Maiduguri Road
M
xii. Jalingo Bali Takum KatsinaAla Road
TI
xiii. Yenagoa Nembe Brass Road (to serve AGIP
terminaland the proposed petroleum chemical
M
refinery).
IU
Phase Two 2020-2025
i. Lagos-Ibadan-Akure-Ife-
M
Ajaokuta(rehabilitation/upgrading)
ii. Jalingo-Shedam Lafia( rehabilitation)
RE
Awka(rehabilitation/upgrading)
W
vi. Enugu-Abakaliki(rehabilitation/upgrading)
vii. Maiduguri-Yola- Jalingo( rehabilitation)
W
M
Benin Republic Border;
ix. Otta Idiroko - Benin Republic Border;
O
x. Badagry Seme - Benin Republic Border;
.C
Phase Three 2025-2030
G
i. Sokoto-Gausau-Zaria( rehabilitation/upgrading)
N
ii. Maiduguri-Jalingo- Calabar (rehabilitation)
iii. Kano-Katsina-Niger border( rehabilitation)
ES
iv. Abakaliki-Cameroun border (new construction)
M
v. Asaba-Owerri-Aba ( rehabilitation/upgrading)
vi. Zaria-Jos(rehabilitation/upgrading)
TI
vii. Abuja-Lokoja-Otukpo-Oju-Calabar,( New
M
construction)
viii. Makurdi Katsina-Ala Takum Bali Jalingo
ix.
Yola
Completion of the BillinMutumDaya Karim-IU
M
Lamido Jalingo Road in Taraba State.
RE
River State.
W
7. a. All newly constructed/rehabilitated Federal roads (Federal a. Vision Prioritize road a. The Presidency
W
M
maintained by the contractual firms for a period of not less timelines. and prudent of Works
b. Fiscal Strategy
than three years before handing over. management of resources
Paper c. Infrastructure
O
b. Hasten the provision of modern services such as parks for c. National Concession
trailers and tankers, Weighbridges, Rest stations, Recovery Regulatory
.C
Infrastructure
vans, Medical facilities, Security outposts etc. through Commission
Concession
Public Private Partnership (PPP)on the highways.
G
policy d. State Ministries
Incentives should also be given to the private sector for the
of Works
N
building of trailer parks.
e. Federal Road
ES
c. Utilise other sources of revenue including amongst others,
Maintenance
toll gates, vehicle tax, weighbridges and parking fees and Agency
petroleum tax.
M
d. Establish a Special Bank, Transport Development Bank, to
TI
support national transport development through the
provision of loan facilities to key stakeholders.
M
e. The Federal and other tiers of Government and the
development partners should broaden the scope of the
RAMP to transform Rural Roads in all States of the
Federation. Local Governments and benefiting IU
M
communities should be responsible for the maintenance of
completed roads. However, a certain percentage of
RE
include:
i. Road User Charges including fuel tax, vehicle
W
M
ii. Road toll concession with alternative routes either
through government Toll Road Authority or by private
O
investors.
.C
g. Commence work on the Nigerian section of the Trans
African Highway.
G
h. Ensure a fair distribution of the roads to reflect the
N
capability of the different tiers of government and the
criteria for the takeover of roads by federal government
ES
should include:
i. Roads connecting major industrial towns
M
ii. Roads connecting state capitals
TI
iii. Roads connecting major seaports with the hinterland
iv. Roads linking other road network of neighbouring
M
countries.
IU
v. Roads in physically constrained areas (hilly or
riverine areas) where the cost of construction creates a
M
problem to both state and local government;
vi. The development needs of disadvantaged areas;
RE
M
i. Consider the use of buses for mass transit as falling into
the following categories:
O
i. Bus Mass Transit (BMT):the use of buses to provide
.C
road-based mass transit services as defined above;
ii. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT):a special case in which bus
G
mass transit operates over roadway which is
N
physically segregated from other traffic modes to
increase operating speeds.
ES
j. State Governments should introduce well organised
high capacity bus mass transit systems which the
M
existing infrastructure can accommodate. In order to
achieve this objective, State Governments should:
TI
k. Deliver services through the licensing of incorporated
M
legal entities with specialised professional
management teams.
IU
l. Create dedicated routes for BRT in major urban areas
m. Promote Cooperatives or Associations of numerous
M
small transport operators.
RE
M
q. Ensure that road design standard and road worthiness
of vehicles (MOT) on highways should meet
O
international standards. Relevant agencies should
review existing laws for effective implementation.
.C
8. a. Reduce political interference in the Nigeria Ports a. National Reforming the Ports to a. The Presidency
G
Authority and introduce reforms through legislation that Infrastructure ensure effective operations b. Federal Ministry
N
will separate policy making from regulation and operation, Concession and drive trade and of Transport
and ensure that qualified and competent, merit based Policy economic growth
ES
management are appointed. c. Nigerian Ports
b. National PPP Authority
b. Increase inter-ports competition that should make ports Policy
M
more efficient and prevent diversion of cargo to c. Nigerian Ports
neighbouring countries.
TI
Management
c. Review and update the Ports Master Plan, driven by Policy
M
integration between federal and state governments and the
transport network, particularly rail.
IU
d. Fast track the development of additional ports that will
have the capacity to attract large vessels and be a transit
M
hub, such as Lekki, Badagry, Olokola, Ibaka, Agge and
Ogidigben so as to encourage reduction of ship turnaround
RE
time.
e. Reduction of ship turnaround time by improving discharge
operations with more modern discharge and stacking
.P
techniques.
W
M
g. Resuscitate rail services to and at the ports and rehabilitate
those that are presently linked to railway and land
O
transport so as to improve service delivery.
.C
h. Stevedoring services must be specifically reserved for
Nigerians.
G
i. Expedite the completion of Lokoja and Onitsha Ports
N
projects.
ES
j. Establish a deep seaport in Agge, Bayelsa State.
9. a. Reform the Nigerian Inland Water transport to separate a. National Develop the Inland water a. The Presidency
M
policy making from regulation and operation and achieve Maritime ways as an alternative b. Ministry of
the following objectives to improve efficiency in the Transport transport system to play
Transport
TI
provision of marine transportation. Policy leading role in economic
development c. Nigerian Ports
b. Assist the development of other activities reliant on inland b. National PPP
M
Authority
waterways such as tourism, agriculture and rural Policy
development;
IU
c. Increase the competitive edge of inland waterways as an
M
alternative mode of transport especially in the conveyance
of heavy cargo thereby increasing inter-modalism.
RE
d. Dredge rivers/ports
e. Develop more Inland River ports with adequate facilities
.P
M
h. Decentralize the sector under the constitutional concurrent
list that will spell out the areas of legislative competence
O
of both the Federal and State Governments for effective
coverage of the nations navigable waterways.
.C
i. Dredge River Benue to make it an all season waterway.
G
j. Dredge River Niger to make it navigable at all times.
N
k. Dredge all inland waterways.
ES
10 a. Intervene in vessel acquisition and financing by ensuring a. Fiscal Strategy Re-focus reforms in a. The Presidency
that Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Policy shipping to enhance b. Federal Ministry of
M
(NIMASA) must comply with the Act. domestic ship building and
b. National Transport
b. Encourage NIMASA to facilitate access to the fund to Monetary to play active role in
TI
economic development c. Nigerian Maritime
Nigerian shipping companies. Policy Administration and
M
c. Integrate the steel plants to the provision of steel and allied c. Nigerian Safety Agency
products for ship building. Cabotage
d. Federal Ministry of
IU
d. A deliberate policy tying the Naval dry dock and other
ship buildings yards to the funding program involving
Policy
Mines and Steel
Development
M
local finance institutions and improve on Manpower and
Technological Development in vessels building and
RE
operations.
e. Facilitate full indigenous participation in the carriage of
.P
M
shipping companies to acquire vessels;
ii. Make a special provision for the shipping industry in
O
the context of domestic credits and foreign exchange;
.C
iii. Allow substantial tax relief and tax concessions for
indigenous shipping companies.
G
11 a. Separate Aeronautical Accident Investigation from Safety National Aviation Building a safe and secure a. The Presidency
N
Regulation and establish it as an independent body in Policy aviation industry that will b. Ministry of
ES
accordance with International Civil Aviation see Nigeria as an Aviation Aviation
Organisation(ICAO) regulations. Hub in Africa
c. Nigerian Civil
M
b. Encourage Public-Private Partnerships or Joint Ventures to
Aviation
the extent that the country can benefit from the BASA and
Authority
TI
OSA agreements.
d. Nigerian
c. Complete the on-going upgrade of the local and
Aviation
M
international airports on schedule. Management
d. Incorporate the interest of the people living with Authority
IU
disabilities in the design construction of airports and in the
conduct and behaviour of airline personnel,
M
e. Encourage comparative pricing especially within the
RE
ECOWAS sub-region.
f. Encourage the development of Maintenance Repair
Organisations facilities as their presence would greatly
.P
M
thoroughly. Investigated offenders should be prosecuted
and punished.
O
i. Place utmost priority to national interest and security
while granting approvals, permits and rights to users of the
.C
Nigerian air space and airports.
G
j. Construct a Second Runway for the NnamdiAzikiwe
International Airport, Abuja as a matter of critical urgency.
N
k. Agencies in the Aviation sector with distinct functions
ES
should be over sighted and regulated by the FCAA in line
with ICAO/SARPS (Safety Related Standards and
M
Recommended Practices) for the regulatory agencies like
NCAA and the demands of the services agencies like
TI
NAMA, NIMET, FAAN and NCAT.
l. The negotiation of fair services agreements with third
M
party countries in air transport should be guided largely
by economic consideration and the principles of
IU
reciprocity that will ensure fair and equal opportunities.
m. Re-negotiate the Bilateral Air Service Agreements
M
(BASAs) with the long term goal of encouraging local
operators.
RE
M
tremendously.
p. Review all taxes and charges relating to airlines operations
O
as follows:
.C
i. Cancel import tax/duties on aircraft and spare parts
ii. Significant reduction of stamp duty on aircraft
G
purchase/lease agreement, Waiver of aircraft lease
N
withholding tax and Value Added Tax (VAT)
ES
iii. Significant reduction in land charge by Federal
Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)
M
iv. In addition government should grant a corporate tax
holiday for at least 15 years
TI
v. Government should reduce insurance premiums paid
by domestic airlines by empowering Nigerian
M
insurance companies to form a local aviation pool that
is able to negotiate better rates in the international
insurance market for Nigerian airlines.
IU
q. Review the present airport ownership structure through
M
viable PPPs that can integrate the international and
domestic terminals, refurbishment of existing runways and
RE
M
12 a. Link the production and construction of pipelines and Nigeria Energy Ensure secure pipeline for a. Ministry of
O
depots to the Ajaokuta Steel Plant, the Aladja Steel plant Policy transportation of Petroleum
and the three Inland Rolling Mills in Jos, Oshogbo and petroleum and gas Resources
.C
Katsina. products across the
b. Federal Ministry of
b. Deploy modern technology that can be human signature country
Mines & Steel
G
sensitive in securing, identifying and blocking vandalized Development
N
pipelines until repairs are carried out.
c. Nigerian National
ES
Petroleum
Corporation
M
13. a. Expand the existing National Transportation Council to National Ensure good governance a. The Presidency
include the Federal Ministries of Works and Aviation and Transportation and sustainable funding of
TI
b. Ministry of Finance
the State Commissioners of Works, experts in the transport Policy the transport sector
sector and representative of all core stakeholders therein as c. Federal Ministry of
M
well as Federal and State Ministers and Commissioners of Transport
Environment, respectively. d. Central Bank of
b. Allocate funds from other sources such as:
IU Nigeria
M
i. Specific government grants
ii. Intervention Funds
RE
vi. Subsidies
W
M
x. Non-Concessional Loans
xi. Technical Assistance and Grants
O
xii. Clean Technology Fund
.C
xiii. Development Finance Institutions
G
xiv. Private Sector Equity
N
xv. Contractual Savings Sector
ES
xvi. Export Credit Agency Facilities
xvii. Debt Capital Market
M
xviii. Contractor and Vendor Finance
TI
xix. Government Credit Enhancements
xx. Pioneer Status
M
xxi. Counterpart Funding
xxii. Asset Pledge
xxiii. Public Private Partnerships IU
M
13 Make adequate budgetary provisions for transportation Fiscal Strategy To enhance fiscal strength a. The Presidency
RE
c. Federal Ministry of
Works
W
d. Federal Ministry of
W
Transport
e. Ministry of Aviation
W
M
Ports, Aviation, Inland Waterway and Roads Bills to Transport industry for full private Privatization
separate policy, regulation and operations, where the Policy sector participation b. Bureau of Public
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National Transport Council will be restricted to policy b. National Enterprises
formulation, with program implementation and regulation
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Privatization c. Federal Ministry of
by an independent multi-sectorbody (NTC).
Policy Transport
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b. Retain ownership of the critical aspects of transport
infrastructure irrespective of the drive to encourage private d. The Presidency
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sector participation in the provision of transport
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infrastructure and services.
15 Modify the existing Master Plan for Integrated Transport a. Master Plan Extension of railway lines a. Ministry of
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Infrastructure or the 25 Year Strategic Vision to for Integrated to industrial and Transport
accommodate the inclusion of the railway system to locations Transport commercial centres
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b. National
with natural resources, commercial nerve centres and to state Infrastructure Assembly
capitals that have never had railways b. 25-year
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Strategic c. Presidency
Vision for Rail
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16 Expand the existing National Transportation Council to National To strengthen the sector a. Federal Ministry of
include the Federal Ministries of Works and Aviation and the Transport Policy Transport
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Environment, respectively
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S/N RESOLUTIONS PROPOSED/ OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION
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EXISTING AGENCIES
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STATUTES
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1. a. Enact an Act of National Assembly to establish: a. National Broaden stakeholder a. The Presidency
Transportation participation in
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i. A National Transport Council as a policy formulating b. National Assembly
Council Act Transportation
body; and c. Federal Ministry of
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management
ii. National Transportation Commission (NTC) to handle b. National Justice
Transportation
implementation. d. Ministry of
Commission
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b. Create independent economic and safety Act Transport
regulationdepartments for the transportsector underthe
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National Transportation Commission Act
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2. Amend the Nigerian Railway Corporation Act giving Nigerian Railway Open up the rail way a. The Presidency
participatory power to the Federal Government the private CorporationAct transport system for
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b. National Assembly
sector and state governments in rail development. private sector participation
c. Nigeria Railway
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Corporation
d. Bureau for Public
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Enterprises
3. Review law to and harmonize the roles and functions of a. Road For effective and better a. The Presidency
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ensuring efficient
performance of their d. Federal Road Safety
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functions
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e. Vehicle Inspection
Office
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4. a. Review the Cabotage Act to effectively achieve its set Cabotage Act for effective security in a. The Presidency
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objectives. Nigerian coastal b. National Assembly
waterways and to protect
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b. Enact a law to establish a National Coast Guard.
Nigerian Fisheries c. Ministry of Defence
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Resources d. Nigeria Navy
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e. Federal Ministry of
Transport
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5 Review the law to provide for the mandatory establishment of Nigeria Civil Establishment of a a. The Presidency
a National flag carrier. Aviation Act national carrier to
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b. National Assembly
strengthen competition in
the aviation sector c. Ministry of Aviation
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6 Enact a law to make the Transportation master plan Nigerian To prevent the abuse of a. The Presidency
d. Federal Ministry of
Works
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e. States Ministries of
Works
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7 a. Overhaul and strengthen the Federal Road Maintenance Federal Road To improve their services a. The Presidency
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Agencys (FERMA)to improve their services and Maintenance and performance. b. National Assembly
performance. Agency Act
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c. Federal Ministry of
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shall exercise powers to include accurately determination
d. Federal Ministry of
of the total number of roads, give identification number
Works
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to each of the roads covered and their geographical
directions and finally produce a geographical road map e. States Ministries of
.C
for Nigerian roads, as well as: Works
i. Monitor the development and the condition of the
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Nigerian roads system.
N
ii. Establish general road development and road
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maintenance strategies based on the perceived needs
of road users and the existing road conditions.
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iii. Bring together all the main stakeholders to ensure a
common approach and co-ordination between
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different programs affecting the needs for road
development and improvement
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iv. Approve and develop uniform standards and
regulations for road maintenance
v.
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Advise the Government on issues arising out of toll
roads concession and toll roads' pricing,
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vi. Advise the government on all matters concerning
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7.1.1 Delivering his Inaugural Address at the National Conference on 17th March
2014, President Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR touched on the inter-relationship between
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constitution making and referendum in the following words:
Let me at this point thank the National Assembly for
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introducing the provision for a referendum in the
proposed amendment of the Constitution. This should be
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relevant for this Conference if at the end of the
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deliberations, the need for a referendum arises. I therefore
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urge the National Assembly and the State Houses of
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Assembly to speed up the Constitutional amendment
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process especially with regard to the subject of
referendum.
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7.1.2 According to Section 14 (2)(a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic
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need arises, on the Resolutions of the National Conference can only serve to obtain
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CONFERENCE RESOLUTIONS
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7.2.2 However if Conference decides that the resultant document is a brand new
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constitution, then to bring it into existence will necessitate a referendum.
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7.2.3 Conference is still to take a decision on whether it will be a 1999 Constitution
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(as amended) or a brand new Constitution at the close of plenary on Thursday, 10th
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July 2014.
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