Creation Of Poverty Commission Gets Senate Approval

The bill seeking the establishment of the National Poverty Eradication Commission (NPEC) has passed third reading in the Nigerian Senate.

As a law, it would provide legal and regulatory framework for policies and programmes of government aimed at eradicating poverty. That is according to its sponsor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (APC, Kano Central).

Kwankwaso reckoned that previous initiatives failed as they had no legal and regulatory framework. He particularly mentioned the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) and Subsidy Re-investment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P).

To eradicate poverty

The senate leader did say that the bill would improve the drive towards eradicating poverty in the country. He emphasised that the commission would coordinate and monitor all its activities for optimal performance.

Technical support

Kwankwaso said the bill would as well aid technical support while sensitising organisations and government on eradicating poverty.

He said the bill would also help in reviewing policies and monitoring the provision of social amenities for the poor across the country.

On his part, the Senate President Bukola Saraki believes the bill is in line with government’s role in eradicating poverty.

Saraki said: “Eradicating poverty is the responsibility of government and establishing a commission on this was a right step.”

Air Force Institute gets passage

Also, the Senate passed for third reading a bill for an Act to establish the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT).

While submitting his report, sponsor of the bill Senator Duro Faseyi (Ekiti North), explained that the institute would serve as a centre of research and innovations.

Faseyi further said that this development has made the institute to become a tertiary institution. It now has the mandate to run full National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in Aerospace Technology Management and allied courses.