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The
bill seeking to establish the Maritime Security Agency has suffered
another major setback at the senate, after it was withdrawn by its
supporters over fears of clash of responsibility with the navy.

The bill is a
deliberate attempt by the federal government to establish an agency
that will be responsible for providing security, safety information and
communication facilities for all categories of players in the maritime
industry.

“The bill is
specifically fashioned to deal with the issues of security and safety
for all categories of users of the Nigerian maritime industry,” Teslim
Folarin, the senate majority leader who led debate on the bill said.
“It shall apply to any person, ship, aircraft or any other craft or
object in the internal and territorial waters of Nigeria. It should,
however, be noted that this bill does not contemplate or apply to
warship or military patrol ship.”

It was however
withdrawn after the senators claimed the objectives of the bill clash
with the constitutional duties of some already established military
organizations in Nigeria.

The bill had last
week suffered its first setback after the senators refused to consider
the provisions of the bill because it did not contain brief account of
the financial implications of setting up the agency. The agency is to
cost the federal government about N5.8 billion to establish.

Controversy

Lee Maeba (PDP River state) however alleged that the federal government has already earmarked N5 billion for the agency.

“This agency
already exists and is to spend N5 billion this year,” Mr. Maeba said,
adding that he had fact to back up his claims.

Umar Abubakar Argungu (PDP Kebbi state) countered Mr. Maeba’s claims, and insisted that the agency does not exist.

On Wednesday, the
bill had the missing financial compendium; but senators found fault in
its essence forcing the senate leader, Teslim Folarin, who led debate
on the bill to withdraw the bill entirely.

Successful bills

Meanwhile, the 2010 amended version National Health Bill was passed into an act by the senate on same day.

The amended health
bill redefines the roles of the National Agency for Food and Drug
Administration and Control, and the National Health Insurance Scheme.

The bill also rephrased the clauses that defined the functions of both organizations.

A bill also seeking to establish the Nigerian Air Force Institute of
Technology to provide technical training for personnel of the Nigerian
Air Force and other arms of the Nigerian armed forces passed second
reading on the floor of the senate.