Bill To Amend Terrorism Prevention, Prohibition Act Scales Second Reading

On Mar 21, 2024

The Nigerian Senate has passed for second reading, a bill for an act to amend the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2024.

The bill, which sought to enable Nigeria implement targeted finalcial sanctions on terrorism and terrorism financing without delay, was sponsored by Emmanuel Udende (APC -Benue).

Senator Udende in his lead debate, said the bill sought to give domestic designation to issues, persons and entities relating to terrorism and financing with immediate effect.

In his contribution, Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC- Borno) said the bill spoke for itself, saying that it sought to bring terrorism prevention and prohibition to be in consonance with international best practices.

Senator Monguno said there was a need for Nigeria to amend its rules as terrorism was evolving with technology.

He said the amendment was important, as it would allow the Attorney General of the Federation to designate an entity or individual as a terrorist.

“Without such designation, it will be very difficult for international criminal fighting organisations like the Interpol to accept an entity as terrorist organisation or financier”.

He urged the lawmakers to support the reading of the bill for the second time.

Seriake Seriake Dickson (PDP-Bayelsa) said there was a need to strengthen the mechanism in the fight against terrorism financing.

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In a related development, the Senate also passed for a second reading, a bill for an act to amend the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act.

The bill, which sought to include the Nigerian Financial Sanctions Unit and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in the surveillance and prevention of money laundering in Nigeria, was sponsored by Senator Bamidele Opeyemi (APC-Ekiti).

Senate at plenary also passed for second reading a Bill for an Act to amend the Agricultural Research Council Act, 2004 sponsored by Senator Abba Moro (PDP-Benue).

Senate, thereafter, having approved the votes and proceedings, adjourned plenary to 16 April for the Easter and Sallah break.

Lekan Sowande