By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Senators on Tuesday passed the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) (Repeal and Reenactment) Bill 2021 that unbundles and repositions it for efficient service delivery.
They also passed the Medical and Dental Practitioners Bill to establish the Medical and Dental Professions in Nigeria.
The passage came after a clause-by-clause consideration of two separate reports by the Senate Committees on Communications and Health (Secondary and Tertiary).
The reports were presented by Communications Committee Chairman, Oluremi Tinubu (APC, Lagos Central); and Health Committee Chairman, Yahaya Oloriegbe.
Tinubu said sub-clause (1)(a) under clause 3, which deals with the Establishment and Membership of the Governing Board of the Public Postal Operator, was amended to give the Governing Board power to formulate policies and adopt strategies for the development of the postal sector.
Sub-clause (1)(b) was deleted as the Board cannot borrow or raise funds for the entity and sub-clause (1)(c) was amended to align with existing legislation.
Clause 5(2) was inserted to specify the minimum qualifications for the appointment of the Postmaster-General and clause 8, which deals with the Application of Pensions Act, was amended to align with the Pension Act.
Clause 10, which provides for the Exclusive Powers of the Public Postal Operator, was amended to enable the Public Postal Operator to accredit digital or e-certificate as appropriate.
Also amended in the NIPOST Act 2004 is clause 15, which deals with National Postcode System and Technical Standards.
The clause was amended to enable the Public Postal Operator, subject to existing legislation, to enter into a Public Private Partnership (PPP) or other similar arrangement to carry out its obligation.
Sub-clause 3 was amended provide that “the Minister may, with the approval of the President, at any time remove any member of the Board from office on the grounds of misconduct, conviction, infirmity or disease of the mind.”
Clause 5(1) was amended make the appointment of the Postmaster-General the exclusive prerogative of the President as against the recommendation of the Minister.
The amendments were proposed by Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege (APC, Delta Central), seconded by Deputy Whip, Aliyu Abdullahi.
The Senate also received the report of the Committee on Public Accounts on the Annual report of the Auditor-General of the Federation on the accounts of the Federation for the year ended December 31, 2015.
The report was laid at plenary by Committee Chairman, Matthew Urhoghide (PDP, Edo South).