Senate passes Immigration, Automotive Industry bills

The Senate on Thursday passed the Immigration Act 1963 (Repeal and Enactment) Bill 2015, and Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (Fiscal Incentives, Assurances and Guarantees) Bill 2015.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Interior, Senator Abubakar Bagudu (APC-Kebbi Central), who took the lead debate, said the bill would help in supplementing the United Nations convention against transnational organisation crime.

He added that the bill would help to tackle problems associated with passports, visas, resident permits, among others.

'This bill sets out the provision for matters relating to immigration, passports, visas, resident permits and work permits.

'It also sets out to smuggling of immigrants into and from Nigeria,' he said.

The Automotive bill, sponsored by the Chairman Senate Committee on Investment, Sen. Esther Nenadi (PDP-Kaduna South), would reduce cost of importation of automobiles.

It is meant to create an atmosphere conducive for stakeholders in the industry to fully take advantage of government incentives with a view to creating employment opportunities, among other things.

In his remarks, the Deputy Senate President, who presided over plenary, said the passage of the bills would go a long way in solving some problems relating to immigration and automotive industry.

He called for implementation of the bills, when signed into law with a view to repositioning the economy.

'For us to be operating 1963 in 2015 in an area as sensitive as immigration is very worrisome.

'I am sure we have saved ourselves of this embarrassment of outdated Act in the modern day Nigeria.

'So, the passage of the Bill will help us to update the law relating to immigration in Nigeria in accordance with best practices.

'I also congratulate you all for passing the Automotive Industry Bill, and I urge the committee to ensure that the Bill becomes fully operational so that we enjoy the benefits therein,' he said.