Senate Passes HYPADEC Amendment Bill

ABUJA, February 09, (THEWILL) – The Senate on Thursday passed the Hydro-Electric Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPADEC) amendment bill, 2012.

This was sequel to the adoption of the Senate Committee on Power, Steel Development and Metallurgy.

Presenting the report amid divergent views from senators, Chairman of the Committee, Senator Phillip Aduda, highlighted that the amendment is as it relates to the inclusion of Benue State as a beneficiary.

The committee he added had no objection to the proposed amendment since section 3(1)4 of the principal Act envisaged such a situation and made clear provisions to that effect.

Senator Aduda explained that the proposed amendment relates to the financial provisions made for the host communities under section 14 subsection 2A, adding that if the said provision is left in its original state, it would affect the federal government’s power reform agenda adversely and serve as a clog in the will of progress in the sector.

Considering the report in the committee of the whole, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu who presided in absence of Senate President David Mark, however expressed hope that Nigerians would get the full benefit of the bill.