*Kalu Backs Food Safety Bills, Mining Reforms, Demands Accountability in Public Revenue Management*
By Emmanuel Odoemelam
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District, during the Senate plenary on Wednesday reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening public health, promoting fiscal accountability and safeguarding Nigeria’s national interest through active participation in key legislative initiatives before the Senate.
Kalu noted that he participated in the consideration and passage for second reading of critical bills aimed at modernizing Nigeria’s food and drug regulatory framework as well as establishing transparency, coordination and accountability in the management of foreign aid, grants and donations.
According to the former Abia State governor, the proposed legislation is designed to enhance public health protection, improve regulatory efficiency and ensure prudent management of external assistance to Nigeria.
The lawmaker also joined his colleagues in adopting a motion calling for safer mining practices across the country, a comprehensive audit of licensed mining operators and improved compensation mechanisms for mining workers.
As part of the Senate’s deliberations, lawmakers observed a minute’s silence in honour of victims of the recent Ankpa mining tragedy in Kogi State, while urging relevant authorities to strengthen safety standards within the mining sector.
Kalu further backed the Senate’s reaffirmation of its constitutional oversight responsibility by demanding greater transparency and accountability in the management and remittance of public revenues by Government-Owned Enterprises (GOEs) and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
He stressed that effective legislative oversight remains essential to ensuring responsible governance, prudent management of public resources and improved service delivery to Nigerians.
The senator maintained that advancing public health, enhancing fiscal discipline and protecting the lives and welfare of citizens remain at the core of his legislative agenda in the National Assembly.