Senator Sunday Karimi Biography, and Career

October 19, 2024 guelp

Senator Sunday Steve Karimi, an astute APC member from Kogi West, is a Nigerian politician and an Engineer by profession. He’s the Committee Chairman, Senate Services of the Tenth Senate. He was born on the 10th March,1962 in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government, Kogi State. He studied Production Engineering at Kwara State College of Technology, Ilorin, Kwara State, where he bagged a distinction in 1979.

Business Career

From his humble beginnings, shaped by the diversity of his challenges while growing up and toughened with the reality of his life deprivations with the disadvantages thrown up by the ethnic, social and economic stratifications, he was driven by passion to make a difference. He ventured into private business, where he has made a tremendous success, thereby building capacity of different persons before venturing into politics.

Political Career and Impacts

He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2011. Known for his penchant for integrity, fairness, equity and philanthropy, he was re-elected in 2015, which made him become the first Lawmaker in his Federal Constituency to be re-elected owing to his impactful and purposeful representation. In February 2023, he was elected as the Senator to represent Kogi West Senatorial District in the Tenth Assembly of the Nigerian Senate. He’s a well respected personality, with his reach cutting across all wards and units in his jurisprudence.

Legislative accomplishments

Senator Sunday Steve Karimi’s legislative and oversight accomplishments are in the several Bills and Motions sponsored by him that have direct positive impact on Nigerians, in the areas of education, security, agriculture, youths and women empowerment, rural development, to mention a few, which has continually endeared him to his people and beyond.
Senator Karimi has been actively involved in shaping Nigeria’s banking and financial sector through his legislative works. One notable example is his bill titled “A Bill for an Act to amend the Central Bank more Transparent and Accountable in its Operations and to ensure Enhancement of its functions and for Connected Matters Therewith, 2023.” This bill aims to enhance the transparency and efficiency of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and reduce the power of the governor.

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Recognizing the importance of agriculture as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, Senator Karimi has been at the forefront of legislative reforms aimed at revitalizing the sector. One of his notable contributions is the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund Amendment Bill 2023. This bill seeks to amend the existing Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund Act to enhance farmers’ access to credit facilities. By making finance more accessible, the bill is designed to empower small-scale farmers and agribusinesses to expand production, thereby improving food security and reducing poverty.

In addition, Senator Karimi sponsored the National Fertilizer Control Bill 2023, which aims to regulate the production and distribution, and sale of fertilizers in Nigeria. With proper quality control in place, farmers can access high-quality fertilizers that can boost productivity and ensure higher yields, addressing the perennial challenges of low agricultural output.
The Livestock Development and Management Bill 2023 is another key piece of legislation introduced by Karimi. It focuses on promoting livestock production, processing, and marketing. Given the importance of livestock to Nigeria’s rural economy, this bill aims to formalize and modernize the sector, increasing income for livestock farmers and ensuring the availability of quality animal products in the market.

Lastly, his Agricultural Insurance Commission Establishment Bill 2023 seeks to establish a commission that will provide insurance coverage for farmers. This is crucial in mitigating risks associated with climate change, pests, and other unforeseen disasters, ensuring that farmers are not left devastated by losses beyond their control.
Beyond agriculture, Senator Karimi has been vocal in addressing inefficiencies in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. His motion on the Probe of Refinery Maintenance Costs brought to light the staggering sum of N11.35 trillion spent on maintaining moribund refineries between 2010 and 2024. He emphasized that despite these colossal expenditures, the refineries remain largely unproductive, calling for accountability and transparency in the management of public resources. This motion aims to ensure that future investments in refinery maintenance are judiciously utilized and delivery value to the people of Nigeria.
Senator Karimi has also sponsored other bills related to natural resource governance, which focuses on improving the management and regulation of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. These bills are aimed at strengthening oversight, promoting transparency, and ensuring that the wealth generated from the country’s natural resources benefits its citizens.