Nigeria National Assembly – House of Reps Tuesday: Motions, Proceedings, Votes

Plenary proceedings of the House of Representatives for Tuesday, July 11th, 2023.

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas presiding.

After leading the opening prayer and recitation of the National Pledge, the Speaker approved the votes and proceedings of Thursday, July 6th, 2023.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. There will be a meeting of the Ad-Hoc committee on the investigation of JAMB at office number 1.03 immediately after plenary.
2. There will be a meeting of the Ad-Hoc committee on Internal Security, at office number 4.47 at 3:00 PM.
3. States yet to forward representatives to necessary committees such as Welfare Committee etc. should do so as soon as possible.
4. The Ad-Hoc committee on the screening of the Service Chiefs will be chaired by Hon. Babajimi Benson and all Principal Officers of the House will serve as members.
5. There will be a meeting of Honorable members from Enugu state on Wednesday, July 12th at suite number 4.65.

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PETITIONS:

1. The Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Benjamin Kalu laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the Libyan police for unlawful detention without explanation. This unlawful detention he stated bothers on the breach of the complainant’s human rights and possible coercion. He craved the indulgence of the House in resolving the issue.
2. Hon. Chinyere laid a petition from the Apo mechanics’ Association against the FCT for moving them from different locations and refusing to give them a permanent site despite numerous applications by the association to get a permanent place to do business.

The petitions were referred to the House committee on Public Petitions when constituted.

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MATTER OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:

1. Hon. Dachung Bagos moved a motion on the urgent need for intervention on the incessant loss of lives in areas of Plateau state, and it was seconded by Hon. Esset Udo. Hon. Bagos bemoaned the incessant attacks on innocent citizens by suspected herdsmen without any serious action taken by security forces to curb the menace. He stated that most of the people now live in fear and cannot access their farmlands and mining sites. This he stated could lead to food shortage and socioeconomic effects for those in the area and beyond. He called on the police and other relevant security apparatus to intervene in the issue.

Hon. Beni Lar proposed an amendment calling on the National Security Adviser to upgrade the insecurity issues in Plateau state to a level of national emergency. The motion was voted on and adopted as amended.

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PRESENTATION OF BILLS:

1. Federal Character Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 24) (Hon. Benjamin Kalu) – First Reading.
2. Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 37) (Hon. Francis E. Waive) – First Reading.
3. Electric Power Sector Reform Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.38) (Hon. Benson Babjimi) – First Reading
4. Nigerian Red Cross Society Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 39) (Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi) – First Reading.
5. Nigerian Mining Corporation Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 40) (Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi) – First Reading.
6. Chartered Institute of Finance and Control of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 41) (Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi) – First Reading.
7. Maritime Security Operations Co-coordinating Brand Act (HB. 42) (Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi) – First Reading.
8. Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 43) (Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi) – First Reading.
9. Police Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 44) (Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi) – First Reading.
10. Federal Polytechnic Nyak-Shendam (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.45) (Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi) – First Reading.
11. Nigeria Police Force College, Training School and Institution (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.46) (Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi) – First Reading.
12. National Tobacco Control Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 47) (Hon. Pascal Agbodike) – First Reading.
13. National Food Reserve Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 48) (Hon. Pascal Agbodike) – First Reading.
14. Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 49) (Hon. Ghali Mustapha Tijjani) – First Reading.
15. Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 50) (Hon. Ghali Mustapha Tijjani) – First Reading.
16. Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.51) (Hon. Aminu Balele) – First Reading.
17. Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 52) (Hon. Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi) – First Reading.
18. Federal Medical Centre, Alimosho, Lagos State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 53) (Hon. Ademorin Kuye / Hon. Ayuba Ganiyu Adele) – First Reading.
19. Federal Medical Centre, Kosofe, Lagos State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.54) (Hon. Ademorin Kuye and Hon. Adetola Kafilat Ogbara) – First Reading.
20. National Infrastructure Management and Maintenance Agency Bill Act (Repeal and Enactment), 2023(HB.55) (Hon. Ademorin Kuye) – First Reading.
21. Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.56) (Hon. Ademoyin Kuye) – First Reading.
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22. National Agency for the Control of Cancer (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 57) (Hon. Ademoyin Kuye) – First Reading.​

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ORDERS OF THE DAY:

MOTIONS:

1. Need to Halt the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Directives on Addition of Social Media Handle on “Know your Customer” Requirement:

Hon. O. K. Chinda​​ Hon. Laori B.​Kwamati​​ Hon. Kelechi Nwogu
Hon. Ginger Onwusibe​​ Hon. Mark Essiet​​​ Hon. Abdulsamad Dasuki​
Hon. Victor Ogbuzor​​ Hon. Blessing Amadi ​​​Hon. Fred Agbedi:

The House:

Notes the recent directive by the Central Bank of Nigeria to Commercial Banks on the addition to social media handles on “know Your Customer” requirements, thus making it mandatory for Commercial Banks to comply;

Aware that recently the Central Bank of Nigeria released its Customer Due Diligence Regulations, 2023, noting the importance of social media handles on “Know Your Customer” would galvanize compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing provisions;

Also notes that obtaining the additional information, would be useful to financial institutions in accessing customers’ online presence and activities, thus enabling better assessment of potential risks associated with money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation financing;

Observes that as laudable as this directive may appear, may be unnecessary as it is likely to bear pressure on teeming Nigerian masses at trying period;

Cognizant of the fact that this directive by the CBN is in conflict with the provision of Section 37 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) on the right to privacy of Citizens;

Also cognizant of the fact that banks in the country already have the names, telephone numbers, passport photographs, emails, National Identification Number (NIN), Biometric Verification Number (BVN), utility bills and other basic requirements with which to identify, know and monitor customers;

Further cognizant that there are better means of monitoring money laundering, terrorism financing, and proliferation financing, such as the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), intelligence and crime tracking agencies, amongst others;

Worried that if the directive takes effect, Nigerians who are not on social media, with large turn overs from their businesses and trades, would be compelled to or systematically excluded from formal banking systems with its attendant negative effects and implications;

Also worried about the untold hardships this directive will cause millions of Nigerians, especially the illiterates, or semi-literate business owners, traders and entrepreneurs living in the villages and rural areas who do not have social media handles;

Concerned that implementing the CBN’s directive at this point may clearly be unnecessary as it is likely to bear a lot pressure on teeming Nigerian masses;

Again cognizant of the need to revisit and halt the Central Bank of Nigeria directive to reduces the hardship and pain faced by teeming Nigerian;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Central Bank of Nigeria to halt the implementation of the policy/directive;

(ii) mandate the Committee on Banking and Currency (when constituted) to investigate the matter and report back within three (3) weeks for further legislative action;

(iii) also mandate the Committee on Legislative Compliance (when constituted) to ensure implementation.

Debate:

Hon. Kelechi Nwogu moved the motion on the need to halt the Central Bank of Nigeria’s directives on addition of social media handle on “Know your Customer” requirement, and it was seconded by Hon. Abdulsamad Dasuki. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House committee on Banking and Currency when constituted.

2. Call to Suspend the Implementation of Increase in Tuition Fees of Universities:
   Hon. Aliyu Sani Madaki:

The House:

Notes that citing the poor funding of Tertiary Education and rising inflation in the country, Federal Universities across the country increased their tuition fees by tuition fees from 100% to 200% while hostel fees were increased from 50% to 100%;

Also notes that the Universities that hiked their fees include Bayero University, Kano (BUK), the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, the University of Uyo, University of Maiduguri, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike and Federal University, Dutse, among others;

Concerned that the hike in fees by the universities is happening against the worsening poverty level in the country, inflation and high rate of unemployment and the recent fuel price hike;

Also concerned that the increase could cause disruptions for a number of students who cannot not afford the fees and, while many of them would be forced to defer their studies, others could drop out;

Worried that the hike may aggravate the already volatile situation in the country as students are already making threats which could lead to an uprising against the Federal Government, with grievous consequences for the country as a whole;

Also worried that an increased rate of university dropouts may further worsen insecurity in Nigeria as the frustrated students may find the wrong outlets to express their grievances;

Cognizant that tertiary education is imperative in fostering growth, reducing poverty, and boosting the prosperity of any nation;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the National Universities Commission to immediately halt implementation of the increase of fees by Federal Universities;

(ii) mandate the Committee on Tertiary Education and Services (when constituted) to investigate the increase of fees by Federal Universities across the country with a view to finding lasting solutions to the challenges in the tertiary education sector.

Debate:

Hon. Aliyu Madaki moved the motion on the call to suspend the implementation of increase in tuition fees of Universities and it was seconded by Hon. Mohammed Jalo. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Tertiary Education when constituted.

3. Need to establish the Presence of a Military Outpost at Kwanar Maharba and Military Base in Gada Local Government Area of Goronyo/Gada Federal Constituency of Sokoto State.
   Hon. Bashir Usman Gorau:

The House:

Notes that security of lives and properties is the primary responsibility of government and that security is necessary for human existence and development, while insecurity in Nigeria is not peculiar to a particular region, however Goronyo/Gada Federal Constituency is most affected by banditry activities;

Disturbed that banditry activities in Kwanar Maharba resulted in the loss of over 40 lives, with over 200 persons kidnapped while hundreds suffered injuries and vehicles destroyed;

Worried that the delay of the security agencies to abridge the continuous horror and inhumanity will result in loss of lives, destruction of property and immobilize Socio-Economic and Educational development in communities;

Also worried that if this is allowed to continue, there will be food shortages and people night result to self-help which will lead to a total breakdown of law and order;

Also notes that their exist vacuum of security presence in Goronyo/Gada Federal Constituency which have provide a fertile ground for Insecurity to thrive;

Further observes that Kwanan Maharba serves as the main point of entry for bandits coming out from Gundumi forest passing through Biyarda, Kaikazzaka, Gidan Buzu, Mahalba, to lunch attacks on the innocent people using it as point of entry to lunch-attack across eastern part of Gada and Goronyo communities;

Lament that Commuters had their share of the mayhem unleased by the banditry activities recorded on the Goronyo/Sabon–Birni road, a trend that has adversely disrupt economic activities in the area;

Resolves to:

(i) observe a minute silence for the repose of victims of various banditry attacks in Goroyo/Gada federal constituency and the country at large;

(ii) urge the Federal Government to establish a Military Outpost in Kwanan Maharba to intercept and deter activities of bandits;

(iii) also urge the Federal Government to establish a permanent Military Base in Gada Local Government to ensure a swift response to distress calls and provide a proactive approach to tackle insecurity;

(iv) mandate the Committee on Army (when constituted) to ensure compliance.

Debate:

Hon. Bashir Gorau moved the motion on the need to establish the presence of a military outpost at Kwanar Maharba and military base in Gada local government area of Goronyo/Gada federal constituency, Sokoto State and it was seconded by Hon. Aliyu. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House committee on Army when constituted.

4. Need to Rehabilitate the Abandoned Obudu Dam Resort Project.
   Hon. Peter Akpanke:

The House:

Notes that the Federal Government adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in September, 2015 amongst which is SDG 6 to ensure access to water and sanitation for all;

Also notes that the National Water Resources Master Plan was launched in 2013 by the Federal Government to provide access to portable water by utilizing the dams, which was reviewed and integrated into the SDG implementation plan and formed part of the National Guidelines for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Healthcare facilities meant to improve sanitary conditions and prevent infectious diseases;

Aware that the Obudu Dam resort a multipurpose facility which provides water to over 60,000 people as well serves as a recreational centre was flooded, in 2005, this prompted the Cross River State Government to access a facility from the International Development Agency, IDA to finance its rehabilitation;

Recalls that on August 14, 2012, the Federal Government awarded a contract worth 1.165 billion Naira to Consolidated Construction Limited, (CCL) for the rehabilitation of the Dam resort;

Also recalls that the World Bank in collaboration with the Ministry of Water Resources and the Cross River State Water Board Limited, CRSWBL contracted Lilleker Brothers Limited, LBL to construct a water treatment plant, with the second phase being the construction of reticulation channels to benefit neighbouring communities;

Aware that the Dam was expected to facilitate the irrigation of about 100 hectares of agricultural land, boost fisheries and promote tourism in the northern part of the State in line with the Federal Government’s Partnership for the Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene, PEW ASH and the World Bank-assisted Sustainable Urban-Rural Water Sanitation and Hygiene, SURWASH to improve public healthcare services and eradicate poverty in Nigeria to achieve SDG Targets 6.1 and 6.2 in the rural areas, improvement in Urban, Small Towns, and Rural Water Supply in the Country;

Worried that failure of the Federal Government to complete the Obudu Dam Project has contributed to the further dwindling of revenues to the Country, thus threatening the livelihoods of over 60,000 Nigerians who depend on the dam for water, sanitation and hygiene as well as economic purposes;

Also worried that if urgent actions is not taken by the Federal Government to rehabilitate the Dam, an outbreak of another disease is inevitable in Obudu/Obanliku/Bekwarra federal constituency;

Concerned that the continuous loss of lives occasioned by preventable action has become a norm that must be checked;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to resume the immediate rehabilitation of the Obudu Dam project and provide funds to relevant financial authorities;

(ii) mandate the Committee on Water Resources (when constituted) to investigate why the Contract was abandoned and make recommendations.

Debate:

Hon. Peter Akpanke moved the motion on the need to rehabilitate the abandoned Obudu Dam Resort Project and it was seconded by Hon. Ajilo Shehu. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House committee on Water Resources when constituted.

5. Need to Reverse the Recent Hike of School Fees in Unity Secondary Schools in Nigeria.
   Hon. Saidu Musa Abdullahi​​​​​ Hon. Kama Nkemkanma:

The House:

Notes that Federal Unity Schools were established to promote national unity and provide quality and affordable education to Nigerian students from different parts of the country, regardless of their socio-economic background;

Also notes that the Federal Government established 104 Federal Government Colleges across the nation and adopted an enrolment policy which reflects the principle of Federal Character as well as a curriculum that targets patriotism, entrepreneurship, peaceful coexistence and interrelationship;

Concerned that the facilities in Unity Schools across the country are severely dilapidated while the schools lack materials required for teaching, which has negatively affected the quality of teaching and students performance in general;

Also concerned that the recently approved increase in school fees for students in Federal Government Colleges across the Country by the Federal Ministry of Education has caused anxiety among parents and students who are still grappling with the effects of the economic hardship caused by the recent subsidy removal;

Worried that as a result of the new school fees regime many parents are considering withdrawing their wards from schools as they are unable to meet up with the fees, hence the country may have to deal with the dire consequences of having an alarming number of out-of-school children;

Also worried that the increment will likely lead to a decline in students enrolment in these schools which were originally intended to be affordable, the impact of which would be on the already declining quality of education and the overall development of Nigeria;

Aware that the Federal Government has a responsibility to ensure that education remains accessible and affordable, especially during difficult economic times;

Cognizant that Education is essential for the progress of any country as it contributes to social stability and drives long-term economic growth;

Resolves to:

(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Education to review the new School Fees Regime in Federal Government Colleges and revert to the old regime;

(ii) also urge the Federal Government to adequately fund the education sector by increasing budgetary provisions to ensure that Nigerian students have access to quality and affordable basic and senior secondary education;

(iii) mandate the Committee on Basic Education (when constituted) to investigate the hike in school fees for students of Federal Government Colleges across the Country to ensure that basic education remains accessible and affordable to Nigerians and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Debate:

Hon. Kama Nkemkanma moved the motion on the need to reverse the recent hike of school fees in Unity secondary schools in Nigeria and it was seconded by Hon. Olumide Osoba. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House committee on Basic Education when constituted.

6. Need to stop Excess Charges and Illegal Deductions by Commercial Banks in Nigeria.
   Hon. Godwin Offiono:

The House:

Notes that some Banks and Financial Institutions in Nigeria indulge in the unethical practice of fleecing their customers through excess charges and unauthorised deductions;

Also notes that customers of different Commercial Banks are groaning over excessive charges on their accounts, the Financial Institutions known as Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) have reportedly introduced different deductions to increase their income, a development that is uncomfortable with customers;

Aware that apart from Stamp Duty, bank customers also pay Value Added Tax (VAT) charges applicable on all VATable transactions in their account;

Also aware that Commercial Banks are charging outrageous interest on loans, and overdraft at a rate that is higher than the agreed rate in the offer letter;

Further aware of the arbitrary increase in the interest rate on loans and overdrafts and increase in the other fees without notifying and getting customer’s consent as stipulated in the Central Bank /Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) guideline;

Concerned that the creation of charges not recognized in the Central Bank Guide to Bank charges is a common practice by Commercial Banks;

Also concerned about the wrong application of maintenance fees, banks overcharging maintenance fees, the inclusion of transactions exempted from maintenance charge, loan liquidation and bank-induced transactions amongst others;

Worried that as affected customers attempted to lodge complaints to the Bank’s Customer Care they are treated as beggars without result;

Resolves to:

(i) mandate the Committee on Banking and Currency (when constituted)to investigate the issue of excess charges and illegal deductions by commercial banks in Nigeria and report to back within four (4) weeks for further action;

(ii) also mandate the committee on Legislative Compliance (when constituted) to ensure implementation.

Debate:

Hon. Godwin Offiono moved the motion on the need to stop excess charges and illegal deductions by commercial banks in Nigeria and it was seconded by Hon. Miriam Onuoha. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House committee on Banking and Currency when constituted.

7. Need to Rehabilitate Benin-Ekpoma-Auchi Road to Okene Road, Kogi State.
   Hon. Marcus Onobun:

The House:

Notes that Benin-Ekpoma-Auchi Road is the only road that connects South-South to the Northern parts of Nigeria;

Also notes that the deplorable condition of the road calls for Federal Government’s intervention as road users spend 5-7 hours in gridlock daily;

Further notes that the rehabilitation of the road was awarded to Dantata & Sowoe Company Limited in 2012 but was abandoned for the past 11 years;

Aware that the road has not witnessed any rehabilitation as commuters and heavy-duty vehicular find it difficult to transport the perishable and non-perishable goods en-route North to the South and from South to the North;

Also aware that Section 10(f) of the Federal Highways Act empowered the Minister, Federal Ministry of Works to carry out reconstruction/rehabilitation and maintenance of Federal roads;

Concerned that with the deep potholes and gully erosion ravaging the road caused by torrential rainfalls, it has not only become a death trap for commuters and residents of adjoining communities but also a breeding ground for robbery and other criminal activities;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Works and Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FEMA) to provide palliative measures on the road to ease the movement of goods and services;

(ii) mandate the Committees on Works and Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FEMA) (when constituted) to investigate the causes of the road abandonment and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Debate:

Hon. Marcus Onobun moved the motion the need to rehabilitate Benin-Ekpoma-Auchi road to Okene road, Kogi state and it was seconded by Hon. Martins Etim. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House committee on Works when constituted.

8. Terrorist Attacks on Mangu Communities of Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency Plateau State.
   ​Hon. Lalu Ishaya David:
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   ​The House:

Notes the recent terrorist attacks on the People of Mangu Local Government and neighbouring Communities killing more than 300 persons and others seriously injured, properties destroyed and over 18, 000 people displaced at different IDP camps within the Local Government Area;

Also notes that most of the victims that sustained various degrees of injuries are currently receiving medical attention at different hospitals within the State;

Worried that the continuous attacks by the terrorist groups in the communities, if not addressed immediately will lead to low farming yield, which will worsen the existing food uncertainty in the communities;

Resolves to:

(i) Observe a Minute of Silence as a mark of respect to those killed in the terror attack in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State;

(ii) urge the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to direct the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons to immediately provide relief materials to the victims of the attacked in communities within Mangu Local Government Area, aerial surveillance and support to flush out the terrorist and destroy their camps to avoid reoccurrence and allow innocent farmers to return to their farms and ancestral homes;

(iii) also urge the Inspector General of Police to immediately provide Mobile Police Force Squadron formation in the affected communities to safeguard the lives of our people in compliance with Chapter 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), particularly Section 14 (2) (b) which clearly states thus: that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government;

(iv) mandate the Committees on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, Defence, Army, Air Force, Police and Legislative Compliance (when constituted) to ensure compliance and report weekly until the insecurity is under control.

Debate:

Hon. Lalu David moved the motion on the terrorist attacks on Mangu communities of Mangu/Bokkos federal constituency, Plateau state. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House committees on Disaster Preparedness, Army, Airforce, Police and that on Legislative Compliance when constituted.

9. Need to Lift the Ban on Sale of Fuel in Communities 20 kilometers to International Land Borders.
   Hon. Adegboyega Nasir Isiaka:

The House:

Recalls that in November 2019, the Nigerian Customs Service announced the ban on the sales and supply of Petroleum products in all communities within 20km of the Nigerian land borders which measure approximately 4,047kilometres;

Aware that the ban was apt at the time to prevent smuggling of subsidized petroleum products to Nigerian neighbouring countries;

Worried that despite the removal of subsidy on Petroleum Products by the government, the ban is yet to be lifted, thus causing hardships to millions of Nigerians living and conducting businesses within the affected area (located in 15 states of the federation) who have to travel kilometers to get the products or pay an extra amount to secure the products for their daily needs;

Cognizant that the ban has continued to impact negatively on the socio-economic activities in the affected areas;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Government to review the policy towards lifting the ban on the sale of fuel within 20 Kilometers to the Nigerian land borders as fuel subsidy has been effectively removed;

(ii) also urge the Nigerian Customs Service and other relevant government agencies to ensure immediate stoppage of the ban thus, allowing duly registered fuel stations within this community to be supplied with petroleum products;

(iii) mandate the Committee on Customs and Excise (when constituted) to ensure implementation.

Debate:

Hon. Adegboyega Isiaka moved the motion on the need to lift the ban on sale of fuel in communities 20 kilometers to international land borders and it was seconded by Hon. Akinlade Abiodun. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House committee on Customs and Excise when constituted.

10. Need for Reconstruction of the Eleme- Onne Axis of the East-West Road.
    ​Hon. Felix Uche Nwaeke:
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    ​The House:
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    ​Notes that the East-West Road project which is a 338km Road covering Warri to Oron through ​Kaima and Ahaoda, Port Harcourt to Ogoni and Eket was awarded in 2006 in four (4) Sections;

​Also notes that Section I and II covering Warri to Kaima and Eket was completed, while Section III from Eleme Junction to Onne Port Junction was abandoned;

​Further notes that in December 2014 the contract for Section III was awarded to Messers RCC ​Nig Ltd in Contract Ref No MNDA/PROC/CAP/14/89/23 to upgrade and expand the road from a dual carriageway to a three lane dual carriageway;

​Aware that the Eleme – Onne axis of the East-West Road is a highway access to two Sea Ports, ​the Eleme Refinery, Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited, NAFCON and the Onne Oil & Gas Free Zone that houses over two hundred (200) Companies amongst others which ​generates revenue to the Federal Government;

​Worried that the deplorable state of the Eleme–Onne axis of the East-West road has continued ​to claim the lives and property including loss of businesses occasioned by fallen containers conveying goods and products, thus, leading to protests by the indigenes of the Eleme and Onne ​Communities;

​Also worried that the Federal government will continue to loss revenue if the road is not ​rehabilitated;
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​Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to immediate priorities the reconstruction of Eleme–Onne axis of the East-West Road.

(ii) also urge the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to ensure the Contractor is mobilized to site and commences Reconstruction of the Eleme–Onne axis of the East-West Road immediately;

(iii) mandate the Committee on Works (when constituted) to ensure implementation.

Debate:

Hon. Felix Nwaeke moved the motion on the need for the reconstruction of the Eleme- Onne axis of the East-West road and it was seconded by Hon. Kelechi. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House committee on Works when constituted.

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Adjournment:

The House at 14:57 PM adjourned plenary to Wednesday, July 12th 2023 by 11:00, AM following a motion moved to that effect by the Deputy Leader of the House, Hon. Abdullahi Halims and seconded by the Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda.

Updated by LightRay Media, Courtesy:
Media Unit, Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives.