Plenary proceedings of the House of Representatives for Wednesday, July 26th, 2023.

The Deputy Speaker of the House Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu presiding.

After leading the opening prayer and recitation of the national pledge, the Deputy Speaker approved the votes and proceedings of Tuesday, July 25th, 2023.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. Membership constitution of Ad-Hoc Committees:

I. Membership of The Ad-Hoc Committee on non-remittance to NHS for up to 5 years now was announced and it is to be chaired by Hon. Dachung Bagos.

II. Membership of the Ad-Hoc Committee to investigate the continuous clashes between farmers and herdsmen was announced and it is to be chaired by Hon. Aliyu Bappa.

III. Membership of The Ad-Hoc Committee to investigate the illegality of excess crude accounts, projected tax, deposited funds from 2015 was announced, and it is to be chaired by Hon. Victor Nwokolo.

IV. Membership of The Ad-Hoc Committee on Tax waiver and its abuse was announced.

V. Membership of The Ad-Hoc Committee to handle gas flaring and its non-conversion to usable resources was announced and it is to be chaired by Hon. Ahmed Jaha.

VI. Membership of The Ad-Hoc Committee on JAMB was announced and it is to be chaired by Hon. Regina Akume.

VII. Membership of The Ad-Hoc Committee to investigate the proceeds and funds from peace keeping missions was announced and it is to be chaired by Hon. Shehu Raju.

VIII. Membership of The Ad-Hoc Committee to investigate the failure of Federal Mass Transit Schemes in the past and find lasting solutions for the future was announced and it is to be chaired by Hon. Oghene Victor.

IX. Membership of The Ad-Hoc Committee to investigate CBN for non-disclosure of funds was announced and it is to be chaired by Hon. Nnoli Nnaji.

X. Membership of The Ad-Hoc Committee on the Medical and Dental Council and the concerns of their study in Ukraine was announced and it is to be chaired by Hon. Inyan.

2. House members of the Minority Caucus are to meet at Fraizer Suites Hotel by 8:00 PM today, Wednesday July 26th 2023.

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PETITIONS:

1. Hon. Mohammed Shehu laid a petition on behalf of a complainant on an appeal for the intervention of the House concerning ex-Niger Delta agitators who feel shortchanged, and called for the intervention of the House in resolving their plight.
2. Hon. Oluwatoyin Fayinka laid a petition on behalf of some communities in the Mushin area of Lagos State pertaining to alleged incessant harassment and wrongful disconnection of their power supply by the electricity providers in the region. He called on the House to provide speedy intervention as the occurrences constitutes hazard to their comfort, peace and means of livelihood.
3. Hon. Lillian laid a petition on behalf of of some petitioners against some officers of the Nigeria police on the unlawful arrest and extrajudicial killing of a child of their associate.
4. Hon. Austin Achado laid a petition on behalf of a complainant from the Federal University, Gusau for his alleged unlawful expulsion for circulating unverified information.
5. Hon. Nkemkanma Osi Kama laid a petition from a development union concerning the alleged gruesome murder of one of their members. They called on the House to speedily resolve the issue in the spirit of promoting peaceful coexistence in the community.
6. Hon. Victor Ebuzo laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the alleged wrongful publication of his name on the tentative list of correction officers eligible for retirement in 2024 while he is supposed to retire in 2031.

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

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MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:

1. Hon. Unyime Idem moved a motion on the urgent need to call for the suspension of the proposed nationwide strike by resident doctors in Nigeria, and it was seconded by Hon. Ereyitomi Thomas. Hon. Unyime in leading the debate stated that the association of resident doctors had earlier announced an indefinite strike to commence on Wednesday, July 26th 2023 owing to the alleged government’s refusal to meet their demands and agreements earlier reached on a wide range of issues, including the due provision of monetary allowances and developmental measures for tertiary institutions and researches. He called on the relevant Ministries of Labour and Productivity, as well as that of Health to dialogue with the striking doctors.

Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase advised that the motion should be stepped down owing to the fact that the Speaker of the House Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen has already put steps in motion to dialogue with the striking doctors and bringing up the motion on the floor of the House has the tendency of watering down the Speaker’s efforts.

The Leader of the House, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere clarified that the Honourable Speaker of the House Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen had asked the doctors to give the House 2 weeks to clarify the issues and also set up an Ad-Hoc Committee to ensure compliance. He further clarified that the Honourable Speaker has already met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and a process is already in motion to ensure the end of the problems of the health sector.

Based on the information rendered, the mover of the motion, Hon. Unyime Idem stepped down the motion to allow the intervention already put in place by the Speaker to run its course.

The Deputy Speaker of the House Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu pleaded with the aggrieved resident medical doctors and assured them that the fact that the highest level of Parliament has started engaging with them shows how serious the House takes the issue. He further pleaded with them to oblige with the Honorable Speaker and ensure an amicable resolution is arrived at the shortest possible time. The motion was then stepped down by leave of the House.

2. Hon. Uduak Alphonsus moved a motion on the ongoing flood ravaging communities in Akwa Ibom State, and it was seconded by Hon. Bassey Ekpenyong. Hon. Alphonsus in leading the debate called on NEMA, as well as the Federal Ministry on Humanitarian Affairs, the Niger Delta Ministry and other relevant agencies of government to provide welfare palliatives for the victims and relocate them to safer grounds until they are safe to be brought back home. The motion was voted on and adopted.
3. Hon. Femi Bamisile moved a motion on the urgent need to address the high rise in international air fares, and it was seconded by Hon. Shettima Ali. Hon. Bamisile in leading the debate called for an Ad-Hoc Committee to invite the leadership of international airlines and other stakeholders in the aviation sector to explain the price hikes in ticketing fares and proffer lasting solutions. He further called on the House Committee on Legislative Compliance when constituted to effect the resolutions of the prayers. An amendment was proposed that the prayers of the motion should also take care of the price of local air fares.

Hon. Adedayo Adesola further proposed an amendment calling for the payment of Nigeria’s indebtedness to international airlines so that the normal cheap inventories can be reintroduced and hence reduce the price of airfares. The motion was voted on and adopted as amended.

4. Hon. Suleiman Gummi moved a motion on the urgent need to establish extra security command posts and personnel in communities in his Constituency, and it was seconded by Hon. Afolabi. Hon. Suleiman in leading the debate called on the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency urge the Service Chiefs to set up bases in the area with a view to combating the high rate of insecurity in the wider northwestern region.

He further called on the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness to ensure relief to the affected communities and that the House Committees to oversight the relevant Security Apparatus of the government should ensure compliance when constituted. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the relevant committees when constituted.

5. Hon. Ayodele Festus moved a motion on the fuel tanker explosion in Ondo State, and it was seconded by Hon. Ayodeji Alao-Akala. Hon. Festus in leading the debate bemoaned the fact that the explosion claimed over 30 lives. He stressed that the illegal parking of fuel tanker drivers has continued to lead to such unwarranted loss of lives. Hon. Festus called on NEMA, as well as the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Preparedness to provide relief to the victims.

He further called for the constitution of an Ad-Hoc Committee to ensure compliance, and that the Nigeria Police should clear all such illegal parking of fuel laden trucks by the road sides. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the relevant Ad-Hoc Committee to be constituted.

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​​PRESENTATION OF BILLS:

1. Federal Cooperative College, Kaduna (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.245) (Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu) – First Reading.
2. Federal Cooperative College, Oji River (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.246) (Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu) – First Reading.
3. Broadcasting Practitioners’ Council of Nigeria Bill, 2023(HB.247) (Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu) – First Reading.
4. Epidemiologist – General of the Federation of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.248) (Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu) – First Reading.
5. Federal University of Dental Technology and Therapy (Establishment) Bill, 2023(HB.249) (Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu) – First Reading.
6. Currency Change (Procedure) Bill, 2023 (HB.250) (Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu) – First Reading.
7. Nigeria Railway Corporation Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.251) (Hon. Dachung Bagos) – First Reading.
8. Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023(HB.252) (Hon. Dachung Bagos) – First Reading.
9. National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.253) (Hon. Dachung Bagos) – First Reading.
10. Federal Polytechnic, Zandi, Plateau State (Establishment) Bill, 2023(HB.254) (Hon. Dachung Bagos) – First Reading.
11. Federal College of Education (Technical) Ikom, Cross River State (Establishment) Bill, 2023(HB.255) (Hon. Victor Abang) – First Reading.
12. Freight Forwarding Bill, 2023(HB.256) (Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa) – First Reading.
13. Federal Medical Centre, Ohafia (establishment) Bill, 2023(HB.257) (Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa) – First Reading.
14. National Population Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023(HB.258) (Hon. Dominic Ifeanyi Okafor) – First Reading.
15. Federal College of Education (Special), Patani, (Establishment) Bill, 2023(HB.259) (Hon. Mutu Nicholas Ebomo) – First Reading
16. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999(Alteration) Bill, 2023(HB.260) (Hon. Mutu Nicholas Ebomo) – First Reading.
17. Federal Polytechnic, Akugbene, Delta State (Establishment) Bill, 2023(HB.261) (Hon. Mutu Nicholas Ebomo) – First Reading.
18. National Rice Development Council Bill, 2023(HB.262) (Hon. Saidu Musa Abdullahi) – First Reading.
19. Public Procurement Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023(HB.263) (Hon. Oluwole Oke) – First Reading.
20. Niger Delta Development Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023(HB.264) (Hon. Mutu Nicholas Ebomo and thirty-two Others) – First Reading.
21. Corporate Bodies (Members Emolument) Act (Repeal) Bill, 2023(HB.265) (Hon. Kama Nkemkanma) – First Reading.
22. Environmental Restoration Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2023(HB.266) (Hon. Kama Nkemkanma) – First Reading.
23. Minerals and Mining Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023(HB.267) (Hon. Kama Nkemkanma) – First Reading.
24. National Youth Service Corps Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023(HB.268) (Hon. Kama Nkemkanma) – First Reading.
25. National Institute of Vocational and Technical Education, Okurikang Okoyong, Odukpani, Cross River State (Establishment) Bill, 2023(HB.269) (Hon. Akiba Bassey) – First Reading.
26. Weights and Measures Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023(HB.270) (Hon. Kama Nkemkanma) – First Reading.
27. African Union Development Agency Bill, 2023(HB.271) (Hon. Dachung Bagos) – First Reading.
28. African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria Bill, 2023(HB.272) (Hon. Dachung Bagos) – First Reading.
29. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2023(HB.273) (Hon. Dachung Bagos) – First Reading.
30. National Commission for Museum and Monuments (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2023(HB.274) (Hon. Dachung Bagos) – First Reading.
31. Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023(HB.275) (Hon. Akintunde Rotimi) – First Reading.
32. South East Development Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2023(HB.276) (Hon. Matthew Nwogu) – First Reading.
33. Chartered Institute of Peace Practitioners (Establishment) Bill, 2023(HB.277) (Hon. Matthew Nwogu) – First Reading.
34. Federal Medical Centre, Takai (Establishment) Bill, 2023(HB.278) (Hon. Rabiu Yusuf) – First Reading.
35. Federal College of Science and Health Technology, Asira – Uba Borno State (Establishment) Bill, 2023(HB.279) (Hon. Midala Usman Balami) – First Reading.
36. Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery , Hawul, Borno State (Establishment) Bill, 2023(HB.280) (Hon. Midala Usman Balami) – First Reading.
37. Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (Establishment) Bill, 2023(HB.281) (Hon. Chinedu Ogah) – First Reading.
38. Federal Medical Centre, (Establishment) Amagu Ikwo, Ebonyi State Bill, 2023(HB.282) (Hon. Chinedu Ogah) – First Reading.
39. South West Development Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2023(HB.283) (Hon. Ademorin Kuye) – First Reading.
40. Federal University of Environmental Science, Ohaukwu, Ebonyi State(Establishment) Bill, 2023(HB.284) (Hon. Eze Nwachukwu Eze) – First Reading.
41. Federal Institute of Fisheries Research, Tafawa Balewa, Bauchi State. (Establishment) Bill, 2023(HB.285) (Hon. Jafaru Gambe Leko) – First Reading.
42. National Institute for Technical and Vocational Education, Bogoro, Bauchi State (Establishment) Bill, 2023(HB.286) (Hon. Jafaru Gambe Leko) – First Reading.
43. Federal University of Health Science, Dass, Bauchi State (Establishment) Bill, 2023(HB.287) (Hon. Jafaru Gambe Leko) – First Reading.
44. Mining Public – Private Partnership (Establishment) Bill, 2023(HB.289) (Hon. Lanre Okunlola) – First Reading.
45. Satellite Towns Development Agency Bill, 2023(HB.290) (Hon. Lanre Okunlola) – First Reading.
46. Federal Medical centre, Orile, Lagos State Bill, 2023(HB.291) (Hon. Lanre Okunlola) – First Reading.
47. National Flood Insurance (Establishment) Bill, 2023(HB.292) (Hon. Lanre Okunlola) – First Reading.
48. Administration of Jury Trials Criminal Justice Bill, 2023(HB.293) (Hon. Pascal Agbodike) – First Reading.
49. Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023(HB.294) (Hon. Pascal Agbodike) – First Reading.
50. Armed Forces Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023(HB.295) (Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Usman Rurum) – First Reading.
51. Civil Aviation Act Amendment Bill, 2023(HB.296) (Hon. Obi Aguocha and Two Others) – First Reading.
52. Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023(HB.297) (Hon. Obi Aguocha and Two Others) – First Reading.
53. Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023(HB.298) (Hon. Obi Aguocha and Two Others) – First Reading.
54. National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023(HB.299) (Hon. Obi Aguocha and Two Others) – First Reading.
55. Federal College of Education, Amaigbo (Establishment) Bill, 2023(HB.300) (Hon. Ugonna Ozurigbo) – First Reading.
56. Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.301) (Hon. Ugonna Ozurigbo) – First Reading.
57. Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023(HB.302) (Hon. Ugonna Ozurigbo) – First Reading.
58. Companies and Allied Matters Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023(HB.303) (Hon. Ugonna Ozurigbo) – First Reading.
59. Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023(HB.304) (Hon. Ugonna Ozurigbo) – First Reading.

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ORDERS OF THE DAY:

BILL:

1. A Bill For an Act to Amend the Niger-Delta Development Commission (Establishment etc) Act 2000, and for Related Matters (HB.264) (Hon. O. K. Chinda & Thirty Others – Second Reading.

Debate:

Hon. Kingsley Chinda moved for the second reading of the Bill, and it was seconded by Hon. Ginger Onwusibe. Hon. Chinda in leading the debate stated that the purpose of the amendment is to bring the Act in line and tandem with the Corporate Affairs Commission Laws of the land. The amendment Bill he stated called for a substantive corporate affairs department to take care of corporate social responsibilities in the Niger-Delta Development Commission. It also seeks the increment of the number of directors from 2 to 3 in order to accommodate this innovation which has now become a global practice that other public bodies should take cognizance of. The Bill was voted on, passed for second reading and referred to the committee of the Whole.

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MOTIONS:

2. Reconsideration of Outstanding Bills from the Preceding Assembly.

Hon. Julius Ihonvere:

(i) Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Bill, 2023 (HB. 207).

(ii) Federal Fire and Rescue Service Bill, 2023 (HB. 211).

(iii) Abuja Environmental Protection Board (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 212).

(iiii) Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 213).

(v) Administration of Criminal Justice Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 214).

(vi) Federal Medical Centre, Ovwian Delta State Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 222).

(vii) Nigerian Minerals and Mining Bill, 2023 (HB. 230).

(viii) Federal College of Health Technology, Benisheikh, Borno State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 234).

The House:

Notes that pursuant to Order Twelve, Rule 16 of the Standing Orders of the House, Bills passed by the preceding Assembly and forwarded to the Senate for concurrence for which no concurrence was made or negatived or passed by the Senate and forwarded to the House for which no concurrence was made or negatived, or which were passed by the National Assembly and forwarded to the President for assent but for which assent or withholding thereof was not communicated before the end of the tenure of the Assembly, the House may resolve that such Bill, upon being re-gazetted or clean copies circulated, be re-considered in the Committee of the Whole without being commenced de-novo;

Also notes that the aforementioned Bills were passed by the preceding Assembly and forwarded to the President for assent but for which assent or withholding thereof was not communicated before the end of the tenure of the last Assembly;

Aware that the Bills were re-gazetted as HBs. 207, 211, 212, 213, 214, 222, 230 and 234 read the first time, respectively;

Resolves to:

Commit the Bills to the Committee of the Whole for consideration.

Debate:

Hon. Julius Ihonvbere moved the motion on reconsideration of the outstanding Bills from the preceding Assembly, and it was seconded by Hon. Chinedu Ogah. The motion was voted on, adopted and the Bills were referred to the committee of the Whole.

3. Need to Commend Mr President on his Election as the Chairman of Authority of the Heads of States and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Hon. Julius O. Ihonvbere:

The House:

Notes that it is barely two months upon the swearing in of His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President and Commander -in – Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, and he has taken flight in confronting the challenges buffeting Nigeria as a country head long;

Also notes that there has been a deep sense of palpable relief in the polity since his inauguration on the 29 May, 2023, the country has experienced calmness and he has been able to exude confidence in the populace in his ability to lead Nigeria in this moment in time;

Further notes that Nigeria is now the focus of investors and corporate financial institutions globally, who are now very excited about Nigeria, especially against the background of the fast- paced dynamic economic policies that Mr. President has initiated within the few weeks of assuming office;

Aware that Mr. President has demonstrated uncommon boldness, vision and determination in tackling the ever recurring and sensitive issue of oil subsidy. The import of the removal of the inefficient oil subsidy regime/policy is no doubt, a huge burden off the back of Nigeria, as it will free up the much needed Foreign exchange, which will go a long way in creating job opportunities for our teeming number of youths, provide better medical services and generally improve the quality of our frail educational sector, among other social/ economic interventions;

Cognizant of the fact that Mr. President attended the forum for the first time, yet he was deemed worthy of been elected, as the Chairman. His emergence as Chairman of Authority of the Heads of States and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is no doubt in recognition of the feat achieved so far by Mr. President;

Confident in the abilities of Mr. President to deliver on his promises and pledge to protect the democratic culture in the sub-region and lead ECOWAS member states towards effective cooperation, political and economic development;

Congratulates Mr. President on this very laudable and historic feat, and pray for his successful tenure in office and wish the ECOWAS Member states flourishes under his watch;

Resolves to:

(i) urge Mr. Speaker and other Principal officers to pay Mr. President a courtesy visit to formally congratulate him on this achievement, and

(ii) encourage Mr. President to ensure the stability and progress of democratic trends in the sub-region as he enunciated in his acceptance speech.

The motion was stepped down by leave of the House.

4. Need to Stabilise Nigeria’s Foreign Exchange Rate.

Hon. Beni Lar:

The House:

Notes that on 14 June 2023, the Central Bank of Nigeria announced the unification of all segments of the foreign exchange market, however, on 17 July 2023, the US dollar was trading at 815 Naira to $1;

Also notes that in July 1980, the exchange rate was $1 to 0.80Kobo, in July 2022, the rate was $1 to 670 Naira, while in July 2023, the exchange rate is now $1 to 815 Naira,shortly after the new administration had promised during the campaigns and upon inauguration to stabilise Nigeria’s exchange rate at N200 to $1;

Further notes that in the 1980s, most of the food and products consumed were grown or produced in Nigeria, today the Nigerian economy is mainly dependent on importation and there lies the source of the terrible exchange rate we are now experiencing;

Observes that the importation of vehicles and other commodities has dropped, since the floating of the Naira by the single exchange rate;

Also observes that the impact of the unified exchange rates has made Nigerian Students abroad to suffer tuition fees increment by over 60 per cent making the money in their bank accounts insufficient to pay school fees due to devaluation of the Naira;

Concerned that the Naira has been on a rapid decline against the US dollar, Euro and Pounds Sterling, thus leading to hike in prices of goods and services, thereby worsening the inflationary situation and the cost of doing business in Nigeria;

Conscious that the high prices of goods and services are taking a huge toll on average Nigerians, making lives unbearable;

Cognizant that if this is not reversed, $1 could be exchanged for 1,000 Naira by December 2023, the current economic situation may trigger an inflationary spiral that may throw Nigeria into economic recession and depression;
Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Government to take necessary steps to stabilize the Naira; and

(ii) mandate the Committee on Banking and Currency (when constituted) to ensure compliance and report back within three weeks for further legislative action.

Debate:

Hon. Beni Lar moved the motion on the need to stabilize Nigeria’s foreign exchange rate, and it was seconded by Hon. Chukwugozie Nwachukwu. Hon. Beni Lar in leading the debate stated that the foreign exchange rate which relies on market forces makes the Nigerian market which is consumption based and not production based dependent on external factors which is economically wrong for our sovereign nation.

She called on the government to stimulate local industry production such that will expand local wealth creation. Hon. Lar stressed the need to truly start to patronize locally made goods from textiles to computers, to automobiles, fashion etc. which are all locally available.

The Deputy Speaker of the House Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu commended the spirit of the motion and urged the right indices of government already in place to be sustained.

Hon. Lawan Shettima while praising the spirit of the motion called for the motion not to be tainted by political sentiments. He called for the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he has shown commitment in governance so far, with truly good and bold intentions.

Hon. Ahmed Jaha called for patience on behalf of Nigerians for the present administration as the government inherited a society bedeviled by insecurity which discourages direct foreign investment, and that also affects foreign exchange. Hon. Jaha reminded Honourable members that several steps have been taken by the Executive and the Legislature to ensure a safe and prosperous society is achieved in Nigeria.

Hon. Leke Abejide stated that the issue of exchange rate and prices can only be achieved by market forces and not by fiat. He stated that the new administration is on course to eliminate round tripping of forex and encourage local market forces to excel.

Hon. Kingsley Chinda, in contributing to the motion stated that the prayers of the motion show that it is not politically biased but in the socioeconomic interest of Nigerians and the Federal Government and urged Honourable members to vote on that merit.

Hon. Dachung Bagos, in supporting the motion called on Honourable members to rise above partisan politics and vote wisely for the good of the local content laws established to protect and boost the socioeconomic interest and advantage of Nigerians that all Honourable members collectively represent despite political affiliations.

The Deputy Speaker of the House Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, wondered why the title of the motion, the body of the motion and the prayers of the motion contradict each other, which makes it seem hard to decide on the direction for Honourable members to vote.

Hon. Mohammed Katsina called on the leadership of the present government to pay serious attention to the security sector, oil refinery rehabilitation and other socioeconomic developmental indices, stating that by so doing, local economic development can be assured.

Hon. Ademorin Kuye, in opposing the motion criticized the disjointed nature of the motion as Nigeria does not truly have the highest inflation rate in Africa and to support it as a Legislature would not do justice to the true state of national affairs. He also stated that the foreign exchange policies of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s administration to support the Naira will definitely be for the socioeconomic good of Nigerians.

Hon. Ali Isa, while commending the motion called on Honourable members to support the prayers with the aim of giving the government the necessary support to succeed. The motion was voted on, but not adopted.

5. Need to Compel the International Oil Companies Operating in the Niger Delta Region to Comply with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Act.

Hon. Donald Kimikanboh Ojogo:

House:

Notes that the establishment of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Act, 2000 was in response to heightened agitations and violent yearnings for special intervention in the following oil-producing States: Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers as enshrined in Section 2 (1) of the subject under debate;

Also notes that Section 14 (1) of the NDDC Act states: “The Commission shall establish and maintain a fund from which shall defrayed expenditures incurred by the Commission. (2) There shall be paid and credited to the fund established under subsection (1) of this section: (a) from the Federal Government, the equivalent of 15 percent of the total monthly statutory allocations due to member States of the Commission from the Federation Account; this being the contribution of the Federal Government to the Commission-(b)3 percent of the total annual budget of any oil producing company operating, onshore and offshore, in the Niger-Delta Area; including gas processing companies; (c)50 percent of monies due to member States of the Commission from the Ecological Fund, (d) such monies as may from time to time, be granted or lent to or deposited with the Commission by the Federal or a State Government, any other body or institution whether local or foreign”;

Further notes that while the Federal Government has adhered to Section 14 (1) (a), the International Oil Companies (IOCs) have continually subjected Section 14(1)(b) to total neglect and distasteful disrespect, thereby putting the NDDC in a state of fiscal incapacity, culminating in serious indebtedness to contractors; more so, that, the NDDC is being owed $4 billion by the IOCs;

Aware that the indebtedness of the IOCs to the NDDC had culminated in the drive by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to commence the debt recovery process;

Worried that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in its recovery process, has continually held on to all such recovered monies without remitting same to the NDDC for the Commission to meet its obligations;

Resolves to:

Constitute an Ad-hoc Committee to investigate the flagrant disobedience of the aforementioned Section of the NDDC Act 2000 (as amended) by the International Oil Companies operating in the Niger Delta Region.

Debate:

Hon. Donald Ojogo moved the motion on the need to compel the international oil companies operating in the Niger Delta region to comply with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Act, and it was seconded by Hon. Hashimu Adamu. Hon. Ginger Awusibe proposed an amendment calling on the House committee on NDDC to investigate the fragrant disobedience of the Act by the international oil companies.

Hon. Mark Obeta further proposed an amendment to incorporate the House Committee on Anti Corruption when constituted to the prayers of the motion. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committee on NDDC when constituted.

6. Need to Speed up Rehabilitation of Gbongon–Iwo–Oyo Road of Osun Sate.

Hon. Mudashiru Lukman:

The House:

Notes the deplorable state of the Gbongan-Iwo-Oyo Federal road in Osun State, a 32-kilometre road which plays paramount role in the economic development of Osun State and its environs linking Oyo as a neighbouring State in the South Western part of Nigeria, passing through Iwo;

Aware of the concerted efforts by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari to curtail the predominance of the dilapidated road by awarding the rehabilitation of some failed sections of the road and reconstruction of other parts in 2011 to Kopek Nigeria Limited at the sum of Six Billion, Nine Hundred Million Naira (N6, 900,000,000) on a term for specific completion period of Eighteen (18) months, but was abandoned halfway;

Recalls that the Federal Controller of Works in Osun State, Mr Wasiu Atitebi, stated some time ago that work was commenced on the 32 kilometres road but was abandoned, the contractor was in January 2017 mobilised back to the site after a delayed period of three (3) years due to setbacks in the release of funds, it was also confirmed that the project was in its fifth extension;

Also recall that on a supervisory mission to the project site in 2018, the South-west Director of the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Adetunji Adeoye, affirmed the commitment of the Federal Government to the speedy completion of the road project, hence, its efforts to release funds when necessary;

Further recalls that the former Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, while on the project inspection in March, 2018 also disclosed that although President Muhammadu Buhari’s Administration had paid out the sum of Two Billion, Eight Hundred Million Naira (N2,800,000,000) out of the Six Billion, Nine Hundred Million Naira (N6,900,000,000) initial contract cost to Kopek Construction Company, his administration was painstakingly working on an upward contract review to accommodate any change in materials prices to complete the work;

Informed that the resolution seeking the intervention of the House on the road project were earlier adopted, yet, the road project has not been completed;

Worried that each rainy season has become a period a nightmare for road users, given that rain has worsened the deplorable state of the major roads, giving rise to potholes, erosion, creating unprecedented traffic congestion and incessant accidents, giving opportunities to hoodlums to perpetrate crimes;

Also worried that at the level of hardships, embarrassment and loss of man-hours experienced by workers, businessmen, farmers and inhabitants of the two States (Osun State and Oyo State) who no longer carry out their various daily activities on the road with ease;

Amazed at the high level of involvement by the Federal and States Government over years the expected result remains farfetched;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Executive Arm of Government to re-evaluate the cost of the 32km major road and include it in 2024 budget estimates and ensure release in the 2023 appropriation to enable it rehabilitation;

(ii) also urge the Federal Ministry of Works, Power and Housing to take a holistic look at the circumstances surrounding the road project to ascertain the factors that have caused the delays in completion of the road with a view to initiating satisfactory and accurate workable measures for a speedy completion of the road project;

(iii) mandate the Committees on Works and on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), (when constituted) to ensure compliance

Debate:

Hon. Mudashiru Lukman moved the motion on the need to speed up the rehabilitation of Gbongon–Iwo–Oyo road of Osun State, and it was seconded by Hon. Ojema Ojotu. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Works and that on FERMA when constituted.

7. Need to Address the Menace of Gully Erosion in Oron and Ekeya Community in Okobo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Hon. Martins Esin:

The House:

Notes the loss of lives and destruction of properties worth hundreds of Millions of Naira as a result of ravaging gully erosion which has created massive and rapidly growing ravines in Iquita Community, Oran Local Government Area and Ekeya Community in Okobo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State;

Also notes that these Ravines are widening geometrically due to consistent rainfalls in the area being a coastal area in the rain-belt of the South-South geo-political zone which experiences heavy and continuous rainfall almost throughout the year;

Further notes that unless immediate steps are taken by the concerned agencies to control the widening and spreading erosion, residents of adjoining streets and communities will continue to live in fear of losing their homes and sources of livelihood in the foreseeable future;

Concerned that Iquita village is at the heart of Oron town which is the melting point of Oro people and the Political Headquarters of Oran/Mbo/Okobo/Udung Uko/Urueoffong Oruko Federal Constituency which hosts several important institutions and commercial ventures including the General Hospital, First Bank, Access Bank, Eco-Bank Pic, a Timber Market, Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED), worship centres and houses are being threatened by the widening ravine;

Worried that if the relevant authorities do not intervene urgently, the entire Iquita and Ekeya Communities and indeed Oron town will be swept away by this ravaging and menacing erosion which has already rendered several families homeless especially residents of Hospital lane, Eyousotai Street and Iquita Lane and several children from these communities have been forced out of school and rendered destitute alongside their parents by this erosion menace;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials and provide a temporary camp for the affected Communites as a temporal succour to alleviate their sufferings pending a permanent solution to the erosion menace;

(ii) also urge the Ecological Fund Office to visit the sites to take statistics of the extent of ravage and liaise with the Ministry of Environment for urgent intervention; and

(iii) mandate the Committee on Environment (when constituted) to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Environment to ensure the provision of funds to address the erosion menace in the 2024 budget estimates.

Debate:

Hon. Martins Esin moved the motion on the need to address the menace of gully erosion in Oron and Ekeya community in Okobo local government area of Akwa Ibom State, and it was seconded by Hon. Rodney. The motion was voted on and adopted.

8. Collapse of River Benue: Call for Government Intervention.

Hon. Ojotu Ojema:

The House:

Notes the state of Communities in Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency as they swim in the ocean of flooding annually, especially residents of the Enminyi community in Agatu Local Government Area who live around the Benue River;

Also notes that year- in and year- out, the Benue River is supposed to attract tourists and consequently, revenue to the Federal government and the people of Benue State but it has brought nothing but agony to the people as lives, properties, and means of livelihood are lost to flooding from excess water that sips out of the River Benue as a result of the damaged shorelines of the river and other ecological causes;

Further notes that houses, farmlands, public places such as schools, hospitals, markets etc, in the Federal constituency were submerged in the overflowing water from River Benue and the people who were battling with herders’ crisis are displaced while economic and agricultural activities have been brought to a halted;

Notes that the disaster has continued to result in many deaths of residents of the riverside communities in Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency as a result of deterioration of their health conditions owing to waterborne diseases, and if nothing is done to remedy the situation, a large part of the Federal Constituency may become extinct owing to flooding and erosion;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Environment, Ecological Fund Office and the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to address the menace of erosion and flooding in Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency;

(ii) also urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to open a sub-station within the Federal Constituency to provide quick succour to flood and erosion victims pending the resolution of the ecological problems;

(iii) mandate the Committees on Environment, Ecology, and Special Duties (when constituted) to engage the Federal Ministry of Environment, Ecological Fund Office to come up with a lasting work plan to arrest the erosion and flooding problems experienced by the Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency.

Debate:

Hon. Ojotu Ojema moved the motion on the collapse of River Benue and call for government intervention, and it was seconded by Hon. Abubakar Ahmad. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Environment, Ecology as well as that on Special Duties when constituted.

9. Call to Investigate the Closure of some Microfinance Banks across the nation.

Hon. James Shuaibu Barka:

The House:

Notes that on May 22, 2023, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revoked the operational license of forty-seven (47) Microfinance Banks across the country, including Biyama Microfinance Bank Ltd, Hong Local Government Area in Adamawa State;

Also notes that the reasons cited in the communication include that the banks were either inactive, insolvent, failed to render returns, closed shop, or ceased to carry on the type of banking business for which they were licensed for more than six (6) months in contravention of the Banks & Other Financial Institution Act (BOFIA) 2020;

Concerned that the closure of Biyama Microfinance Bank, which is the only community bank in the Hong Local Government Area, has caused undue hardship to the people who depend on the banking and financial services offered by the bank for their small and medium enterprises;

Worried that closing down the only financial institution in a place where the people go through so much hardship to earn stipends to deposit, or to get small loans to run small businesses for survival would only frustrate them further and may push them into crime in order to survive;

Cognizant that Hong is one of the Local Government Areas that was ravaged by Boko haram insurgents, which left thousands of people without any means of livelihood, thus a deliberate bias of economic stimulating activities in favour of such communities would go a long way in helping to resuscitate their local economy;

Aware that after the recapitalization of the Bank to the required fifty 50) million naira share capital, the Bank never ceased operating in line with BOFlA and has been making all required reports and returns;

Also aware that the Board of the Bank and other stakeholders have reviewed the incident and written a formal complaint to the CBN, objecting to the revocation of their license as, since regular visits from the CBN, the Bank has never been accused of defaulting, neither has any examiner’s report been issued to show that the Bank has offended any law, rules or regulations of any of the regulatory authorities;

Disturbed that if the situation is not urgently resolved, the people will resort to keeping their money at home, which makes them easy prey for armed robbery and burglary;

Also aware that the people of Hong Local Government Area are predominantly farmers, and the rainy season is their most active season, thus the matter requires urgent attention;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to restore back the operational licenses of the affected financial institutions until investigations on their status are concluded;

(ii) mandate the Committee on Banking and Currency (when constituted) to investigate the recent revocation of the operational licenses of Microfinance Banks across the country and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Debate:

Hon. James Barka moved the motion on the call to investigate the closure of some micro finance banks across the nation, and it was seconded by Hon. Mitema Obordor. Hon. Ahmed Jaha proposed an amendment to delete prayer one in order not to invalidate the report of the motion by making it look conclusive before the due investigation. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House committee on Banking and Currency when constituted.

10. Need to Activate the Basic Healthcare Provisions for Primary Healthcare Services (PHC) in Dass/Bogoro/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency of Bauchi State.

Hon. Jafaru Gambo Leko:

The House:

Notes that the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), is a programme of the Federal Government which commenced healthcare service delivery since 2021 nationwide, with an agenda to better the primary healthcare needs of the rural communities;

Also notes that the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) is yet to be fully operational in Dass/Bogoro/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency and in the other parts of the country;

Further notes that due to non-implementation of the scheme, there has been an astronomical increase in the rate of maternal and infant mortality in the rural areas of Dass/Bogoro/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency, Bauchi State as reported by The Cable Newspaper;

Aware that the worth of human lives is unquantifiable and as such important for the people especially at the grassroot to receive adequate healthcare for a healthy living;

Also aware that this lack of funding has caused continuous neglect of the primary healthcare system in Dass/Bogoro/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency and in the other parts of the country;

Concerned that the continuous denial of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) nationwide, if not addressed may result to primary healthcare being accessible only by the rich;

Also concerned that this lack of funding has resulted to a neglect of the primary healthcare system in Dass/Bogoro/TafawaBalewa Federal Constituency and in the other parts of the country, and if not attended to might snowball into a virus/disease outbreak;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Health to activate the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHPF) in Dass/Bogoro/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency and in the other parts of the country;

(ii) also urge the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to as a matter of urgent importance rise to the occasion and awake their moribund presence in Dass/Bogoro/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency and in the other parts of the country;

(iii) mandate the committee on healthcare services when constituted to ensure compliance.

Debate:

Hon. Jafaru Leko moved the motion on the need to activate the basic healthcare provisions for Primary Healthcare Services (PHC) in Dass/Bogoro/Tafawa Balewa federal constituency of Bauchi State, and it was seconded by Hon. Anderson Alison.

Hon. Isa Mohammed proposed an amendment to the heading of the motion to call for the activation of the ‘funds’ and not the ‘provisions’ of the healthcare services. He also proposed that the second prayer should be deleted as the first prayer takes care of it and that the Ministry of Health, as well as the National Primary Healthcare Agency should ensure the activation of such funds. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House committee on Healthcare services when constituted.

11. Need to Reconstruct the Amukpe/Eku/Agbor Federal Road, Delta State.

Hon. Etanabene Benedict:

The House:

Notes the dilapidated state of the Amukpe/Eku/Agbor Federal Road, in Delta State, passing through Edo State at the Urhonigbe axis, and which has completely cut-off users at the Umutu-Abavo end in the last five (5) years;

Also notes that the Amupke/Eku/Agbor Federal Road is a major road, most suitable for travellers from Bayelsa State and the Delta Central/South area wishing to connect the Eastern and Northern parts of Nigeria;

Concerned that the deplorable state of the road from Oviri-Okpe through Eku/Abraka and Umutu, where it finally cut off, to Abavo and Agbor has made it impossible for transportation of goods, especially agricultural products, and using alternative routes takes much longer, resulting in loss of perishable food items as well as businesses closing down as a result of the inability to access agricultural raw materials;

Also concerned that due to frequent falling of articulated vehicles on the road, other commuters would often have to wait longer hours and, sometimes, days for the vehicles to be removed before they can pass through;

Worried that over the years, due to the dilapidated state of the road, the route has become a haven for armed robbers and other criminals to attack and kidnap stranded commuters, especially along Eku and Abraka, and the Umutu and Abavo axis;

Concerned that if urgent steps are not taken to reconstruct this road, the suffering of commuters would only worsen and criminals would be more emboldened in their operations;

Resolves to:

(i) urge on the Federal Ministry of Works to commence work on the dilapidated Amukpe/Eku/Agbor Federal Road;

(ii) also urge the Federal Ministry of Finance to release funds for the SUKUK IV project which covers the said road; and

(iii) mandate the Committee on works to ensure compliance.

Debate:

Hon. Etanabene Benedict moved the motion on the need to reconstruct the Amukpe/Eku/Agbor Federal road, Delta State, and it was seconded by Hon. Muktar Zakariya. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House committee on Works when constituted.

12. Call to Establish a Naval Base in Oloibiri Court Beach to Curb Incessant Sea Piracy and Kidnapping Attacks.

Hon. Obordor Mitema:

The House:

Notes that the Oloibiri Court Beach is a waterfront that links the Ogbia, Nembe and Brass areas of Bayelsa;

Also notes that Chapter 2 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as (amended) particularly section 14 (2) (b) provides thus, the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government, hence the need to establish a naval base at a strategic location that links Ogbia, Nembe and Brass in Bayelsa State, to curb the increasing piracy and kidnapping attacks in the area;

Aware that despite the provision on security and the right to life by the constitution, there has been an increase in the rate of Kidnapping, Sea Piracy and Armed Robbery in the Ogbia Federal constituency;

Also aware that the Kidnappers, Sea Pirate and Armed Robbers operate through the waterways with over 50 reported cases and 20 dead and even the few that make it alive suffer life-threatening illness due to the torture, and inhumane conditions these Assailants make them suffer;

Worried that the Divisional Police Station in Ogbia town has been attacked severally by these assailants. Six Policemen lost their lives in some of those attacks and some ammunition were also stolen;

Also worried that on 26 June, 2023 the Divisional Police Station in Ogbia town was attacked killing Policemen on duty with some sustained degrees of injuries, their arms and ammunitions were” carted away by the assailants whose firepower was superior to that of the Policemen;

Concerned that people now live in fear due to insecurity, means of livelihood such as fishing and farming have stopped and people are migrating to other locations, businesses are shutting down. education systems also have been affected;

Also concerned that unless this pressing issue of insecurity is tackled with tenacity the lives of my people will continue to be in grave danger;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Nigerian Navy to establish a permanent Naval Base at the Oloibiri Court Beach to respond to distress calls whenever the assailant attack;

(ii) also urge the various Security Agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army etc to ensure synergy to have an effective and efficient communication system around the areas;

(iii) mandate the Committee on Navy (when constituted) to ensure compliance.

Debate:

Hon. Obordor Mitema moved the motion calling for the establishment of a naval base in Oloibiri Court Beach to curb incessant sea piracy and kidnapping attacks, and it was seconded by Hon. Sani Lawan. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House committee on Navy when constituted.

13. Need for Intervention on the Gully Erosion in Aba North Local Government Area of Abia State.

Hon Emeka Nnamani:

The House:

Notes that due to torrential rainfall which damaged economic crops and washed away farmlands, Ogbo Community in Aba North and South Federal Constituency in Abia State has suffered devastating gully erosion which has brought with it untold hardship, poses an imminent threat to lives and property of the residents;

Concerned that Ogbo Community has, over the years grappled with the problem of erosion without receiving any succour from either the State or the Federal Government;

Aware that the people of Ogbo Community have resorted to self-help to mitigate the ravaging effects of erosion in the community but their efforts have failed to control the erosion in the community;

Also concerned that the houses of some residents of the community have been swallowed by the erosion, forcing them to take refuge on higher and safer grounds;

Worried that if the erosion in Ogbo Community are not urgently addressed, it could degenerate into a national disaster as surrounding communities are also under threat of being swept away;

Also worried that the interventions by the Abia State Government to address the erosion have not yielded the desired result due to a lack of the needed expertise and funds to confront such a threat.

Resolves to:

(i) urge the National Emergency Management Agency of Nigeria (NEMA) to provide relief materials to the victims of the erosion disaster in Ogbo Community in Aba North Local Government Area of Abia State;

(ii) also urge the Ecological Fund office to release adequate funds to solve the erosion challenge in Aba North Local Government Area of Abia State;

(iii) mandate the Committees on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness and Ecological Fund to ensure compliance.

Debate:

Hon. Emeka Nnamani moved the motion on the urgent need for intervention on the threat of gully erosion in Aba North local government area of Abia State, and it was seconded by Hon. Maureen Chinwe. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House committee on Ecology when constituted.

14. Call for Intervention on the Perennial Flooding in the Federal Capital Territory.

Hon. Joshua Chinedu Obika:

The House:

Notes the alarming upsurge of flood in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) over the years due to heavy uncontrollable floods, leaving tales of woes in the minds of the affected families;

Also notes the periodic flooding in Lokogoma, Galadimawa and particularly Trademore estate and other adjourning Estates on the Airport road which has led to loss of lives and properties;

Aware that Trademore Estates currently houses over 20,000 people and have been in existence since 2007, when the first set of residents were allocated houses through a mortgage process administered by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria;

Worried that the perennial flooding is on the increase geometrically bearing in mind the recent havoc at Trademore Estate as a result of heavy rainfall on 23 June 2023, when houses were submerged in water, while some were pulled down and killing a lecturer at the University of Abuja;

Also worried that residents living in the Trade Moore Estate have not witnessed any form of environmental degradation until the flooding on 5 May 2014, consequently experts were engaged by residents to ascertain the causes and make recommendations, which were formally communicated to the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA);

Aware that the residents had at the time, controlled the smooth flow of water passage by averting flooding of the estate from 2015 to 2018, however, the estate and its environs have been witnessing heavy flooding annually since 2019;

Cognizant of the need to call the Federal Government agencies related to tackling Flooding in FCT to avert future occurrences which is inevitable;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the FCT Emergency Management Agency to provide relief materials to the victims of Trade Moore Estate;

(ii) mandate the Committee on Federal Capital Territory Administration (when constituted) to ensure compliance.

Debate:

Hon. Joshua Obika moved a motion on a call for government intervention on the perennial flooding in the Federal Capital Territory, and it was seconded by Hon. Abdullahi Halims. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House committee on Federal Capital Territory when constituted.

15. Need to Investigate the Recent Oil Spillage in Ogale, Eteo, Aleto, Akpajo, Agbonchia, Okpaku and Alesa Communities in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Hon. Felix Uche Nwaeke:

The House:

Notes that in the past three weeks there has been a series of oil spillage in Ogale, Eteo, Aleto, Akpajo, Agbonchia, Okpaku and Alesa Communities in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State;

Also notes that the spill is from several points of a facility operated by the NNPC/SPDC/Total Energies/NAOC Joint Venture in the Eleme- Ogoni axis of Rivers State;

Concerned that the spillage affected residential houses, farm lands, streams and surrounding waters in the communities and have left the people stranded as their homes and farms are covered in crude oil;

Worried that if nothing is done to stop these recurring spillages as well as clean up the environment immediately, the people will suffer severe hardship owing to the loss of their farmlands, crops, homes and water sources;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Nigerian Oil Spill Detection Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) to immediately visit Ogale, Eteo, Aleto, Akpajo, Agbonchia, Okpaku and Alesa Communities in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State affected communities and commence a cleanup of the crude oil spill therein;

(ii) mandate the Committee on Host Communities (when constituted) to investigate the cause of the recurring oil spillage in Ogale, Aleto, Akpajo, Agbonchia, Onne, Okpaku and Alesa Communities in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State with a view to proffering lasting solutions to the problem and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Debate:

Hon. Felix Nwaeke moved the motion on the need to investigate the recent oil spillage in Ogale, Eteo, Aleto, Akpajo, Agbonchia, Okpaku and Alesa communities in Eleme local government area of Rivers State, and it was seconded by Hon. Umar Ajilo. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House committee on Host Communities once constituted.

16. Need Relocate Gara and Bajuwa Communities from Flood-Prone Areas and the Construction of a Dam in Galmara, Zaki Federal Constituency, Bauchi State.

Hon. Mohammed Dan Abba Shehu:

The House:

Notes that during the rainy season in 2022 about 150 persons were rendered homeless by floods in Gara and Bajuwa in laki Local Government while some members of the community are still taking refuge in temporary IDPs camp;

Also notes that the recurring problem of flooding in Bauchi State is dated back fifty years and has continued to remain a nightmare for members of the community every rainy season leading to the loss of lives and destruction of properties;

Worried that the devastating rainfalls affected the economic activities of the people destroyed farmlands, and basic sources of livelihoods and disconnected neighbouring communities and families;

Also worried that the Gara and Bajuwa Communities were submerged and other Communities within Zaki, badly affected;

Further notes the challenges of flooding are enormous and the Federal Government should take immediate steps in finding a lasting solution to the menace, relocate Gara and Bajuwa Communities to a safer environment and to also construct a Dam at Galmara in Zaki Federal Constituency of Bauchi State;

Concerned that if nothing is done to construct a dam in Galmara, Zaki Federal Constituency, Bauchi State more lives may continue to suffer resulting unquantified damages;

Resolve to:

(i) urge the Federal Government to allocate land to Gara and Bajuwa to a new settlement;

(ii) also urge the Federal Ministries of Water Resources to facilitate the construction of a Dam in Galmara to checkmate the menace of flood in that community;

(iii) further urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to as a matter of urgency, send relief materials to the affected communities to ameliorate the sufferings of Gara and Bajuwa, lIalla, MurMur, Ariri, Asake, Sutuwa Futti and Saradugum;

(iv) mandate the Committees on Environment, Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, Ecological Fund and Water Resources (when constituted) to visit the affected areas to ascertain the extent of damage caused by the flooding and include the Project in the 2024 budget estimates;

(v) also mandate the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure implementation.

Debate:

Hon. Mohammed Shehu moved the motion on the need to relocate Gara and Bajuwa communities from flood prone areas and the construction of a dam in Galmara, Zaki Federal Constituency, Bauchi State, and it was seconded by Hon. Munachi.

An amendment was proposed to amend prayer one calling on the Federal Government to liaise with the Bauchi State Government, and not to act without due approval. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committee on Environment, Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, Ecological Fund, as well as that on Legislative Compliance when constituted.

17. Call on the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) to give Special Quota Allocations to Nigerian Universities to Accommodate Admission of Interested Nigerian Medical Sudanese Students.

Hon. Aliyu Iiyasu Abubakar:

The House:

Notes that the recent crisis in Sudan has caused severe hardship to the many Nigerian students studying in Sudanese universities forcing them to flee; Abandon their academic pursuits and return home to seek refuge;

Also notes that the Federal Government through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission in conjunction with the Joint Admission Matriculation Board and National Universities Commission have declared that Provisions have been made to integrate Nigerian students into universities to continue their education;

Aware that the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) is empowered to regulate medical practice in Nigeria as well as allocate admission quota to Nigerian medical universities;

Also aware that while promises have been made, returning medical students have noticed with utter dismay their inability to gain admission as a result of the quota allocation imposed by the Medical and dental Council of Nigeria;

Concerned that the failure of the returning Nigerian students to gain admission into Nigerian Universities and continue their academic pursuits could render them idle and frustrated and therefore pose a psycho challenge;

Further concerned that the non-admittance of these students constitutes an abandonment of the very core responsibility of the government to provide accessible education to its people, and therefore affirms that the federal government must do all it can to ensure a system is put in place such that they are easily absorbed into the various medical institutions across the federation.

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) to give special quota allocations to Nigerian Universities to enable them to accommodate the admission of interested Nigerian Students that left their Medical studies in Sudan;

(ii) also urge the National Universities Commission (NUC) to fast-track the additional quota allocation to Nigerian Universities;

(iii) mandate the Committees on Health Institutions and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and revert within 4 weeks.

Debate:

Hon. Aliyu Abubakar moved the motion on the call on the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) to give special quota to Nigerian Universities to accommodate admission of interested Nigerian Medical Sudanese Students, and it was seconded by Hon. Adeyemi Taofeek. The motion was voted, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Tertiary Institution, Health Institutions, as well as that on Legislative Compliance when constituted.

18. Need to Investigate Abuse of Peace Keeping Operations in Nigeriaand Mismanagement of its Proceeds/Funds.

Hon. Zakaria Dauda Nyampa:

The House:

Notes that peace keeping operations among nations/countries in the world play a vital role in stabilizing fraoile nations like Nigeria in view of insurgency, engaging communities, protecting civilians and promoting pcace proceses to prevent vulnerable regions from becoming terrorist safe havens;

Also notes that Peace keeping as defined by the United Nations, “is a way to help countries torn by conflict with a view to creating conditions for sustainable peace Peacekeeping comprises activities intended to create conditions that favor lasting peace. Research generally finds that peacekeeping reduces civilian and battle field deaths, as well as reduces the risk of renewed warfare/conflict;

Aware that the broader mission of United Nations includes but not Iimited to peace enforcement, peacemaking, peace keeping, peace building and post conflict reconstruction;

Disturbed that the proceeds of peace keeping operation has never featured as source of revenue in the national budget nor captured in the Medium Term Expenditures Framework(MTEF) presented to the National Assembly by the previous governments, hence, the need to block revenue leaka;

18. Need to Investigate Abuse of Peace Keeping Operations in Nigeriaand Mismanagement of its Proceeds/Funds:
    Hon. Zakaria Dauda Nyampa.

The House:

Notes that peace keeping operations among nations/countries in the world play a vital role in stabilizing fraoile nations like Nigeria in view of insurgency, engaging communities, protecting civilians and promoting pcace proceses to prevent vulnerable regions from becoming terrorist safe havens;

Also notes that Peace keeping as defined by the United Nations, “is a way to help countries torn by conflict with a view to creating conditions for sustainable peace Peacekeeping comprises activities intended to create conditions that favor lasting peace. Research generally finds that peacekeeping reduces civilian and battle field deaths, as well as reduces the risk of renewed warfare/conflict;

Aware that the broader mission of United Nations includes but not Iimited to peace enforcement, peacemaking, peace keeping, peace building and post conflict reconstruction;

Disturbed that the proceeds of peace keeping operation has never featured as source of revenue in the national budget nor captured in the Medium Term Expenditures Framework(MTEF) presented to the National Assembly by the previous governments, hence, the need to block revenue leakages to this effect;

Concerned that the mismanagement of the proceeds of peace keeping operation in Nigeria has reached a point where all the parties involved need to account for the spending;

Worried that if this practice of non-inclusion of proceeds of Peace Keeping operations in the budgets and Medium Term Expenditures Framework and poor accountability of funds is not stoped nation building will be meaningless;

Resolves to:

set up an Ad-hoc Committee to carry out an investigation on the abuse and mismanagement of proceeds of Peace Keeping Operations in Nigeria from 2010 to 2022 and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Debate:

Hon. Zakaria Nyampa moved the motion on the need to investigate the abuse of peace keeping operations in Nigeria and mismanagement of its proceeds/funds, and it was seconded by Hon. Blessing Amadi. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the proposed Ad-Hoc committee when constituted.

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CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF THR WHOLE).

Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu chaired:

19. A Bill for an Act to an Act to Amend the Electricity Act, 2023 to Address the concern of Host Communities ad for Related Matters (HB. 38) – Committee of the Whole:20/7/2023.

Synopsis of the report:

Hon. Julius Ihonvbere stated that the amendment Bill seeks to involve host communities in the contribution to power generation and ensure that these communities, especially those that have the means and ways to aid the national grid are empowered to do so. It also seeks to ensure a percentage of the funds generated goes to these host communities.

Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase raised an observation that the listed companies are 18 but provisions were made for 19 companies to benefit from the process without explanation. He also stated that the Bill seeks to amend some clauses that have not been properly captured and explained for Honourable members in the committee of the Whole to know specifically what they are voting on clause-by-clause.

Hon. Kingsley Chinda also called for more light on the percentage for the host communities and the generating companies as the complete compendium was not duly circulated. The percentage he stated seems to fluctuate especially concerning their corporate social responsibility.

In light of this, further consideration of the report was stepped down by leave of the House for further legislative action.

20. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Medical Centres Act and Establish Federal Medical Center, Ibeju
    Lekki, Lagos State and for Related Matters (HB. 160) – Committee of the Whole: 25/7/2023.

Synopsis of the report:

Hon. Julius Ihonvbere stated that the Bill simply seeks to ensure the proposed institution is included in the list of established medical centers.

Summary of voting:

Clauses voted in and approved: 1-3

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HOUSE IN PLENARY:

The House reverted back to plenary and adopted the report of the Committee of the Whole following a motion by Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, and seconded by Hon. Kingsley Chinda.

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Adjournment:

The House at 15:12 PM adjourned plenary to Thursday, July 27th 2023 by 11:00 A.M following a motion for adjournment moved by the Leader of the House Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, and seconded by the Minority Leader Hon. Kingsley Chinda

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