Nigeria National Assembly: Plenary proceedings of the House of Reps, Tues, Nov 7th, 2023.

The Speaker of the House Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen presided.

By admin , in Uncategorized , at November 7, 2023

After leading the opening prayer and recitation of the national pledge, the Speaker approved the votes and proceedings of Thursday, November 2nd, 2023.

Hon. Usman Kumo moved for the House to suspend its relevant rules to allow for admission into the chambers some Distinguished Senators to witness the swearing-in of a member-elect and it was seconded by Hon. Aliyu Sani Madaki.

Administration of Oath of allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and that of the Office of a Member of the House of Representatives on a Member-elect:

Hon. John Daffan (Plateau APC).

PETITIONS:

Hon. Uduak Alphonsus laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the Nigerian Navy on alleged illegal, unlawful and malicious seizure/destruction of a vessel.
Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi laid a petition on behalf of a complainant on alleged victimization, false accusation and unlawful dismissal without due cause from the place he was working.
Hon. Ahmed Shehu laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against Ethiopian Airlines on alleged inhuman treatment, gross infringement of his rights and general discomfort while on board their flight.
Hon. Rufus Adeniyi laid 3 petitions on behalf 3 different complainants on different issues.
Hon. Paul Ekpo Akwa laid 2 petitions on behalf 2 different complainants on different issues.
Hon. Adebayo Adepoju laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the University College Hospital, Ibadan. He asked the House to intervene on alleged continuing neglect by the management of the hospital to pay the salaries of some staff for about 6 months.
Hon. Okolie Lawrence laid a petition on behalf of a complainant on his alleged unlawful retirement, he prayed the intervention of the House for his reemployment.

All petitions were referred to the House Committee on Public Petitions.

MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:

Hon. Victor Ogene moved a motion on the need to rescue a community in Anambra State from the jaws of violent criminal gangs and it was seconded by Hon. Idu Emeka.

Hon. Ogene in leading the debate stated that the gangs have continuously engaged in reprisal killings. He warned that the continuous mayhem caused by the violence of these gangs can halt the socioeconomic activities of the community which is an oil-producing community with huge national economic benefits. He further expressed concern at the plight being suffered by the residents of the community without respite from government security agencies. Hon. Ogene called on the House committee on Humanitarian Affairs as well as that on Disaster Preparedness to come to the aid of the those affected.

The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House committee on National Emergency Management Agency.

Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi moved a motion on the urgent need for the immediate relief and rehabilitation of a bridge linking Uzere in Isoko South and Asabese of Delta State and it was seconded by Hon. Mohammed Shehu. Hon. Ezechi in leading the debate stated that the collapsed bridge has led to the loss of lives. He further stressed that due to the unavailability of the bridge, commuters are unable to access vital services needed for daily living. He called on the Federal government to ensure the reconstruction of the bridge for the good of Nigerians in the region.

Hon. Ezechi called on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as well as the Federal Road Management Agency (FERMA), the House Committee on FERMA, Disaster Preparedness as well as that on Works to ensure compliance to the prayers of the motion. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Emergency and Disaster Management, FERMA, NDDC as well as that on Works.

Hon. Shettima Ali moved a motion on the terrorist attack on Geidam community in Yobe State and it was seconded by Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka. Hon. Ali in leading the debate stated that the attacks were carried out without provocation and that some villagers also ran into planted explosives the next day that created great havoc to them. He stated that these attacks have continued unabated from time-to-time.

He called on the relevant security agencies of government to step up efforts to fortify security around the region as the emboldened gangs now collect taxes from the residents. He Hon. Ali further urged the Northeast Development Commission as well as the National Emergency Management Agency to provide relief for the victims. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Army, National Emergency Management Agency, Disaster Preparedness, as well as that on Northeast Development Commission.

Hon. Satomi Ahmad moved a motion on the need for urgent military intervention and rescue of farmers from Boko Haram terrorists in Jere community of Borno State and it was seconded by Hon. Mani Soro. Hon. Satomi in leading the debate stated that the attack by the terrorists left some farmers dead while others were kidnapped leaving the community in shock and fear. He called on the Nigerian Army to ensure security presence in the region to boost the confidence and safety of residents, as well as ensure the rescue of the missing farmers.

He further called on the House committee Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Preparedness as well as that on Army to ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Army as well as that on Disaster Preparedness.

PRESENTATION OF BILLS:

Central Bank of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.841) (Hon. Sada Soli) – First Reading.
Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.842) (Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whigan) – First Reading.
National Root Crop Production Institute, Samaru Kataf, Kaduna State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.843) (Hon. Gwamna Magaji) – First Reading.
Infectious Diseases Centre, Kwoi, Kaduna State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.844) (Hon. Gwamna Magaji) – First Reading.
Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition, Port Harcourt, Rivers State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.845) (Hon. Sagir Ibrahim Koki) – First Reading.
Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Kano Municipal, Kano State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.846) (Hon. Sagir Ibrahim Koki) – First Reading.
Currency Offences Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.847) (Hon. Awaji – Inombek Abiante) – First Reading.
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 Act (Alteration) Bill, 2023 (HB.848) (Hon. Awaji – Inombek Abiante) – First Reading.
Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.849) (Hon. Mudashiru Lukman Alani) – First Reading.
Federal Universities of Agriculture Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.850) (Hon. Mudashiru Lukman Alani) – First Reading.
National Emergency Management Agency Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.851) (Hon. Chimaobi Sam Atu) – First Reading.
National Directorate of Employment Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.852) (Hon. Chimaobi Sam Atu) – First Reading.
Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Ugwuaji, Enugu State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.853) (Hon. Chimaobi Sam Atu) – First Reading.
Banks and other Financial Institutions Act (Amendment) Bill 2023 (HB.854) (Hon. Aliyu Bappa Misau) – First Reading.
Counterfeit Currency (Special Provision) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.855) (Hon. Aliyu Bappa Misau) – First Reading.
Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.856) (Hon. Aliyu Bappa Misau) – First Reading.
Niger Delta Development Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.857) (Hon. George Ibezimako Ozodino) – First Reading.
Federal University of Science and Technology, Ajingi, Kano State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.858) (Hon. Ghali Mustapha Tijjani) – First Reading.
Corporate Social Responsibility Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.859) (Hon. Saidu Musa Abdullahi) – First Reading.
Federal Capital Territory Border States Development Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.860) (Hon. Saidu Musa Abdullahi) – First Reading.

ORDERS OF THE DAY:

BILLS:

A Bill for an Act to Regulate Corporate Social Responsibility in Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB. 242) (Hon. Olumide Osoba) – Second Reading.

Second reading of the bill stepped down by leave of the House.

A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Medical Centres and Establish Federal Medical Centre Kwale, Delta State and for Related Matters (HB. 680) (Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi) – Second Reading.

Debate:

Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi moved for the second reading of the bill and it was seconded by Hon. Hamisu Ibrahim. Hon. Ezechi in leading debate stated that the bill seeks to improve access to medical healthcare for Nigerians in the region. He stressed that with the proposed medical center which will be sited in the strategic central location of Kwale, people will no longer have to travel long distances to access quality healthcare services. Hon. Ezechi stated that Kwale is one of the oil-rich communities in Nigeria and it is unfair not to have a federal medical center in the region. The bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House committee on Health Institutions.

MOTIONS:

Recession of the Resolution on the Deplorable Living Conditions of Officers of the Nigeria Police Force (HR.291/10/2023)

Hon. Francis E. Waive:

The House:

Notes that on Thursday, 26 October 2023 it was resolved among others to urge the Ministry of Interior and Police Affairs to liaise with the Bureau of Public Enterprise to immediately assess the value of all Federal Owned Barracks across the country and announce a public offering for same;

Also notes that the motion is strictly addressing the plight of the Police Barracks nationwide;

Alarm at the warning sign raised in the first prayer of the motion;

Resolves to:

(i) Rescind the resolution in prayer 1 of the motion and insert thereof:

(ii) mandate the Committee on Police Affairs to visit the Police Barracks nationwide to assess the level of infrastructural decay of the Barracks to boast the morals of the men and officers of the Nigeria Police Force.”

Debate:

Hon. Francis Waive moved the motion on the recession of resolution on the deplorable living conditions of officers of the Nigeria Police Force (HR.291/10/2023), and it was seconded by Hon. Bello Ambarura. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Police Affairs.

Need to Revisit and Adopt the Reports of the 9th House of Representatives Special Committee on Security:

Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki:

The House:

Notes that Nigeria faces numerous security challenges, including insurgency, terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes, cybercrime, and general criminal activities affecting all regions and citizens’ lives;

Also notes that the 9th Assembly House of Representatives established a Special Committee on National Security on March 17, 2021, to address the severe deterioration in the nation’s security. The committee comprised experienced lawmakers and experts in the field who worked closely with relevant security agencies to analyze the root causes of these challenges and propose actionable solutions, chaired by the Former Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila;

Aware that the Committee’s findings highlighted Nigeria’s security challenges, including non-kinetic strategies, overlapping security institutions, professionalism issues, state-based militias, regional collaboration difficulties, ethnic and religious tensions, poor border control, corruption, and environmental issues;

Concerned that critical and urgent interventions, as indicated by the committee’s summit findings, are essential to address these security issues, prevent further escalation of violence and instability in the region, and safeguard the lives and assets of the communities;

Resolves to:

(i) revisit the report of the 9th House of Representatives Special Committee on National Security, review the document, and consider its recommendations;

(ii) adopt the report and take the necessary actions for the full implementation of its recommendations by the Executive;

(iii) engage the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in the redevelopment of the nation’s security measures and make it an integral part of the solution; and

(iv) review the welfare of members of the armed forces and paramilitary organizations who risk their lives to keep the nation safe by improving their incentives.

Debate:

Hon. Abdulsamad Dasuki moved the motion on the need to revisit and adopt the reports of the 9th House of Representatives Special Committee on Security and it was seconded by Hon. Abbas Adigun. Hon. Dasuki in leading the debate stressed the priority of security as can be seen in the security-related motions before the House. He expressed the assurance that adopting the recommendations of the report will save already expended public funds.

He also stated that the report should have easy assent as most of the leadership of the Executive Arm of government are former Legislators themselves. Hon. Dasuki also commended the Armed Forces for their resilience, passion and commitment to duty in fighting insecurity and called for an upward review of their wages.

Hon. Olajide Stanley proposed an amendment to prayer 2 for the House to reconsider the reports and not outrightly adopt the report until it is reconsidered.

Hon. Ojema Ojoku proposed an amendment to prayer 1, to give the mandate to the House Committee on National Security to reconsider the report and report back to the House.

Hon. Ahmed Jaha in contributing to the debate reminded the House of his earlier call to adopt the communique of the security summit conducted by the House of Representatives in the 9th Assembly and so that it doesn’t all become a disservice to public funds expended on the summit, so as not to let it go to waste. He again stressed the importance of security matters as shown even in what was appropriated for security in the recent supplementary budget forwarded to the National Assembly by the Executive.

Hon. Kingsley Chinda reiterated this view to avoid the wastage of already expended public funds.

Hon. Abubakar Fulata proposed an amendment calling for the laying of the report before the House for adoption and onward transmission to the Executive. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended. It was adopted as resolved by the prayers of the motion and adopted amendments.

Call on the Federal Capital Territory to commence Issuance of Certificate of Occupancy to House Owners located within the Mass Housing Scheme Estate:

Hon. Sada Soli:

The House:

Notes that legislative powers with regards to the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja are invested in the National Assembly by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended);

Aware that the Federal Capital Territory Administration is a government organ in Nigeria, headed by the Minister who “shall exercise such powers and perform such functions as may be delegated to him from time to time by the President” as provided in Section 302 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended);

Also Aware that in a bid to provide adequate and affordable housing to contribute to bridging the housing gap in Nigeria, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory in the year 2000 initiated the Mass Housing Scheme project to provide affordable housing through a public-private partnership (PPP) policy arrangement;

Also notes that the Mass Housing Scheme initiated by successive Federal Capital Territory Administrations has given rise to the development of smart estates in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which has boosted the Internal Revenue Generation of the Federal Capital Territory Administration over the years;

Recognises the importance of a Certificate of Occupancy to property owners as a question of legitimacy and compliance, safety and habitability, and tenant and owner protection.

Observes that a Certificate of Occupancy is essential for land owners as it establishes the legitimacy and compliance of the property, verifies its safety and habitability, aids in securing insurance and financing, enhances property value and marketability, and provides protection for both the landlords and tenants;

Concerned that property owners within these Mass Housing Scheme Estates have no Certificate of Occupancy issued to them as a result of one common Certificate of Occupancy issued in favour of the estate, which negates the principles of tenant-owner protection;

Worried that prospective tenants or buyers of such properties and property owners within such estates may end up in potential disputes, liability issues, endless legal complications, and increased risks due to the absence of a Certificate of Occupancy;

Cognizant that approximately 3,000 housing estates in the Federal Capital Territory issued with a Certificate of Occupancy can significantly improve the marketability and value of properties, especially through internal revenue generation;

Resolves to:

mandate the Committee on Federal Capital Territory to liaise with the Federal Capital Territory Administration to explore and resolve all the issues surrounding the lack of issuance of certificates of occupancy to property owners within housing estates and report back within six (6) weeks for further legislative action.

Debate:

Hon. Sada Soli moved the motion on the need to call on the Federal Capital Territory to commence Issuance of Certificate of Occupancy to house owners located within the Mass Housing Scheme Estate and it was seconded by Hon. Ugonna Ozurigbo. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Federal Capital Territory.

Strengthening the Public Complaints Commission (PCC):

Hon. Kolawole Davidson Akinlayo:

The House:

Notes that the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) was established under the Public Complaints Commission Act, Cap. P 37, Laws of the Federation, 2004 to address public complaints about government and company administrative actions, ensure accountability and transparency, and curb arbitrary power use;

Also notes that the Commission investigates and entertains public servant maltreatment, with matters about the National Assembly, National Council of State, Ministers, Armed Forces, and Police Force exempted;

Concerned that the Public Complaint Commission (PCC), with thirty–six States and Headquarters in Abuja, is facing financial challenges to effectively fulfil its mandate, according to its Chief Commissioner, Hon. Abimbola Ayo Yusuf in an interview with TVC Television on July 23, 2021;

Aware that the Federal Government, in its meeting with the Commission on December 23, 2022, made commitments to assist in providing tools and infrastructure, noting the importance of the Commission in ensuring accountability and addressing public grievances.

Resolves to:

urge the Federal Government to prioritize the provision of adequate funding for the Public Complaints Commission to enable carry out its mandate effectively as provided by law.

Debate:

Hon. Kolawole Akinlayo moved the motion on the need for strengthening the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) and it was seconded by Hon. Ifeanyi Okafor. The motion was voted on and adopted as resolved by the prayers of the motion.

Need to Beef up Security Formation in Kastina Ala/Ukum/Logo Federal Constituency of Benue State:

Hon. Solomon Wombo:

The House:

Notes that Section 14(2) (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) provides that the security, safety, and welfare of the people of Nigeria shall be the primary purpose of government;

Informed that on July 8, 2023, at Akpuuna1, in Mbazun Ward, Mbaterem Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, twenty-four people were killed by armed men suspected to be bandits;

Also informed that the killing and kidnapping of persons at Chito village in Azendeshi Ward Torov of Ukum Local Government Area have continued unabated, fourteen people have been confirmed killed since the unprovoked attacks started, the most recent was the kidnapping of Mr Matthew Aboh (Commissioner of Information, Culture, and Creativity, Benue State), barely a week after he was sworn in. He just regained his freedom after nine days;

Disturbed that the insecurity situation in Benue State, especially in Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo Federal Constituency, has assumed frightening dimensions as people can no longer go about their daily activities without fear of being killed, raped, or kidnapped, especially in Kyado, Zaki Biam, Ugba, Yooyo, and others;

Worried that due to these acts of killing, raping, and kidnapping, farming, which is the mainstay of the residents of the affected communities, has been disrupted, families have been displaced, the socio-economic life of the said communities is grounded, and the population of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the constituency has increased exponentially;

Cognizant of the fact that beefing up security in the Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo Federal Constituency of Benue State will go a long way in forestalling and eradicating criminal activities in the area;

Convinced that setting up of a Police Mobile Force and/or a military base within Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo Federal Constituency of Benue State shall go a long way in deterring perpetrators of crimes and criminality from the Federal Constituency and Benue State in general;

Resolves to:
(i) urge the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to revive and complete the abandoned Mobile Police Force Unit at Mbazar in Tombo Ward of Logo Local Government Area of Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo Federal Constituency of Benue State and operationalize it;

(ii) also urge the Chief of Defence Staff to establish Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo Federal Constituency of Benue State;

(iii) further urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to provide relief materials to the residents displaced; and

(iv) mandate the Committees on Police Affairs, Defence, and Emergency and Disaster Preparedness to ensure compliance.

Debate:

Hon. Solomon Wombo moved the motion on the need to beef up security formation in Kastina Ala/Ukum/Logo Federal Constituency of Benue State and it was seconded by Hon. Salisu Yusuf. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Police Affairs, Defense as well as that on Disaster Preparedness.

Need to Rehabilitate Gombe–Dukku–Darazo Road and Upgrade to Trunk “A” Road:

Hon. Abdullahi El–Rasheed:

The House:

Notes that the Gombe—Dukku—Darazo road, constructed in the late 1980s, links Gombe and Bauchi States in north-eastern Nigeria, connecting the region to neighbouring Cameroon, Chad, and Niger Republics and providing a strategic link between north-eastern Nigeria and neighbouring Cameroon, Chad, and Niger Republics. The absence of this road necessitates a longer and more time-consuming alternative route.

Aware that from 1989 to 1999, the road became a hub for criminal activities like armed robbery, kidnapping, abduction, and banditry due to poor road conditions as well as accidents, resulting in numerous victims.

Concerned that in 2001, the Federal Government awarded a road rehabilitation contract to improve the commuters’ experience and facilitate goods and agricultural movement, but most work was substandard, especially along the Dukku-Gombe axis.

Worried that the deplorable condition of the road has negatively impacted economic activities, well-being, and transportation of agricultural produce, making access to tertiary healthcare services in neighbouring Bauchi, Kano, Plateau, and other states challenging.

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Works to, as a matter of urgency, rehabilitate the Gombe-Dukku-Darazo Road and upgrade the road to truck “A” in the list of Federal Roads in Nigeria;

(ii) mandate the Committee on Works and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.

Debate:

Hon. Abdullahi El-Rasheed moved the motion on the need to rehabilitate Gombe–Dukku–Darazo road and upgrade it to Trunk “A” road and it was seconded by Hon. Sani Tanko.

Hon. Garba Inuwa proposed an amendment to add prayer 3 to extend the rehabilitation and provide a well structured bridge to a critical area that always gets cut off during rainy season, and to add prayer 4 to call on the House Committee on Appropriation to ensure funding for the rehabilitation in the 2024 Appropriation Bill. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committee on Works as well as that on Legislative Compliance.

Need to Investigate the Alleged Abuse of Due Process in the Award of Oil Pipeline Rehabilitation and Surveillance Contracts by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL):

Hon. Abdulhakeem Kamilu Ado Hon. Muktar Tolani Shagaya
Hon. Gana Joshua Audu Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim Ayokunle:

The House:

Notes that on 30 August 2022, the Federal Government through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), awarded an N48 Billion Pipeline Surveillance contract to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL);

Also notes that on 9 October 2023, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPCL) approved and outlined four (4) consortia with due process that would finance the repairs of oil and gas pipelines in the country;

Aware that in line with the recommendations for peace and development outlined by the Pan Niger Delta Elder’s Forum (PANDEF) in November 2016, it was agreed that communities rather than individuals be given responsibilities for securing oil pipelines in a manner that ties some benefits to their responsibilities;

Further notes that the details of pipeline surveillance contracts are rarely made public; as such, these contracts are exempted from competition, transparency, and oversight provisions in line with the Public Procurement Act, 2007;

Observes that the lack of transparency in the award and execution of pipeline surveillance contracts leads to unclear guidelines and accountability mechanisms thereby making them prone to corruption and political manipulation;

Concerned about allegations that the NNPCL has secretly awarded juicy rehabilitation contracts of the nation’s pipelines to four oil companies that include two downstream retailers, a move that is tantamount to handing the retailers, control of the pipelines at the risk of exploiting other retail outlets and Nigerians at large;

Resolves to:

Mandate the Committees on Petroleum Resources (Upstream and Midstream) and Gas Resources to investigate the allegations of sharp practices in the award of the contracts including the non-compliance with the Public Procurement Act, 2007 and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

The motion was stepped down by leave of the House.

Need to Address the Deplorable State of Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway from Abule Egba to Sango:

Hon. Benjamin Adeyemi Olabinjo:

The House:

Notes that the current condition of the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway poses severe safety hazards for road users, due to potholes, uneven surfaces, and inadequate road markings have contributed to accidents and loss of lives;

Also notes that the deplorable state of the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway from Abule Egba to Sango, which has become a death trap for motorists and commuters;

Concerned that the Impact on Livelihoods of people living along the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway have been seriously affected as limited accessibility due to road conditions hampers daily activities, including access to schools, healthcare facilities, markets, and employment opportunities. Swift repair is crucial to restore normalcy, enhance economic opportunities, and improve the quality of life for residents;

Also concerned that the deplorable state of the road has resulted in severe traffic congestion, causing significant delays and disruptions in the movement of goods and people. This has negatively impacted economic activities, increased transportation costs, and hindered the growth of businesses along the route. Urgent repair and rehabilitation are necessary to alleviate traffic congestion and promote economic development in the region;

Worried that the state of the road creates a negative impression of the region and deters potential visitors and tourists because is one of the major routes connecting two significant states, which serves as a gateway to the Lagos and Ogun States;

Also worried that the poor road conditions hinder tourism potential, impede regional development, and adversely affect the local economy;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, in collaboration with relevant agencies and stakeholders, to allocate adequate resources, including funding and manpower, for the timely repair, reconstruction, and comprehensive rehabilitation of the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway and include it in the 2024 budget estimate;

(ii) mandate the Committee on FERMA to carry out rehabilitation on the failed portion of the Road;

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

Debate:

Hon. Benjamin Olabinjo moved the motion on the need to address the deplorable state of Lagos-Abeokuta expressway from Abule Egba to Sango and it was seconded by Hon. Babajimi Benson. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency as well as that on Legislative Compliance.

Rehabilitation and Maintenance of Abandoned Project on Abak–Ekparakwa–Ete–Ikot Abasi Federal Road in Akwa Ibom State:

Hon. Uduak Odudoh:

The House:

Notes that the main stretch of the Abak-Ekparakwa-Ete-Ikot Abasi Federal road, which was Reconstruction by CCECC has been abandoned;

Also notes that CCECC having been contracted and mobilized has overlaid 27 kilometres from Abak to Ibekwe Akpan Nya 1.4 kilometres in Ikot Ntot in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area and 20 kilometres in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State;

Further notes that despite millions of naira budgeted and approved in the 2021 Appropriation Bill, the maintenance and repairs of Abak-Ekparakwa-Ete-Ikot Abasi Federal road remain uncompleted, deplorable state;

Worried that being the main federal road connecting Akwa Ibom State to the East-West road and equally granting direct access to Rivers State, the abandonment of the CCECC contract has caused untold hardship for residents, making it difficult to access major markets in neighbouring states except through Abia State;

Also worried that given the increment in transportation fare orchestrated by the recent removal of fuel subsidy, there is a need to implement measures to ameliorate the hardship of the citizenry, and fixing of roads for one to undertake the closest to his or her destination remains an integral part of such measures;

Concerned about increased transportation fares due to fuel subsidy removal, there is a need to implement measures to alleviate the hardship of the citizens such as reconstructing the road;
Also concerned that ever since the contractors left the site the road has been in a deplorable state, thereby making the road a dead trap, leading to auto crashes, loss of lives, goods, and services worth millions of Naira;

Observe that residents of Abak, Mkpat Enin, and Ikot Abasi Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State have been disconnected from their economic engagements due to lack of road access to transport farm produce;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Works to immediately release funds for CCECC to complete the Rehabilitation and Maintenance of the Abandoned Project on the Abak–Ekparakwa–Ete–Ikot Abasi Federal Road, Akwa Ibom State without delay;

(ii) also urge the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to intervene and perform remedial work to repair the cut portion of the road, allowing access to Ikot Abasi and Mkpat Enin; and

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

Debate:

Hon. Uduak Odudoh moved the motion on the rehabilitation and maintenance of abandoned project on Abak–Ekparakwa–Ete–Ikot Abasi Federal road in Akwa Ibom State and it was seconded by Hon. Famous Osawaru.

Hon. Chris Nkwonta proposed an amendment to prayer 3 to incorporate the House Committee on Legislative Compliance, as well as that on Appropriation to the prayer. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committee on Works.

CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE):
Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu in Chair:

A Bill for an Act to Establish Institute of Economists of Nigerian Empowered with Responsibility to Determine and Regulate the Standards of Knowledge, skills and Qualification of Persons seeking to become Professional Economists in Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB. 224) (Leader) – Committee of the Whole: 19/10/2023.

Synopsis of the report:

Hon. Bello Kumo stated that the Bill seeks to ensure the regulation of standard of knowledge and practice of professional economists for the right structure of the sector.

Summary of voting:

Clauses voted on and approved: 2-18
Clause amended and approved: 1

Ad-hoc Committee on the Review of Standing Orders of the House of Representatives:

Hon. Igariwey Enwo:

“That the House do consider the Report of the Ad-hoc Committee on the Review of Standing Orders of the House Representatives and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 24/10/2023).

Synopsis of the report:

Hon. Igariwey Enwo stated that the report is to guide the 10th House for its structure and duration. He stressed the amendments introduced now among other things make room for emergency sittings, increase matters of urgent public importance from a minimum of 2 to 3 matters on each plenary dates, minimum constitution of membership of Committees should be 20 and no Member should be a member to more than 12 Standing Committees.

Others is that no Committee chairman should co-opt a new Member into the Committee without the express authority of the Speaker, constitutional place for parliamentary friendship groups etc.

Summary of voting:

Orders voted on and approved: 1-4, 6, 9-19
Orders voted on and amended: 5, 7, 8,
Order expunged: 5(3).

HOUSE IN PLENARY:

The House reverted to plenary and adopted the report of the Committee of the Whole following a motion by Hon. Usman Kumo and seconded by Hon. Kingsley Chinda.

Adjournment:

The House at 15:12 PM adjourned plenary to Wednesday, November 8th, 2023 by 11:00 A.M following a motion for adjournment moved by the Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Usman Kumo and seconded by the Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda.

Courtesy: LightRay! Media and Media Unit, Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives.