Nigeria National Assembly: Plenary proceedings, House of Reps, Tue, Nov 28th, 2023

After leading the opening prayer and recitation of the national pledge, the Speaker approved the votes and proceedings of Thursday, November 23rd, 2023.

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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:

1. Hon. Chike Okafor (Imo State, APC).

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ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. Communication from the President:

I. Presentation of 2024 Appropriation Bill on Wednesday, 29th November, 2023 by 11:00 AM.

II. Request for the Federal government 2022-2024 external borrowing plan for consideration and approval by the National Assembly for prompt completion of the proposed projects, as well as to improve wealth creation, poverty alleviation and infrastructure development. He expressed assurance for its speedy consideration and passage.

III. Submission of supplementary appropriation for the 2023 statutory appropriation Act of the FCTA to enable the Minister of the FCT and the Ministry carry out critical projects that need urgent attending to.

2. Homecoming for the Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu organized by Peace in Southeast Projection on Friday, 29th December at the sport arena in Bende, Abia State. All Honourable Members willing to participate should register at Sgt@Arms desk.
3. Interim lists of zonal, State and regional leaders:

Regions:
I. North: Hon. Alahassan Ado-Doguwa

II. South: Hon. Nicholas Mutu

Zones:
I. Nortcentral: Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase

II. Northeast: Hon. Muktar Betara

III. Northwest: Hon. Sada Soli

IV. Southwest: Hon. James Faleke

V. Southeast: Hon. Iduma Igariwey

VI. South-south-Hon. Fred Abedi

Remaining states should please submit other nominees to fill up available slots.

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PETITIONS:

1. Hon. Chinedu Ogah laid a petition on behalf of Ifeanyi Okoro against the Federal Road Safety Corps on his alleged illegal dismissal and called for his reinstatement and compensation.
2. Hon. Iduma Igariwey Enwo laid a petition on behalf of some members of Afikpo community on the alleged hazardous blasting and dangerous environment practices by a Chinese mining company in their community.
3. Hon. Famous Osawaru laid a petition on behalf of coalition of a Benin sociocultural organization on the alleged plan for traditional breakdown of the standing orders by the State government who allegedly plan to install new traditional rulers against existing rites.
4. Hon. Philip Agbese laid a petition on behalf the center for social justice against EFCC on the alleged attempted abduction of the former CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele from the Kuje correctional center where he was being held.
5. Hon. Etan Benedict laid a petition on behalf of Life Flower Mill on the alleged blockage of Escravos channel for free maritime movement.

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

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MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:

1. Hon. Ajiya Abdulrahman moved a motion on the urgent need to address the incessant abduction and killing in Kwali and Abaji in FCT and it was seconded by Hon. Chike Okafor. Hon. Ajiya in leading the debate stressed the need for concise efforts to be taken to halt the abduction and killing of residents in FCT. He stressed that no one is spared as victims of these dastardly attacks. The victims he stated include traditional rulers, security officers, women, children etc. Hon. Ajiya stated that the people of the FCT now live in perennial fear of more attacks. He called on the relevant security forces to employ more personnel to flush out the bandits and rescue the kidnapped victims. He also called on the relevant Committees of the House on Police, Army, as well as that on Defense to ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Army, Police Affairs, as well as that on Defense.
2. Hon. Ogbara Kafilat moved a motion on the commemoration of the 2023 International day of elimination of violence against women and girls and it was seconded by Hon. Usman Balami. Hon. Kafilat in leading the debate stated that violence such as these affect 1 out of 3 female worldwide. She bemoaned the fact that a huge amount of these victims are under 15. Hon. Kafilat called for the strengthening of existing laws and signing into relevant bills to protect women and girls from any form of violence in Nigeria.

She further called for the establishment of well equipped rehabilitation centers for such victims and that the House Committee on Women Affairs should ensure compliance. Hon. Kafilat further called for the provision of funds for the rehabilitation center in the 2024 appropriation bill. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Women Affairs, Human Rights, as well as that on Appropriations.

3. Hon. Famous Osawaru moved a motion on the urgent need for the Federal government to prevent possible breakdown of law and order in Edo South Senatorial district and it was seconded by Hon. Idem Unyime. Hon. Osawaru in leading the debate stated that the Edo State government seeks to institute new traditional seats which will be in parallel with the already laid down Benin traditional culture. Hon. Osawaru called on the Federal government to take decisive steps to stop the brewing agitation. He called for the setting up of an Ad-Hoc Committee to laiase with relevant government and security agencies to nip this in the bud. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Traditional Institutions.

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ADMITTANCE INTO CHAMBER:

Admittance into the Chamber:

Hon. Julius O. Ihonovbere:
“That the House, pursuant to Order Twenty-One, Rule 8 (1) (i) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives do admit into the Chamber, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other dignitaries on Wednesday 29 November 2023 to receive the 2024 Budget Estimates”.

Debate:

Hon. Usman Kumo moved the motion for the admittance of Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other dignitaries into the hallow Chambers on Wednesday 29 November 2023 to receive the 2024 Budget Estimates”. The motion was seconded by Hon. Ali Isa JC. The motion was voted on and adopted as passed.

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PRESENTATION OF BILLS:

1. Federal Capital Territory Statutory Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2023 (HB.997) (Executive) – First Reading.
2. Central Bank of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.998) (Hon. Patrick Umoh) – First Reading.
3. Court of Appeal Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.999) (Hon. Patrick Umoh) – First Reading.
4. Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.1000) (Hon. Patrick Umoh) – First Reading.
5. Compulsory Free Universal Basic Education Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.1001) (Hon. Muktar Shagaya) – First Reading.
6. Public Asset Reform and Concession Regulatory Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.1002) (Hon. Raheem Tunji Olawuyi) – First Reading.
7. National Centre for Substance Abuse, Management and Treatment (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.1003) (Hon. Hassan Shehu Hussain) – First Reading.
8. Federal Fire Service Trust Fund (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.1004) (Hon. Peter Ibrahim Gyendeng) – First Reading.
9. Federal Housing Authority Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2023 (HB.1005) (Hon. Matthew Nwogu) –First Reading.
10. Federal College of Education Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.1006) (Hon. Anamero Dekeri) – First Reading.
11. Local Industry Patronage Bill, 2023 (HB.1007) (Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi) – First Reading.
12. National Youth Service Corps Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.1008) (Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi) – First Reading.
13. National Library Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.1009) (Hon. Jesse Okey-Joe Onuakalusi) – First Reading.
14. Federal Capital Territory Orphanage Registration and Regulatory Agency Bill, 2023(HB.1010) (Hon. Jesse Okey-Joe Onuakalusi) – First Reading.
15. Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Michika (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.1011) (Hon. Zakaria Dauda Nyampa) – First Reading.
16. National Youth Service Corps (Foreign Trained Medical and Health Related Practitioners) Special Provisions Bill, 2023 (HB.1012) (Hon. Abdulmalik Zubairu) – First Reading.
17. Nigerian Association of Logistic and Supply Chain Practitioners (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.1013) (Hon. Abdulmalik Zubairu) – First Reading.
18. Federal Cooperative Colleges (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.1014) (Hon. Abdulmalik Zubairu) – First Reading
19. National Land Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.1015) (Hon. Adamu Tanko) – First Reading.
    20. National Grass Root Sports Development Special Intervention Trust Fund (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.1016) (Hon. Adamu Tanko) – First Reading.
20. Federal College of Health Technology, Song, Adamawa State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.1017) (Hon. Aliyu Wakili Boya) – First Reading.
21. Federal Colleges of Education Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.1018) (Hon. Aliyu Wakili Boya) – First Reading.
22. Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.1019) (Hon. Sesoo Ikpagher) – First Reading.
23. Nigeria Agricultural Harvest and Processing Free Zone, Tyemimongo, Benue State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.1020) (Hon. Sesoo Ikpagher) – First Reading.
24. Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.1021) (Hon. Alli Adeyemi Taofeek) – First Reading.
25. Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery and Health Science, Damagum, Yobe State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.1022) (Hon. Muhammed Buba Jajere) – First Reading.
26. Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.1023) (Hon. Muhammed Buba Jajere) – First Reading.
27. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2023 (HB.1024) (Hon. Raheem Tunji Olawuyi) – First Reading.
28. Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Isanlu-Isin, Kwara State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.1025) (Hon. Raheem Tunji Olawuyi) – First Reading.
29. Transition and Assumption of Office Bill, 2023 (HB.1026) (Hon. Raheem Tunji Olawuyi) – First Reading.

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PRESENTATION OF REPORT:

Ad- -hoc Committee on the Activities of Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority from Inception to date and other Managed Funds to Access its Compliance with the Establishment Act of 2011:

“That the House do receive the Report of the Ad- hoc Committee on the Activities of Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority from Inception to date and other Managed Funds to Assess its Compliance with the Establishment Act of 2011” (HR/104/07/2023) (Referred: 19/7/2023). Hon. Hon. Sani Umar Bala moved for the laying of the report and it was seconded by Hon. Adebayo Adewole.

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ORDERS OF THE DAY:

BILLS:

1. A Bill for an Act to Establish the Agency for National Ethics and Values Compliance to Control Unethical Behaviour and Enforce Compliance with Principles of the National Ethics; and for Related Matters (HB.528) – Third Reading.

Debate:

Hon. Bello Kumo moved for the third reading of the bill and it was seconded by Hon. Ali Isa. The bill was voted on, read for the third time and passed.

2. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Civil Defence Corps Act, 2007 to Institutionalise Collaboration between the Corps and Relevant Security Agencies to Strengthen its Complementary Role in the Maintenance of Public Law and Order and for Related Matters (HB. 312) – Third Reading.

Debate:

Hon. Bello Kumo moved for the reading of the bill and it was seconded by Hon. Abdullahi Hallims. The bill was voted on, read for the third time and passed.

3. A Bill for an Act to Authorise the issuance from the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s Statutory Revenue Fund of the Federal Capital Territory Administration Account, the total sum of N61, 553, 778, 259, 93 (sixty–one billion, five hundred and fifty–three million, seven hundred and seventy–eight thousand, two hundred and fifty–nine Naira. ninety– three kobo) only, of which the sum of N12, 900, 000, 000. 00 (twelve billion, nine hundred million, Naira) only is for Overhead Costs and the sum of N48, 653, 778, 260. 00 (forty-eight billion, six hundred and fifty–three million, seven hundred and seventy-eight thousand, two hundred and sixty Naira) only, is for Capital Expenditure costs for the service of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, for the Financial Year ending on 31 December 2023 – Second Reading.

Hon. Bello Kumo rose to ask the House to suspend its relevant rules to take the second reading of the FCT bill and it was seconded by Hon. Ali Isa JC.

Debate:

Hon. Bello Kumo moved for the second reading of A Bill for an Act to Authorise the issuance from the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s Statutory Revenue Fund of the Federal Capital Territory Administration Account, the total sum of N61, 553, 778, 259, 93 (sixty–one billion, five hundred and fifty–three million, seven hundred and seventy–eight thousand, two hundred and fifty–nine Naira. ninety– three kobo) only, of which the sum of N12, 900, 000, 000. 00 (twelve billion, nine hundred million, Naira) only is for Overhead Costs and the sum of N48, 653, 778, 260. 00 (forty-eight billion, six hundred and fifty–three million, seven hundred and seventy-eight thousand, two hundred and sixty Naira) only, is for Capital Expenditure costs for the service of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, for the Financial Year ending on 31 December 2023 and it was seconded by Hon. Ajiya Andulrahman. The bill was voted on, read for the second time and referred to the House Committee on Federal Capital Territory, Auxiliary Matters, as well as that on Federal Capital Teritory Administration.

4. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Statutory Regulation of Peacekeeping Operations by Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigerian Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other Security Organizations and for Related Matters (HB. 65) (Hon. Oluwole Oke) – Second Reading.

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

5. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act, Cap. A12, Laws of The Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to make Provision for Establishment of Federal College of Agriculture, Misau, Bauchi State and for Related Matters (HB.486) (Hon. Aliyu Bappa Misau) – Second Reading.

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

6. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Births, Deaths, Etc., (Compulsory Registration) Act and for Related Matters (HB. 372) (Hon. Austin Asema Achado) – Second Reading.

Debate:

Hon. Austin Achado moved the second reading of the bill and it was seconded by Hon. by Hon. Satomi Ahmed. The bill seeks to ensure free registration of deaths and births due to the critical prevailing economic situation in the nation. The second reading of the bill was voted on, adopted, but amended to approve for some Honourable Members from Lagos who were born in exemplary different conditions. The bill was voted on, read for the second time and referred to the House Committee on Population.

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MOTIONS:

7. Need to Investigate Gaps and Loss of Opportunities in the Maritime Sector:

Hon. Julius O. Ihonvbere​​​​​, Hon. Ibrahim A. Isiaka:

The House:

Notes that the maritime sector is crucial for the Nigerian economy’s survival with under-utilized seaports which can increase the nation’s revenue and indeed the National Gross Domestic Product (GDP);

Also notes that Nigeria’s seaports receive barely 10% of West African imports out of 60 per cent destined for Nigeria, a significant economic loss due to poor management and inefficiencies, estimated to cost $7 billion annually;

Concerned that most ships bringing goods to Nigeria prefer to go to other ports to Nigerian ports. Indeed the Benin Republic benefits from Nigeria’s large market, while Cotonou remains a popular importer’s haven, huge trade cargoes are lost to Togo and other neighbouring countries from where they are offloaded and transshipped to Nigeria due to Poor shipping connectivity and shallow drafts of the port channels which lead to trade cargo losses, estimated to be N250 billion in 2016 alone;

Worried as to why the nation is unable to provide adequate infrastructure and reduce pressure on Lagos ports and why the Calabar, Port Harcourt, Warri, and Koko ports cannot be developed as a haven for importers in the region.

Also worried that the lack of adequate infrastructure and capacity in the growing cargo and maritime business is a significant issue;

Disturbed that Nigeria’s Apapa Port lost West Africa’s leading position due to congestion and poor quality services to shippers. Port of Lomé, with a capacity of 1.1 million twenty-foot containers, overtook Lagos Port due to modernization reforms which tripled its capacity from 311,500 containers to 3.1 million, thus, making ‘Togo’s Port of Lomé becoming a regional transit hub;

Also disturbed that Nigeria’s Apapa Port, Lagos, which handles about 1 million TEU annually, lost 30 per cent of its container traffic over five years due to several factors bedevilling its inability to deliver efficient services to cargo owners, this explains why Nigerian ports have remained inefficient over the years. Nigeria’s major seaports in Lagos do not have deep draughts to handle bigger vessels, while modern seaports in Port of Lomé have a depth of 16.60 meters and capacity to accommodate third-generation ships Apapa port operates with a 13,5 meters draught that can only allow vessels with about 4,000 TEUs of containers to call the port;

Resolves to:

mandate the Committees on Port and Harbours, National Planning and Economic Development,
Maritime Safety Education and Administration and Nigerian Shippers’ Council to investigate the gaps
affecting the full realisation of the economic advantage of Ports and Harbours and other Blue Economy
in Nigeria.

Debate:

Hon. Julius Ihonvbere moved the motion on the ‘Need to Investigate Gaps and Loss of Opportunities in the Maritime Sector, and it was seconded by Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim. The motion was adopted and referred to the House Committee on Port and Harbours, National Planning and Economic Development, Maritime Safety Education and Administration, as well as that on Nigerian Shippers’ Council.

8. Call to Implement Recommendations of the Police Service Commission:

Hon. O. K. Chinda:

The House:

Notes the incidents of non-implementation by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) of recommendations by the Police Service Commission (PSC) for the promotion of qualified officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF);

Also notes that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is an important agency of the Federal Government;

Aware that the NPF was created under Section 214(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and pursuant to Section 4 of the Police Act, empowered, among other things, the prevention and detection of crime, the apprehension of offenders, the preservation of law and order, the protection of life and property, and the due enforcement of all laws and regulations with which they are directly charged;

Also aware that the Inspector General of Police is appointed by the President of the country on the advice of the Nigeria Police Council, according to Section 215(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended);

Further aware that the Police Service Commission (PSC) is statutorily created and charged with responsibility for the appointment, promotion, and discipline of persons (other than the office of the IGP) in the Nigeria Police Force;

Observes that earlier in 2023, the PSC, in the exercise of its statutory responsibilities, at one of its meetings approved the promotion of several police officers, a notice of which was duly conveyed to the IGP to release signal and accordingly effect the same;

Cognizant of the fact that the IGP subsequently ignored the PSC recommendation and deliberately neglected and/or refused to effect the release, despite measures taken by the PSC for him to do so;

Concerned that the IGP’s refusal to act on the PSC’s recommendation is not in the best interest of the men and officers of the NPF and the country at large;

Worried that unless swift measures are immediately taken to implement the PSC’s recommendations, the morale, commitment, and dedication to duty of the affected men and officers of the NPF are likely to be negatively affected;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Inspector General of Police to immediately implement the recommendation of the Police Service Commission with respect to the promotion of the concerned men and officers of the NPF; and

(ii) mandate the Committees on Police Affairs and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Debate:

Hon. Kingsley Chinda moved the motion on the need to ‘Implement Recommendations of the Police Service Commission, and it was seconded by Hon. Ali Isa. Motion was adopted and referred to the House Committee on Police Affairs, as well as that on Legislative Compliance.

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Adjournment:

The House at 13:56 PM adjourned plenary to Wednesday, November 29tth, 2023 by 1O:00 A.M following a motion for adjournment moved by the Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Usman Kumo and seconded by the Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Aliyu Sani Madaki.

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