Nigeria National Assembly, Plenary proceedings of the House of Reps, Thurs, Nov 30th, 2023

After leading the opening prayer and recitation of the national pledge, the Speaker approved the votes and proceedings of Wednesday, November 29th, 2023.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. Honourable Members of the Ahmadu Bello University Parliamentary caucus are in the chamber and will observe the proceeding of the House for today.
2. The House Committee on Appropriations will hold a meeting of its members at suite after plenary by 3:00 PM.
3. The House Committee on Appropriation will hold a meeting at room 301 for Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen of Committees at Room on Saturday 233 by 11:00AM.

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PETITION:

1. Hon. Mohammadu Bello laid a petition on behalf of some complainants based in Kano State against the Nigeria Police on the alleged extrajudicial killing of Rabiu Yusuf and against the alleged infliction of bodily harm on others, and it was seconded by Hon. Kelechi Nwgu.

The petition was referred to the House Committee on Public Petitions.

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MOTIONS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:

1. Hon. Bassey Ekpeyong moved a motion on the urgent call for intervention in the violent clashes between some communities in Cross Rivers/Akwa Ibom State boundaries and it was seconded by Hon. Tarkighir Dickson.

Hon. Bassey in leading the debate stated that the boundary dispute between the 2 States has lasted for a long time. He stated that the rift has led to a lot of displaced people. Hon. Bassey bemoaned that the lingering situation has emboldened unscrupulous characters to take advantage of, and resolve to attacking and kidnapping innocent farmers and traders.

He further expressed worry that this could lead to food insecurity as well as breakdown of law and order. He called on the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, as well as that on the National Emergency Management Agency to ensure relief to the the affected victims and that the National Boundary Commission to clearly define the border between both States to halt further skirmishes. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Special Duties, Humanitarian Affairs as well as that on Disaster Preparedness.

2. Hon. Peter Akpanke moved a motion on the urgent need to address the escalating rate of kidnapping and criminalities at the staff quarters of the University of Calabar and it was seconded by Hon. Rabiu Yususf.

Hon. Peter in leading the debate stated that the dimension of cases in these criminalities, especially those of kidnapping has assumed an alarming rate. This he stated has made the residents scared of living within the environs. He called for the implementation of urgent security actions to beef up security and confidence within the campus.

Hon. Akpanke further called on the relevant security agencies to ensure the beefing up of men and personnel within the region in order to secure lives and properties and that the relevant Committees of the House should ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Community Affairs, as well as that on Police Affairs.

3. Hon. Yusuf Badau moved a motion on the urgent need to ensure the prevention of future occurrences of a fire outbreak at a market in Kano State and it was seconded by Hon. Aliyu Madaki.

Hon. Badau in leading the debate stated that the fire outbreak completely destroyed goods and services of traders within the market. He called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to assist with relief for the victims. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Humanitarian Affairs, as well as that on NEMA.

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PRESENTATION OF REPORT:

Committee on Federal Capital Territory:

Hon. Aliyu Mukhtar Betara:

“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Federal Capital Territory on a Bill for an Act to Authorise the issue from the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s Statutory Revenue Fund of the Federal Capital Territory Administration Account, the total sum of N61, 553, 778, 260 (sixty-one billion, five hundred and fifty-three million, seven hundred and seventy-eight thousand, two hundred and sixty Naira) only, of which the sum of N12,900,000,000.00 (twelve billion, nine hundred million Naira) only, is for Overhead Costs; while the balance 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 Projects; for the service of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, for the financial year ending on 31 December 2023 (HB.997) (Referred: 28/11/2023).

The Report was laid following a motion by Hon. Muktar Betara and seconded by Hon. Kafilat Ogbara.

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ORDERS OF THE DAY:

BILLS:

1. A Bill for an Act to Authorise the issue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation the total sum of N27,503,404,073,861 (Twenty Seven Trillion, Five Hundred and Three Billion, Four Hundred and Four Million, Seventy-Three Thousand, Eight Hundred and Sixty-One Naira) only, of which N1,376,352,359,690, 00 (one trillion. three hundred and seventy-six billion, three hundred and fifty-two million, three hundred and fifty-nine thousand, six hundred and ninety Naira) only is for Statutory Transfers, N8,490,960,606,831 (eight trillion, four hundred and ninety billion, nine hundred and sixty million, six hundred and six thousand, eight hundred and thirty-one Naira) only is for Debt Service, N9,918,248,229,600 (nine trillion, nine hundred and eighteen billion, two hundred and forty-eight thousand, two hundred and twenty-nine thousand, six hundred Naira) only is for Recurrent (Non-Debt) Expenditure while the sum of N7,717,842,877,740 (seven trillion, seven hundred and seventeen billion, eight hundred and forty-two million, eight hundred and seventy-seven thousand, seven hundred and forty Naira) only is for contribution to the Development Fund for Capital Expenditure for the year ending on 31 December, 2024 (HB.1027) – Second Reading (First Allotted Day).

Debate:

Hon. Julius Ihonvbere moved for the second reading of the bill and it was seconded by Hon. Kingsley Chinda. Hon. Ihonvbere in leading the debate stated that the budget proposal for 2024 is a realty for looking into critical issues such as availability of resources, options of funds, performance of previous budgets and percentage of appropriations of available funds for all critical areas.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for focusing on the development of critical infrastructure in the budget proposal. Hon. Ihonvbere stressed the need for tackling insecurity, health/educational development, roads and other physical infrastructure development, as well technological development for securing the future of the Nigerian youth. All these parameters he noted “have been taken care of in the provisions of funds in this budget of ‘Renewed Hope’. He especially stressed his appreciation on the proposed dealing of areas of security, education and health in the budget proposal.

Hon. Ahmed Jaha in contributing to the debate expressed joy in the fact that a good sum of funds was budgeted on capital projects. He also praised the effort to be expended in the diversification of the Nigerian economy and the vision to tackle unemployment as this will make the youth gainfully engaged, hence not available to be used by insurgents for evil acts. He called for proper oversight by Parliament to ensure funds budgeted for are judiciously expended for optimal performance.

Hon. Bello Kumo in his contribution stated that the budget has the critical role of steering Nigeria into prosperity and stability. He commended President Tinubu for bringing forth a realistic budget proposal and expressed optimism that the provisions of the budget will ensure the good and prosperity of Nigerians. He urged Honourable Members to speedily ensure the budget becomes a working document to aid the Federal government’s fight against all ills in the land.

Hon. Adedeji Olajide praised the eloquence and forthrightness of the budget presentation by President Tinubu. He stated that the budget seems to be a good foundation for development in diverse critical areas to move Nigeria forward. He called on Honourable Members to ensure this vision and foundation is well built on.

Hon. Yusuf Gagdi praised the content and context of the budget proposal presented by President Tinubu. He pointed out that the foundation for a “Renewed Hope” was duly highlighted in the proposal in the aim of fulfilling his campaign promises to Nigerians. He especially singled out the areas of security, healthcare delivery and quality/ affordable education for Nigerians which the budget seeks to do. Hon. Gagdi called on Honourable Members to support the budget to succeed.

Hon. Ali Isa commended the Honourable Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen for his speech at the budget proposal that captured the heartbeat of Nigerians and for ensuring the participations of Nigerians in the budget process through the proposed town hall engagement. He further commended President Tinubu for trusting in the National Assembly to do a good work at making the budget proposal a quality working document where all Nigerians are well represented. Hon. Ali advised the Committees of the House to properly engage heads of MDAs and ensure a transparent budget process.

Hon. Sada Soli praised the aim of synchronization of Federal and State government efforts to ensure the success of the 2024 budget. This he stated will ensure success for the good of Nigerians. He called for the blockage of financial leakages in the Nigerian economic system. He called for the cleaning up of the IPPIS and cutting down on personnel cost in governance. Hon. Sada also blamed the cumbersome nature of the Appropriation Act for many problems the budget normally runs into.

Hon. Bashir Usman stressed that the budget is a means of government providing the enabling environment for Nigerians to thrive. He further stressed the need for ensuring proper security of lives/properties of Nigerians. He called for the proper funding of Committees of the House to effectively carry out proper oversight.

Hon. Francis Waive in his contribution praised the realistic benchmarks in the budget proposal and expressed optimism for its success. He further expressed optimism that if properly implemented, Nigeria can return to a profitable economy. He also praised some policies of President Tinubu which has seen the economy begin to make a good comeback. Hon. Waive also praised the proposed public-private partnership for the further development of the private sector.

Hon. Bashir Usman in contributing to the debate reminded Honourable Members that the primary focus of the budget should be on infrastructure development as well as human capital development. He commended President Tinubu for thinking in this line in the drafting of the budget and for the realistic benchmarks of the budget.

Hon. Patrick Umoh stated that the budget is in line with jumpstarting the Nigerian economy. He called on the Parliament to partner with the Executive in adherence to oversighting rules to ensure a successful budget implementation.

Hon. Ayodeji Alaoakala in his contribution supported the budget as its contents revolves around the yearnings of Nigerians. He also praised the aim for creating an enabled environment for small and medium businesses to thrive.

Hon. Muktar Shagaya expressed pride at the vast areas of socioeconomic development for Nigerians in the budget. He expressed honour at being a member of the 10th Assembly and vowed to contribute his quota for the success of the budget.

Hon. Mohammed El-Rufai praised the honesty in Mr. Speaker’s speech and hoped that the government will overcome the abounding challenges. He called for practical tackling of all critical sectors appropriated for. He called for the implementation of the Oransanye report and merge similar agencies together to reduce duplication and over bloated governance.

Hon. Abubakar Fulata called for the scrutiny of players in the foreign exchange sector and clean out round-tripping which is ripping the Nigerian economy apart. He also called for a state of emergency on the foreign exodus of the best brains or Nigerians.

Further debate on the debate deferred till, Friday, December 1st, 2023.

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CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS (HOUSE IN COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY): Rt. Hon.

Abbas Tajudeen Chaired:

2: Committee on Federal Capital Territory:

Hon. Aliyu Mukhtar Betara:

Synopsis of the report:

Hon. Betara stated that the Bill is in continuance of the communication initiated by President for the convenience running of thfor Federal Capital Territory to ensure it conduct it’s proper function. He urged Honorable members to pass the critical clauses of the Bill.

“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Federal Capital Territory on a Bill for an Act to Authorise the issue from the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s Statutory Revenue Fund of the Federal Capital Territory Administration Account, the total sum of N61, 553, 778, 260 (sixty-one billion, five hundred and fifty-three million, seven hundred and seventy-eight thousand, two hundred and sixty Naira) only, of which the sum of N12,900,000,000.00 (twelve billion, nine hundred million Naira) only, is for Overhead Costs; while the balance 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 Projects; for the service of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, for the financial year ending on 31 December 2023 (HB.997) (Laid: 30/11/2023) – Committee of Supply.

A Bill for an Act to Authorise the issue from the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s Statutory Revenue Fund of the Federal Capital Territory Administration Account, the total sum of N61, 553, 778, 260 (sixty-one billion, five hundred and fifty-three million, seven hundred and seventy-eight thousand, two hundred and sixty Naira) only, of which the sum of N12,900,000,000.00 (twelve billion, nine hundred million Naira) only, is for Overhead Costs; while the balance 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 Projects; for the service of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, for the financial year ending on 31 December 2023.​​
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Commencement:

ENACTED by the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Issue a Bill of N61, 553, 778, 260. 00 from the Federal Capital Territory Administration Statutory Revenue Fund.​​
(1) The Director of Treasury of the Federal Capital Territory Administration shall when authorized to do so by warrants signed by the Minister of Federal Capital Territory Administration with the responsibility to pay out of the Federal Capital Territory Administration Statutory Revenue Fund of the Federal Capital Territory Administration during the financial year 2023 the sum specified by the warrants, not exceeding in the aggregate N61,553,778,260.00 (Sixty One Billion, Five Hundred and Fifty-Three Million, Seven and Seventy-Eight Thousand, Two Hundred and Sixty Naira) Only; and​​
(2) The amount mentioned in Clause (1) of this Clause shall be appropriated to heads of Expenditure as indicated in the schedule of this Bill.​​
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Release of Funds:
All amounts appropriated under this Bill shall be made from the Federal Capital Territory Administration Statutory Revenue Fund only for the purposes specified in the schedule of this Bill.​

Payment of Revenue into the Statutory Account.
(1) All revenues accruing to the Federal Capital Territory Administration, including the Statutory Revenue distribution shall be paid into the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s Statutory Revenue Account; and​​​​
(2) No monies shall be withdrawn from the Account mentioned in Clause 3(1) above without appropriation by the National Assembly.​​
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Waiver not to incur Expenditure.
Where, due to revenue shortfall, amounts appropriated under this Bill cannot be funded, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory shall seek from the National Assembly a waiver not to incur such expenditure. ​​

Short Title:
This Bill may be cited as the Federal Capital Territory Supplementary Statutory Appropriation Bill, 2023.​
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SCHEDULE:

PART A – RECURRENT NON-DEBT EXPENDITURE:

2023
SUPPLEMENTARY BILL:

FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY FIRST LINE CHARGE:

1.
FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY ADMINISTRATION.

Personnel Costs
0

Overhead Costs
2,200,000,000

Sub-Total
2,200,000,000
2.
FCT DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Personnel Costs
0

Overhead Costs
3,300,000,000

Sub-Total
3,300,000,000
3.
DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION

Personnel Costs
0

Overhead Costs
2,800,000,000

Sub-Total
2,800,000,000

4.
FCT LEGAL SECRETARIAT:

Personnel Costs
0

Overhead Costs
1,000,000,000

Sub-Total
1,000,000,000
5.
FACILITIES MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT

Personnel Costs
0

Overhead Costs
1,600,000,000

Sub-Total
1,600,000,000
6.
ABUJA ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION BOARD

Personnel Costs
0

Overhead Costs
1,500,000,000

Sub-Total
1,500,000,000
7.
SATELLITE TOWNS DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT:

Personnel Costs
0

Overhead Costs
500,000,000

Sub-Total
500,000,000

GENERAL SUMMARY

Total Personnel
0

Total Overhead
12,900,000,000

TOTAL RECURRENT
12,900,000,000

PART B – CAPITAL EXPENDITURE:

2023
SUPPLEMENTARY BILL:
1.
Engineering Services, FCDA
30,543,778,260
2.
Public Building, FCDA
15,110,000,000
3.
Bus Rapid Transit and Transport Regulations (BRT&TR)
3,000,000,000

Total Capital
48,653,778,260

Grand Total Recurrent and Capital
61,553,778,260

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM:

This Bill provides for the issuing out of the Statutory Revenue Fund of the Federal Capital Territory, the sum of N61,553,778,260 only, out of which N12,900,000,000.00 is for Overhead Costs while the balance of N48,653,778,260.00 is for Capital Expenditure.

Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-5
The amount for subtotals and other First Line Charges: All Carried.

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HOUSE IN PLENARY:
The House reverted to plenary and adopted the report of the Committee of Supply following a motion by Hon. Julius Ihonvbere and seconded by Hon. Kingsley Chinda.

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3. A Bill for an Act to Authorise the issue from the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s Statutory Revenue Fund of the Federal Capital Territory Administration Account, the total sum of N61, 553, 778, 260 (sixty-one billion, five hundred and fifty-three million, seven hundred and seventy-eight thousand, two hundred and sixty Naira) only, of which the sum of N12,900,000,000.00 (twelve billion, nine hundred million Naira) only, is for Overhead Costs; while the balance 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 Projects; for the service of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, for the financial year ending on 31 December 2023- Third Reading

Debate:
Hon. Julius Ihonvbere moved for the Third reading of the bill and it was seconded by Hon. Kingsley Chinda. The bill was read for the third time and passed.

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Adjournment:

The House at 13:88 PM adjourned plenary to Friday, December 1st, 2023 by 10: 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.

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