Plenary proceedings, House of Reps, Tuesday, February 27th, 2024

After leading the opening prayer and recitation of the national pledge, the Speaker approved the votes and proceedings of Thursday, February 22nd, 2024.

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PETITIONS:

1. Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against 2 companies on the alleged abandonment of a Niger Delta Development Commission contract on a proposed road construction project.
2. A petition was laid on behalf on some complainants pertaining a scheme on the alleged pay-off from Dangote flour mill which is allegedly domiciled with the Security and Exchange Commission, but not yet accessible to them as beneficiaries.

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

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MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:

1. Hon. Abdullahi Rasheed moved a motion on the urgent need to investigate an unidentified disease ravaging Nafada local government of Gombe state and it was seconded by Hon. Usman Kumo. Hon. Rasheed in leading the debate stated that the disease is yet to be identified and constantly spreading. He expressed concern that the disease has continued to defy conventional medication and continues to claim lives.
   He called on the Federal government through the Ministry of Health, as well as on Social Welfare to investigate the issue.

Hon. Rasheed further called on the National Center for Disease Control to ensure the containment of the disease and that the House Committee on Healthcare Services as well as that on Legislative Compliance should ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Healthcare Services.

2. Hon. Patrick Umoh moved a motion on the urgent need to stop the implemented guidelines for registration of nurses and midwives by certificate verification in Nigeria and it was seconded by Hon. Francis Waive.
   Hon. Umoh in leading the debate stated that the revised guidelines for verification of certificates which will come into effect in March 2024 requires members to have at least 2 years post-qualification experience and this has been stiffly protested and resisted by health practitioners.

He stressed that this was not brought to the National Assembly for verification/ratification and is capable of creating forced labour and slave-like conditions for the nurses and midwives. Hon. Umoh called for the suspension of the verification exercise until due clarification is done and that the House Committee on Health Services as well as that on Legislative Compliance should ensure compliance.

An amendment was proposed to reduce the timeframe for working on the motion from 6 weeks to 2 weeks. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committee on Health Services.

3. Hon. Aliyu Bappa moved a motion on a fire disaster that engulfed a market in Bauchi state and it was seconded by Hon. Bello Ambarura.
   Hon. Bappa in leading the debate stated that the ancient central market was completely engulfed by flames which led to the complete loss of properties worth hundreds of millions of Naira. He stressed that the affected traders have lost their means of livelihood and are in dire need of assistance.

Hon. Bappa called on the Northeast Development Commission to reconstruct the market and that the National Emergency Management Agency should provide assistance to the affected traders. He further called on the House committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on National Emergency Management Agency as well as that on the Northeast Development Commission.

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PRESENTATION OF BILLS:

1. Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, 2024 (HB.1085) (Hon. Terseer Ugbor) – First Reading.
2. Gifted and Talented Children’s Centre (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1086) (Hon. Paul Sunday Nnamchi) – First Reading.
3. Federal Colleges of Education Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024(HB.1103) (Hon. Rodney Ebikebina Ambaiowei) – First Reading.
4. Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Amassoma, Bayelsa State (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1118) (Hon. Rodney Ebikebina Ambaiowei) – First Reading.
5. Federal College of Health and Sciences, Enewari, Bayelsa State (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1119) (Hon. Rodney Ebikebina Ambaiowei) – First Reading.
6. Chartered Institute for Medical Dialysis Studies of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1124) (Hon. Abdulmalik Zubairu) – First Reading.
7. Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1133) (Hon. James Faleke) – First Reading.
8. Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1134) (Hon. James Faleke) – First Reading.
9. Armed Forces Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1136) (Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao Akala) – First Reading.
10. Surrogacy Bill, 2024 (HB.1137) (Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao Akala) – First Reading.
11. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024 (Introduction of New States and Reducing Local Governments) (HB.1138) (Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao Akala) – First Reading.
12. Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1139) (Hon. Ismail Musa Modibbo) – First Reading.
13. Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (SB. 75) (Senate) – First Reading.
14. Federal University of Technology and Environmental Science, Iyin Ekiti, Bill 2023 (SB.174) (Senate) – First Reading.

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ORDERS OF THE DAY:

BILLS:

1. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of the Federal College of Health Technology, Benisheikh, Kaga, Borno State and for Related Matters (HB.234) – Third Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Abdullahi Halims 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.

2. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the National Library Act, Cap. N56, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the National Library Bill, 2024 to establish and maintain the National Library of Nigeria, strengthen its statutory functions and for Related Matters (HB. 89) – Third Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Abdullahi Halims 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.

3. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Medical Centres Act to provide for Establishment of Federal Medical Centre, Isialangwa, Abia State and for Related Matters (HB.1074) (Hon. Ginger Onwusibe Obinna) – Second Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Ginger Onwusibe moved for the second reading of the bill and it was seconded by Hon. Sola Adedayo. Hon. Ginger in leading the debate stated that the burden on the existing healthcare facilities in the region cannot be overstated. He called for the urgent establishment of the proposed federal medical center to cater for the numerous healthcare needs of the teeming residents in the region as people as at now have to travel far and wide to access quality or affordable healthcare. The bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Health institutions.

4. A Bill for an Act to Alter Paragraph 2 of Section 231 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 199 (as amended) to Provide Timeframe for the appointment of Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB.907) (Hon. Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi) – Second Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Sulaiman Gumi moved for the second reading of the bill and it was seconded by Hon. Ahmed Jaha. Hon. Gumi in leading the debate stated that the bill seeks to ensure that the Supreme Court is chaired by the required number of Judges to expedite the dispensation of justice and reduce the overlapping workload on remaining Justices. It further seeks to ensure that there is no vacancy for more than 2 months after the retirement of a Judge to ensure these objectives are legally achieved. The bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the Special Committee of the House on Constitution Review.

5. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Colleges of Education Act, Cap. F8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Provide for Establishment of Federal College of Education (Technical), Fufore, Adamawa State and for Related Matters (HB.1018) (Hon. Aliyu Wakili Boya) – Second Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Aliyu Boya moved for the second reading of the bill and it was seconded by Hon. Shettima Ali. Hon. Boya in leading the debate stated that the bill seeks to amend the existing Act to provide for the establishment of the proposed College of Education to fill the yearning gap of educational needs in the region. He urged Honorable members to support if for the aim of meeting these educational needs of Nigerians in the region. The bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Federal Colleges of Education.

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MOTIONS:

6. Need for the Rehabilitation of Orlu – Ihiala Road:
   Hon. Canice Moore Nwachukwu:

The House:

Notes that the importance of road infrastructure in socio-economic development cannot be over-emphasized, hence the need to rehabilitate the Orlu-lhiala Road through Eziachi-Umuna-Amaifeke-Ihioma-Awo Idemili-lseke-lhiala route;

Also notes that the road is the most preferred route for vehicles transporting people, farm produce and processed timber to and from the biggest timber processing plant/market in Imo State and it stretches up to Umuahia in Abia State;

Aware that motorists from Akwa Ibom and Cross River States ply this same road to Umuahia in Abia State, Obowo, Isiala Mbano, Nwangele and Nkwerre in Imo State up to lhiala in Anambra State, in other words, the road connects several states and Federal Constituencies in Imo State, South East, and South Southern Nigeria;

Disturbed by the incessant sufferings of the people plying it and the colossal loss of many hours in transit due to the most condemnable and deplorable condition of that road;

Also disturbed that the deplorable state of the road is causing immense inconvenience for road users resulting loss of time during transit;

Worried that road’s deterioration would further impede economic activities in the area if not urgently rehabilitated;

Cognizant that the continuous deterioration of the road will further impede economic development in the area and potentially encourage criminal activities, if not urgently rehabilitated;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Works and Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to develop a comprehensive and efficient method for the timely and efficient rehabilitation of roads;

(ii) mandate the Committees on Works and FERMA to liaise with the relevant agencies to initiate the rehabilitation to ensure implementation; and

(iii) also mandate the Committee on Legislative compliance to ensure compliance.

Debate:
Hon. Canice Nwachukwu moved the motion on the need for rehabilitation of Orlu – Ihiala road and it was seconded by Hon. Sani Ibrahim. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Works as well as that on Federal Road Maintenance Agency.

7. Need to Rehabilitate and Complete Doma Dam to Increase Agricultural Development:

Hon. Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba:

The House:

Notes that Dam construction is among other ways in which water is conserved globally for the purposes of flood control, human water supply, irrigation, livestock water supply, energy generation, recreation and others;

Also notes that the Doma dam is a multi-purpose Dam constructed under the defunct green revolution policy of the former General Olusegun Obasanjo/President Shehu Shagari administrations and was initiated along with the Bakolori Dam of Sokoto State in 1995 to provide potable drinking water for households and agriculture;

Aware that the dam which is located about 7 kilometers from Doma town and 31 Kilometers from Lafia, Nasarawa State links several communities of Nasarawa State and runs 16 kilometers in length, structured into three arms measuring over 2 km length and about 3 km wide with the content of over 35 million cubic meter of water;

Also aware that the Doma dam regulates the flows of Ohina River in Nasarawa State for irrigation farming and domestic water supply and also provides a natural habitat for various aquatic life;

Worried that the dam which was constructed to serve as a source of irrigation farming for the hundreds of farming communities in Doma and its environs lies in ruins due to prolonged dryness, water hyacinths, and weeds encroaching into the water body’

Concerned that the dam’s construction has been deemed ineffective due to neglect of the irrigation component, resulting in its inability to effectively enhance all-year-round agriculture;

Also concerned that in the face of heightened calls for diversification of the economy from over dependence on oil and the recent emergency on food security, it is alarming that Doma Dam and its potential for agricultural sustainability has suffered neglect by the Federal Government;

Cognizant that Rehabilitating the dam will boost food production in the State and the country as a whole, provide hydropower and employment for trained youths in agro business;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, and Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority to commence the immediate rehabilitation and completion of Doma Dam; and

(ii) mandate the Committee on Water resources to ensure compliance.

Motion stepped down by leave of the House.

8. Need to Investigate the Breach of Community Social Responsibility, Degradation of the Natural Eco System and Environment of Irri Kingdom of Isoko South LGA of Delta State and the Violation of the Petroleum Industry Act by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited (NAOC):

Hon. Ikeagwuonu O. Ugochinyere:

The House:

Notes that Section 4(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) empowers the National Assembly to make laws for the order and good government of the Federation or any part thereof;

Also notes that Sections 88(1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), empower the National Assembly to conduct investigations into the activities of any authority executing or administering laws made by the National Assembly;

Informed that in 2012, the Nigerian Agip Oil Company Ltd, (NAOC) entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Irri Kingdom in the Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State (the host community to NAOC) on December 3, 2012, pursuant to the mutual desire of the Irri Kingdom in the Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State to promote a conducive environment for the development of smooth operations in the community;

Also informed that under the provisions of the MOU, NAOC undertook, among other obligations, to execute and commission six roads totaling 1.5km across Afode, Ekerugbo, Onogie, Link Road, Uguriama, and Jeeno Hotel but failed to execute the project, NAOC only awarded but abandoned midway through the construction of Afode (160km) and Link Road (210 km);

Alarmed that NAOC reneged on the recruitment of qualified indigenous people to fill host community chances by posting foreigners to occupy those slots;

Disturbed that in 2019, after coming up with a proposal for a Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMOU) for all host communities in Isoko, NAOC moved the oil drilling rig into the community and commenced overworking of existing wells and drilling new ones despite the community protest and without prior Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report for such activity;

Aware that by Section 235 and Section 240(2) of the Petroleum Industry Act, NAOC must incorporate Host Communities Development Trusts for the benefit of the host communities, NAOC must remit 3% of their annual operating expenditure for the development of the oil-bearing host communities, respectively;

Disturbed that NAOC has violated mandatory obligations under the PIA and has treated the host communities, who are also Nigerian citizens, with disdain by refusing and neglecting to incorporate the Host Communities Development Trust Fund. It has also failed to conduct a needs assessment of the host community with a view to developing a host community development plan as required by Section 251(4) of the PIA;

Further informed that following the activities of NAOC, which have greatly undermined the social and economic development of the IRRI Kingdom, destroyed biodiversity, irretrievably altered the ecosystem, and endangered the NAOC/host community relationship, NAOC has failed to fulfill its obligations under the Memorandum of Understanding;

Worried that NAOC continuous gas flaring without payment of penalties and compensation, failure to mobilize contractors to the site to execute proposed projects since 2022 for Irri and Oleh communities as contained in the GMOU;

Resolves to:

mandate the Committee on Host Communities to investigate the breach of community social responsibility, degradation of the natural eco system and environment of the Irri Kingdom of Isoko South LGA of Delta State, and violation of the Petroleum Industry Act by Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited (NAOC) and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Motion stepped down by leave of the House.

9. Need to Streamline Inspection Activities in Nigeria Ports for Effective and Timely Export of Agricultural Produce:

Hon. Akintunde Rotimi:

The House:

Notes that the Nigeria’s agricultural production has been boosted by Federal Government policies and increased incentives to farmers;

Also notes the urgent need to increase the export of Nigerian Agricultural produce to boost foreign exchange earnings for the country;

Aware that farmers and exporters of Agricultural produce are having a herculean task in clearing produce for export due to bureaucratic bottlenecks in Nigerian Ports;

Concerned that the Nigerian businessmen face delays in exporting agricultural produce due to various factors including the Standards Organization of Nigeria, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Customs Service, Police Force, Ports Authority, Export Promotion Council, and Immigration Service which have taken a toll on the business of Agricultural exports from Nigeria leading to an unfavourable balance of trade and colossal loss of perishable goods;

Worried that it takes a minimum of 75 days for a 20ft container of yams to be cleared for export from Nigerian ports;

Also concerned that the activities of the Government Agencies in the Nigerian ports are ruining the, governments drive to increase agricultural exports, while neighbouring African countries take shorter days to clear produce, thus undermining Nigerian competitiveness.

Alarmed that these Agencies are imposing multiple taxes and grants on agricultural exports, causing concern and discouraging agricultural export business in the country;

Cognizant that imposing multiple taxes and grants on agricultural exports has negatively affected the nation’s economy, thereby leading to the bankruptcy of export businesses in Nigeria;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Minister of Trade and Investment to ensure that the Nigerian Agriculture produce has speedy clearance from the ports;

(ii) invite the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), Nigerian Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Nigeria Customs Services (NCS), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to appear before the Committee on Commerce to streamline and expedite their export clearance procedures for effectiveness and efficiency; and

(iii) mandate the Committee on Commerce and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and report back within two (2) for further legislative action.

Motion stepped down by leave of the House.

10. Need for the Federal Government to Develop a Robust Policy Response to the Country’s Rising Food Price Inflation.
    Hon. Sani Lawal:

The House:

Notes that the country is currently plagued by an unprecedented increase in food prices due to a combination of insecurity issues, reduced food production and high prices of PMS (Premium Motor Spirit) and Petroleum Products;

Aware that the commitment of Nigeria Government to guarantee food security to its citizens as a fundamental objective under Chapter II of the Constitution must be realized;

Also aware that the Data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that the Food inflation rate in Nigeria as at December 2023, was 33.93 percent which was 10.18 percent points higher compared to the rate recorded in December, 2022;

Concerned that a report by the National Social Safety-Nets Coordinating Office (NASSOO) confirms that there are over 15 million poor and vulnerable households (PVHS) in Nigeria, and over 62 million individuals’ in those household’s and more are affected by food inflation;

Also concerned that a reading of the foregoing reports clearly means that the majority of the country’s population, particularly poorer households, are most affected by high food prices, as they spend a high proportion of their income on food, making it unaffordable and pushing more people into poverty;

Worried that the continuous rise in food prices would potentially lead to uncontrollable and unpleasant situations such as:

(a) nation-wide social unrest;
(b) direct and negative impact on food security, leading to a massive food security crisis; and
(c) proliferation of food fraud through adulteration and passing off contaminated and inferior food by unscrupulous producers and sellers at cheaper price to lure unsuspecting citizens who are desperate for food.

Resolves to:

(i)​urge the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, embrace a comprehensive policy
response to the soaring food price regime as short-term measures that will support vulnerable households in the form of:

(a) releasing public food stock and providing consumer food subsidies;
(b) expanding the social safety net program to embrace direct cash transfers, food
and employment-based assistance for deserving families;
(c) initiating a food for work program;
(d) controlling prices through price control bodies, marketing, and commodity boards;
(e) increasing public sector wages

(ii)​also urge the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to guarantee food security in ​​the country;

(iii)​mandate the Committees on Agricultural Production and Services and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.

Motion stepped down by leave of the House.

11. Need to Investigate the Compliance of Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) to the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (Prohibition) Act, 2018:

Hon. Lanre Okunola:

The House:

Notes that Sections 3–8 of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities Prohibition Act, 2018 specifies that persons with disability has the right to access the physical environment and buildings on an equal basis with others;

Also notes that the WHO (World Health Organization) estimate that about 30 Million Nigerians are Persons with Disabilities;

Further notes that most persons with disability face stigmatization, discrimination, violence, lack of access to physical structures such as Transportation, Health, Education, Housing and other necessity of life;

Aware that the National Assembly passed the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities Prohibition Act and signed into law by former President Muhammed Buhari, but most Ministries Departments and Agencies of Government are yet to implement the Act, which is contrary to section 1-21 of the Disability Act, 2018;

Disturbed that if Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities Prohibition Act is not fully implemented, the challenges faced by Persons with Disabilities will persist and the socio-economic development of Nigeria will remain impaired;

Resolves to:

mandate the Committee on Disabilities to investigate the compliance level of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government (MDAs) to the Disability Act, 2018.

Debate:
Hon. Lanre Okunlola moved the motion on the need to investigate the compliance of Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) to the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (Prohibition) Act, 2018 and it was seconded by Hon. Martins Esset. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to House Committee on Disabilities.

12. Need to Adopt Home Grown Technological Solution and Incorporate Domestic Technology Service Providers Agencies in fighting Insecurity in Nigeran:

Hon. Mohammed Omar Bio:

The House:

Notes that Nigeria is battling with all forms of insecurity ranging from banditry, terrorism and kidnapping;

Also notes that recently in Kogi, Ekiti, Lagos, Zamfara, Kaduna, Taraba, Nasarawa States including FCT citizens were kidnapped, ransom demanded and some killed including the three Kings in Ekiti, Kwara and the young ones in Federal Capital Territory;

Aware that solutions to unravel insecurity are identified to be in tripartite nature of intelligence gathering, surveillance and communication for security agencies;

Also aware that Nigeria as a Country is blessed with individuals and agencies among which are Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT), National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and National Technology Development Agency (NITDA) saddled with the responsibility of providing technological products to ensure adequate intelligence gathering, surveillance and effective communication;

Worried that despite the presence of security agencies in Nigeria, all forms of insecurity continue unabated, in the case of kidnapping, contacts are established with the relatives of kidnap victims without instant tracking and apprehending of the criminals and this of course indicates that the products of these agencies are not tapped by the respective security agencies in the Country or strong collaboration in fighting the menace of insecurity in Nigeria are not established between them;

Also worried that non-adoption of home-grown tech products and non-integration of domestic tech service provider agencies by the security agencies fighting insecurity ravaging the country will allow continuation of all forms of crimes in the Country and continue to allow the citizens to live in fear;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Nigerian Army, Police, Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to speedily collaborate and adopt tech products of domestic agencies as Nigerian Communications Satellite NIGCOMSAT), National Space Research Development Agency (NASRDA) and National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to fight insecurity in Nigeria; and

(ii)​mandate the Committees on Army, Police Affairs and Communications to ensure compliance.

Debate:
Hon. Mohammed Bio moved the motion on the need to adopt homegrown technological solutions and incorporate Domestic Technology Service Providers Agencies in fighting Insecurity in Nigeria and it was seconded by Hon. Saidu Yusuf Mega. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Army, Police Affairs as well as that on Communications.

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CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS:

13. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Medical Centres Act and Establish Federal Medical Centre, Igboora and for Related Matters (HB.799) (Leader) – Committee of the Whole:20/12/2023.

Synopsis of the report:

Hon. Julius Ihonvbere stated that the Bill seeks the establishment of the proposed medical center for the good of Nigerians in the region and urged Honorable members to support it.

Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-3.

14. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Produce (Enforcement of Exports Standards) Act, Cap. P23, Laws of the Federal of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the Federal Produce Inspection Service (Enforcement of Exports Standards) (Establishment) Bill, 2024 to Provide for the Inspection and Enforcement of Grades and Quality Standards of Produce and Commodity intended for Export from Nigeria at Ports of Shipment and for Related Matters (HB. HB.616) (Leader) – Committee of the Whole:9/11/2023.

Synopsis of the report:

Hon. Julius Ihonvbere stated that the Bill seeks to promote and ensure quality of inspection to ensure standard enforcement of quality produce to be exported from Nigeria to avoid the embarrassment of having produce returned and trade agreements with other countries cancelled.

Consideration of the report was deferred due to lack of copies of the report for circulation to Honourable Members.

15. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Federal Capital Territory Abuja Area Courts (Repeal and Enactment) Act, 2010 and Enact the Federal Capital Territory Abuja Area Courts Bill to, among other things, Expand the Jurisdiction of the Area Courts to Entertain both Civil and Criminal Matters and for Related Matters (HB. 378) (Leader) – Committee of the Whole:8/2/2024.

Consideration of the report deferred for further consultations.

16. A Bill for an Act to Establish Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicine Council of Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB. 473) (Leader) – Committee of the Whole:10/10/2023.

Synopsis of the report:

Hon. Julius Ihonvbere stated that the Bill seeks to establish the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Council to complement conventional medicine in a standard, healthy and competent manner for the good of Nigerians.

Further consideration of the report was deferred and referred to the House committee on Rules and Business so as to ascertain if the provisions of the Bill is similar to an existing Agency which will amount to duplication of functions.

17. A Bill for an Act to Establish Chartered Institute of Public Management of Nigeria to Provide for the Control of its Membership and Promote the Practice of Public Management in Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB. 984) (Leader) – Committee of the Whole:20/12/2023.

Synopsis of the report:

Hon. Julius Ihonvbere stated that the Bill seeks to promote public management in Nigeria to ensure the members work in accordance to stipulated guidelines.

Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-21.

18. Ad–hoc Committee on the Need to Investigate the Circumstances Surrounding the Acquisition of OVH Energy by NNPC limited:
    Hon. Hassan Abubakar Nalaraba:
    “That the House do consider the Report of the Ad–hoc Committee on the Need to Investigate the Circumstances Surrounding the Acquisition of OVH Energy by NNPC Limited on the Need to Investigate the Irregularities and Alleged Corruption in the Nigeria Energy Security Provider, NNPC Retail Limited and the Acquisition of OVH Energy Marketing and approve the Recommendations therein” (HR. 171/07/2023) (Laid:4/10/2023).

(i) lift the suspension of the House of Representatives’ earlier directive to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL) to halt the acquisition of OVH Energy Marketing;

(ii) urge the NNPCL to sustain its application of principle of corporate governance, which has given rise to the increase in profit of the NNPC Retail from 6.593 Billion naira in year 2021 to 18.4 Billion naira in the first quarter of the year 2023;

(iii) also urge the NNPCL to sustain provision of energy for security purposes as provided for in the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021;

(iv) further urge the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to act in accordance with its mandate by refusing and denying facilities to whose operating license no longer subsist from lifting products and the associated consequences that may apply; and

(v) again urge all facilities that operate within the Midstream and Downstream sector of the oil and gas sector, within the regulatory purview of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, to obtain and renew their operating licenses, including the NNPCL and it Companies, or face consequences as provided in the NMDPRA regulations.

Consideration of the report deferred by leave of the House.

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HOUSE IN PLENARY:

The House reverted 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 12:46 PM adjourned plenary to Wednesday, February 28th, 2024 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.

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