Plenary proceedings, House of Reps, Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024

The Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu presided.

By admin , in Inside stories , at May 23, 2024 Tags: #NASS, Ejiro Umukoro Publisher and Editor in Chief, House of Representatives, Investigative Journalism, LightRay Media, Nigeria National Assembly

After leading the opening prayer and recitation of the national pledge, the Deputy Speaker approved the votes and proceedings of Tuesday, May 21st, 2024

PETITIONS:

Hon. Muhammed Buba laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the Minister of Education on the alleged lopsidedness and abuse of the Laws of the federal character in the appointment of Heads and Leadership Bodies of Federal Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education.
Hon. Umar Ajilo laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the Central Bank of Nigeria on a complain on the alleged unlawful retirement of some staff.
Hon. Austin Achado laid a petition on behalf of a complainant on her alleged unlawful dismissal from her point of employment.
Hon. Victor Abang laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the National Assembly Service Commission on its alleged refusal for reinstatement of the complainant after recovering from a protracted illness.
Hon. Jesse Onuakalusi laid 2 petitions on behalf of 2 complainants against the Nigeria Police.
Hon. Ibe Osonwa laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on the alleged non-remittance of seized funds.

All petitions were referred to the House committee on Public Petitions

MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:

Hon. Abdulhakeem Ado moved a motion on the unfortunate blast incident in a mosque in Kano state and it was seconded by Hon. Mohammed Bello Shehu. Hon. Ado in leading the debate stressed the need to battle insecurity in society, especially in social spaces of gathering. He called on all stakeholders to join in the fight against terrorism for the security and safety of all Nigerians. Hon. Ado stated that the attack was reportedly carried out by an aggrieved individual who has been apprehended. He commended the swift action taken by the Kano state police command and pleaded for more efforts at battling insecurity. He condemned the attack and called on the populace to be united with the relevant security authorities in order to prevent future attacks. Hon. Ado stressed that the blast shows that the fight against terrorism is far from over so the National Orientation Agency should embark on a sensitization campaign to ensure citizens remain vigilant, cooperate with security forces and report suspicious movements and actions to the relevant authorities.

Hon. Inuwa Garba proposed an amendment to mandate the House committee on Police Affairs to ensure the House is kept abreast with the investigation of the matter. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House committee on Police as well as that on Information.

Hon. Bassey Ekpenyong moved a motion on the need for intervention in war-torn scenarios of massacre and incessant kidnappings in some communities of Cross Rivers state and it was seconded by Hon. Idem Unyime. Hon. Bassey in leading the debate stated that gunmen dressed in military attire recently ambushed and killed scores of people, destroying houses and properties worth millions of Naira. He also stated that these attacks have become more frequent and seems to be as a result of the desire for land grabbing. Hon. Bassey called on the Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other such agencies to come to the aid of the victims. He further called on the Nigerian Army and Police to beef up security in the region and that the House committee on Army and Police should ensure compliance.

Hon. Ibe Osonwa proposed an amendment to the prayer of the motion to make it clear that his constituency is involved in the said border dispute and that the House committee on Defense should ensure adequate security for both warring parties by the police and military. He also asked the National Boundary Commission to delineate the boundaries of the 2 communities. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House committee on NEMA, Army, Police as well as that on Special Duties.

Hon. Aminu Jamo moved a motion on the need to ensure food security and it was seconded by Hon. Regina Akume. Hon. Aminu in leading the debate bemoaned the shortage of padi for rice cultivation as well as the halt of key interventions for some rice farmers. He stressed that this could lead to food shortage and insecurity. He called on the House committee on Agricultural Production and Services to investigate the circumstances and report back to the House within 2 weeks and that urgent measures should be put in place to avert the threat of food insecurity. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House committee on Agricultural Production and Services.

PRESENTATION OF BILLS

Nigerian Parliamentary Services Trust Fund (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1247) (Hon. Ibrahim AlMustapha Aliyu) – First Reading.
Insurance Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1391) (Hon. Tochukwu Okere) – First Reading.
Federal University, Wukari (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1382) (Hon. Mark B. Useni) – First Reading.
National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1392) (Hon. Tochukwu Okere) – First Reading.
Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1398) (Hon. Tochukwu Okere) – First Reading.
National Agricultural Land Development Authority Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1399) (Hon. Tochukwu Okere) – First Reading.
Examination Malpractices Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1400) (Hon. Tochukwu Okere) – First Reading.
Federal Road Safety Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1401) (Hon. Olaide Lateef Muhammed) – First Reading.
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1405) (Hon. Babajimi Benson) – First Reading.
Federal Polytechnics Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1413) (Hon. Dominic Okafor) – First Reading.
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1406) (Hon. Babajimi Benson) – First Reading.
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1407) (Hon. Babajimi Benson) – First Reading.
Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1423) (Hon. Abdulhakeem Ado) – First Reading.
Land Use Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1429) (Hon. Ikweagwuonu Ugochinyere) – First Reading.
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1430) (Hon. Ikweagwuonu Ugochinyere) – First Reading.
Higher National Diploma Discrimination (Prohibition) Bill, 2024 (HB.1434) (Hon. Fuad Kayode Laguda) – First Reading.
Digital Marketing Regulation Bill, 2024 (HB.1435) (Hon. Esosa Iyawe) – First Reading.
Federal University, Gusau (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1437) (Hon. Kabiru Amadu Maipalace) – First Reading.
Marriage Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1438) (Hon. Abubakar Yahaya Kusada) – First Reading.
Public Procurement Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1439) (Hon. Murphy Omoruyi) – First Reading.
Chartered Institute of Capital Market Registrars (HB.1460) (Hon. Ali Adeyemi Taofeek) – First Reading.

ORDERS OF THE DAY
BILLS

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 N98,500,000,000 (ninety-eight Billion, Five Hundred Million) only for Capital Projects; for the Service of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, for the Financial ending 31 December, 2024 (Leader) – Second reading.

Debate
Hon. Abdullahi Halims moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Emeka Chinedu. Hon. Halims in leading the debate stated that the funds are to make provisions for the execution of some critical capital projects in the Federal Capital Territory for the good of Nigerians in the FCT. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House committee on Federal Capital Territory as well as that on Federal Capital Territory’ Area Councils and Auxiliary Matters.

A Bill for an Act to Establish Integrated Corporate Data Management Commission as the Body responsible for Comprehensive Collation, Harmonization of Certificates issued by Corporate Statutory Regulatory bodies, Graduation based on compliance with enabling laws Regulating Corporate Entities in Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB. 518) (Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Abdullahi Halims moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Bello Ambarura. Hon. Halims in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks to ensure comprehensive harmonization of certificates from the Agency-regulating organization for effective corporate statutory regulation in regards to tax payment verification, acts of social responsibility as well as for public corporate management. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House committee on Commerce.

A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Colleges of Education Act to Establish Federal College of Education (Special) Dukku, Gombe State and for Related Matters (HB.1371) (Hon. Abdullahi El-Rasheed) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Abdullahi Rasheed moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Andulhakeem Ado. Hon. Rasheed in leading the debate stated that the proposed College of Education seeks to provide knowledge in the teaching methods of children with special needs. The policy he stated has recognized the importance of impacting knowledge for such students and it is only available in one other institution in Nigeria. The establishment of the College he stated will lessen the burden on the only existing one and provide alternative means in for the administration of such special needs knowledge in the Northeast region of the country. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House committee on Federal Colleges of Education.

A Bill for an Act to provide for the Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery Amassoma, Bayelsa State and for Related Matters (HB. 1118) (Hon. Rodney Ebikebina Ambaiowei) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Rodney Ambaiowei moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Sani Abdullahi. Hon. Rodney in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks to provide continuous training in nursing and midwifery for the healthcare benefits of those in Bayelsa state. He stated that at the moment, no such College exists and the need for the establishment of the College cannot be overemphasized for the good of the the teeming citizens seeking knowledge in nursing and midwifery, who have to travel far and wide to satisfy this need. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House committee on Health Institutions.

A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal College Nursing and Midwifery Amoji–Nike, Enugu State and for Related Matters (HB.524) (Hon. Paul Sunday Nnamchi) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Paul Nnamchi moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Mohammed Lateef. Hon. Nnamchi in leading the debate stressed the need for the establishment of the Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery as no such college exists in the region to meet the needs, yearnings and aspirations of those seeking training in the knowledge of nursing and midwifery. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House committee of Health Institutions.

A Bill an Act to Amend the Federal Universities of Agriculture Act, Cap. F22 laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Establish Federal University of Agriculture, Atomkpe Inamite Town, Cross Rivers State and for Related Matters (HB. 134) (Hon. Joseph Bassey) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Joseph Bassey moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Shehu Dalhatu. Hon. Bassey in leading the debate stressed the need for the establishment of the proposed university of agriculture in the region for the training in knowledge of agricultural research and development as a viable alternative to oil as a source of national income. He expressed optimism that the university will eventually serve as a world class center of knowledge for Nigerians. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions.

A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery Hawul Local Government Area, Borno State and for Related Matters (HB 280) (Hon. Midala Usman Balami) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Midala Balami moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Ibrahim Mohammed. Hon. Balami in leading the debate stressed the need for the establishment of the proposed Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery as it will provide for Human Resources capacity development and service delivery for the healthcare needs of people in the region. He stated that Borno state after suffering years of devastation from the activities of Boko haram has a shortage of such critical infrastructure. He called on Honorable members to support the second reading of the Bill to provide for the establishment this all important College. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House committee on Health Institutions.

MOTIONS

Need to Execute House Resolutions on Security:
Hon. O. K. Chinda Hon. Aliyu Madaki
Hon. Onanuga Adewumi Oriyomi Hon. Fred Agbedi
Hon. Abdulsamad Dasuki Hon. Mutui Nicolas
Hon, Victor Nwokolo Hon. Babajimi Benson
Hon. Ibori Suenu Erinatake Hon. Solomon Bob
Hon. Miriam Onuoha Hon. Bitrus Laori
Hon. Ogowu David Agada Hon. Billy Osawaru
Hon. Mark Essiet Hon. Kelechi Nwogu
Hon. Emerengwa Boniface Sunday Hon. Felix Nwaeke
Hon Victor Obuzor Hon. Cyril Hart
Hon. Chris Nkwonta Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi
Hon. Abas Adigun Hon. Gaza Gbefwi
Hon. Kabiru Adamu Mai Palace Hon. Midala Balami
Hon. Ibe Okwara Osanwa Hon. Ginger Onwusibe
Hon. Blessing Chigeru Amadi

The House:

Notes with utmost concern, the worsening insecurity situation in the country, from armed robbery to banditry, food theft, kidnaps, and killings;

Also notes with concern that the rising insecurity rate in the country has also had a negative effect on the cost of living, especially the cost of food, as farmers and traders work in fear and thus charge more for their goods and services;

Aware that the House has reached several resolutions in its bid to fight insecurity in the country and mitigate its attendant consequences;

Also aware that some of these resolutions are awaiting execution by the House;

Concerned that according to the International Centre for Investigative Reporting, over 380 Nigerians had been kidnapped in January, 2024, and over 26.5 million Nigerians were projected by the Food and Agriculture Organisation to be food insecure in 2024;

Worried that unless the House of Representatives matches its resolutions with actions, the faith that the citizens have in the House will wane, and more Nigerians will continue to suffer the negative effects of insecurity in all sectors of the economy;

Resolves to:

mandate the Clerk of the House of Representatives to compile all House Resolutions on security and forward the compilation to the office of the Security Adviser and the Committee on Legislative Compliance for action.

Debate
Hon. Kingsley Chinda moved the motion on the need to Execute House Resolutions on Security and it was seconded by Hon. Lanre Okunlola. The motion was voted on and adopted, but limited in scope to the 10th Assembly.

Need to ensure International Oil Companies involved in the Divestment of Assets in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria Comply with the Decommissioning, Abandonment Regulations and Guidelines of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) as Enshrined in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA):
Hon. Ikeagwuonu Onyinye Ugochinyere:

The House:

Notes that the National Assembly is saddled with the task of making laws for the peace, order, and good governance of the Federation or any part thereof as enshrined in Section 4(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended);

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;

Cognizant that Section 232 of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 provides that the decommissioning and abandonment of petroleum wells, installations, structures, utilities, plants, and pipelines for petroleum operations on land and offshore shall be conducted in accordance with good international petroleum industry practice and guidelines issued by the Commission or Authority;

Also cognizant that in exercise of the powers conferred on it by Section 232(1)(b) of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) issued the Nigerian Upstream Decommissioning and Abandonment Regulations, 2023, which, among other things, provided certain guidelines to be followed when carrying out offshore decommissioning operations;

Acknowledges that the guidelines put in place by the NUPRC for decommissioning and abandonment procedures are in tandem with global best practice and accordingly commends the Commission, particularly its Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, FNSE, for his visionary leadership;

Aware that most of the international oil companies involved in petrol operations in the country are closing up their petroleum operations in Nigeria and relocating out of the country, without clearly following or complying with the decommissioning and abandonment guidelines as prescribed by NUPRC and enshrined in the PIA;

Also aware that most of the international oil companies are divesting their company assets in Nigeria and relocating out of the country, without clearly following or complying with the decommissioning and abandonment guidelines as prescribed by NUPRC and as enshrined in the PIA;

Concerned that as a result of the exploration and other activities of the international oil companies in the Niger Delta, the region has suffered great environmental degradation for years, with farmlands and water bodies being destroyed, leaving the communities’ ecosystems completely milked and irreparably exploited;

Worried that if consent is given for the divestment of the assets of the international oil companies (IOCs) without ensuring their compliance with the guidelines and regulations put in place, the host communities will suffer irredeemably, and the companies taking over the assets of the IOCs will not be able to remedy the degradation;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil) and the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to refrain from granting consent to divesting International Oil Companies (IOCs) until there is full compliance with the Guidelines for Decommissioning, as well as the Regulations made pursuant to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA);

(ii) mandate Committees on Petroleum Resources (Midstream), Host Communities, Gas Resources, Petroleum Resources (Downstream) and Petroleum Resources (Upstream) to investigate the level of compliance with the Decommissioning and Abandonment Guidelines of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) as enshrined in the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021 and report back to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.

Debate

Hon. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere moved the motion on the need to ensure International Oil Companies involved in the Divestment of assets in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria Comply with the Decommissioning, Abandonment Regulations and Guidelines of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) as Enshrined in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and it was seconded by Hon. Obi Aguocha.

Hon. Wale Raji proposed an amendment to incorporate the House committee on Environment to the matter. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House committee on Petroleum Resources ( Upstream). Petroleum Resources (Midstream), Host Communities, Gas Resources, Petroleum Resources (Downstream) as well as that on Environment.

Call to Convert Seized Properties of Offices for Public Use:
Hon. Esosa Iyawe:
The House:

Notes that Asset recovery is a powerful but underutilized tool against domestic and international corruption, and the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act provides a robust legal framework for managing and recovering such proceeds;

Also notes that the Federal Government, through a Directorate, has the power to allocate permanently forfeited property to security and other government agencies;

Aware that in a bid to reduce high expenditure on rent and office buildings in 2017, the Federal Government converted landed properties seized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for office use by some Agencies of Government, thus saving the country about N180 billion;

Concerned that Government Agencies operating in States across the country are experiencing challenges in finding office accommodation due to difficulties in paying rent;

Also concerned that reports have revealed that over 50 assets confiscated from politically exposed persons, civil servants, and other individuals are currently unoccupied and rotting away;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Government renovate and convert permanently forfeited lands and buildings into offices for Federal Government Agencies operating from rented offices; and

(ii) mandate the Committee on Public Assets to ensure compliance.

Debate
Hon. Esosa Iyawe moved the motion on the call to convert seized properties of offices for public use and it was seconded by Hon. Marie Enenimiete.

Hon. Jafaaru Yakubu proposed an amendment to urge the Office of the Secretary of the Federation to make an inventory of the seized items and rearward them to where they are truly needed.

Hon. Oluwasegun Gbenga and Hon. Oluwole Oke proposed an amendment to also include all abandoned public landed properties and assets both local and international, and not limit it to just office materials. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House committee on Public Assets.

Need for Standing, Special Ad-hoc Committees and Parliamentary Friendship Groups to Submit Quarterly Reports to the Committee on Monitoring and Evaluation of Standing/Ad-hoc Committees:
Hon. Obinna Aguocha:
 The House:
 Notes that the Committees of the House of Representatives were established by Section 62(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, (as amended) and Order Twenty of the House Standing Orders, pursuant to the legislative self-regulatory powers set out in Section 60 of the Constitution to ensure efficient and effective administration of special and general-purpose legislative businesses;

Also notes that the Committee on Monitoring and Evaluation of Standing/Ad-hoc Committees was established in accordance with Order 20, Rule 85 and Order 7, Rule 1(13b) of the Standing Orders of the House, 2023 with Jurisdiction to:

(a) monitor and Evaluate the output of all Standing and Ad-hoc committees of the House;
(b) submit a quarterly report to the House on all standing and Ad-hoc committees of the House;
(c) set up a framework template for the effective assessment of the activities of all standing and ad hoc committees;

Aware of Order Seven Rule 1(13b) which states that the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall review the performance of Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen of Committees in line with the Monitoring and Evaluation of Standing/Ad-hoc Committees Reports and remove Committee Leadership in consultation with the principal officers and upon the recommendation of the Committee on Monitoring and Evaluation of Standing Committees;

Further notes that since the establishment of the House of Representatives Committees, the Committee on Monitoring and Evaluation of Standing/ Ad-hoc Committees has developed the Monitoring and Evaluation Governance Process and Reporting Template and the Committees Productivity Assessment Metrics and Accountability Framework (THE HOR-COPAMAF) and has written to all Standing/ Ad-hoc Committees of the House to submit their quarterly reports from June 2023 to date;

Observes that for more than two months since the statutory request for the submission of committees’ reports was made, only twenty-two (22) of the Standing and Ad-hoc Committees have submitted their quarterly reports as mandated by the Standing Orders and other resolutions of the House;

Worried that the inability of the House Committees to ensure timely submission of reports, including quarterly and sessional reports, reports of specialized committee activities, negatively impacts the jurisdictional mandate of the Committee on Monitoring and Evaluation, the lofty aspirations of the 10th Assembly Legislative Agenda on enhancing quality of oversight, and the current House leadership efforts to showcase the House of Representatives Committees productivity index accountably;

Cognizant that the Committees of the House are critical organs in the functioning of an effective legislature and the Committees’ outputs in terms of reports are central instruments for robust assessment and evaluation of Legislative Committees effectiveness and productivity, which would build public trust and improve the image of the National Assembly as a valuable democratic institution.

Resolves to:
(i) Mandate the Standing, Special, Ad-hoc Committees and Parliamentary Friendship Groups to submit the reports of its Committees’ activities from June 2023 to May 2024 to the Committee on Monitoring and Evaluation of Standing and Ad-hoc Committee within two (2) weeks for further legislative action;

(ii) also mandate the Committee on Monitoring and Evaluation of the Standing and Ad-hoc Committee to closely monitor the level of implementation and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Debate
Hon. Obinna Aguocha moved the motion on the need for Standing, Special Ad-hoc Committees and Parliamentary Friendship Groups to submit quarterly reports to the Committee on Monitoring and Evaluation of Standing/Ad-hoc Committees and it was seconded by Hon. Bitrus Laore.

Hon. Isa Mohammed proposed an amendment to make the reports cover from the inauguration of the Parliamentary Friendship Groups till date. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House committee on Monitoring and Evaluation of Standing and Ad-Hoc committees.

Addressing and Mitigate Erosion in Gadaka Damagun and Jajere Town of Fika/Fune Federal Consistency, Yobe State:
Hon. Muhammed Buba Jajere:
The House:
Notes that the ravaging effects of gully erosion in Gadaka, Damagum and Jajere towns in Fika and Fune Local Government areas need to be addressed.

Also notes that the gully erosion has cut off access within these communities, thereby denying them access to their homes and source of livelihood.

Further notes that the adverse effects of erosion on these communities have been ignored and, if not checked, may continue to deny farmers access to their residences and farmlands.

Worried that erosion in these communities has remained a death trap, resulting in the loss of lives, goods, and services worth millions of naira, including the non-harvesting of agricultural produce.

Cognizant of the provisions of Sections 2(1) and (2) of the National Environmental (Soil Erosion and Flood Control) Regulations, 2011, on the objectives of the Regulations, which protect human life and environments.

Resolves to:
(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Environment and other relevant agencies to take a holistic approach to containing the gully erosion menace in these three (3) communities in Yobe State;

(ii) also urge the Ecological Fund office to find a lasting solution to the gully erosion in these communities in Fika and Fune Local Government Areas of Yobe State; and

(iii) mandate the committee on the Environment and Ecological Fund, when fully constituted, to follow-up with the relevant Ministry and Agency.

Debate
Hon. Mohammed Jajere moved the motion on addressing and mitigate erosion in Gadaka Damagun and Jajere Town of Fika/Fune Federal Consistency, Yobe State. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House committee on Environment as well as that on Ecological Fund.

Need to Allow Pregnant Women to Access Free Medical treatment from Public Health Institution During and after Delivery:
Hon. Mohammed Dan Abba Shehu:
The House:
Notes that the government established public healthcare institutions to provide medical services to humanity with available, supplied drugs equipped with modern medical facilities and charged with the responsibility of handling healthcare-related matters, which was not restricted to pregnant women in the nation, but their efforts to encourage free treatment have not fully realized;

Aware that the government allocates an annual budget to public healthcare institutions to fund healthcare service delivery to the citizens’ particularly pregnant women whose families cannot afford medical treatment during pregnancy and childbirth;

Also aware of the 2019 statistics report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reveals that the fertility rate in the 2019 population of 200, 963, 599 was 5.67%; in 2018, 195,874,683 represented 5.67%; in 2017, 190,873,244 represented 5.67%; and in 2016, the total population of 186,960,241 represented 5.67% of the fertility rate of childbirth in the country, indicating the need for free medical treatment for pregnant women to boost the country’s fertility rate;

Alarmed that Nigeria is grappling with high disease rates, resulting in an annual maternal mortality rate of expectant mothers and children due to pregnancy complications and the polio virus;

Further aware that government neglect requires public healthcare institutions to have medical professionals give adequate attention to patients, including pregnant women, during childbirth to address complications and find permanent solutions;

Disturbed that at the 2019 UNICEF report shows that 7.2 million child births are recorded annually, with 262,000 babies dying at birth and 357 dying within the first month, while the birth rate in 2019 was 37.684 per 1,000 people, which represents a decline of 1.09% from 2018, while the birth rate in 2018 was 38.098 births per 1,000 people, representing a 1.25% decline from 2017, compared to the global average of 18.5 births per 1,000 population in 2016;

Convinced of the need for the government to prioritize policy actions aimed at improving healthcare delivery systems, particularly for pregnant women, to alleviate their hardships and boost their confidence;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Health to issue directives enabling free medical treatment for pregnant women during and after delivery in public healthcare institutions and implement routine checks to ensure continuity, compliance by medical personnel, and sustainability of childbirth processes; and

(ii) mandate the Committee on Healthcare Services and Healthcare Institutions to invite the Hon. Minister of Health to propose a solution to this innovative trend and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Debate
Hon. Mohammed Shehu moved the motion on the need to allow pregnant women to access free medical treatment from Public Health Institutions during and after delivery and it was seconded by Hon. Kelechi Nwogu. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House committee on Healthcare Services as well as that on Healthcare Institutions.

Completion of silo Handovers to Enhance Agricultural Productivity through the use of Neon Agro Commodities:
Hon. Joshua Audu Gana:

The House:

Notes that the Nigerian Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, constructed about 33 silos across the country with a combined storage capacity of approximately 1.3 million metric tons to improve post-harvest grain storage, stabilize prices, and ensure food security for the growing population;

Also notes that in 2014 former President Goodluck Jonathan initiated the concession of silos to private entities, which were completed in 2019 under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, marking the beginning of silos handovers to preferred bidders;

Aware of the formation of the Nigeria Silo Concessionaires Association (NISCA) comprises 17 silos with 700,000 metric tons storage capacity, demonstrating private sector involvement in grain storage and management, including Neon Agro Commodities Ltd’s role in large-scale farming;

Also aware of Neon Agro Commodities Ltd. has acquired significant land for rice and maize cultivation in Cross River, Akwa Ibom States, and Niger State, demonstrating a commitment to agricultural expansion and job creation.
Cognizant of the need for the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to expedite the handover of remaining silos to preferred private companies, ensuring full operational capacity across all constructed silos.

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to:

(a) handover the remaining silos to outstanding preferred private companies, and to prioritize the facilitation of access to funding for member companies of NISCA possessing land for large-scale cultivation of grains such as wheat, rice, maize, and soybeans, thereby increasing agricultural productivity and storage utilization;

(b) facilitate access to funding amounting to 7,4 billion Niara for maize cultivation by Neon Agro Commodities Lid in Niger State, projecting an expected yield of 24,000 MT with significant job creation and market value enhancement;

(c) facilitate access to funding amounting to 11.2 billion Naira for rice cultivation on 6,000 hectres of land by Neon Agro Commodities Ltd.

(ii) also urge the Federal Government of Nigeria to establish commodity boards responsible for the procurement, management, storage, sale, and distribution of grains, enhancing food security, and stabilising commodity prices through effective oversight and strategic reserve management; and

(iii) mandate the Committee on Agricultural Production and Services to monitor compliance and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Motion stepped down by leave of the House

Need to Investigate the Contract by Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for the Opokuma Clan Erosion Protection in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State:
Hon Abonsizibe Oforji Oboku:
The House:

Notes that one of the mandates of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is to offer lasting solution to the socio-economic difficulties of the Niger Delta Region and to facilitate the rapid and sustainable development of the region;

Also notes that the NDDC awarded a shoreline protection contract in Opokuma Kingdom to Dredging Atlantic Ltd in 2004 due to erosion, the company has a reputation of abandoning projects, as reported by the Guardian Newspaper in 2015 that project awarded by the NDDC in Aiyetoro Community in Ilaje Council Area of Ondo State, after collecting mobilization fee of N2.5 Billion, Naira out of the N6.5 Billion contract sums;

Worried that the Niger Delta Development Commission’s twenty-year contract for Opokuma Clan Erosion Protection in Bayelsa State has caused erosion in ten communities including the Ayakoroama and Olobiri, resulting in loss of lives and property;
Resolves to:

Mandate the Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to investigate the project and report back within four (4) weeks for further Legislative action.

Debate
Hon. Oforji Oboku moved the motion on the need to investigate the contract by Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for the Opokuma Clan Erosion Protection in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa state and it was seconded by Hon. Eugene Okechukwu. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House committee on Niger Delta Development Commission.

Resettlement, Integration and Compensation of Ingenious Communities in the Federal Capital Territory:
Hon. Joshua Chinedu Obika:
The House:
Notes that the Federal Capital Territory, being the administrative and political hub of Nigeria, has experienced rapid urbanization and population growth, promoting economic development but also posing challenges like inadequate infrastructure, housing shortages, and marginalization of indigenous communities;

Also notes that at the start of construction works by the Shagari 5s administration in the 1980s, it was stated that people who would be affected by development projects would be given options to either choose to be resettled outside Abuja or remain within the FCT;

Aware that the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s attempted to resettle, integrate, and compensate indigenous communities, but was confronted with the huge costs of over N100 billion, with an exchange rate of N120 Naira to Dollar;

Also aware that the previous administration’s compensation, integration, and resettlement of the original inhabitants of the FCT has not yielded the desired result due to lack of proper coordination among departments in managing compensation, integration, and resettlement communities such as Jabi village, Jabi Samuel, Durumi, Piwoyi, Dawaki, Kuchibena, Jahi 1 and 2, Kadobinku in Gwarinpa, Galadima, Iddo Sarki, Guzape have not been compensated or integrated, and have been deprived of their farm lands;
Worried that the influx of criminal elements in FCT communities is causing increased crime and insecurity, exploiting vulnerabilities due to inadequate infrastructure, security measures, and economic opportunities;
Resolves to:
(i) urge the Hon. Minister of Federal Capital Territory Administration to:
(a) prioritize FCT’s original inhabitants’ relocation to suitable locations and compensate displaced individuals, considering economic, social, and cultural losses, involving community leaders in resettlement and compensation initiatives;

(b) also transform the Department of Resettlement, Integration, and Compensation into an agency with the responsibility of resettlement, integration, and farming, to original inhabitants and residents for agriculture purposes; and

(ii) mandate the Committees on Federal Capital Territory Administration and Federal Capital Territory Area Council and Ancillary Matters to oversight and address issues raised and ensure accountability and transparency in the implementation process, and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Debate
Hon. Joshua Obika moved the motion on resettlement, integration and compensation of indigenous communities in the Federal Capital Territory and it was seconded by Hon. Marcus Onobun. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House committee on Federal Capital Territory Administration as well as that on Federal Capital Territory Area Council and Ancillary Matters.

Allegation of Execution of Slave Agreement between Nigerian Miniseries, Departments and Agencies with Chinese State:
Hon. Ahmed Yusuf Doro:
The House:
Notes that the Nigeria’s Federal and State Governments have constitutional and statutory powers to obtain loans from local and foreign creditors, but must adhere to processes and controls for fiscal, financial, and economic stability;

Also notes that Foreign loans must meet External and Domestic Borrowing Guidelines for Federal, State Governments, and Federal Capital Territory and their Agencies as a prerequisite;

Aware that Paragraph 2.2(vii) of the Guidelines provides that all external loans must have been pre-approved in the Annual Budget of the Federation before they are obtained;

Also aware that the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Debt Management Office, and other government institutions have developed interest in obtaining loans from Chinese State entities and have increased Nigerian debt exposure to China;

Further notes that a careful review of the loans with these Chinese entities, indicates that the loans are one sided, the terms are onerous and vexatious, and they are tantamount to slave agreements;

Observes that the relevant public servants and civil servants charged with the responsibility for exercising due diligence before these loans are signed are always in a hurry and do not scrutinize these loans. As a result, Nigeria has executed loans that create significant hardship for Nigeria;

Also observes that the terms specified in these slave agreements can never be met and fulfilled by Nigeria, hence, the agreements were designed originally with the intention to fail and put Nigeria at risk. Especially the risk of national embarrassment and the potential for seizures of Nigeria’s national and international assets;

Concerned that there is a need for an investigation and thorough review of the terms of these slave agreements and to quantify the risks, threats, and dangers associated with them, in order for pro-active steps to be taken to prevent another repeat of the P&lD scandal and to prevent a situation where Nigeria’s sovereign assets will be threatened both home and abroad;

Resolves to:

mandate the Committees on Treaties, Protocols and Agreements, and on Legislative Compliance to investigate the above allegations and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Debate
Hon. Ahmed Doro moved the motion on allegation of execution of Slave Agreement between Nigerian Miniseries, Departments and Agencies with Chinese State and it was seconded by Hon. Oseni Aderemi. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House committee on Treaties, Protocols and Agreements as well as that on Legislative Compliance.

Adjournment:
The House at 13:55 PM adjourned plenary to Thursday, May 23rd, 2024 by 11:00 A.M following a motion for adjournment moved by the Leader of the House, Hon. Julius Ihonbvere and seconded by the Deputy Minority Whip, Hon. George Ozodinobi.

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