Post NLC Strike: Plenary proceedings House of Reps, Wednesday, June 5th, 2024

After leading the opening prayer and recitation of the national pledge, the Deputy Speaker approved the votes and proceedings of Wednesday, May 29th, 2024.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. The House approved a portion of a stanza of the National Anthem in the National Anthem Act 2024 which is now to be used as the new House prayer.
2. There will be a meeting of Honourable Members from all the different caucuses at 3:00 PM. Honourable Members are to check for the selected venues of the different caucuses.

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PETITIONS:

1. Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims laid a petition on behalf of a complainant on the need for intervention and investigation into the alleged brutal murder of Mr. Joshua Daniel in his higher institution of learning and the alleged attempt to cover up the act.
2. Hon. Stanley Adedeji Olajide laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on the alleged defamation and assassination of character, public harassment and recklessness in its operations and the breach of his human rights.
3. Hon. Jesse Onuakalusi laid 2 petitions, first on behalf of over 600 signatories on the alleged theft of funds running to millions of Naira and another from some individuals in Delta State against their alleged unjust treatment.
4. Hon. Ibe Osonwa laid a petition on behalf of employees of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria on the alleged harassment, false accusations and plot to lay them off work.
5. Hon. Okafor Ifeanyi laid a petition on behalf of some complainants on the alleged abuse of their human rights
6. Hon. Billy Famous Osawaru laid a petition on behalf of a community against Presco PLC on alleged gross marginalization and urged the company to make their dealings with the community plain and well spelt out.
7. Hon. Kolawole Akinlayo laid a petition on behalf a complainant against an organization on their alleged inhuman treatment, breach of agreement as well as general mistrust.

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

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MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:

1. Hon. Sada Soli moved a motion on the urgent need to employ more skilled mechanism to address banditry in the States of Northwest Nigeria and it was seconded by Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase. Hon. Soli in leading the debate stressed the need for residents of Northwestern States of Nigeria to be protected as they seem to be the most hard hit by bandits. He called for security forces to ensure the safety of these residents and those in other parts of the country as insecurity is one of the chief causes of food insecurity, causing the rise in food costs.

He called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure the restructuring of the mechanisms of the security agencies to ensure better synergy and cooperation for better results to the pressing issue.

Hon. Abubakar Yalleman proposed an amendment to include Kano and Jigawa States in the prayers of the motion.

Hon. George Ozodinobi proposed a further amendment to incorporate the whole States in Nigeria into the prayers of the motion as all areas affected by insecurity. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the relevant Committees of the House.

2. Hon. Tochukwu Okere moved a motion on the need to investigate the death of Mr. Ebuka in South Africa as well as other incidence of torture and unlawful killings of Nigerians in the diaspora and it was seconded by Hon. Jafaru Leko.

In leading the debate, Hon. Tochukwu expressed disappointment in the unwarranted murder of Mr. Ebuka at the hands of the South African law enforcement officers. He expressed sadness at the evident devaluation of Nigerian lives abroad. Hon. Tochukwu stressed that government should stop turning a blind eye to the harrowing experiences of Nigerians in the diaspora.

He called on the House mandate the investigation of all such cases through the Diaspora Commission as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He further called on the federal government to prioritize the value of the lives of Nigerians both home and abroad. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committees on Diaspora as well as that on Foreign Affairs.

3. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi moved a motion on the need to address isolated and criminal killings in some communities of Plateau State and it was seconded by Hon. Umar Ajilo. Hon. Gagdi in leading the debate stated that there are strategic and deliberate threats, kidnappings and killings in these communities close to Pankshin local government and they have been the most hard hit by these bandits. He stressed that these killings know no divide in ethnicity, status, political affiliation or religion in the nature of attacks of the victims. He expressed worry at the high level of vulnerability of members of the community to these bandits as the said attacks continue unabated.

Hon. Gagdi called on the Chief of Defense Staff to establish a military base close to the area. He also called on the Inspector General of Police as well as the Heads of the Department of State Service and the Nigeria Security Civil Defense Corps to deploy more personnel to the areas. He then called on the House Committee of Police Affairs, National Security and Intelligence as well as that on Army to ensure compliance. The motion was voted on , adopted and referred to the House Committees on Police, Army, National Security and Intelligence as well as that of Legislative Compliance.

4. Hon. Billy Famous Osawaru moved a motion on the urgent need to investigate the alleged misappropriation of funds by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) as it was spent without the required approval of the National Assembly in contravention of the Petroleum Industry Act and it was seconded by Hon. Agbedi Frederick.

Hon. Osawaru, while leading the debate, stated that the National Assembly is empowered to make Laws and conduct investigations into the activities of companies doing business in Nigeria. He stated that the NNPCL has flouted the laws governing the frontier exploration funds that it is to use for operations by not seeking and obtaining the due appropriation and approval from the National Assembly. Hon. Famous called this a grave financial misconduct, breach of law and abuse of powers.

He called on the House to investigate the matter and ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice. He further called on the House Committees on Petroleum Resources (Upstream, Midstream and Downstream) as well as that on Financial Crimes to investigate and report back to the House within 4 weeks.

Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase proposed an amendment to make the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream) the sole Committee to handle the investigation. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream).

5. Hon. Abubakar Yalleman moved a motion on the need to halt the incessant killings of military personnel on peace missions nationwide and it was seconded by Hon. Uchenna Okonkwo. Hon. Yalleman in leading the debate expressed sadness at the rate of gruesome killings of military personnel nationwide that has become alarming and recurrent. He further expressed sadness over fact that the military personnel were on a peace mission in the States where they were killed, “It is disheartening that they had to pay the supreme price” he stated.

Hon. Yalleman expressed worry at the possibility of a military reprisal and that security agencies should investigate the killings of these personnel and that the House Committee on Defence should interface with the Armed Forces to bring a lasting solution to the menace.

Hon. Babjimi Benson, who is the Chairman House Committee on Defense, expressed worry at the reoccurring nature of these killings that are highly provocative to the military. He commended President Bola Tinubu as well as the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu for their interventions on the matter and how Rt. Hon. Kalu visited the victims in Abia State.

The Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu also expressed sadness at the killings of those sworn to protect Nigerians by the same Nigerians. He called on the security personnel to be patient and go after the criminals and not the indigenes.

Hon. Yusuf Gagdi also commended the proactive nature of President Bola Tinubu as well as Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu for their interventions. He called on Nigerians to stop killing security personnel who are sworn to protect us all. He called on Honorable members to educate their constituents on the need to live peacefully with security forces who are fighting insecurity.

Hon. Alhassan Rurum called on the government to ensure peace between Nigerians and security personnel in all communities. He called for reorientation of Nigerians to see these security personnel as their friends and partners in progress. He commended the initiative for the peace funds for the family of the victims. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Defense.

6. Hon. Ali Isa moved a motion on the urgent need to consider the implementation of the minimum wage for Nigerians to alleviate the current economic hardships and it was seconded by Hon. Aliyu Sani Madaki.

Hon. Isa in leading the debate stressed the need for sensitivity to the global hardship and review the existing minimum wage for the Nigerian worker. He recognized that the government has been in negotiations with the labour union for a while and there is a need for this review in order to reflect the economic needs of the times.

Hon. Isa commended the federal government for being proactive in its negotiations. He also stated that the last time the minimum wage was reviewed had past the date due for a fresh review, hence the need for the fresh review. He commended the labour union for their consideration in suspending the strike action and return to the negotiation table. He further called on government to reduce the electricity tariff as well as look into other pressing economic issues to reduce the sufferings of Nigerians.

Hon. Isa further commended the leadership of the National Assembly for being in the forefront of negotiations with the labor unions to try and avoid the strike before it happened and to have it called off as soon as possible when it started. He expressed sadness at the hardship, loss of lives and socioeconomic halting of the Nigerian economy due to the strike action. He called for understanding during the negotiations.

Hon. Aliyu Madaki in contributing to the debate stated that it is impossible to fight corruption in Nigeria without addressing the need for a true living wage for Nigerians. He quoted Section 16(2B) of the Nigerian constitution that called for a true living wage for Nigerians. He called on the federal government to ensure this is done so that there can be peace with the labor unions.

Hon. Kingsley Chinda also quoted Section 14 of the Nigerian constitution which stressed that the people’s security and welfare are the primary purposes of government. He stressed the need for government to live up to its responsibilities in these regards as Nigerian workers have been crying under the burden of low income versus extremely high expenses. Hon. Chinda stressed the need for the payment of a living wage, not just a minimum wage to the Nigerian worker.

He commended the labour union for suspending the strike and return to the negotiation table. He however condemned the rationale behind the switching off of the national electricity grid as a lot of lives were lost in hospitals. Hon. Chinda called for the speedy passage of the living wage Bill in solidarity with Nigerian workers. He also stated that if the Bill is not assented to; there maybe a reason to override the President.

Hon. Adedeji Olajide condemned the shutting down of the nation grid in the name of industrial action. He expressed sadness at the fact that Nigerians lost their lives in hospitals due to this unwarranted act.

Hon. Obuku Oforji commended all parties involved in the negotiations to try to prevent, and later suspend the strike action. He expressed sadness at the lingering frustration of the labour union and reneging of the government from previous agreements. Hon. Oforji called for the speedy conclusion of the matter.

The Deputy Speaker of the House Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu pointed out that the Trade Unions Act (Section 13) states that labour union has the right to strike, but some critical and essential services in the first schedule should not be disrupted by the strike. This clearly listed such services as the supply of electric power, public health services, fuel, broadcasting and communication services, security etc. are those not to be tampered with as their disruption is seen as harmful and detrimental to the public.

Hon. Remi Oseni asked for reflection on the fact that the Executive Arm of government are not insensitive to the plight of the Nigerian worker, and are doing everything possible to address the worrying situation.

Hon. Usman Bello Kumo drew the attention of the House to the fact that the House of Representatives as an institution is saddled with the responsibility of making Laws for the good governance of the nation, as well as for harmony between the employers and the employees. He called for the House to advise both sides to come up with amicable solutions for the good of the nation. Hon. Kumo stressed for both sides of the table to abide by laid down laws of the country.

Hon. Kabiru Ibrahim stated that it is wrong to try and end hardship with bringing more hardship on citizens. He called on the labour union leaders to make a definition of which sectors to shut down during strike actions. He however called on the House to lend its voice to the call for a proper living wage for Nigerians as there is truly hardship in the land.

Hon. Alex Egbona called for a definite, defined, stipulated and practical payment for the minimum wage.

Hon. Babajimi Benson stated that the present government rests on three tripods of provision for Nigerians which include: current consumer credit, student loan as well as the living wage. He stated that with or without the agitation of workers, government would still remain committed to achieving this. He called for a collaboration and consideration of States and the organized private sector who may not be able to pay the reviewed wages. Hon. Benson stated that there might be no need to peg the minimum wage as some States may be willing to pay even more.

Hon. Etanabene Benedict called for practical solutions to the problem as time is running out and the labour union may be reluctant to call off the strike if it is resumed.

Hon. George Ozodinobi stressed that the single instance of the removal of the fuel subsidy regime caused inflation and depression to simultaneously affect the Nigerian economy and consequently caused the untold hardship currently being faced by Nigerians. He called for the high cost of living to be part of indices for the negotiations between government and organized labour.

Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase in his contribution commended all parties in the negotiations and called for the speedy resolution of the problem as the need for economic sustenance cannot be overemphasized or overlooked. He reminded Honourable Members that all Nigerian workers have dependents and the ripple effects of denying such workers living wages can become catastrophic such as was witnessed during the End SARS movement. Hon. Idris called on Public Officers to truly ensure common wealth for the governed. He stressed the need for a true living wage for the Nigerian worker.

Hon. Yusuf Gagdi called on the true capacity of the Legislature, Executive and the Judiciary to come into effect for the peace, order and good governance of Nigerians. He called for the House to be proactive and act as the true front runners in a democratic government. Hon. Gagdi stressed the need to fully implement the clauses of both the Trade Union Act and the Trade Union Dispute Resolution Act which protects the rights of the trade unions and the limit to what sectors can be shut down during strike actions so Nigerians do not suffer unduly. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Labour and Employment.

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PRESENTATION OF BILLS:

1. Auctioneers Registration Council of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1508) (Hon. Francis O. Waive) – First Reading.
2. Maize Export Prohibition Bill, 2024 (HB. 1509) (Hon. Babajimi Benson) – First Reading.
3. National Farm Settlement Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB. 1347) (Hon. Maruf Afolabi Afuape) – First Reading.
4. Nigeria Police Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB. 1352) (Hon. Maruf Afolabi Afuape) – First Reading.
5. Nigerian Cashew Utilization Board (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1359) (Hon. Kareem Tajudeen Abisodun) – First Reading.
6. Information Technology and Innovation Bill, 2024 (HB. 1360) (Hon. Kareem Tajudeen Abisodun) – First Reading.
7. Witness Protection and Management Bill, 2024 (HB. 1463) (Hon. Dalyop Chollom Fom) – First Reading.
8. Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1464) (Hon. Dalyop Chollom Fom) – First Reading.
9. National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2024 (HB. 1465) (Hon. Dalyop Chollom Fom) – First Reading.
10. National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB. 1469) (Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga) – First Reading.
11. Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB. 1471) (Hon. Kabir Ibrahim Tukura) – First Reading.
12. Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB. 1472) (Hon Kabir Ibrahim Tukura) – First Reading.
13. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB. 1473) (Hon. Kabir Ibrahim Tukura) – First Reading.
14. Fiscal Responsibility Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2024 (HB. 1478) (Hon Benjamin Okeize Kalu) – First Reading.
15. Chartered Institute of Project Management of Nigeria Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2024 (HB. 1476) (Hon Benjamin Okeize Kalu) – First Reading.
16. Nigerian Independent Warehouse Regulatory Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB. 1480) (Hon Benjamin Okeize Kalu) – First Reading.
17. Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB. 1481) (Hon Benjamin Okeize Kalu) – First Reading.
18. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB. 1482) (Hon Benjamin Okeize Kalu) – First Reading.
19. National Youth Service Corps Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB. 1405) (Hon Benjamin Okeize Kalu) – First Reading.

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PRESENTATION OF REPORT:

Report of the Conference Committee:

Hon. Kingsley Chinda:

“That this House do receive the Report of the Conference Committee on a Bill for an Act to Establish the South East Development Commission; charged with the responsibility among other things to Receive and Manage Fund from Allocation of the Federation Account for the Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of Roads, Houses and other Infrastructural damages suffered by the region as a result of the effect of the Civil War as well as tackle the Ecological problems and any other Related Environmental or Developmental challenges in the South East States and for Related Matters”

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Kingsley Chinda and seconded by Hon. Bamidele Salam.

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ORDERS OF THE DAY:

BILLS:

1. Consolidation of Bills:

(a) A Bill for an Act to Amend the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 to Provide for the Appointment of Another Person Different from the Governor as the Chairman of the Board; Strip the Board of the Powers of Determining and Fixing the Emoluments of its members, and Considering and Approving the Annual Budget of the Bank and for Related Matters (HB.187) (Hon. Saidu Musa Abdullahi);

(b) A Bill for an Act to Amend the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 to Specifically Mention Federal Capital Territory, Abuja in the Act as the Location of the Head Office of the Central Bank of Nigeria in Order to Avoid Ambiguous and Laborious Interpretations and for Related Matters (HB.189) (Hon. Saidu Musa Abdullahi);

(c) A Bill for an Act to Amend the Central Bank of Nigeria Act to Expand the Qualification of Persons Appointed as Governor and Deputy Governors in order to avoid Conflict of Interest and for Related Matters (HB.217) (Hon. Olawale Raji);

(d) A Bill for an Act to Amend Section 11 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 to Add More Conditions to Disqualification and Cessation of Appointment as Governor, Deputy Governor or Director of the Bank and for Related Matters (HB.841) (Hon. Sada Soli); and

(e) A Bill for an Act to Amend Section 20 (3) and Section 20 (5) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, Cap, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, to Allow the National Assembly Have Imputs in Printing and Exchanging New Notes and Coins and for Related Matters. (HB.943) (Hon. Sada Soli).

Consolidation of the Bill was stepped down by leave of the House.

2. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Orthopedic Hospitals Management Board Act, Cap. O10 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, to Provide for Establishment of Orthopedic Hospital Billiri, Gombe State under the control of the Orthopedic Hospitals Management Board and Affiliated to Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe and For Related Matters (HB.1277) (Hon Ali Isa JC) – Second Reading.

Debate:

Hon. Ali Isa moved for the second reading of the Bill. Hon. Isa in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks to amend the Principal Act hence the need for the establishment of the proposed hospital as there is no such specialized hospital in Gombe State. This he stated is essential so that residents do not need to keep traveling to other states for the provision of this specialized healthcare service.

Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase stated that there is one of such specialized hospital in each geopolitical zone in the country. He stated that some of the recently approved hospitals have not even been put into full operations due to the high cost of administration. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committees on Health, Specialty Care and Services.

3. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Nigerian Railway Corporation Act, Cap. N129, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to provide for the formation of Companies to take over the Functions, Assets, Liabilities and Staff of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, to Develop Competitive Railway Services; to Establish the Nigeria Railway Authority to provide for the Licensing, Technical and Safety Regulation of the Railway Sector, to provide the Framework for Private Sector Participation in the Provision of Rail Services and for Related Matters (HB. 1378) (Hon. Blessing Onuh and 5 Others) – Second Reading.

Debate:

Hon. Blessing Onuh moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Ayodeji Alao Akala.

Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase pointed out that if Hon. Onuh seeks to achieve the aim of the Bill, she has to come under a Constitutional Amendment Bill and not a simple Amendment Bill.

In exercising her right of reply, Hon. Onuh stated that the proposed Amendment Bill is in no way in conflict or contradiction to the Constitution.

Hon. Oluwole Oke called on the House to consider the position of Hon. Blessing Onuh.

Hon. Onuh in leading the debate stated that there is an extant Act regulating the management and operations of the Railway industry and the Bill seeks the amendment to align these operations with the proper Law and cure the mischief of overburdening the facilities of the Railway Authority and to develop competitive railway services. It also seeks to demystify the current situation where the Nigeria Railway Authority is both the regulator and operator of the system.

The Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu stated that if the Bill seeks to cure the exclusion of the participation of State governments, then it is possible to pass. He also pointed out that there is no reenactment position in the title of the Bill.

Hon. Babajimi Benson also pointed out that the portion of the title that calls for the adoption of companies in running the Railway Authority which is duly restricted to Federal and State Government’s purviews. The Bill was then stepped down by leave of the House for more Legislative input.

4. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the National Planning Commission Act, Cap. N66, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004; Establish the Budget and National Planning Officers to ensure greater Accountability and Transparency in National Planning and Budget Implementation and for Related Matters (HB.1302) (Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka) – Second Reading.

Debate:

Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Ademorin Kuye. Hon. Isiaka in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks to address the dysfunctional operations of the National Planning Commission and ensure its efficiency for proper monitoring and service delivery. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on National Planning and Development.

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MOTIONS:

5. Need to Halt the Exit of Kimberly-Clark from the Nigerian Market

Hon. Babajimi Benson:

The House:

Notes that some multinational companies operating in Nigeria have been closing down their businesses and leaving the shores of the country;

Also notes that the corporations have sited unfavourable business environment, energy cost and shortage, insecurity and high cost of raw materials as their reasons for exiting the Nigerian business environment;

Further notes that Kimberly-Clark, which came into the important Nigerian diapers and sanitary pad market about two years ago, investing about One Hundred Million Dollars in form of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has also announced a plan to close down its factory and exit;

Cognizant that Kimberly-Clark’s products like Huggies and Kotex have contributed positively to the improvement of menstrual and childcare health in Nigeria through the provision of safe sanitary pads and diapers for women and children;

Also cognizant that the company have provided over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs at their factory in Ikorodu, Lagos State and across the country through partnerships and distributorships;

Acknowledges that the Federal Government is currently making concerted efforts to address issues affecting the ease of doing business in Nigeria as well as the security challenges, despite potential genuine reasons for exits;

Worried that the exit of Kimberly-Clark will lead to massive job losses, affect the Nigerian economy and cause difficulty in getting safe and healthy sanitary products at affordable prices in Nigeria;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Management of Kimberly-Clark to rescind its decision to close down their business and exit the Nigerian business environment pending intervention by this House; and

(ii) mandate the Committee on Commerce to urgently meet with the Management of Kimberly-Clark and relevant government MDAs to discuss their challenges and reasons for exiting Nigeria so as to proffer lasting solutions to these challenges.

Debate:

Hon. Babjimi Benson moved the motion on the need to halt the exit of Kimberly-Clark from the Nigerian market and it was seconded by Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka who also stressed the need to save such company’s exit from the Nigerian market as the total number of companies in different sectors that have fled Nigeria is both alarming and hazardous to the Nigerian economy. He stressed the need to rescue the situation and proposed the setting up of a special Committee to handle the situation. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the special Committee to be soon constituted.

6. Oil Exploration Activities in Gombe and Bauchi States:

Hon. Inuwa Garba:

The House:

Notes that the oil exploration in Kolmani Oil Field between Gombe and Bauchi States commenced in 2016 leading to the inauguration of Kolmani Integrated Development Project by former President Muhammadu Buhari in collaboration with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu in November 2022 after the discovery of about 1 billion barrels of crude oil and 500 billion cubic feet of gas in the licensed area categorized as Oil Prospecting Lease (OPL) 810 and 809;

Also notes that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) attracted over 3 billion dollars investment including Petro-chemical refining site, oil refinery of 120,000 bpd, a gas processing site of about 500 million cubic feet per day, a fertilizer plant and a 300mw power plant, in addition, it is expected to afford the country with the opportunity of re-drawing hydrocarbon map and exit from speculative optimism to crystallized definitive prospects in the oil and gas sector;

Further notes that the news of this discovery elicited excitement across Nigeria emanating from government’s charge to NNPCL to re-strategize and expand oil and gas exploration to Anambra, Benue and Bida Basins resulting benefits of additional volume of crude oil, foreign exchange, employment and development;

Worried that after the inauguration of the project, production activities declined under unexplained circumstances, thus creating apprehension and disappointment in the polity, especially in the face of current oil and gas market realities;

Disturbed that the lack of a periodic progress report on such a lucrative project has led to speculation and despair due to the expectations of wealth creation, employment, and significant development;

Cognizant of the need to expedite action on the project considering its benefits to national development;

Resolves to:

mandate the Committees on Petroleum Resources (Downstream, Upstream and Midstream), Gas Resources, and North–East Development Commission to investigate the oil exploration activities of the Kolmani Integrated Development Project and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Debate:

Hon. Inuwa Garba moved the motion on the need to investigate the Oil exploration activities in Gombe and Bauchi States and it was seconded by Hon. Dawodu Bashiru.

Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase proposed an amendment to expunge the House Committee on Northeast Development Commission as well as that on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) from the investigation. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committees on Petroleum Resources (Upstream and Midstream) as well as that on Gas Resources.

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

7. Report of the Conference Committee:

Hon. Kingsley Chinda:

“That this House do consider the Report of the Conference Committee on a Bill for an Act to Establish the South East Development Commission; charged with the responsibility among other things to Receive and Manage Fund from Allocation of the Federation Account for the Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of Roads, Houses and other Infrastructural damages suffered by the region as a result of the effect of the Civil War as well as tackle the Ecological problems and any other Related Environmental or Developmental challenges in the South East States and for Related Matters”

Synopsis of the report:

Hon. Kingsley Chinda stated that the South East Development Bill was discussed extensively between the House and the Senate and the only point of contention was that of the constitution of the Governing Board. After due consultation Howe, the Senate version of the argument was adopted. He urged members of the House to pass it.

Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka queried why the Senate always insists on the Senate to be in charge of screening of appointments.

Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase reminded Honourable Members that there is no room for debates during conference report adoption.

The Chairman of the Committee of the Whole, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu stated that the process for addressing the concern by Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka is already ongoing in the Constitution Amendment process.

Summary of voting:
Recommendation voted on and adopted

8. A Bill for an Act to Establish the National Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science to Conduct Professional Postgraduate Examination for Candidates into Various Specialties in Medical Laboratory Science; and for Related Matters (HB.310) – Committee of the Whole: 10/10/2023.

Synopsis of the report:

Hon. Abdullahi Halims stated that the Bill seeks to improve skills in the area of laboratory science for the good of Nigerians in the region. He urged Honorable members to support it.

Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-16

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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. Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims and seconded by Hon. Kingsley Chinda.

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Adjournment:

The House at 14:55 PM adjourned plenary to Thursday, June 6th, 2024 by 11:00 A.M following a motion for adjournment moved by the Deputy Leader of the House, Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims and seconded by the Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda.

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