Dataset on Nigerian Parliament: NASS Proceedings, Thurs, 3rd Oct, 2024

After the recitation of the National Anthem, the opening prayer and the recitation of the National pledge, the Speaker approved the votes and proceedings of Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. COMMUNICATION FROM THE PRESIDENT:

Transmission of Fiscal Policies and Tax Reform Bills for the Federal Inland Revenue Service, for the kind consideration and approval of the House of Representatives. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stated that the 4 Bills will help actualize government’s desire for a proper tax and financial regime for Nigeria. He further expressed confidence at the usual cooperation of the House of Representatives on such critical matters.

2. All Honourable Members from the Southwest caucus should pick their Ankara for the convention coming up at Eko hotel on Saturday, October 5th, 2024. The collection is in the Office of Hon. Kafilat Ogbara at Suite 2.05, new building of the House of Representatives.
3. Membership of the Conference Committee on the North West Development Commission was announced and it is to be Chaired by Hon. Idris Wase.

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PETITIONS:

1. Hon. Daniel Asama Ago laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the Central Bank of Nigeria who worked there for long and rose to become a Manager. He has served well but alleged not to have been promoted for the past 12 years despite fulfilling all rightful obligations. He craved the intervention of the House.
2. Hon. Shehu Lukman laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the Ministry of Health for the alleged refusal of his reinstatement even after a competent Court of Law had ordered so.
3. A petition was laid on behalf of a complainant against the Firtst Bank of Nigeria on alleged financial misappropriation.
4. Hon. Aguocha Obinna laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the Nigeria Police Force on alleged discrimination and injustice, as well as refusal to pay his entitlements.
5. Hon. Jesse Onuakalusi laid 2 petitions on behalf of 2 complainants:
   I. The first is on a protest against Foreign Airline operators for alleged unfair and discriminatory treatment of Nigerians by not agreeing to lift Christian pilgrims, which has adversely affected their travel plans.
   II. The second is against Dana Airline on alleged fraudulent and corrupt practices.
6. Hon. Balarabe Garba laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against a Chief of a community on alleged incessant attacks on his farmland.
7. Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company on alleged over-billing of consumers for electricity power consumption.

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

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MATTER OF PRIVILEGE:

1. Hon. Julius Ihonbvere rose on a Matter of Privilege sighting the misinterpretation of the view of the House on the issue of equity between the House of Representatives and the Senate during the debate on a motion on the floor of the House moved by Hon. Philip Agbese on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024. He wondered why even after pleading with the media during the debate that the issue is not about an individual, but about the Office and the Institution, the House was still misquoted as rejecting the National Honour of CFR conferred on the Honourable Speaker by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This he stressed was misleading, inappropriate, unfounded and very unfortunate, especially after the Speaker personally asked the Honourable Member who moved that amendment motion of rejecting the award to retract it.

The Presiding Speaker also expressed shock at the reportage even after he had asked the Member to withdraw the motion for rejecting the award. He hoped the press will continue actually report facts and not personal opinion.

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MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:

1. Hon. Abubakar Kusada moved a motion on the urgent need to address massive killings and kidnapping of innocent Nigerians in Katsina state and it was seconded by Hon. Barau Yusuf. Hon. Kusada in leading the debate stressed the fact of the right of life of all Nigerians, irrespective of where they reside. He expressed worry at the rising cases of killings and kidnappings of people in communities of Katsina state. Hon. Kusada also expressed worry at the means of gross extortion of already poor residents by the bandits.

He called on the National Emergency Management Agency to provide relief to the victims and that the relevant Security Agencies should provide improved security measures for the safety of the citizens. He further called on the relevant Committees of the House to ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Police, Army as well as that on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness.

2. Hon. Paul Nnamchi moved a motion on the urgent need to review the National Health Insurance Scheme medicines price list due to the economic condition in the nation and it was seconded by Hon. Rabiu Yusuf. Hon. Nnamchi in leading the debate underscored the importance of Nigerians having access to quality healthcare and medications. He expressed worry that people no longer have access to these medications and services due to the hardship being faced as a consequence of the exchange rate of the Naira to the Dollar. Hon. Nnamchi stated that if proactive measures are not swiftly implemented, loss of lives will become unavoidable.

He called on the relevant Health Committees of the House to liaise with relevant Agencies of Government to ensure a solution to the issue in the shortest possible time and that the House Committee on Legislative Compliance should ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committees on Finance, Health Institutions as well as that on Healthcare Services.

3. Hon. Adedayo Olumuyiwa moved a motion on the need to probe the abysmal performance of Team Nigeria at the just concluded Paris Olympics and was seconded by Hon. David Agada. Hon. Olumuyiwa in leading the debate stated that the failure of Team Nigeria at the 2024 Olympics cuts across a wide spectrum. He wondered why despite the huge budget of over 12 Billion Naira that was proposed by the Minister of Sports and provided by the Presidency, Team Nigeria still had such an abysmal showing. He expressed concern that even after such support, and assurances by the Minister of Sports, Team Nigeria returned empty handed without a single medal from all sporting activities they competed in.

Hon. Olumuyiwa called for deemphasizing preparations for tournaments, and rather to focus on long term sports development in the country. He suggested a complete overhaul of Sports in Nigeria and that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should establish a Commission dedicated to national sports development. He further suggested the constitution of an Ad-Hoc Committee to probe the performance of Team Nigeria, the budget implementation of Team Nigeria, as well as other past failures in previous Olympics by former Teams Nigeria and proffer a practical solution and line of action.

Hon. Kabiru Ahmad proposed and amendment calling for the motion to be referred to the Standing Sports Committee of the House instead of constituting an Ad-Hoc one. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committee on Sports.

4. Hon. Ayodeji Alao Akala moved a motion on the urgent need to rehabilitate the Oyo-Ogbomoso-Kwara road and it was seconded by Hon. Isa Anka. Hon. Alao Akala in leading the debate stressed the critical need to speedily rehabilitate the road as it connects northern and southern Nigeria with daily human traffic as well as of goods and services. He stressed that the bottleneck being experienced due to the dilapidated state of the road has had a huge and negative impact on the socioeconomic activities of Nigerians. Hon. Alao Akala called on the Ministry of Works to ensure speedy repair of the road so as to ensure these economic hardships suffered by Nigerian traders seize to occur. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Works as wall as that on Federal Road Maintenance Agency.

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PRESENTATION OF BILLS:

1. Federal Colleges of Education Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1686) (Hon. Alfred Ajang Iliya) – First Reading.
2. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1696) (Hon. Mansur Manu Soro & Hon. Usman Zannah – First Reading.
3. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1697)Hon. Mansur Manu Soro & Hon. Wole Busayo Oke – First Reading.
4. Nigeria Police Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1713) (Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai) – First Reading.
5. Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Bill, 2024 (HB.1714) (Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai) – First Reading.
6. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1716) (Hon. Martins Oke & 3 others) – First Reading.
7. Nigeria Police Trust Fund Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1720) (Hon. Adewale Hammed) – First Reading.
8. Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Identification (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1750) (Hon. Abubakar Yahaya Kusada) – First Reading.
9. Free Internet Access in Public Places Bill, 2024 (HB.1751) (Hon. Abubakar Yahaya Kusada) – First Reading.
10. National Institute of Film and Media Technology (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1755) (Hon. Kama Nkemkama) – First Reading.

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BILLS:

1. Consolidation of Bills:
   (a) A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Fiscal Responsibility Act, No.31 of 2007 and to Enact the Fiscal Responsibility Bill, 2024 to Provide for Prudent Management of the Nation’s Resources; ensure long Term Macro-Economic Stability of the National Economy; Secure Greater Accountability and Transparency in Fiscal Operations within the Medium Term Fiscal Policy Framework; and the Establishment of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission to ensure the Promotion and Enforcement of the Nation’s Economic Objectives and for Related Matters (HB. 1478) (Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu and six others);

(b) A Bill for an Act to Amend the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007 and for Related Matters (HB. 71) (Hon. Oluwole Oke);

(c) A Bill for an Act to Amend the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007 to Review the operating surplus and general Reserve Fund of Statutory Corporations and Government owned body Corporates and for Related Matters (HB. 873) (Hon. Marcus I Onobun);

(d) A Bill for an Act to Amend the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007 and for Related Matters (HB. 1097) (Hon. Oluwole Oke);

(e) A Bill for an Act to Amend the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007 to Provide for Prudent Management of Nation’s Resources, increased Accountability and Transparency in Fiscal Operations of the Federal Government and for Related Matters (HB. 1150) (Hon. Mansur Manu Soro and three others); and

(f) A Bill for an Act to Provide Prudent Management of the Nation’s Resources, ensure Long Term Macro – Economic Stability of the National Economy, secure greater Accountability and Transparency in Fiscal Operations within the Medium Term Fiscal Policy Framework and Establishment of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission to ensure Promotion and Enforcement of the nation’s Economic Objectives and for Related Matters (HB. 1304) (Hon. Marcus Onobun).

Debate:
Hon. Francis Waive moved for the consolidation of the 6 Bills and it was seconded by Hon. Jallo Mohammed. The Bills were voted on, approved for consolidation and the House Committee on Rules and Business was asked to schedule a date for the debate of the general principles of the newly consolidated Bills.

2. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Education Dengi–Kanam, Plateau State, to Provide Full-Time Courses, Teaching Instruction and Training in Technology, Applied Science, Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities and Management and for Related Matters (HB. 35) – Third Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Julius Ihonbvere moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Abdullahi Halims. The Bill was voted on, read for the third time and passed.

3. A Bill for an Act to Regulate Factoring, Purchase of Receivables, as well as Establishment, Operation and Control of Operation of Business Organisations engaged in Factoring and Receivables Financing and for Related Matters (HB.516) (Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai) – Second Reading.

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

4. A Bill for an Act to Establish Nigeria Surrogacy Regulatory Commission for Monitoring and Supervision of Surrogacy arrangements in Nigeria and to provide for the Registration, Regulation and Monitoring of Surrogacy Agencies in Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB. 1137) (Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao Akala) – Second Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Ayodeji Alao Akala moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Unyime Idem. Hon. Alao Akala in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks the monitoring and evaluation of surrogacy in Nigeria to ensure medical and health Laws are not flouted and to protect those seeking to beat infertility. He stressed that a black market now exists within the system that takes advantage of the needs of expectant parents and exploits them. He further stated that the surrogate mothers and the children to be born also need protection by Law, hence the Bill seeks to ensure this. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Healthcare Services.

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MOTIONS:

5. Need to Expedite Trials of Persons in Prolonged Detention:

Hon. Ahmed Sani Muhammad:

The House:

Notes that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the International Human Rights Standards underscore the fundamental right to a fair and speedy trial;

Observes that numerous individuals are languishing in prolonged pre-trial detention, often exceeding legal limits by years, thereby violating their rights, and contributing to prison overcrowding;

Also observes that a significant number of these individuals are detained for minor offences requiring minimal or no extensive investigation;

Concerned that the delay in adjudicating legal matters results in prison congestion, violates the rights of the accused, and erodes public confidence in the judicial system;

Alarmed that trial delays dissuade witness appearances and compromise the integrity of the judicial process;

Cognizant of the need to address this systemic injustice and uphold the fundamental right to a fair trial for all;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Attorney General and Minister of Justice to review cases where individuals have been held in pre-trial detention for an extended period and take necessary steps to expedite their trials;

(ii) also urge the Judiciary to adopt innovative case management strategies ensuring timely hearings, with special consideration for individuals who have endured an undue amount of time in pre-trial detention; and

(iii) mandate the Committee on Judiciary to investigate the causes of pre-trial delays, propose necessary reform and report back within four (4) for further legislative action.

Debate:
Hon. Ahmed Muhammad moved the motion on the need to expedite trials of persons in prolonged detention and it was seconded by Hon. Mohammed El-Rufai.

An amendment was proposed to incorporate the House Committee on Human Rights into the prayers of the motion.

Hon. Shettima Ali also proposed an amendment to incorporate the House Committee on Correctional Services into the prayers of the motion. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committees on Justice, Correctional Services, as well as that on Human Rights.

6. Need to Review the Budgetary Allocation of the National Orientation Agency of Nigeria for
   Improved Citizens Orientation:

Hon. Adewale Hammed:

The House:

Notes the need for a comprehensive re-orientation of citizens on national values, encouraging a growth mindset, and promoting the spirit of unity and patriotism;

Also notes that the National Orientation Agency of Nigeria was established in 1993 with a clear mandate to promote civic responsibility and orient Nigerians on national values;

Further notes that the Agency is empowered to among other things, propagate the need to eschew all vices in public life, promote dignity of labour and consumption of local products and establish social institutions for fostering national integration;

Again notes that the Agency has an elaborate grassroots structure and extensive reach to the majority of Nigerians in the thirty–six (36) States of the Federation, the Federal Capital Territory and 774 Local Government Areas, it serves as a veritable tool for citizen mobilization and engagement;

Aware that the budgetary allocation for the Agency in the Appropriation Act, 2024 is N8, 819, 470, 967 (Eight billion, eight hundred and nineteen million, four hundred and seventy thousand, nine hundred and sixty-seven naira) only;

Concerned that the existing funding provided for the Agency is grossly inadequate to meet the extensive responsibilities of the agency and its offices across the nation;

Also concerned that given the prevailing trend of youth restiveness and social vices in the nation, there is definitely an urgent need to implement measures for effective reorientation of citizens to curb vices, re-orient the people and encourage growth within our society;

Cognizant that the current youth restiveness and social vices in the nation necessitate urgent measures for effective reorientation to curb these vices and promote societal growth.

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal government to review the budgetary allocation of the National Orientation Agency in line with current realities in subsequent budget estimates to enable successful re-orientation of citizens;

(ii) also urge the National Orientation Agency to:

(a) increase visibility across all media platforms and put out more engaging content that will project Federal Government policies to the people and also expose the citizens to government initiatives that can be beneficial to them;

(b) collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Traditional Institutions, Religious Bodies, Community Leaders, Civil Society Organizations, and the Fourth Estate of the Realm to amplify outreach efforts and enhance the effectiveness of public enlightenment campaigns for the holistic development of our beloved country;

(iii) mandate the Committees on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values to conduct a thorough oversight and recommend appropriate measures that will enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the Agency for improved service delivery and report within four (4) for further legislative action.

Motion stepped down by leave of the House.

7. Need to Promote Sustainable Practices and Green Projects in Government Ministries,
   Departments and Agencies (MDAs):

Hon. Daniel Amos:

The House:

Notes that the major environmental concerns in Nigeria include population, flood, desertification, soil erosion and loss of biodiversity affecting Nigeria’s ecosystems and communities;

Also notes that Nigerian stakeholders, including Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), consumers, and organizations, play a crucial role in shaping sustainable practices as their actions directly impact the environment and future well-being of citizens;

Further notes that the Sustainable Practices and Green Projects Initiative focus on conservation, afforestation drives, renewable energy adoption, waste reduction, ecosystem restoration, and waste recycling programs tailored to the country’s local context;

Aware that Nigeria is a signatory to the 2015 UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) Paris Agreement, which was ratified in 2017 and formulated its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), announced it’s net-zero commitment by 2060 in 2021, following the enactment of the Climate Change Act;

Also aware that carbon credits represent one metric ton of carbon dioxide (Co2) or greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions removed from the atmosphere; the global value of the voluntary carbon market was estimated at about $2 billion in 2022 and is widely expected to grow by a factor of at least 15 by 2030, as governments and companies seek to use offsets to help achieve net–zero emissions targets;

Further aware that these credits motivate companies and organizations to engage in activities that benefit the climate by either reducing emissions or preventing them;

Informed that the African Carbon Market Initiative predicts Nigeria could generate over $500m annually by 2030, supporting over 3 million Nigerian jobs through this industry:

Also informed that investments in sustainable green projects will create jobs, stimulate innovation, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic development, an estimate of resources pledged to major climate change advocacy organizations such as the Green Climate Fund, the Global Environment Facility, the Adaptation, and the Climate Investment Funds puts the total value of Green Funds at $23bn for 2024. This excludes other sources of finance, such as bilateral and multilateral aid, private sector investment, and domestic resources;

Cognizant that encouraging green practices is crucial for a sustainable future for Nigerians and fulfilling domestic and international climate obligations;

Also cognizant that integrating green projects into government operations can contribute to global goals and reap economic and environmental benefits through commitment, coordination, and a long-term vision;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the National Climate Council to enforce the requirement for all Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and Companies with 50 staff and above to have a sustainability plan and effectively implement it;

(ii) mandate the Committees on Climate Change, Renewable Energy, Environment, and Ecological Fund to work with the Executive to educate citizens, companies, and MDAs to embrace sustainable practices in the design and execution of its projects and programs;

(iii) also mandate the Committee on Appropriation to work with the Ministry of Budget and Planning to incentivize MDAs to adopt sustainable practices to ensure that:

(a) Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) with sustainable practices and carbon credit potentials given additional funding above their budget envelopes with effect from 2025 budget estimates, with carbon credit potentials and programs established at conception and submitted to the Federal Executive Council (FEC); and

(b) create a separate budget envelope annually based on green funds secured from DFIs, development partners, and multilateral agencies and distributed to the aforementioned MDAs.

Motion stepped down by leave of the House.

8. Call on the Federal Road Safety Commission to Install Modern Technology in its Operations:

Hon. Garba Ibrahim Muhammad:

The House:

Notes that the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) is a Government Agency established in 1988 with the responsibility of promoting safe driving practices, reducing road accidents and fosters the culture of road safety awareness across the country;

Also notes that the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) officers patrol highways, apprehend traffic offenders, issue traffic regulations to deter dangerous driving and regulate the issuance of driver’s licenses to ensure only qualified individuals operate vehicles on the roads;

Concerned that the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) enforcement methods of physical checkpoints pose potential risks to commuters, the location of checkpoints on steep inclines or declines can be dangerous, especially for motorcycles and tricycles, application of sudden brake or swerve maneuvers to avoid checkpoints can lead to accidents;

Also concerned that checkpoints create bottlenecks, especially during peak hours, leading to traffic jams and delays coupled with alleged reports of Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) officials engaging in corrupt practices at checkpoints, soliciting bribes from motorists, or impounding vehicles for minor offenses;

Worried that the Federal Road Safety Commission’s (FRSC) practice of using motorcycles and vehicles to chase commuters for traffic offenses raises concerns as the chase was always on high speed, posing a risk to bystanders, and resulting in loss of control leading to injuries and minor accidents;

Also worried that while the Federal Road Safety Commission’s (FRSC) goal of enforcing traffic laws is understandable, it’s crucial to prioritize the safety of everyone on the road. Chasing commuters should be a last resort, employed only in situations where it is absolutely necessary and can be done safely;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) to embrace technology-assisted enforcement, which includes:
(a) Automatic Vehicle Local (AVL) systems;
(b) Automated Traffic Enforcement (ATE) systems;
(c) Advanced analytics and data platforms; and
(d) Other potential options:

(ii) also urge the Federal Road Safety Commission evaluate the effectiveness of enforcement
strategies, Assess whether technology-assisted methods are reducing traffic violations and improving safety; and

(iii) mandate the Committee on Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) to ensure compliance.

Motion stepped down by leave of the House.

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CONSIDERATION OF REPORT (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY) Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas Chaired:

9. Committee on Aids Loans and Debts Management:

Hon. Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba:

“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Aids, Loans and Debt Management on
Establishment of Promissory Note Programme as Reimbursement to Nasarawa and Kebbi State for Takeover of Airports by the Federal Government in the sum of nine billion, five hundred and forty–two million, six hundred and fifty–one thousand, seven hundred and eighty-six Naira, eleven kobo only (₦9,542,651,786.11) and fifteen billion, one hundred and thirty–seven million, three hundred and thirty–six thousand, ninety–five naira and eighty–eight Kobo only (₦15,137,336,095.88), based on the claims by the State as approved by the Federal Executive Council and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 2/10/2024) – Committee of Supply.

approve a Promissory Note Programme as reimbursement to Nasarawa and Kebbi State Governments, for the takeover of newly constructed Cargo Airports and development of Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport by the Federal Government in the sum of nine billion, five hundred and forty–two million, six hundred and fifty–one thousand, seven hundred and eighty–six Naira, eleven Kobo only (₦9,542,651,786.11) and fifteen billion, one hundred and thirty-seven million, three hundred and thirty–six thousand, ninety–five Naira and eighty–eight Kobo only (₦15,137,336,095.88), based on the claims by the State
(a) Nasarawa State ₦9,542,651,786.11
(b) Kebbi State ₦15,137,336,095.88

Synopsis of the report:

Hon. Lanre Okunlola stated that the report is as a result of the request of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a result of the taking over of the Airports in Nasarawa and Kebbi state. The Committee he stated examined the Airports and was satisfied at the quality of work done and hence made its recommendations based on this. He urged Honorable Members to support it.

Summary of voting:
Recommendations voted on approved: 1 & 2

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HOUSE IN PLENARY:

The House reverted to plenary and adopted the report of the Committee of Supply following a motion by Hon. Julius Ihonbvere and seconded by Hon. Ali Isa.

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House Adjournment:

The House at 12:47 adjourned plenary to Tuesday, October 8th, 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 Minority Whip, Hon. Ali Isa.

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