Nigeria National Assembly: Plenary proceedings, House of Reps, Thur, October 10th, 2024

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen presided.

By admin , in Inside stories , at October 10, 2024 Tags: #LightRayMedia, #NASS, Ejiro Umukoro Publisher and Editor in Chief, House of Representatives, LightRay Media, Nigeria National Assembly

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 9th, 2024.

CHAMBER ANNOUNCEMENT ON THE COMMEMORATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD:

Honourable Members of the House of Representatives, I am pleased to announce that today, the 11th of October, the House joins the global community in commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child. This day highlights the challenges faced by girls around the world while celebrating their resilience, potential, and crucial role in shaping a better future.

In recognition of this special occasion, we have the privilege of welcoming girls from public secondary schools across the Federal Capital Territory, who are present today to observe our proceedings. Their presence is a reminder of the importance of investing in the education and empowerment of young girls in Nigeria.

Furthermore, the House is proud to introduce Ms. Isabel Anani, our “Speaker for the Day.” Isabel is a remarkable young leader and a Girl Advocate for Gender Equality. She is also the youngest member of the Technical Working Group for Adolescent Health and Wellbeing in Nigeria, as well as a UNICEF Young Influencer. Isabel was chosen for this prestigious role after emerging first among candidates across Nigeria, following an open call and a rigorous interview process.

Throughout the day, she will shadow the Rt. Hon. Speaker, both during today’s plenary session and in meetings, as part of our effort to empower young leaders. In the spirit of this celebration, I call on all Honourable Members to join me in a round of applause for Isabel and for all Nigerian girls who continue to demonstrate immense strength, ambition, and determination in overcoming barriers.
Thank you.

PETITIONS:

Hon. Ali Isa laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against The Nigerian Navy on alleged wrongful dismissal. He called for the intervention of the House in resolving the issue.
Hon. Mudashiru Lukman laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the Nigeria Customs Service on alleged illegal possession, seizure and conversion for sale of a vehicle.
Hon. Oyedeji Shina laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the Nigeria Fire Service.
Hon. Jesse Onuakalusi laid a petition on behalf of the Staff of Institute of Academic Research on the call for averting impending strike action injustice.

II. The second is against the National Open University of Nigeria on alleged discrimination against some individuals.

Hon. Mohammed Jalo laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the Nigeria Correctional Services on alleged lopsided recruitment exercises.
Hon. Aliyu Misau laid a petition on behalf of some complainants against some oil operators in their community on alleged disregard of provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, disregard for community development, devastation and land degradation.

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

MATTERS OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:

Hon. Kafilat Ogbara moved a motion on the commemoration of the 2024 Day of the Girl Child with the theme: ‘Girl-Child: Vision for the Future,’ and it was seconded by Hon. Akintunde Rotimi. Hon. Ogbara in leading the debate stated that the celebration seeks to reduce gender based violence as well as to celebrate achievements by girls despite societal restrictions. Hon. Ogbara bemoaned gender discrimination against women and girls and called for more comprehensive efforts to tackle the scourge. She lamented practices such as female genital mutilation as violations of their human rights that leads to physical and psychological trauma. She also bemoaned the growing number of uneducated and out of school girls that end up as societal ills.

Hon. Ogbara called on the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency as well as the National Orientation Agency to ensure a drug-free lifestyle for out of school girls and ensure proper rehabilitation for drug users. She also called on the National Assembly to ensure speedy domestication of the Child Right Act and all such Bills for girl child protection should also be speedily approved. She called on the House Committee on Women Affairs to ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development as well as other relevant Committees of the House.

Hon. Dekeri Anamero moved a motion on the need to curtail on-going killings in a community in Edo state as a result of the coronation of a factional traditional Ruler and it was seconded by Hon. Eze Nwachukwu. Hon. Dekeri in leading the debate stated that the coronation of the factional ruler is against the wishes of the people and has resulted in violence. He called on the State Government to act swiftly in regularizing the coronation of the proper candidate to ensure peace in the region. The motion was voted on, but rejected.
Hon. Kabir Ibrahim moved a motion on the need to curb escalating incidents of kidnapping and killing in Kebbi state and it was seconded by Hon. Abdullahi Kambari. Hon. Kabir in leading the debate stressed the dire situation residents of the Zuru area are going through that culminated in the kidnapping and subsequent killing of a traditional leader from the area. He expressed further concern for the safety of individuals as this has affected the livelihood and socioeconomic wellbeing of residents.

Hon. Kabir called on the House to ensure security agencies comply with their mandate to secure lives and properties of all Nigerians and ensure the violence that is also ravaging neighboring Sokoto and Zamfara states does not further spill over. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Traditional Institutions, National Intelligence as well as that on Police Affairs.

Hon. Nnolim Nnaji moved a motion on the need to compel the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to investigate the disappearance of a Corp member and it was seconded by Hon. David Agada. Hon. Nnaji in leading the debate stated that the NYSC is supposed to ensure the safety of Corp members but unfortunately many of such members fall prey to different dangerous elements in the various communities they are posted to. He stated that the family of the missing Corp member has tried unsuccessfully to locate their son who went missing while serving in Ondo state.

Hon. Nnaji stated that the police and NYSC in the state have not taken adequate measures to ensure the return of the Corp member. He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure the safety of all Corp members nationwide. He also called on the House Committee on Youth Development, Police Affairs as well as that on Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Youth Development as well as that on Police Affairs.

Hon. Chinedu Ogah moved a motion on the need for the Federal Government to expedite action on the provision of relief materials to victims of flood in some communities of Ebonyi state and it was seconded by Hon. Wale Ahmed. Hon. Ogah in leading the debate noted that the floods brought devastating consequences on victims that led to loss of lives and properties. He called on the National Emergency Management Agency and all such agencies to come to the aid of the victims. He further called on the Ministry of Works to ensure rehabilitation of the destroyed buildings. He also called on the House Committee on Ecological Fund as well as that Disaster Preparedness to ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Ecological Fund, Finance, Emergency and Disaster Preparedness as well as that on Internally Displaced Persons.
Hon. Isa Mohammed moved a motion on the breakdown of activities in some communities in Zamfara state as a result of a deadly storm and the need to provide support to the victims and it was seconded by Hon. Garba Mohammed. Hon. Isa in leading the debate called on the National Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Ministry of Environment to ensure the affected victims are adequately catered for. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Humanitarian Affairs, Environment as well as that Disaster Preparedness.
Hon. Peter Udogalanya moved a motion on the need for Government sensitivity to the plight of the masses and the call for halting the shifting of burden on people by multiple taxation and it was seconded by Hon. Mark Esset. Hon. Peter in leading the motion called on government to review the taxation schemes and that it should explore other revenue generating measures as Nigerians are currently economically overburdened as it is. He called on the House Committee on Finance as well as that on Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) to study these taxation schemes to ensure the interest of the citizenry is protected.

Hon. Gaza Gbwefwi proposed an amendment to expunge the prayer calling for the non-consideration of any future tax reforms, considering the fact that the Executive Arm of Government had already forwarded some Tax Reform Bills for consideration by the House of Representatives. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committee on Finance as well as that on Information.

PRESENTATION OF BILLS:

Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) (Creation of Oyo State) (HB.1679) (Hon. Akeem Adeniyi and six others) – First reading
Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1706) (Hon. Aderemi Oseni ) – First Reading
Petroleum Industry Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1216) (Hon.Miriam Onuoha) – First Reading
Environmental Impact Assessment Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1737) (Hon.Chris Nkwonta) – First Reading
Employment Racketeering (Prohibition) Bill, 2024 (HB.1738) (Hon. Chris Nkwonta) – First Reading
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) (HB.1540) (Hon. Mark Udo Esset) – First reading
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) (HB.1562) (Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga) – First reading
Harmonized Retirement Age of Health Workers in Nigeria Bill, 2024 (HB.1577) (Hon. Wale Hammed) – First Reading
Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Kafin Malamal Garko, Kano State (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1208) (Hon. Abdulhakeem Kamilu Ado) – First Reading
Fisheries and Aquatic Studies Research Institute, Darki-Wudil, Kano State (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1210) (Hon. Abdulhakeem Kamilu Ado) – First Reading
FCT Displaced Original Inhabitant Resettlement and Integration (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1707) (Hon. Joshua Chinedu Obika) – First Reading
Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1747) (Hon. Ishaya David Lalu.) – First Reading
Federal University of Agriculture Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1643) (Hon. Bashir Zubairu Buba) – First Reading
Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1650) (Hon. Bashir Zubairu Usman) – First Reading
Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, kaugama (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1792) (Hon. Abubakar Makki Yalleman) – First Reading
Federal Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Centre, Mallam Madori, Jigawa State
(Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1793) (Hon. Abubakar Makki Yalleman) – First Reading
Nigeria Police Force College, Training School and Institution (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1794) (Hon. Abubakar Makki Yalleman) – First Reading
National Skill Acquisition and Digital Hub Centre, Irele (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1795) (Hon. Odimayo Okunjimi John) – First Reading
Birth , Death, Etc. (Compulsory, Registration) (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1796) (Hon. Odimayo Okunjimi John) – First Reading
Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1780) (Hon. Ibrahim
Mohammed) -First reading

PRESENTATION OF REPORTS:

Ad-Hoc Committee:

Hon. Julius Ihonvbere:

“That the House do receive the Report of the Ad-Hoc Committee on Discrimination Against the House of Representatives in the National Honours Award (HR. 74/10/2024) (Referred: 2/10/24).

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Julius Inonbvere and seconded by Hon. Kingsley Chinda.

Committee on Health Institutions: Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Medical Centres Act and Establish Federal Medical Centre, Obukpa, Enugu State and for Related Matters (HB.348) (Referred:8/2/24).

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Amos Magaji and seconded by Hon. Bitrus Laori.

Committee on Defence:

Hon. Babajimi Benson:

“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Defence on a Motion on the Gruesome Killing of Seventeen Military Personnel in Okuama, Delta State on 14th March, 2024. (HR.151/03/2024) (Referred: 19/3/24).

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Babajimi Benson and seconded by Hon. Nazifi.

BILLS:

A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University of Education, Numan, Adamawa State and for
Related Matters (HB.936) –Third Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Francis Waive moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Kingsley Chinda. The Bill was voted on, read for the third time and passed.

A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University of Agriculture, Kabba to make Comprehensive Provisions for Its Due Management and Administration; and for Related Matters (HB.1520) – Third Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Francis Waive moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Kingsley Chinda. The Bill was voted on, read for the third time and passed.

A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to Provide for creation of Katagum State with Azare as the Proposed Capital City and for Related Matters (HB.1501) (Hon. Auwalu Abdu Gwalabe & 8 others) – Second Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Auwalu Gwalabe moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Aliyu Misau. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the Special Committee of the House on Constitution Review.

A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Road Safety Commission Act, 2007 to make provision for Establishment of Road safety Special Armed Squad and make Corps on the rank of Deputy Corp Marshal enjoy benefits attached to that grade including Retirement grade and to empower the Federal Road Safety Commission with the responsibility for road traffic administration and safety management, preventing and minimizing road traffic crashes on public roads, supervision of users of such public roads, regulation of traffic thereon and clearing of obstruction on any part of the public roads and for educating drivers, motorist and other members of the public generally on the proper use of public roads and for Related Matters (HBs. 1401 and 1604) (Hon. Abiodun Derin Adesida and Hon. Olaide Lateef Muhammed) – Second Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Abiodun Adesida moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Olaide Muhammed. Hon. Adesida in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks to amend some sections of the Principal Act in order to make officers of the FRSC more effective. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Federal Road Safety Commission.

A Bill for an act to Establish National Institute for Cardiovascular Disease Research and Treatment Kano State to Provide Treatment and Research for Cardiovascular cases and for Related Matters (HB. 868) (Hon. Hassan Shehu Hussain) – Second Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Hassan Hussain moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Kelechi Nwogu. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Health Institutions.

MOTIONS:

Celebrating and Supporting our Educators

Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka:

The House:

Notes that the World Teachers ‘ Day declared by UNESCO in 1994 and celebrated on October 5th annually to recognize the vital role of teachers in shaping societies, key Contributions in educating present and future generations, foster critical thinking and creativity, promote social justice and equality, impact on Students on influence educational out comes , mentor and guide personal development.

Also notes that the holy books, Islam lays so much emphasis on seeking knowledge and also on giving respect to the ones who imparted knowledge. That’s reason teachers have the highest status in Islam. In Holy Ouran, Almighty Allah says;
“Allah elevates to high positions those from amongst you who are faithful and those who have acquired knowledge. Also, (Romans 12:6-7, 1 Corinthians 12:28, Ephesians 4:11-13) stress that, without it values, beliefs, and knowledge are lost to later generations.

Aware, of the current challenges facing Teachers such as Low salaries and lack of financial support, Overwork and burnout, insufficient resources and training, emotional and mental health toll.

Request the House to address the current issues in education, fostering a supportive environment for teachers in increase funding for salaries and resources, and create, implement professional development programs platforms for teacher feedback and support. -Advocate for policy changes that supports local educational initiative to celebrate teachers in our communities that the Holy Spirit bestows teaching as a spiritual gift to the Church.

Invites the educators to come together to celebrate the invaluable contributions they make to the society. Your dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to nurturing young minds pave the way for a brighter future.

Recalls your roles not only as educators but also your influence as mentors, guides, and champions of knowledge. Each lesson you impart and every word of encouragement you share leaves a lasting impact on the lives of students.

Acknowledge the challenges teachers face and the resilience they demonstrate, your ability to inspire curiosity and foster a love for learning is a gift that transcends the class room and shapes the world;

Resolves to:
(i) observe a minute silence in honour of our dead teachers;
(ii) urge the Federal government of Nigeria, the States government, and other Stakeholders in the
education sector to address without delay the flight of Teachers in Nigeria.

Debate:
Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka moved the motion on the need for celebrating and supporting our educators and it was seconded by Hon. Awaji Dagomie Abainte. The motion was voted on and adopted.

Call on the Federal Road Safety Commission to Adopt 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:
(i) also urge the Federal Road Safety Commission to evaluate the effectiveness of enforcement strategies, whether technology-assisted methods are reducing traffic violations and improving safety; and
(ii) mandate the Committee on Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) to ensure compliance.

Debate:
Hon. Garba Muhammad moved the motion on the call on the Federal Road Safety Commission to adapt modern technology in its operations and it was seconded by Hon. Emeka Obiajulu. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Federal Road Safety Commission.

Need to Construct the Collapsed Alau Dam in Borno State: Hon. Abdulkadir Rahis:

The House:

Notes that the Alau Dam with a maximum storage capacity of 112-million litres, located in Alau Community of Borno State was constructed in 1984 to provide water for irrigation and domestic use in Maiduguri;

Also notes that Alau Dam was constructed by the Federal Government not only to store for use, but to also help control flooding from the Ngadda River;

Aware that on 13 September, 1994, the Alau Dam collapsed causing flood in Maiduguri and its environs that destroyed properties, public amenities and farmlands causing the displacement of about half a million residents;

Concerned that almost exactly 30 years later on 10th September, 2024, Maiduguri is again flooded by the worst flood in its history, affecting over 60% of the city destroying lives, properties and critical city infrastructure like roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, markets and other public utilities;

Worried that despite several budgetary allocations over the years the Alau Dam has remained in poor shape, hence the recurring collapse and the ensuing floods;

Resolves to:
(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to reassess, fortify and reconstruct the Alau Dam to forestall any future Occurrence of floods or any mishap;
(ii) also urge the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to include the reconstruction of Alau Dam in its 2025 budget estimates with a view to provide permanent solution to the problem;
(iii) mandate the Committees on Water Resources, Appropriations and Legislative Compliance to ensure implementation accordingly.

Debate:
Hon. Abdulkadir Rahis moved the motion on the need to reconstruct the collapsed Alau Dam in Borno state and it was seconded by Hon. Uduak Alphonsus. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committees on Water Resources, Appropriations as well as that on Legislative Compliance.

Need to Investigate the Accessibility of Persons with Disability on Public Buildings: Hon. Bashiru Dawudu:

The House:

Notes that a Public Building is a building made available for the use of members of the public whether owned by government or private entities as provided in section 57 of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (Prohibition) Act 2018;

Also notes that sections 3 and 4 of the Disability Act provides that a person with disability has the right to access the physical environment and public buildings on an equal basis with others, including road-sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, elevators, crutches, and toilet facilities to make them accessible to and usable by persons with disability;

Aware that even with the expiration of the transitory period within which to make modifications, access many public buildings are still inaccessible by the persons living with disability;

Worried that the failure to make public buildings accessible to Persons with disability prevents their inclusion and full integration into the Nigerian society;

Resolves to:
Mandate the Committee on Disability to investigate why Public building plans are approved by building regulatory authorities without adequate access for Persons with Disability and suggest the way forward on implementation of the accessibility for the persons living with disability, and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

Motion stepped down by leave of the House.

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

A Bill for an Act to amend the Federal Medical Centers Act to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Fufu, Kwara State and for Related Matters (HB. 834) – Committee of the Whole: 8/2/2024.

Synopsis of the report:
Hon. Francis Waive stated that the Bill seeks the medical development of Nigerians in the region and urged Honorable Members to support it.