Nigeria National Assembly: Plenary of House of Reps, Tuesday, Oct 15th, 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 Thursday, October 10th, 2024

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ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. From now on, only the first stanza of the National Anthem will be sung at the commencement of plenary proceedings.
2. The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies is inviting all Honorable Members to attend the launching of a legislative drafting e-platform on Monday, October 21st, 2024 at Senate Room 231. Honorable Members are also to send the contacts of their Senior Legislative Aides to be on the platform for legislative drafting interactions.

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ADMINISTRATION OF OATH OF OFFICE AS WELL AS THAT OF ALLEGIANCE TO NIGERIA ON A MEMBER-ELECT:

1. Hon. Dennis Agbo, Enugu state (Labour Party)

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PETITIONS:

1. Hon. Abdullahi laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the Nigeria Police on alleged unlawful arrest and detention.
2. Hon. Mark Chidi laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the Executive Director of Trade Management Board on alleged breach of the provisions of a signed agreement.
3. Hon. Abdullahi Halims laid a petition on behalf of some complainants against Nigeria Primary Healthcare Board on alleged incompetent and reckless services rendered.
4. Hon. Uchenna Okonkwo laid a petition on behalf of a complainant on the alleged illegal sale of property of his late father.

All petitions were referred to the House Committee on Public Petitions

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MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:

1. Hon. Kabiru Ahmad moved a motion on the need to condemn the inhuman treatment meted out to the Nigerian Super Eagles at the Libyan Airport and the other contingent members and it was seconded by Hon. Billy Osawaru. Hon. Ahmad in leading the debate expressed sadness at the inhuman, uncourteous and unprofessional treatment the players and contingent received at the hands of the Libyan authorities where they were left stranded at the airport for over 18 hours. He stated that the flight was diverted midway into the flight to a less standard airport and they were not allowed to leave the airport which led to the players resolving not to play the match any more. Hon. Ahmad called on the Nigeria Football Federation to make an official complain to FIFA and that the Federal Government should call on the Libyan ambassador to Nigeria to explain the circumstances of what played out and that the House Committee on Sports should investigate the issue and report back to the House.

Hon. Chris Nkwonta called for a thorough investigation in to the issue, as Africans should not treat each other with such disdain and to ensure such practice never reoccurs. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Sports as well as that on Foreign Affairs.

2. Hon. Mohammed Saidu Bargaja moved a motion on the need to rehabilitate a critical road in Sokoto state and it was seconded by Hon. Unyime Idem. Hon. Bargaja in leading the debate called for quick intervention on the said road in the affected community as it has continued to cause hardship to commuters and traders, hindering them from carrying out their daily activities. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency.
3. Hon. Kingsley Chinda moved a motion on the need to address the recurrent flooding of the Lado Dam and it was seconded by Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka. Hon. Chinda in leading the debate bemoaned the recurring nature of the devastation caused by flooding that results from the release of water so as to prevent the total breakage of the dam. He stated that though a buffer dam in Adamawa state to cushion the effect has been approved for construction for some time, it is yet to come to fruition. Hon. Chinda called on the Nigeria-Cameroon Frienship group to ensure proper coordination of activities between both countries in respect to this issue. He also called on the Federal Government to ensure the speedy competition of the buffer dam. He furthermore called on the House Committee on Water Resources, Foreign Affairs as well as other relevant Committees of the House to ensure speedy compliance.

Hon. Kabiru Ahmad proposed an amendment to incorporate the House Committee on Finance to the prayer of the motion.

Hon. Clement Jumbo also proposed an amendment to incorporate the House Committee on National Planning and Development to the prayer of the motion. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committee on Water Resources, Appropriations as well as that Foreign Affairs.

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PRESENTATION OF BILLS
 

1. Federal University of Technology, Ilaro, Ogun State (Establishment) (SB.345) (Senate) – First Reading.
    
2. Federal University of Health Sciences, Tsafe Zamfara (Establishment) (SB. 161) (Senate) – First Reading.
    
3. National Agricultural Council of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (SB.56) (Senate) – First Reading.
    
4. National Agricultural Council of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (SB.212) (Senate) – First Reading.
    
5. National Agricultural Council of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (SB.477) (Senate) – First Reading.
    
6. Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (SB.379) (Senate) – First Reading.
    
7. Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (SB.376) (Senate) – First Reading.
    
8. National Commission for Amnesty Rehabilitation and Reintegration Bill, 2024(HB.1537) (Hon. Kwamoti Bitrus Laori) – First Reading.
    
9. Nigeria Human Fertilizer and Embryology Regulatory Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1538) (Hon. Kwamoti Bitrus Laori) – First Reading.
    
10. Federal Universities of Agriculture Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1558) (Hon. Anayo Onwuegbu) – First Reading.
     
11. Industrial Arbitration Tribunal (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1572) (Hon. Akiolu Kayode Moshood) – First Reading.
     
12. Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1574) (Hon. Akiolu Kayode Moshood) – First Reading.
     
13. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1446) (Hon. O.K Chinda) – First Reading.
     
14. Federal Colleges of Education Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1458) (Hon. O.K Chinda) – First Reading.
     
15. Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1636) (Hon. Ikeagwuonu Onyinye Ugochinyere) – First Reading.
     
16. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1637) (Hon. Ikeagwuonu Onyinye Ugochinyere) – First Reading.
     
17. Orthopaedic Hospital Management Board Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1644) (Hon. Mohammed Buba Jajere) – First Reading.
     
18. Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Mangu, Plateau State Act (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1748) (Hon. Ishaya D. Lalu) – First Reading.
     
19. Nigerian Army College of Education, Ilorin (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1602) (Hon. Ahmed Yinka Aluko) – First Reading.
     
20. National Commission for Skill Acquisition Evaluation Assessment and Certification (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1609) (Hon. Paul Nnamchi) – First Reading.

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PRESENTATION OF REPORTS
 

1. Committee on Justice:
   Hon. Olumide Osoba:
   “That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Justice on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Criminal Code Act, Cap. C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to provide Stiffer Penalties to Selected Sections of the Act and for Related Matters (HB.151)” (Referred:

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Olumide Osoba and seconded by Hon. Mohammed Abdullahi.

2. Committees on Public Procurement, Financial Crimes and Public Service Matters:
   Hon. Unyime Idem:
   “That the House do receive the Preliminary Report of the Committees on Public Procurement, Financial Crimes and Public Service Matters on the Investigation of Suspicious Practices of the Federal Government Miniseries, Departments, Agencies (MDAS), Parastatals and Institution on the Execution of Capital Projects in Appropriation Act (HR.125/03/2024)” (Referred:7/3/2024).

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Unyime Idem and seconded by Hon. Ibrahim Mohammed.

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BILLS
 

1. 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) – Third Reading.

Debate
Hon. Julius Ihonvbere 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.

2. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Medical Centers Act to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Kafanchan, Kaduna State and for Related Matters (HB.507) – Third Reading.

Debate
Hon. Julius Ihonvbere 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.

3. 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) – Third Reading.

Debate
Hon. Julius Ihonvbere 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.

4. 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, a Bill for an Act to Amend the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007, 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 a Bill for an Act to Amend the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007 and for Related Matters (HBs1478, 71, 873 and  1097) (Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Hon. Oluwole Oke, Hon. Marcus Onobun and six others)-Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Marcus Onobun moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Joshua Gana. Hon. Marcus in leading the debate stressed that the consolidation of the Bill became necessary to harmonize the efforts to ensure the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 is more effective. The Act has been observed to contain sensitive loopholes that has made its implementation difficult. He stated that the Bill seeks to ensure the Fiscal Responsibility Commission is well positioned and empowered to deal with abuse of procedures in the public space such as remittance of due percentage or surpluses of proceeds to the Federal Government. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Finance.

5. A Bill for an Act to Establish the National Science, Technology, Innovation and Research Council to Set National Priorities on Research, Innovation and Development, to Improve Economic Growth and Competitiveness that can Lead to the Development of New Products, Processes, and Services, to Address Social and Environmental Challenges, to Improve the Quality of Life of People, to Create New Jobs and Opportunities and to Advance Knowledge and Understanding of Innovations; and for Related Matters (HB. 727) (Hon. Zakariya Tijjani Zannah) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Tijani Zannah moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Oriyomi Onanuga. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Science and Technology.

6. 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.

Debate
Hon. Mohammed El-Rufai 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 Banking Regulations.

7. A Bill for an Act to Repeal Technology Business Incubation Foundation (Takeover) Act, to Provide for the Establishment of the National Agency for Technology Incubation and for Related Matters (HB.1055) (Hon. Ukodhiko Ajiroghene Jonathan) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Ukodhiko Jonathan moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Yusuf. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Science and Technology.

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MOTIONS
 

8. 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 with the expiration of the transitory period within which to make modifications, persons living with disability still cannot access Public Building;
    
   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:
    
   (i) mandate the Committee on Disability to investigate:
   (a) Compliance level of Public building to accessibility regulations; and
    
   (b) Regulatory Authorities approval of building plans without provisions of accessibility facilities and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Debate
Hon. Bashiru Dawudu moved the motion on the need to investigate the accessibility of Persons with Disability on Public Buildings and it was seconded by Hon. Jafaru Leko. Hon. Kabiru Ahmad proposed an amendment to prayer 1 to incorporate the House Committee on Safety Standards to the prayer of the motion. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committee on Disabilities as well as that on Safety Standards.

9. Need for the Security Operatives to immediately forestall Imminent Calamity in Igbogiri Community, Uhunmwode Local Government Area, Edo State:
   Hon. Billy Osawaru:
    
   The House:
    
   Notes that the primary responsibility of Government as provided in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) is the provision of security and welfare of the people;
    
   Also notes that much as the security agencies are struggling to provide security across the nation, security incidents, such as senseless killings and abductions, have raised concerns about national security, leaving citizens and others feeling unsafe and hopeless;
    
   Disturbed that the people of Igbogiri Community in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State are under kidnapper’s siege on daily basis with stories of willful attacks, killings and sacking of villagers abound;
    
   Worried that on 2 October, 2024, Igbogiri Community was attacked, leaving more than 5 persons murdered, over 15 persons were kidnapped, this calls for a sweeping approach from the combined task force of Nigerian Police and Army to restore confidence in the people and ensure safety of lives within the community;
    
   Aware that Lgbogiri Community in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State that used to be a peaceful area;
    
   Cognizant of the need for a concise and proactive approach to counter insecurity in the Lgbogiri Community in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State;
    
   Resolves to:
    
   (i) observe one minute silence in honour of those who lost their lives in the attack in Igbogiri Community, Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State;
    
   (ii) urge the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to contain the new wave of insecurity in Igbogiri Community in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State and prevent further escalation;
    
   (iii) also urge the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army and the Commander, 4 Mechanized Brigade Nigerian Army in Edo State, to deploy Personnel to complement the effort of the Nigeria Police and ensure safety of lives and properties in the community;
    
   (iv) further urge the Heads of Security Agencies in Nigeria to step up the security surveillance of the Community;
    
   (v) mandate the Committees on Police Affairs, Army and, National Security and Intelligence to ensure compliance and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Debate
Hon. Billy Osawaru moved the motion on the need for the security operatives to immediately forestall imminent calamity in Igbogiri community, Uhunmwode local government, Edo state and it was seconded by Hon. Abbas Adigun. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Police Affairs, Army as well as that on National Security and Intelligence.

10. Need to Address the Challenges faced by Students writing JAMB, WAEC/SSCE in Mussa, Dille and Lassa Communities in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State:
    Hon. Midala Usman Balami:
     

The House:
 
Notes that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees the right to education for all Nigerian citizens;
 
Also notes the current security situation in Mussa, Dille, Multhlafu, and Lassa Wards of Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State has impacted negatively on students writing JAMB, WAEC, and SSCE examinations in the communities;
 
Worried that students from Mussa, Dille, and Lassa are forced to travel a long distance to Maiduguri and Uba town with high cost of transportation, which most parents cannot afford, thereby denying students the right to education and, in most cases, arriving at the examination venue late;
 
Further notes Further notes that communities like Chibok, Damboa, Izge, Askira, Wamdio, and Uvu are able to write examinations within their localities, highlighting a disparity in access to educational facilities and opportunities;
 
Worried that the relocation of the examination centre from Lassa town has caused students untold hardship, thus denying Students from participating in JAMB and WAEC/ SSCE examinations;
 
Resolves to:
 
(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Education, the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to urgently relocate back the Examination centre in Lassa and establish a new centre in Mussa and Dille to alleviate the challenges faced by these students;
 
(ii) also urge the Federal Ministry of Education to collaborate with security agencies to ensure the safety and security of Students, Teachers and Examination materials in the newly restored examination centres;
 
(iii) mandate the Committee on Universal Basic Education and Services to ensure compliance.

Debate
Hon. Midala Balami moved the motion on the need to address the challenges faced by students writing JAMB, WAEC/SSCE in Mussa, Dille and Lassa communities in Askira/Uba local government area of Borno state and it was seconded by Hon. Rahis Abdulkadir.

Hon. Ahmed proposed an amendment to incorporate the House Committee on Basic Education to the prayer of the motion. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies.

11. Need to Increase the Budgetary Allocation of Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) for Effective Road Maintenance and Repairs of Federal Roads Across the Country:
    Hon. Aderemi Oseni:
     
    The House:
     
    Notes that the Federal Government is committed to enhancing economic activities and productivity by ensuring the effective maintenance and repair of Federal Roads throughout the year;
     
    Worried that majority of the Federal Roads are in disrepair, dilapidated, and unpassable, causing economic loss to governments and citizens due to continuous neglect;
     
    Aware that the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) is the agency with the mandate to maintain and rehabilitate all Federal roads across the country, and has been doing its best with the paltry budgetary allocation it receives annually which cannot make any significant impact due to the large number roads across the country that are in need of urgent repairs and rehabilitation;  
     
    Alarmed that the inadequate funding of FERMA translates to outright neglect in the maintenance of the roads, as an average of 300 billion Naira to 500 billion Naira is required annually to maintain the federal roads. Sadly, the annual budget of FERMA is a meager sum of about 25 billion, Naira to 50 billion, Naira within the last two years, which is about 10% of the required amount.
     
    Aware that the Federal Ministry of Works in the 2024 budget have about one trillion Naira, thus the need to allocate 20% (percent) of the Ministry of Works budget to FERMA in the 2025 budget estimates, to enable FERMA fulfill the purpose of its establishment of maintenance of existing roads;  
     
    Cognizant that of the need to increase the budgetary allocation of FERMA in 2025 budget estimates to enable it discharge its responsibility effectively and engender economic growth in the country;
     
    Resolves to:
     
    (i) urge the Federal Ministries of Budget and Economic Planning, Finance and Budget Office of the Federation, to allocate 20% of the Ministry of Works budget for the 2025 budget estimate to enable Federal Roads Maintenance Agency to function effectively; and
     
    (ii) mandate the Committees on Appropriations, Finance and Legislative compliance to ensure compliance.
     
     

Debate
Hon. Aderemi Oseni moved the motion on the need to increase budgetary allocation of Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) for effective road maintenance and repairs of federal roads across the country and it was seconded by Hon. Eze Nwachukwu. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Appropriations as well as that on Finance.

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House Adjournment:
The House at 13:12 adjourned plenary to Wednesday, October 16th, 2024 by 11:00 A.M following a motion for adjournment moved by the Leader of the House, Hon. Julius Ihonvbvere and seconded by the Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda.

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