Nigeria National Assembly: Plenary, House of Reps, Tues, Oct 22nd, 2024

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

By admin , in Inside stories , at October 22, 2024 Tags: #NASS, Ejiro Umukoro Publisher and Editor in Chief, House of Representatives, Investigative Journalism, Journalism, Nigeria National Assembly

After the recitation of the First stanza of the National Anthem; the National Pledge and opening prayer; the Speaker approved the votes and proceedings of Thursday, October 17th, 2024.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

There will be a meeting of the Special House Committee on the Review of the Constitution by 15:00 at Meeting Room 447. Members of the Committee should please be in attendance.
Aminu Jaji announced that there will be a meeting of the Ad-Hoc Committee of the House on the rehabilitation of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road at Suite 1.03 in the new Building of the House of Representatives by 15:30. Members of the Committee should please be in attendance.

PETITIONS:

Hon. Mark Obeta laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the Nigeria Police on alleged unlawful dismissal from service.
Hon. Akintunde Rotimi laid a petition on behalf of Human Rights Radio/Television against Bywater Nig. Ltd. on alleged unjust treatment of some of their staff and refusal to remit their pension entitlements.

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

MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:

Hon. Dabo Ismail Haruna moved a motion on the urgent need to check the operations of criminal ‘one-chance’ taxi operators in Abuja that led to the death of his Legislative Aide, late Miss Na’ima Sulaiman and it was seconded by Hon. Mohammed Isa Anka. Hon. Haruna in leading the debate stated that the criminal activities of these taxi operators has been a reoccurring incident that has left victims with horror and mental distress. He stated that the late Miss Suleiman was a Legislative Aide in the National Assembly serving in his office. She was murdered even though the ransom demanded for was fully paid.

He called on the House Committees on Police, FCT as well as that on National Intelligence to conduct a comprehensive investigation and liaise with the necessary stakeholders such as the FCT Minister, the FCT Commissioner of Police, as well as the DG SSS to ensure the problem is brought to a halt. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Police, FCT as well as that on National Security and Intelligence.

Hon. Billy Osawaru moved a motion on the need for the Federal Government to come to the aid of a community in Edo state and ensure a lasting solution to the gully erosion devastating the community and it was seconded by Hon. Ari Mohammed. Hon. Osawaru in leading the debate stated that the community has suffered severe environmental degradation as a result of the gully erosions. He stated that despite the fine efforts by the state government, their efforts seem to be overwhelmed, hence the need for the call on the Federal Government through the Ecological Fund and other such means to employ immediate and coordinated actions in ensuring the containment of the erosion. He called for proactive intervention from the Federal Government. Hon.

Osawaru also called on the Federal Government to ensure the Ministry on Environment as well as the Ecological Fund contain the devastation. He further called on the House Committee on Ecological Fund to ensure funds are provided for in the next budget for the purpose. He then called for the community to be declared a disaster region and that the National Emergency Management Agency should ensure relief gets to the victims. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Environment as well as that on Ecological Fund.

Hon. Maureen Gwacham moved a motion on the urgent need to rehabilitate a major road connecting Anambra and Enugu states and it was seconded by Hon. Mark Esset. Hon. Gwacham in leading the debate stressed the need for the urgent rehabilitation of the major Federal Road which has been dilapidated for a long period of time. She stated that the condition of the road negatively affects the transportation of agricultural products, goods and services as well as human traffic. She also stated that the dilapidated nature of the road makes it a spot for criminal activities.

Hon. Gwacham called on the Federal Ministry of Works to urgently commence reconstruction of the road. She called on the House Committee on Works as well as that on Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Works as well as that on Appropriation.

Hon. Lilian Orogbu moved a motion on the urgent need to investigate the gruesome murder of over 10 youths in Anambra state and it was seconded by Hon. Dominic Okafor. Hon. Lilian in leading the debate stated that the youths were murdered on Sunday, October 20th, 2024 while participating in the celebration of the New Yam Festival. She stated that the incident has spread fear into the minds of residents within the community. She said these killings have been a reoccurring decimal for the past 2 years. She called on the Nigeria Police to ensure a thorough investigation and that the Federal Government should deploy more security personnel to ensure peace in the region.

Hon. Lilian called on the House Committee on Police, Interior, National Security as well as that on Public Safety to dialogue with the Anambra state government and other key stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the violence. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Police Affairs, Interior as well as that on National Security and Intelligence.

PRESENTATION OF BILLS:

Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition , Obolio, Enugu State (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1628) (Hon. Atigwe Simon Chukwuemeka) – First Reading
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1665) (Hon. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere & 50 others)- First Reading
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) (Completion of Part – Heard Cases by Elevated Judges) Bill, 2024 (HB.1704)(Hon. Mansur Manu Soro)- First Reading
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) (Accessing Verbatim Record of Proceedings by Litigants) Bill, 2024 (HB.1705) (Hon. Mansur Manu Soro) – First Reading
Federal Institute of Industrial Research (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1823) (Hon. Fayinka Moses Oluwatoyin & 19 others) – First Reading

PRESENTATION OF REPORT:

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, Ikole-Ekiti, Ekiti State and for Related Matters (HB.1037) (Referred:7/2/2024).

Presentation of the report was stepped down by leave of the House

BILLS:

A Bill for an Act to Establish Institute of Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Corporate Governance and for Related Matters (HB.1681) (Hon. Francis Waive) – Second Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Francis Waive moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Blessing Onuh. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Commerce.

A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to create New Oyo State with Oyo town as the Capital City from Oyo State, effect Consequential change of the Name of the remaining Part of Oyo State to Ibadan State with Ibadan City as Capital City and define for Local Government Areas comprising the two States and for Related Matters (HB.1679) (Hon. Adeyemi Akeem Adeniyi and six others) – Second Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Adeyemi Adeniyi moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Chike Okafor. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the Special Committee of the House on the Review of the Constitution.

A Bill for an Act to Amend the Agricultural Research Council Act to Establish Sugarcane Research Centre, Makarfi, Kaduna State and for Related Matters (HB.1667) (Hon. Umar Shehu Ajilo) – Second Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Umar Ajilo moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Muhammed Shehu. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions.

A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery Eket, Akwa Ibom State and for Related Matters (HB. 363) (Hon. Okpolupm Etteh) – Second Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Okpolupm Etteh moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Akarachi Amadi. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Health Institutions.

MOTIONS:

Need to Safeguard Nigeria’s Orbital Slots to Prevent Potential Financial Loss of $400 Million to Nigeria:

Hon. Muktar Tolani Shagaya:

The House:

Notes that Nigeria has been granted three orbital slots by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), essential for satellite placement in geostationary orbit. These slots are vital for telecommunication, broadcasting, weather monitoring, and national defence purposes;

Also notes that presently, just one of these slots is utilised through NigComSat-1, leaving the other two vulnerable to reassignment if left unused by the deadline of December 6, 2024;

Further notes that the expense of acquiring a new orbital slot is approximately $200 million USD, and the loss of these slots
would not only result in a significant financial loss but also impede Nigeria’s technological progress and economic development;

Aware that numerous factors contribute to the underutilisation of these slots, such as financial limitations, inadequate technical infrastructure, and delays in policy implementation;

Also aware that the critical significance of these orbital slots goes beyond technological progress to include national security, disaster response, connectivity, and navigation capabilities;

Concerned over Nigeria’s increasing competition with other countries for orbital slots, driven by the rising global demand for satellite services, which could lead to the permanent forfeiture of Nigeria’s assigned positions;

Acknowledges that it is imperative for Nigeria to expedite satellite development processes, secure necessary funding, and explore partnerships with private companies and international space agencies to fully utilise these orbital slots;

Recognizing that protecting Nigeria’s orbital slots goes beyond technical aspects; it is a critical element for national security, economic empowerment, and global standing. It is crucial to optimise the use of these slots to establish Nigeria as a significant player in the ever-changing space sector;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Government to prioritise the protection of Nigeria’s orbital slots and investment in satellite technology to ensure the full utilisation of Nigeria’s allocated orbital slots before the impending deadline;

(ii) also urge the Federal Government to ensure timely registration and renewal of Nigeria’s orbital slots and establish an oversight mechanism to monitor progress regarding the utilisation of orbital slots and ensure compliance with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) regulations;

(iii) further urge the Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) and the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) intensify efforts in developing and launching satellites that will occupy our slots to prevent their forfeiture;

(iv) mandate the Committee on Digital and Communications Technology to conduct a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s current utilization of its orbital slots and report within two (2) weeks; and

(v) also mandate the Committees on Digital and Communications Technology and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.

Debate:
Hon. Muktar Shagaya moved the motion on the need to safeguard Nigeria’s orbital slots to prevent potential financial loss of $400 Million to Nigeria and it was seconded by Hon. Regina Akume. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Digital and Communication Technology.

Need to Investigate the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit:

Hon. Mansur Musa:

The House:

Notes that the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme was established in 2019, by Executive Order No. 007;

Also notes that the Tax Credit Scheme aims to encourage private sector involvement in road infrastructure development in Nigeria; it enables companies to recover the costs for constructing or refurbishing eligible roads as tax credits against future Companies Income Tax (CIT) liability;

Recalls that the then Federal Government indicated that Nigeria needs 348 trillion Naira over 10 years to bridge the nation’s infrastructure gap;

Observes that five years after its inception, the scheme’s effectiveness, which depends on the viability and cost efficiency of projects undertaken, is yet to be determined;

Also observes that the selection process and onboarding of beneficiary companies by the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme Management Committee lack transparency and clear eligibility criteria;

Concerned of the limited information on the project evaluation and approval process given that the tax credit utilization may not align with the scheme’s objectives, potentially hindering its intended impact on the nation’s road infrastructure

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Finance to:-

(a) determine Beneficiary Eligibility and Selection Process of the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme by examining the criteria used by the Scheme’s Management Committee in selecting participating companies and determine if it align with the scheme’s objectives

(b) ascertain the impact on Road Infrastructure Development through the evaluation of the Impact of the scheme on road infrastructure development in Nigeria;

(d) review the transparency and accountability mechanisms in place to ensure the scheme’s effectiveness; and

(ii) mandate the Committee on Finance investigate the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme to address the efficiency and Corruption in the Scheme and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Debate:
Hon. Mansur Musa moved the motion on the urgent need to investigate the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit and it was seconded by Hon. Umar Shehu.

Hon. Mukhtar Kazaure proposed an amendment to incorporate the House Committee on Works to the prayer of the motion.

Hon. Cyril Godwin also proposed an amendment to delete prayers I (a & b) of the motion. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committee on Finance as well as that on Works.

Repositioning Nigeria Incentive Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) for Agricultural Lending and De- Risking of Agribusiness in Nigeria:

Hon. Uchenna Harris Okonkwo:

The House:

Notes the ailing economy of Nigeria, severe impoverishment across the nation, as well as the increase in hunger due to decreased agricultural productivity triggered by low capital investment and insufficient funding of agricultural production;

Also notes that in 2011, the Central Bank of Nigeria launched and incorporated the Nigeria Incentive Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) as a dynamic, holistic $500 million public-private initiative to define, measure, price, and share agribusiness credit risk;

Aware that the objectives of NIRSAL is to enhance agricultural value and financial value chains, by promoting good practices in agricultural financing, loan utilisation, and repayment, thus reducing the risk of agricultural lending;

Concerned that the agricultural sector, which accounts for 40% of the nations’ Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provides for over 60% of employment, has experienced slower growth recently and is underperforming despite enormous potential;

Convinced that to reverse the trend, there is need to tackle the challenge of underfinancing of agricultural value chains by providing NIRSAL with additional 3 billion Dollars for lending to agricultural value chain actors in Nigeria;

Cognizant of the need to reduce banks break-even interest rates to agricultural value chain borrowers from 7.5–10.5%;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to increase agricultural lending by banks from 1.4 – 7% of total lending within the next five years, ensure 50% of lending to Smallholder Farmers (SHF) through Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), Farmer Cooperatives, and the value chain commodity association at an interest rate of 7.5–10.5%; and

(ii) mandate the Committees on Banking Regulations and Agricultural Production and Services, Nutrition and Food Security, and Finance to monitor compliance and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative actions.

Debate:
Hon. Uchenna Okonkwo moved the motion on repositioning Nigeria Incentive Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) and de-risking of agribusinesses in Nigeria and it was seconded by Hon. Akintunde Rotimi who also in contributing to the debate, stated that the Central Bank recently inaugurated a Board on the issue hence the motion is timely in giving guidance.

Hon. Adeyemi Adeniyi in contributing to the debate called on the relevant Committee that will handle the motion to look at the proposed interest rate that will be applied and ensure it is not too high for practitioners in agri-business.

Hon. Zannah also stressed the importance of ensuring a proper policy is formulated and implemented for guiding the practice, as agricultural business is a vital sector worldwide that should not be toyed with. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committee on Banking Regulations, Nutrition and Food Securities, Finance as well as that on Agricultural Production and Services.

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

A Bill for an Act to Establish the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration and other Matters Connected therewith, Ondo City, Ondo State. (SB.40) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) (Leader) – Committee of the Whole: 6/6/2024.

Synopsis of the report:
Hon. Julius Ihonbvere stated that the Bill seeks to consolidate the activities of the institution which has already been in existence for a while.

Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-28

A Bill for An Act to Establish the Chartered Institute of Training and Development of Nigeria to Set Standards and Skills to be Attained by Individuals or Corporate Entities Seeking to Engage in Provisions of Capacity Development Services in Nigeria to ensure effective practice; and for Related Matters (HB.1550) – (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) (Leader) – Committee of the Whole: :18/7/2024.

Synopsis of the report:
Hon. Julius Ihonbvere stated that the Bill seeks to set standards in the training of capacity development services in Nigeria.

Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-28

Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions:
Hon. Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act, CAP, A12, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to make provision for Establishment of Federal College of Agriculture, Ise, Ekiti State and for Related Matters (HB.52) and approve recommendations therein” (Laid: 25/9/2024).

Synopsis of the report:
Hon. Akeem Adeyemi stated that the Bill went through all the due processes and urged Honorable Members to support it.

Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-3

Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions:

Hon. Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi:

“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal College of Agriculture, Misau, Bauchi State, to Provide Full-time Courses of Agriculture Teaching, Instruction and Training in the Sciences, Social Sciences, Commerce, Arts, Applied Sciences, Management and Humanities; and Carry-out Research, Innovation, Development and Adaptation of teaching Techniques and for Related Matters (HB.486) and approve recommendations therein” (Laid: 25/9/2024).

Synopsis of the report:
Hon. Akeem Adeyemi stated that the Bill also went through all the due processes and urged Honorable Members to support it.

Hon. Dagomie Abiante expressed concern if the institution has the capacity to handle and issue certificates of all the stated courses. He emphasized that there seems to be a lot of unrelated courses listed that may divert the direction of the institution which is supposed to be specialized on agriculture.

Hon. Francis Waive clarified that the position of the Bill is just to amend the schedule and not to add any more issues to it.

Hon. Ahmed Idris supported the concern raised by Hon. Abiante as it has the ability of tilting the true structure of the institution and its true focus.

Hon. Ademorin Kuye appreciated the concerns raised, however reminded Members that the concept of agriculture education has transcended mundane practices as it now encompasses commerce, engineering and economics and the Bill seeks to cure this fact.

Hon. Billy Osawaru called for more work to be done on the Bill so as not to make its impact vague or misleading as the institution is supposed to be a specialized one.

Hon. Sada Soli stated that the Bill is in order, he clarified that though a specialized agricultural institution; it still has to provide knowledge in related fields aimed at ensuring proper agricultural development.

Hon. Julius Ihonbvere stated that there needs to be accommodation of related courses for agricultural development in the institution and the Bill should ensure this.

Hon. Akeem Adeyemi in exercising his right of reply stated that all the concerns were duly debated at the Public Hearing and it is in line with discharging knowledge in commercial agriculture.

Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-3
Long title was amended.

Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions:

Hon. Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi:

“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Universities of Agriculture Act, CAP F22 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to Establish Federal University of Agriculture, Ako-Nike, Enugu State and for Related Matters (HB.530) and approve recommendations therein”(Laid: 25/9/2024).

Synopsis of the report:
Hon. Akeem Adeyemi stated that the Bill also went through all the due processes and urged Honorable Members to support it.

Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-3

Committee on Justice:

Hon. Olumide Osoba:

“That the House do consider 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) and approve the recommendation therein” (Laid:15/10/2024)

Synopsis of the report:
Hon. Olumide Osoba stated that the Bill seeks to amend the issue of attempted suicide and decriminalize it, expunge the 1 year prison sentence and make rehabilitation the proper option.

Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-9

Ad–hoc Committee

Hon. Ihonvbere Julius:

“That the House do consider the Report of the Ad-hoc Committee on Discrimination against the House of Representatives in the National Honours Award and approve the recommendations therein” (HR. 74/10/2024).

(i) commend the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for using his discretion judiciously to award the GCON to Rt. Hon. Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen Ph.D, same recognition should apply to the Deputy Speaker and the Deputy Senate President and all other leaders of both chambers of the National Assembly to reflect their equal status;

(ii) that the Legislature should do more in telling its own story as the skewed perception of press reportage and the misinformed public is what has contributed to the misconceived view of the House and the Senate as one being referred to as the upper and the other as “Lower Chamber” and “Upper Chamber” or Chairman of the National Assembly with a view to correcting the erroneous description of one Chamber of the National Assembly being superior to the other;

(iii) that the procedure for joint sittings of the National Assembly should be structured in such a way as to alternate the roles of the Presiding Officers of each Chamber of the National Assembly ie. the Speaker could take the opening remarks and the Senate President takes the Closing remarks and vice versa to gradually correct the erroneous impression of one Chamber being superior to the other;

(iv) that the establishment of a National Assembly Service Award through the instrumentality of a Bill where excellence, service and dedication would be rewarded i.e Congressional gold award of the United States of America; and

(v) review the National Honours Act, Cap.N43, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 in conformity with present realities of nation’s political existence and transformation as the law is a 1964 Act.

Synopsis of the report:
Hon. Julius Ihonbvere stated that the recommendations of the report are as a result of the referral of the House and the need to commend the proactive approach of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in dealing with the issue. He stated that recommendations also came after rigorous consultations and urged Honorable Members to support its adoption.

Hon. Ahmed Idris stated that though he was not able to physically attend the meetings of the Ad-Hoc Committee, he sent in his suggestion to also extend such honors to past Principal Officers. He wondered why that was not reflected as a recommendation. The position of Hon. Idris was then moved as a motion for the 6th recommendation and seconded by Hon. Sada Soli.

Hon. Terseer Ugbor wondered why every Honorable Member is not given a National Honor when inaugurated. This he stated should be in recognition and encouragement for the national duties they are to perform. The Presiding Chairman stated that the position is beyond the scope of the work given to the Ad-Hoc Committee, but Hon. Ugbor can sponsor the position as a proper motion if desired.

Hon. Kalejaye Paul expressed concern if conferring such honors to past Principal Officers is not making Laws in retrospect. The Presiding Chairman stated that there is nothing wrong with giving advice to correct wrongs made in the past.

Summary of voting:
Recommendations voted on and adopted: 1-5
Recommendation 6 was incorporated after Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase moved that former Presiding Officers and ex-Principal Officers should also be duly conferred with the National Honours equivalent to the serving ones. The additional prayer was unanimously adopted.

HOUSE IN PLENARY:

The House reverted to plenary and adopted the report of the Committee of the Whole following a motion by Hon. Julius Ihonbvere and seconded by Hon. Aliyu Madaki.

House Adjournment:

The House at 14:14 adjourned plenary to Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024 by 11:00 A.M following a motion for adjournment moved by the Leader of the House, Hon. Julius Ihonbvere and seconded by the Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Aliyu Sani Madaki.

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