Plenary proceedings House of Reps, Wed, October 30th, 2024

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 Tuesday, October 29th, 2024.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. The Leadership of the House has approved the renaming of the House Committee on Niger Delta to the House Committee on Regional Development.
2. The Presiding Speaker announced that there will be a week long recess from Monday, November 4th, 2024 to Monday, November 11th, 2024 in order to allow Honourable Members perform critical oversight of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of Government to ensure proper accountability for and on behalf of the Nigerian people. He urged the MDAs to cooperate with the visiting Parliamentarians in compliance with the Nigerian Constitution. The Speaker stated that plenary will resume on Tuesday, November 12th, 2024.
3. Defection of Honourable Member:
   Hon. Suleiman Abubakar Gummi (Zamfara state) defected from PDP to APC.

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PETITIONS:

1. Hon. Jesse Onuakalusi laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the Nigeria Police on alleged inhuman and unjust treatment.
2. Hon. Abdullahi Balarabe Dabai laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against Swiss Group of Companies on alleged refusal to pay pension entitlements.
3. Hon. Murphy Omoruyi laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against Mr. Suleiman, a Chief Executive on alleged tax evasion, corruption and fund misappropriation.
4. Hon. Mark Obeta laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against an Insurance company on alleged misappropriation of justice.

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

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MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:

1. Hon. Oluaseun Whigan moved a motion on the need for the implementation of precautionary measures to mitigate against the threat of flood to over 30 states as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and it was seconded by Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi. Hon. Whigan in leading the debate expressed worry on the predicted devastation on the mentioned states if proactive measures are not implemented to reduce the impact of the flooding. He stated that there has been significant warning by the appropriate meteorological agencies on the issue and government needs to act in time to avoid the disaster.

He called on the House to summon the Ministry on Environment, the Hydrological Agency and other related agencies to explain what is being done to curtail the anticipated impact of the floods. He also called on the Ministry of Environment, Water Resources as well as Works and Housing to ensure adequate measures of preparedness to ensure minimal impact. Hon. Whigan further called on the House Committee on Water Resources as well as that on Disaster Management and Preparedness to ensure compliance.

Hon. Francis Waive proposed an amendment to prayer 1 calling for the summons to the relevant Committees of the House and not to the House in general. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committees on Environment, Disaster Management and Preparedness as well as that on Water Resources.

2. Hon. Obuku Oforji moved a motion on the need to appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rescind the decision to rename the Niger Delta Ministry and it was seconded by Hon. Mohammed Shehu. Hon. Oforji in leading the debate stated that the Ministry of Niger Delta development was constituted to ensure the development of the region as an oil producing one. He stressed the critical role the Ministry plays in channeling and coordinating developmental strides for the region and for the promotion and maintenance of peace against militant restiveness. Hon. Oforji stated that the region is now disturbed at the scrapping of the Ministry. He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to speedily rescind the decision and restore the status of the Ministry.

Hon. Julius Ihonbvere in contributing to the debate stated that the conversion of the Niger Delta Development Ministry to that of Ministry of Regional Development will not in any way deny the Niger Delta region of its due development, nor reduce its impact in the region, but only to broaden its scope to development of other regions.

The Presiding Speaker stated that he had earlier met with President Tinubu and he was assured that the President is favorably disposed to receiving the South-South Development Commission Bill to cater for specific issues of the Niger Delta region. In light of this, and due to the fact that the issues within the Motion have already been over taken by other events, the motion was then stepped down by leave of the House.

3. Hon. Suleiman Gummi moved a motion on the need to stop the issuance of air space license to private individuals and it was seconded by Hon. Bello Ambarura.Hon.

Hon. Kingsley Chinda however raised a Point of Order stating that the motion does not meet the criteria of being urgent enough to be taken immediately as specified in Order 8, Rule 5 and hence should be put on notice.

The Presiding Speaker however granted leave for Hon. Gummi to take the motion as similar ones have been previously accommodated.

Hon. Gummi in leading the debate expressed worry at the abuse of the use of these air spaces if unchecked. He reminded Honourable Members of a private plane that was intercepted in South Africa with cash that was meant for purchasing firearms. Hon. Gummi called on the Minister of Aviation to halt such issuances and withdraw any already given for the promotion of national peace and security as well as to prevent such privileges for illicit purposes. He further called on the House Committee on Aviation to ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Aviation.

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PRESENTATION OF BILLS:

1. Federal Colleges of Education Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB. 1852) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere) – First Reading.
2. Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1855) (Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Ali Halims) – First Reading.
3. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) (FCT House of Assembly) Bill, 2024 (HB.1783) (Hon. Sesoo Ikpagher) – First Reading.
4. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) (Multiplayer Policing) Bill, 2024 (HB.1807) (Hon. Akintunde Rotimi) – First Reading.
5. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) (Compensation in the Land Use Act) Bill, 2024 (HB.1808) (Hon. Akintunde Rotimi) – First Reading.
6. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) (Six Special Seats for Special Interest Group) Bill, 2024 (HB.1811) (Hon. Akintunde Rotimi) – First Reading.
7. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) (Expand Criminal Categories) Bill, 2024 (HB.1814) (Hon. Akintunde Rotimi) – First Reading.
8. Compulsory Genotype Screening Bill, 2024 (HB.1812) (Hon. Akintunde Rotimi) – First Reading.
9. Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Isiokpo, Rivers State (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1708) (Hon. Blessing Chigeru Amadi) – First Reading.
10. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1722) (Hon. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere) – First Reading.
11. Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1723) (Hon. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere) – First Reading.
12. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1724) (Hon. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere) – First Reading.
13. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1731) (Hon. Mansur Manu Soro) – First Reading.
14. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1732) (Hon. Mansur Manu Soro) – First Reading.
15. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1733) (Hon. Mansur Manu Soro) – First Reading.
16. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1734) (Hon. Mansur Manu Soro) – First Reading.
17. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1725) (Hon. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere) – First Reading.
18. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1729) (Hon. Mansur Manu Soro) – First Reading.
19. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1730) (Hon. Mansur Manu Soro) – First Reading.
20. Federal Medical Centres, Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1855) (Hon. Hart Cyril Godwin) – First Reading.

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BILLS:

1. A Bill for an Act to Prevent, Prohibit and Redress Sexual Harassment of Students in Tertiary Educational Institutions and for Related Matters (HB.1598) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) (Leader) – Third Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Julius Ihonbvere 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 Centres Act and Establish Federal Medical Centre, Itigidi, Cross River State and for Related Matters (HB.642) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) (Leader) – Third Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Julius Ihonbvere 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 Provide for Establishment of Federal College of Health Sciences, Gaya, Kano State and Related Matters (HB. 31) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) (Leader) – Third Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Julius Ihonbvere 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 Amend the Federal Medical Centres Act and Establish Federal Medical Centre, Ikole-Ekiti, Ekiti State and for Related Matters (HB.1037) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) (Leader) – Third Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Julius Ihonbvere 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.

5. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act, Cap. A, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2024 to make Provisions for Establishment of Federal College of Agricultural Technology, Opialu– Ojapo, Benue State to contribute to the Development of Nigeria through Training of Qualitative Manpower in Agriculture by adequate exposure to Sound Theoretical Background, Practical Farm and field Demonstration and for Related Matters (SB.212) (Senate) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) (Leader) – Second Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Julius Ihonvbere moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Kingsley Chinda. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the Committee of the Whole.

6. A Bill for an Act to alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to carve out Nasarawa Eggon Federal Constituency from Akwanga/Nasarawa Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituency and for Related Matters (HB.1316) (Hon. Jeremiah Umaru) – Second Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Jeremiah Umaru moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Jafaru Leko. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on the Review of the Constitution.

7. A Bill for an Act to Amend Federal Medical Centres Act and Establish Federal Medical Centre, Saki, Oyo State for the Provision of Tertiary Healthcare Services, Medical Education and for Related Matters (HB.1356) (Hon. Karim Tajudeen Abisodun) – Second Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Karim Abisodun moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Akeem Adeyemi. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Health Institutions.

8. 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, Akure, Ondo State and for Related Matters (HB. 1375) (Hon. Adesida Abiodun) – Second Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Adesida Abiodun moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Jesse Onuakalusi. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Agricultural Institutions and Colleges.

9. 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, Mbatie, Buruku, Benue State and for Related Matters (HB.572) (Hon. Sekav Dzua Iyortyom) – Second Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Sekav Iyortyom moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Billy Osawaru. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Agricultural Institutions and Colleges.

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MOTIONS:

10. Rescission of the Federal University of Agriculture, Kabba (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1520):

Hon. Francis Waive:

The House:

Notes that a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University of Agriculture, Kabba was considered, subsequently read the third time and passed;

Aware of the existence of the Federal Universities of Agriculture Act, and therefore introducing an establishment Bill may not be idle in the circumstance but rather an amendment of the existing Act on Federal Universities of Agriculture Act;

Resolves to:

Rescind its decision on the passage of the Federal University of Agriculture, Kabba (Establishment) Bill (HB.1520) and recommit the Bill to the Committee of the whole for reconsideration.

Debate:
Hon. Francis Waive moved the motion on the rescission of the Federal University of Agriculture, Kabba (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1520) and it was seconded by Hon. Kingsley Chinda. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the Committee of the Whole.

11. Outstanding Bills from Preceding Assembly:

Hon. Francis E. Waive:

The House:

(i) National Broadcasting Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1816); and
(ii) Federal university, Wukari (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB 1382).

Notes that pursuant to Order Twelve, Rule 17 of the Standing Orders, the House may, upon being re-gazetted or circulated, reconsider in the Committee of the Whole, without commencing de-novo, the Bill(s) –

(a) whose report was presented by the Committee before consideration;
(b) passed by the House and forwarded to the Senate for concurrence for which no concurrence was made or negative;
(c) passed by the Senate and forwarded to the House for which no concurrence was made or negative; or;
(d) passed by the preceding Assembly and forwarded to the President for assent but for which assent or withholding therefore was not communicated before the end of the tenure of the preceding Assembly.

Also notes that the aforementioned Bills were passed by the preceding Assembly and forwarded to the President for assent but for which assent or withholding thereof was not communicated before the end of the tenure of the last Assembly;

Aware that the Bills were read for the first time as HBs.1816 and 1382;

Resolves to:

Re-commit the Bills to the Committee of the Whole for consideration.

Debate:
Hon. Francis Waive moved the motion on outstanding Bills from preceding Assembly and it was seconded by Hon. Kelechi Nwogu. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the Committee of the Whole.

12. Need to Address Flooding and Gully Erosion Devastating Communities in Birnin Kebbi/Kalgo/Bunza Federal Constituency:

Hon. Ibrahim Mohammed:

The House:

Notes the growing impact of climate change, which has adversely affected and impacted environments across the globe, resulting in environmental and socio-economic challenges;

Also notes that flooding and gully erosion are exacerbated by increased rainfall, poor environmental practices, inadequate or inefficient drainage systems due to lack of preparedness by relevant government agencies to respond to climate change projections, and poor waste disposal practices;

Concerned that communities within Birnin Kebbi/Kalgo/Bunza Federal Constituency—including Bunza Marafa, Nassarawa 1&2, Diggi, Kola Tarasa Badariya, Nassarawa, Zauro, Ambursa, Kalgo, Raha, Bunza, Dan Galadima, Maidahini, and Sabon Birni—have been severely impacted by recurring floods and expanding gully erosion annually, leading to the loss of valuable farmlands that are crucial for agriculture and local economy;

Also concerned that the Floods and erosion have caused displacement of families and trauma in affected communities, leading to socio-economic disruption;

Aware that the Communities are currently grappling with economic challenges due to the loss of essential services, lack of government intervention, infrastructure destruction, and impeded transportation of goods, exacerbating the crisis.

Also aware that these communities are predominantly agrarian experiencing ongoing losses due to inability to transport produce, coupled with the growing encroachment of gully erosion on their farmlands, which threaten future livelihoods;

Cognizant of the need to address the gully erosion to alleviate residents’ suffering, reclaim productive land, boost economic activities, and restore the residents confidence in government and environmental protection.

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Ecological Fund Office and other related agencies to conduct an impact assessment of the affected communities and provide necessary funding for a robust remediation plan to mitigate the effects of flood and gully erosion;

(ii) also urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to immediately provide relief materials to the affected communities in Birnin Kebbi, Kalgo, and Bunza Federal Constituency;

(iii) mandate the Committees on Environment, Works, and Water Resources to make adequate provisions for the construction of proper drainage systems in Birnin Kebbi/Kalgo/Bunza Federal Constituency, Kebbi State and the implementation of erosion control measures in the 2025 budget estimates.

Debate:
Hon. Ibrahim Mohammed moved the motion on the need to address flooding and gully erosion devastating communities in Birnin Kebbi/Kalgo/Bunza Federal constituency and it was seconded by Hon. Nwaeke Uche. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Environment, Works as well as that on Water Resources.

13. Need to Acquire Adjourning Pieces of Land to Expand Federal Medical Centres Jabi, Ebute Meta and the National Hospital Abuja:

Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji:

The House:

Notes that the Federal Medical Centre Ebute–Metta began as a railway hospital in 1964 and later became a FMC in 2004 and still located in the Nigerian Railway Corporation Compound in Ebute–Metta, Lagos;

Also notes that the hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Ebute–Meta, shares premises with an event center and printing press, which attract customers daily, disrupting hospital administration and causing inconvenience to patients, therefore, necessitating urgent evacuation and acquisition of new premises for expansion;

Further notes that Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Abuja, is congested and challenged with meeting the growing demand of healthcare services for the teeming population of the Federal Capital Territory and its environs;

Aware that a professional institute shares the same fence with the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi and was allocated large hectares of land for the building of its permanent site; however, the Institute has not developed the land;

Cognizant of the overriding Public interest therefore, relocating the Institute’s Land to the FMC, Jabi for expansion will result in better and more efficient healthcare service delivery;

Informed that the National Hospital, Abuja is in critical need of land to build its accident and emergency unit hence the need to acquire the vacant land outside the National Hospital gate;

Also cognizant that these proposed land acquisitions and hospital expansion are critical for the effective delivery of healthcare services to Nigerian citizens, and for overriding public interest;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Railway Corporation, Federal Capital Territory Administration to approve these plots of land to the hospitals for the deserved expansion and initiate compensation procedure to the affected occupants; and

(ii) mandate the Committees on Land Transport, Federal Capital Territory, Legislative Compliance and Health Institutions to ensure compliance.

Debate:
Hon. Amos Magaji moved the motion on the need to acquire adjourning pieces of land to expand Federal Medical Centres Jabi, Ebute Meta and the National Hospital Abuja and it was seconded by Hon. Tijani Salisu. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Land Transport, Federal Capital Territory Administration as well as that on Health Institutions.

14. Need to Address the Secretive Employment in the Federal Civil Service:
    Hon. Kolawole Davidson Akinlayo:

The House:

Notes that the Nigerian government has acknowledged the need to address the secretive employment practices in the Civil Service;

Observes that appointment in the Federal Civil Service of Nigeria are faced with challenges of corruption, tribalism and ethnocentrism as the major reasons for non-transparency in employment process in the Civil Service;

Aware that the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report reveals that the Nation’s unemployment rate rises to 5.3% in first quarter of 2024, compared to 5% in the previous quarter, which is not good for the development of the economy;

Also aware that secret employment practices undermines transparency, accountability and meritocracy as well as perpetuating corruption, nepotism and favouritism, denying qualified candidates’ opportunities;

Disturbed that the lack of transparency in the Civil Service breeds inequality, injustice and low morale among Civil Servants;

Also disturbed that adverts of vacancies are made public after selections of preferred candidates from friends and families have been done, therefore making the advert to just fulfil all righteousness and deceit to the general public;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Government to develop and implement comprehensive recruitment policies in
Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) by:

(a) directing Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to make their adverts vacancies public and ensure equal access and time frame to all employment information;

(b) create an online recruitment portal that will streamline applications, minimize human interference and ensure fairness, as well as publishing names of successful candidates, their qualifications and selection criteria in major dailies of newspapers;

(c) set up a recruitment monitoring tax force team which includes the Civil Society Organizations Representatives, to scrutinize, monitor and audit every employment processes in all MDAs; and

(ii) mandate the Committees on Labour, Employment and Productivity, and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.

Motion stepped down by leave of the House.

15. Call for Relocation of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Local Government Offices to Neutral Locations:

Hon. Sunday Nnamchi:

The House

Notes that Section 157 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) guarantees the Independent National Election Commission (INEC) unhindered autonomy and independence to conduct national elections;

Also notes that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has a critical role in conducting free, fair, and credible elections;

Further notes that majority of the INEC’s Local Government Offices are currently situated within local government headquarters or otherwise;

Aware that this is potentially hampering and compromising the independence of INEC in the conduct of national elections;

Observes that this proximity exposes INEC to manipulation and control by Council Chairmen, particularly in areas dominated by a single political party;

Concerned that this impedes INEC’s impartiality as enshrined in Section 6 of the Electoral, Act 2022;

Cognizant of the need to maintain public trust and confidence in the electoral process;

Resolves to:

(i) urge INEC to relocate its local government offices to secure neutral locations and make adequate provision in the 2025 budget estimates to accommodate the project;

(ii) mandate the Committee on Electoral Matters to liaise with Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance and report within four (4) for further legislative action.

Debate:
Hon. Sunday Nnamchi moved the motion on the call for relocation of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Local Government Offices to neutral locations and it was seconded by Hon. Blessing Onuh. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Electoral Matters.

16. Funding of Exploration for Data in the Solid Minerals Space to Unlock Mineral Deposits and enhance Foreign Exchange Earnings:

Hon. Ojo Sunday Mankanjuola Hon. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi:

The House:

Notes that Nigeria is going through a difficult economic phase with dwindling foreign exchange inflows of negative effect on naira strength, as it was described in recent times as one of the worst performing in Africa alongside Ethiopia;

Also notes that Nigeria has been a mono economy with high dependence on Oil and Gas, now with the Energy Transition and the departure from the use of fossil fuels, the country may begin to experience a decline in revenues from this sector;

Further notes that Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) estimated $ 400 million on frontier exploration annually in Nigeria and in 2021, NNPC spent N 20 Billion in seven months on Frontier exploration alone;

Aware that Nigeria is blessed with abundant resources and that during the colonial era and pre independence period, Nigeria’s main income was solid minerals. The KPMG Nigeria Mining Sector Brief of June 2024, listed the potential of a number of minerals as follows;

(i) Coal, has a reserve estimate of about 2.73 billion metric tons and proven reserves of 639 million tons;
(ii) Bitumen, has an estimated 42.47 billion tons;
(iii) Barite, has an estimated 23 million metric tons;
(iv) Lead – Zinc, have been observed along a belt of approximately 30 – 50 Km wide stretching for about
560km km in length from Eboyin state, through Benue, Bauchi, Adamawa, Taraba, Nasarawa and Plateau States;
(v) Limestone, estimated reserve of 10.6 billion tons across 14 states;
(vi) Iron Ore, has an estimated reserve of about 3 billion tons;
(vii) Gold, has estimate reserves of about 21.37 metric tons valued at $ 1 Billion dollars as at 2nd quarter
of 2023;

Conscious that these deposits if explored to a bankable data level will bring enormous foreign exchange inflow that will contribute significantly to our nations GDP.

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Government to:

(a) appropriate the sum of $500 million or its equivalent for exploration as a special intervention in the solid minerals sector in the fourth coming 2025 budget estimate;

(b) explore bilateral agreements on a Government-to-Government level to get the required expertise at affordable rates for the exploration service and support technology transfer;

(ii) mandate the Committees on Appropriations, Finance and Solid Minerals to ensure compliance and report within four (4) legislative weeks for further legislative action.

Debate:
Hon. Ojo Makanjuola moved the motion on funding of exploration for data in the solid minerals space to unlock mineral deposits and enhance foreign exchange earnings and it was seconded by Hon. Ahmed Satomi.

Hon. Nwaeke Uche proposed an amendment on prayer 1 to call for the government to make adequate provision and not pin the amount to $500 Million. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committees on Appropriations, Finance as well as that on Solid Minerals.

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House Adjournment:

The House at 13:14 adjourned plenary to Thursday, October 31st, 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 Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda.

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