Nigeria National Assembly: Plenary proceedings House of Reps, Tue, Nov 26th, 2024

After the recitation of the First stanza of the National Anthem, the National Pledge and opening prayer, the Speaker approved the second votes and proceedings of Thursday, November 21st, 2024.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. Communication From the President:
   I. Request for Confirmation by the National Assembly: For the confirmation of the appointment of Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff.
2. All PDP Members as well as all other Honourable Members are invited to the birthday of the former Vice President, Alh. Atiku Abubakar. Interested Members are to converge at the the Speaker’s car park by 13:30.

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PETITION:

1. Hon. Rotimi Akintunde laid a petition on behalf of a constituent, Mr. Felix Akiola against the Nigeria Customs Service on the alleged illegal auctioning of his vehicle.

The petition was referred to the House Committee on Public Petitions.

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MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:

1. Hon. Hart Godwin moved a motion on the urgent need for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPCL) to clean up the environment as the pipelines belonging to it has led to the sacking of an entire community in Bonny, Rivers state and it was seconded by Hon. Mohammed Shehu. Hon. Godwin in leading the debate stated with immense sadness that an explosion of a dilapidated pipeline has caused unexplainable hardship to members of the community as crude oil has covered the farmlands and fishing streams/lakes in the area which has halted almost all forms of socioeconomic activities. He called on the NNPCL to immediately provide relief to the affected victims, replace all dilapidated pipelines and that the House Committee on Host Communities should ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Host Communities.
2. Hon. Obuku Oforji moved a motion on the need for the Federal Government to urgently provide security for electricity installations in areas of the Bayelsa/ Rivers state axis and the whole country in general and it was seconded by Hon. Eze Nwachukwu. Hon. Oforji in leading the debate stated that the efforts of the electricity transmission company in the region to bring an end to the blackout in some areas of the Bayelsa/ Rivers state axis has been compromised by hoodlums who vandalized the replaced electricity equipments. He called on the Federal Government through the Ministry of Interior to ensure security presence in these electrical installations nationwide to avoid further vandalism and that the House Committee on Interior as well as that on Power should ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Interior as well as that on Power.

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MATTERS OF PERSONAL EXPLANATION:

1. Hon. Akin Rotimi rose on a Matter of Personal Explanation to bring sensitization to the public domain that the 10th House of Representatives under the leadership of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen is keeping to its promise to show solidarity with the 16 days of activism on the fight against gender based violence, with the theme: “No Excuse for Violence against Women”.

Also in that light, the House speedily passed the Act to prohibit and prevent sexual harassment in Tertiary Institutions which received tremendous applause from the public. He expressed optimism of the continued efforts of the House to ensure the success of the movement, not just as an occasion, but as a way of life in Nigeria.

2. Hon. Babajimi Benson also rose on a Matter of Personal Explanation to commend the Governor of Niger state, Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago in showing exemplary leadership in agricultural and infrastructural revolution as well as for promoting religious balance in Niger state. He called on other governors to emulate him. Hon. Babajimi stated that the efforts of Governor Bago has also attracted international commendations and he is a true and worthy ambassador of the House of Representatives.

Hon. Saidu Abdullahi also commended Governor Bago for his giant strides that has continued to make all indigenes of Niger state proud. He stated that former Governors have tried, but the energy and drive of Governor Bago cannot be matched in terms of agricultural and infrastructural development for the good of Niger state in particular and Nigeria at large.

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PRESENTATION OF BILLS:

1. Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1853) (Hon. Cryril Hart Godwin & 8 others) – First Reading.
2. National Council for Arts and Culture Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1851) (Hon. Afolabi Moruf Afuape) – First Reading.
3. Health Development Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1879) (Hon. Alex Egbona) – First Reading.
4. Town Planners (Registration, etc) Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1868) (Hon. Awaji-Inombek D. Abiante) – First Reading.
5. Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1869) (Hon. Awaji-Inombek D. Abiante) – First Reading.
6. Accountability and Transparency Bill, 2024 (HB.1906) (Hon. Ahmed Yusuf Doro) – First Reading
7. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) (Creation of Obolo State) Bill, 2024 (HB.1915) (Hon. Awaji-Inombek D. Abiante) – First Reading.
8. Institute of Agriculture, Agric Business and Technology, Agassa (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1887) (Hon. Aguye Suleiman Danladi & 1 other) – First Reading.
9. Federal Tourist Centre, Lokoja (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1888) (Hon. Aguye Suleiman Danladi) – First Reading.
10. Federal College of Technical, Entrepreneurship and Vocational Training, Karara (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1889) (Hon. Aguye Suleiman Danladi) – First Reading.
11. National Research Institute of Cassava Bio-Ethanol Value Chain Plant, Jamata, Kogi State (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1890) (Hon. Aguye Suleiman Danladi) – First Reading.
12. National Institute for Rice Mill Industry, Gegu Beki, Kogi State (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1891) (Hon. Aguye Suleiman Danladi) – First Reading.
13. Nigeria Customs Service Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1880) ( Hon. Afam Victor Ogene) – First Reading.
14. Tertiary Education Trust Fund Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1881) (Hon. Afam Victor Ogene) – First Reading.
15. Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1882) (Hon. Afam Victor Ogene) – First Reading.
16. Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1883) (Hon. Afam Victor Ogene) – First Reading.
17. Institute of Geology Science and Mining, Agbaja, Kogi State (HB.1892) (Hon. Aguye Suleiman Danladi) – First Reading.
18. Research Institute of Maritime Industrial Fisheries Resources, Kantonkarfe, Kogi State (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1893) (Hon. Aguye Suleiman Danladi) – First Reading.
19. Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1930) (Hon. Tajudeen Abbas) – First Reading.
20. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) (Special Seats for the Physically Challenged Persons) Bill, 2024 (HB.1931) (Hon. Tajudeen Abbas) – First Reading.

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PRESENTATION OF REPORTS:

1. Committees on Finance and National Planning, and Economic Development:

Hon. James Abiodun Faleke:

“That the House do receive the Report of Committees on Finance and National Planning, and Economic Development on the 2025–2027 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP)” (Referred:19/11/2024).

Presentation of report stepped down by leave of the House.

2. Committee on National Planning And Economic Development:

Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim:

“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on National Planning and Economic Development on a Bill for an Act to Repeal National Planning Commission Act, Cap. N66, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004; Establish Budget and National Planning Offices Ensure greater Accountability and Transparency in National Planning and Budget Implementation and for Related Matters (HB.1302)” (Referred: 5/6/2024).

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka and seconded by Hon. Clement Jimbo.

3. Committee on National Planning And Economic Development:

Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim:

“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on National Planning and Economic Development on a Bill for an Act to Regulate the Planning, Preparation, Passage and Execution of the Budget of the Government of Federation, and for Related Matters (HB.23) (Referred:2/7/2024).

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka and seconded by Hon. Clement Jimbo.

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BILLS:

1. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation Act No. 63 of 2023 to make the Corporation more effective, ensure its Independence and Autonomy in line with section 1(3) of the Principal Act, to bring it in line with current Realities and Best Practice and for Related Matters (SB. 277) (Senate) (Leader) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – Second Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Julius Ihonbvere 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.

2. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Ministry of Finance Incorporated Act, Cap. M229, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and any amendments thereto and Enact the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (Establishment etc.) and for Related Matters (HB. 986) (Hon. Ademorin A. Kuye) – Second Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Ademorin Kuye moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki. Hon. Kuye in leading the debate stated that the Act was first established in 1959 to serve as a legal framework for the financial custody of Federal Government’s Agencies. Since its inception however, the Agency has not operated at its full potential due to misappropriation of its assets throughout the country. The new Bill if passed will seek to provide a more robust legal framework that will ensure optimization of the Agency through its corporate governance as well as its organizational structure. It will also ensure that the establishment, functions and power of the Agency is highlighted through key administrative structure, corporate governance and management.

Hon. Kuye stated that the Bill also takes into cognizance the asset registry and management issues of the Agency. It will further ensure that Nigeria maintains its place in the Committee of Nations in terms of its GDP growth and ensure the adequate utilization of Federal Government assets. Hon. Kuye urged Honorable Members to support it for national economic growth and development. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Finance as well as that on Public Assets.

3. A Bill for an Act to Establish Special Security Trust Fund to Provide Funding for Security Related Issues, apart from usual Budgetary Provisions from the Federation, Intervene in Combating Security Issues in Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB.1584) (Hon. Ahmed Satomi) – Second Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Ahmed Satomi moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Akin Alabi. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence.

4. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal Institute of Technology Ikpoba-Okha, Edo State charged with the Responsibility, amongst other things, for the Conduct of Research into any branch of Technological and Management Sciences Courses and for Related Matters (HB. 636) (Hon. Murphy Osaro Omoruyi) – Second Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Murphy Omoruyi moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Mudashiru Lukman. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Science and Technology.

5. A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Health Act, 2014 to Prohibit and Penalize Organ Trafficking in Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB. 1284) (Hon. Fuad Kayode Laguda) – Second Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Fuad Laguda moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Babajimi Benson. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Healthcare Services.

6. A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Park Service Act, 2004 to make Provision for the Inclusion of Okwangwo National Park, Cross River State, as part of the existing National Parks in Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB. 575) (Hon. Victor Abang) – Second Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Victor Abang moved for the second reading of the Bill and it seconded by Hon. Nwaeke Uche. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Environment.

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MOTIONS:

7. Need to Invoke the Provision of Paragraph 17 (3), Part 1, Fifth Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended) for the Removal from Office of the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal:

Hon. Julisu ihonvbere:

The House:

Notes that the Code of Conduct Tribunal is one of the key components of Federal Institutions in the country, saddled with the statutory responsibilities of maintaining high standards of morality in the conduct of government business and ensuring the actions and behaviours of public officers conform with the highest standards of public morality and accountability;

Also notes that a Statutory Institution of such magnitude is expected to be an epitome of moral rectitude and virtues of integrity, probity, and accountability, however, the official conduct of Mr. Yakubu Danladi Umar, chairman of the tribunal, has fallen short of the requisite standard of a public officer to conduct the affairs of such a tribunal;

Aware of the conduct of the Chairman, Code of Conduct Tribunal, who recently engaged in a public brawl with a security guard at the Banex Plaza Shopping Complex, which necessitated an invitation from the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, and after his first appearance, where he admitted to having been involved in the brawl, he refused to attend subsequent sittings, thereby frustrating the efforts of the Committee to investigate the allegations against him;

Also recalls that by virtue of the provisions of section paragraph 17 (3), PT 1, Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and section 22(3) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act Cap C15 LFN 2004, Mr. President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces is mandated to act on an address supported by a two-thirds majority of the Senate and House of Representatives and praying that the Chairman be so removed for misconduct;

Affirms that the invocation of the aforementioned constitutional provision in this circumstance seems to be the only way out to safeguard the sacred image of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, in line with the resolution of the 10th National Assembly to uphold the rule of law and sustain the ideals of corporate governance structure in Nigeria;

Resolves to:

(i) invoke and activate the constitutional provision as enshrined in paragraph 17 (3), PT 1, Fifth Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and section 22 (3) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act Cap C15 LFN 2004 by forwarding an address, supported by a two-thirds majority of the Senate and House of Representatives, which shall be acted upon by Mr. President for the removal of Mr. Yakubu Danladi Umar as the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal for misconduct; and

(ii) concur with the resolution of the Senate on the matter.

Debate:
Hon. Julius Ihonbvere moved the motion on the need to invoke the Provision of Paragraph 17 (3), Part 1, Fifth Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended) for the removal from Office of the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal and it was seconded by Hon. Saad Taura.

Hon. Mansur Soro rose on a Point of Order stating that the Constitutional provision on the removal of the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal has not been met as the President has not initiated the procedure, nor has two-thirds of the National Assembly concurred.

The Presiding Speaker pointed out that the process would not have been proceeded with; without it fulfilling the due provisions and that the House is simply expected to comply with the Senate as the prayer of the motion states. The motion was voted on and adopted in compliance with its prayers.

8. Need to Investigate the Abandoned Fishing and Hydro Electric Power HEP Optimization Regional Water Resource Project Owiwi, Ogun State:

Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka:

The House:

Notes the Owiwi Multipurpose Regional Water Resource Project, was abandoned in 2011 with all the derivatives and deliverables that ought to have been implemented, the earth/concrete dam is a purposely designed facility for irrigation, fishing, water supply, and 6 MW hydroelectric power (HEP);

Worried that a 17 m high, 900 m length soil gravity dam, with a reservoir capacity of 22.5 m, a water treatment plant, and an irrigation system with a surface area of about 10 km, water storage capacity of 22.5 million per cubic meter, HEP generation capacity of 6 MW, and capacity to irrigate 1500 hacter of land (based on the then wasteful available irrigation methods), huge tonnage of freshwater fish harvestable could be abandoned;

Concerned that years down the lane of the project, partial delivery, the end users have not benefited from the usage, and as such the huge investment is wasting, thereby requiring a quick intervention that would make for the value chain benefits of the project through mitigation of health and other associated risk issues;

Also worried that the partial delivery of the project has led to wasted investment and requires immediate intervention to mitigate health and associated risk issues, ensuring the project’s value chain benefits;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to complete the first phase of the regional water resource project at Owiwi in Ewekoro Local Government of Ogun State;

(ii) also urge the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to utilize the 98 kms of land in Ewekoro Local Government Area for agricultural and agro-processing opportunities.;

(iii) further urge the Federal Ministry of Power to harvest the potentials of the regional water resource project in the in-built 6 Mw Hydro Electric Power HEP generation; and

(iv) mandate the Committees on Water Resources, Agricultural Production and Services, Power, to investigate the abandoned fishing and hydroelectric power HEP optimization regional water resource project at Owiwi, Ogun State.

(v) also mandate the Committees on Water Resources, Agricultural Production and Services and Appropriations to ensure that each segment of the project is captured in the 2025 Budget estimate.

Debate:
Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka moved the motion on the need to investigate the abandoned Fishing and Hydro Electric Power Optimization Regional Water Resource Project Owiwi, Ogun state and it was seconded by Hon. Abubakar Yalleman. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committees on Water Resources, Agricultural Production and Services as well as that on Appropriations.

9. Provision of Affordable Housing in Nigeria:

Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong -Udo:

The House:

Notes that data is one of the crucial factors considered in the planning and execution of projects, whether at federal or sub-national levels;

Also notes that the housing sector in Nigeria, with a huge deficit, lacks veritable data for planning and execution of housing policies and strategies;

Aware that according the world population review, over 24 million people in Nigeria are homeless, with no appropriate access to proper dwelling with some basic social amenities;

Worried that Nigeria is among the top 10 countries with homeless populations, leading with 24 million, followed by Pakistan, Egypt, Syria, and Congo;

Also worried that Nigeria relies on the World Bank report for housing data as well as a market that works efficiently and provides decent shelter for its citizens;

Cognizant that for a nation to grow, achieve peace, and enjoy stability, there is a need to have its housing data as well as a market that works efficiently and provides decent shelter for its citizens;

Also cognizant that in December 2023, the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development awarded 3,500 units to Renewed Hope Cities in selected States in the Country;

Resolves to:

(i) mandate the Committee on Housing and Habitat to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to fix the lack of credible, scientific, and verifiable data on the state of housing in the country and ensure access to decent and affordable housing; and

(ii) mandate the Committee on Legislative compliance to ensure compliance and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Debate:
Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo moved the motion on the need for the provision of affordable housing in Nigeria and it was seconded by Hon. Fayinka Oluwatoyin. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Housing and Habitat.

10. Promoting Local Languages as Medium of Instruction in Primary and Junior Secondary Schools in Nigeria:

Hon. Kalejaiye Adeboye Paul:

The House:

Notes that Nigeria boasts of an extraordinary linguistic diversity, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the nation, while the current education system primarily employs English as the medium of instruction which has rendered the local languages like Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba, ineffective and almost extinct;

Aware that teaching in the mother tongue often leads to stronger teacher-student connections, creating a conducive learning environment and positive classroom dynamics;

Also aware that engaging local communities in the education process is more effective when language aligns with the culture and fosters active participation and support for children’s education;

Observes that encouraging indigenous languages in Nigerian primary and junior secondary schools is a crucial step in promoting inclusive and culturally sensitive education, improving the educational experience for children across the country.;

Cognizant that prioritizing local languages bridges education-culture gap, ensuring no child is left behind due to linguistic barriers, fostering academic success, empowering communities, and strengthening nation fabric;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Education to commence a pilot program in selected schools across various states to assess the feasibility and benefits of utilizing local languages as a medium of instruction; and

(ii) mandate the Committees on Basic Education and Services and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Debate:
Hon. Kaljaiye Paul moved the motion on promoting local languages as a medium of instruction in Primary and Junior Secondary Schools in Nigeria and it was seconded by Hon. Nwogu Matthew. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Basic Education.

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House Adjournment:

The House at 12:59 adjourned plenary to Wednesday, November 27th, 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.