Nigeria National Assembly Dataset: Plenary proceedings, House of Reps, Tue, Feb 11th, 2025

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, February 6th, 2025

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ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. After consultations between the Leadership of the House and Honorable Members of the South-West caucus, Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim is appointed to resume the Office of the Deputy Chief Whip of the House. He is to succeed Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga who sadly passed away recently.
2. Defection of Honorable. Member:
   I. Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji (Kaduna) from PDP to APC.
3. Hon. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa announced that Honorable Members of the Northern regional caucus are to meet by 15:00 at the temporary Chamber of the House.

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PETITIONS:

1. Hon. Jesse Onuakalusi laid a petition on behalf of a community against the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company on alleged elongated blackout they have been suffering.
2. Hon. Harris Okonkwo laid a petition on behalf of a family against a company on alleged halted work being carried out on an erosion site in their community. They called on the House to prevail on the company to resume work to mitigate against future flooding.
3. Hon. Matthew Nwogu laid a petition on behalf of some aggrieved employees against their superior on alleged refusal to retire from service after serving the due years stipulated by Law.

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

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MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:

1. Hon. Midala Balami moved a motion on the need to deploy urgent security measures in communities in Askira-Uba of Borno state and it was seconded by Hon. Chinedu Ogah. Hon. Balami in leading the debate stressed the need for the additional security as the violent activities of the Boko Haram insurgents in the region has escalated leading to wanton loss of lives and properties. He stated that if not checked; it could lead to food insecurity as the people have fled their homes and farms in droves. Hon. Balami commended the state government’s actions at trying to curb the violence. He however called on the Nigerian Army and Police to immediately deploy more personnel to supplement the efforts of the Borno state government. He further called on the Ministry on Humanitarian Affairs, Poverty Alleviation and all other Social Initiatives to provide relief and assistance to the victims. Hon. Balami also called on the House Committee on Army, Police as well as that on National Security and Intelligence to investigate the issue and proffer recommendations to the House for further Legislative action.

Hon. Mark Esset stated that it is high time insecurity in Nigeria be nipped in the bud. He reiterated the call for State Police as State Governors already use private security outfits and vigilante to to supplement the efforts of the government security agencies. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Army, National Security and Intelligence as well as that of Humanitarian Affairs.

2. Hon. Oforji Obuku moved a motion on the need for the Nigerian Communications Commission to halt the impending hike in price tariffs by Telecommunications service providers and it was seconded by Hon. Patrick Umoh. Hon. Obuku in leading the debate stated that the Honorable Minister of Communications had announced after a stakeholders meeting the impending price hike and this he termed as unfortunate to Nigerians who have been suffering such diverse and insensitive increases of late. He called on the companies to focus more on improving their services before thinking of increasing tariffs. He stated that the intended price hike is sure to cause more economic hardship on Nigerians already grappling with high financial burdens. Hon. Obuku called on the Ministry on Communication as well as the Nigerian Communication Commission to halt the impending tariffs hike and that the appropriate Committee of the House should ensure compliance.

Hon. Ifeanyi Chukwuokafor pointed out the need for the price hike, despite the hardship Nigerians may face. He stated that the price hike of tariffs in the Telecommunications Industry was done over a decade ago and the price of the materials used in the sector keep increasing regularly and astronomically. Hence it is hard for these companies to keep up with finances for providing optimal service for Nigerians.

Hon. Billy Osawaru stated that it is wrong for Nigerians to continue bearing the brunt and suffering from the increase in tariffs of diverse sectors frequently. He stated that most tariffs don’t reflect in the service provided. He urged service providers in all sectors to focus on better service delivery, rather than on increasing tariffs. He called for a suspension of the proposed price hike as it seems insensitive on Nigerians. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Communications.

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MATTER OF PRIVILEGE:

1. Hon. Donald Ojogo rose on a matter of privilege and stated that in the course of exercising the responsibilities of the House during plenary on Thursday, February 6th, 2025, the Deputy Speaker announced the receipt by the House Committee on the Review of the Constitution of proposals for the creation of additional 31 states in the 6 geopolitical zones of the country. He stated that the announcement was simply to communicate the receipt of the proposals and it was erroneously reported by Dr. Reuben Abati of Arise Television like it was the desire of the House or the Committee to embark on the state creation exercise. Dr. Abati then allegedly described Honorable Members as “stupid and idiotic”. Hon. Donald stated these unguarded remarks breaches his right as an Honorable Member. He stated that freedom of speech or press freedom does not come with a license for falsehoods. He called on the House to demand an unreserved apology from Dr. Reuben Abati and Arise Television and that other strict measures should be put in place to prevent further occurrences. The matter was duly noted for the appropriate actions to be taken.

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PRESENTATION OF BILLS
 

1. National Assembly Infrastructure and Property Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2072) (Hon. Abbas Tajudeen) – First Reading
    
2. Company Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.2019) (Hon. Victor Nwokolo) – First Reading
    
3. Oseakwa Deep Water Seaport Resuscitation and Development Bill, 2025 (HB.2031) (Hon. Paul Sunday Nnamchi & 60 others) – First Reading
    
4. National Broadcasting Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2039) (Hon. Jubrin Abdulmumin)– First Reading
    
5. Freedom of Information Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025. (HB.2048) (Hon. Jubrin Abdulmumin)– First Reading.
    
6. National e-Gaming (Establishment) Bill, 2025(HB.2073) (Hon. James Faleke & 3 others)– First Reading.
    
7. Nigeria Police Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2065) (Hon. Tasir Olawale Raji)– First Reading
    
8. Federal Highways Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025. (HB.2066) (Hon. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere)– First Reading.
    
9. Federal Road Safety Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2067) (Hon. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere) – First Reading.
    
10. Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2068) (Hon. Nkemkanma Kama) – First Reading.
     
11. Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2070) (Hon. Kwamoti Bitrus Laori) – First Reading
     
12. Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2071) (Hon. Billy Osawaru) – First Reading

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PRESENTATION OF REPORTS
 

1. Committees on Treaties, Protocols and Agreements, and Environment:
   Hon. Rabiu Yusuf:
   “That the House do receive the Report of the Committees on Treaties, Protocols and Agreements, and Environment  on a Bill for an Act to Provide for the Conservation and Management of Nigeria’s Wildlife as required under the Convention on International Trade in Engender Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cities), the Convention of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) and Associated Agreements and Protocols and the Convention on Biological diversity (CBD) to which Nigeria is a Party and for Related Matters (HB. 1085) (referred: 24/10/2024).

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Rabiu Yusuf and seconded by Hon. Umar Ajilo.

2. Committee on Health Institutions:
   Hon. Patrick Umoh:
   “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 to Provide for Establishment of Federal Medical Centre, Saki, Oyo State and for Related Matters (HB. 1356) (Referred: 27/2/2024).

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Patrick Umoh and seconded by Hon. Unyime Idem.

3. Committee on Health Institutions:
   Hon. Patrick Umoh:
   “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 to Provide for Establishment of Federal Medical Centre, Mallam Madori, Jigawa State and for Related Matters (HB. 1504) (Referred: 27/2/2024).

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Patrick Umoh and seconded by Hon. Unyime Idem.

4. Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education:
   Hon. Fuad Kayode Laguda:
   “That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education on a Bill for an Act to Establish National Vocational Centre   charged with the Responsibility among other things to Provide Vocational Training for Nigerian Citizens for the Purpose of Modern Industrialization, creating Jobs and Improving National Economic Development and for Related Matters (HB510)” (Referred: 21/2/2024).

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Fuad Laguda and seconded by Hon. Isa Mohammed.

 
5. Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education:
Hon. Fuad Kayode Laguda:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Polytechnics Act, Cap. F17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2024 to Establish Federal Institute of Technology and Entrepreneurship, Bungudu, Zamfara State for the purpose of Providing Qualitative Education in Sciences, Skills, Arts and other Technical Knowledge and for Related Matters and for Related Matters (HB 497)” (Referred: 30/10/2023).

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Fuad Laguda and seconded by Hon. Isa Mohammed.

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 ORDERS OF THE DAY
 
BILLS
 

1. A Bill for an Act to Establish Pharmaceutical Technologists and Pharmacy Technicians Regulatory Council of Nigeria to be vested with responsibility of determining Standards of knowledge and Skills to be attained by persons seeking to become Pharmaceutical Technologist and Pharmacy Technicians and for Related Matters (HB.345) (Leader) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency)– 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 Establish Nigerian Institute of Chartered Foresters and for Related Matters (HB. 896) (Leader) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – 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 Establish Institute of Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Corporate Governance and for Related Matters (HB.1681) (Leader) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – 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 make Provisions for Regulatory Body for Organ Harvesting, Transplant and Donations and for Related Matters (HB.992) (Hon. Sada Soli) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Sada Soli moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Gwadabe. Hon. Sada in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks to satisfy the concerns and yearnings of many individuals and organizations in Nigeria to ensure a proper framework to guide the issue of organ donors to ensure individuals are not exploited in organ harvesting, transplantation and donations for illicit gains. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Healthcare Services.

5. A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to Provide for Establishment of an Electoral Offences Tribunal and ensure that all Electoral matters are determined before swearing in of the elected office holders and for Related Matters (HB.1290) (Hon. Bamidele Salam) – Second Reading.

Second readings of the Bill stepped down by leave of the House.

6. A Bill for an Act to Establish Chartered Institute for Social Entrepreneurship and Leadership of Nigeria (CISEL) and for Related Matters (HB.840) (Hon. Abdullahi El–Rasheed) – Second Reading.

Second readings of the Bill stepped down by leave of the House.

7. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Medical Centres Act to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Otukpa, Benue State and for Related Matters (HB.103) (Hon. Philip Agbese) Second Reading.

Second readings of the Bill stepped down by leave of the House.

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MOTIONS
 

8. Need to Investigate Non-compliance by Mining Operators to the Provisions of the Minerals and Mines Act, 2007and the Explosives Act:
   Hon. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi:
    
   The House:
    
   Notes that the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 expressly outlines several consequences for mining operators who fail to comply with its provisions some of which include revocation of mineral title, penalties and fines, suspension of operations, legal actions and community development agreements to mention a few;
    
   Also notes that whereas the Act was enacted to ensure sustainable mining practices, protect the environment, and uphold the rights of local communities, it has become increasingly evident that many mining operators have failed to adhere to its provisions which reveals an alarming level of complacency exhibited by regulatory bodies in addressing these violations;
    
   Recalls that in 2024 most Nigerians lost their lives in several incidents which includes massive explosion in Bodija area of Ibadan, Oyo State, resulting in property damage and five deaths, a mining collapse in Niger state, and a building collapse in Plateau State due to improper reclaimed mine tunnels;
    
   Also aware that in recent times there have been compliant from host communities on the administration of consent as well as poor or negligible and Non-compliance with Community Development Agreements, leaving the host communities with the short end of the stick;
    
   Worried that the role of regulators is crucial in enforcing compliance and ensuring that mining activities are conducted ethically and sustainably, the apparent negligence and lack of action in addressing these violations have raised serious concerns and eroded public trust;
    
   Also worried that if these ugly trends continues they can lead to a breakdown of law and order amongst the affected communities.
    
   Concerned that the unfortunate cases stated are just a few out of numerous mining accidents which often result in fatalities, injuries and  damages to host communities;
    
   Cognizant of the need to investigate the non-compliance of Mining Operators to Provisions of the Minerals and Mines Act, 2007 and the Explosives Act to safeguard mining host communities, protect the rights of citizens, and restore the integrity of the mining sector in the country;
    
   Resolves to:
    
   (i) urge the Ministry of Solid Minerals to conduct public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on their rights under the Minerals and Mines Act and the mechanisms available for reporting non-compliance and environmental violations;
    
   (ii) mandate the Committee on Solid Minerals Development to:
    
   (a) carry out physical inspection to mining sites as well as a comprehensive review of the practices and effectiveness of regulatory bodies responsible for overseeing mining operations, with a focus on identifying areas of complacency and recommending necessary reforms to enhance their capacity and accountability; and
    
   (b) carry out an immediate and thorough investigation into the non-compliance of mining operators with the provisions of the Minerals and Mines Act, 2007 and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Debate
Hon. Etteh Ikpong moved the motion on the need to investigate the non-compliance by mining operators to the provisions of the Minerals and Mines Act, 2007 and the Explosives Act and it was seconded by Hon. Bitrus Laori. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Solid Minerals Development.

9. Menace of Gully Erosion in Nanka, Oko and Umunze Communities:
   Hon. Chinwe Clara Nnabuife:

The House:
 
Notes the menace of gully erosion in Anambra State which has reached epic proportions in Nanka, Oko, and Umunze communities, resulting in environmental, socio-economic, and humanitarian dislocations and challenges;
 
Also notes that Nanka, Oko and Umunze communities have experienced erosion, with reports indicating hundreds of gully erosion sites across the communities, covering large areas of land in the communities;
 
Further notes that the menace of gully erosion in Nanka, Oko and Umunze communities has directly impacted a substantial portion of the population in the communities, particularly those residing near erosion-prone sites;
 
Concerned that the economic impact of gully erosion in Nanka, Oko and Umunze communities is quite substantial, with estimates suggesting billions of naira in economic losses due to damage to infrastructure, loss of agricultural land, displacement of residents, and increased costs for erosion control measures and rehabilitation projects;
 
Also concerned that gully erosion in the affected communities has led to significant environmental degradation, including loss of biodiversity, loss of fertile soil leading to reduced agricultural productivity and economic hardship for farmers and rural households, with the attendant destruction of vegetation, increased risk of flooding, alteration of landscapes, and contamination of water sources due to sedimentation with the concomitant health hazards to the community;
 
Cognizant of the need to address the gully erosion problem in Nanka, Oko, and Umunze communities of Anambra State;
 
Resolves to:
 
(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Environment to review and enhance existing erosion control measures in the South East especially in Nanka, Oko and Umunze communities and provide adequate funds to effectively monitored the implementation of the erosion control measures;
 
(ii) also urge the Federal Ministry of Environment to develop and implement programs for inclusion of sustainable land management practices, community engagement, and public awareness campaigns in erosion control strategies to promote long-term resilience and environmental sustainability;
 
(iii) mandate the Committee on Ecological Fund to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Environment to ensure compliance.

Motion stepped down by leave of the House.

10. Need to Install Solar Powered Biometric Capturing Devices in all Correctional Centres to Discourage the Incidence of Jail Break in Nigeria:
    Hon. Emeka Idu Godwin:
     
    The House:
     
    Notes that in 2019, the former President Muhammadu Buhari assented to an Act which changed the name of the Nigerian Prison Service to Nigerian Correctional Service;
     
    Aware that since the name was changed to Nigerian Correctional Service which splited the service into Custodial and non-Custodial service, more than 1000 inmates have escaped from the facilities across the country;
     
    Disturbed that these jail breaks are becoming a recurring decimal, national embarrassment and a security threat to the country;
     
    Observes that in spite of the change in nomenclature, critical infrastructure like provision of (Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV), Artificial Intelligence (AI) etc are not provided to meet modern challenges in the security ecosystem;
     
    Concerned that the absence of modern technology equipment makes it impossible for the Administrative Staff of the facilities to account for the number of escapees each time there is a jail break;
     
    Worried that if urgent steps are not taken to install modern security gadgets and equipment’s, like installation of Solar Powered Biometric Capturing devices for an on the spot capturing of inmates at the point of admission into the facilities, incessant jail breaks will continue unabated with attendant number of escapees unaccounted for;
     
    Resolves to:
     
    (i) urge the Ministry of Interior, the Nigerian Correctional Service in collaboration with the Committees on Reformatory Institutions and Interior to ensure the acquisition and installation of Solar Powered Biometric Capturing Devices to enable correctional Officers capture full details of accused persons (both convicted and awaiting trial) and uploaded to a central data collection base; and
     
    (ii) mandate the Committees on Reformatory Institutions, Interior and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and report within four weeks for further legislative action.

Debate
Hon. Emeka Godwin moved the motion on the need to install Solar Powered Biometric Capturing Devices in all Correctional Centres to discourage the incidence of jail break in Nigeria and it was seconded by Hon. Felix Uche.

Hon. Ahmed Jaha proposed an amendment to make solar power to be a complementary source of power and not the substantive primary source. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, Interior as well as that on Legislative Compliance.
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House Adjournment:
The House at 12:48 adjourned plenary to Wednesday, February 12th, 2025 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.