Nigeria National Assembly: Plenary proceedings, House of Reps, Thur, Feb 20th, 2025

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

By admin , in Inside stories , at February 20, 2025 Tags: #LightRayMedia, #NASS, Ejiro Umukoro Publisher and Editor in Chief, House of Representatives, Journalism, LightRay Media, Nigeria National Assembly

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 Wednesday, February 19th, 2025

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Defection of Honorable Member:
I. Hon. Yusuf Shittu Galambi (Jigawa state) from NNPP to APC.
The constitution of the Ad-Hoc Committee to handle the referral of the motion sponsored by Hon. Inuwa Garba on the need to investigate the allegation by United States Congressman, Scot Perry that the USAID has allegedly funded the activities of Boko Haram and other terrorist groups, and it is to be Chaired by Hon. Victor Uzo. The Ad-Hoc Committee has been given 2 weeks to report back to the House on its findings for further Legislative action.
All Honorable Members are again reminded to make themselves available and fully participate in the rescheduled Public Hearing on the Tax Reform Bills which is now to hold from Tuesday, February 25th to Thursday, February 27th 2025. The rescheduled and expanded dates is to allow for broader participation by all relevant and willing stakeholders.

PETITIONS:

Hon. Jesse Onuakalusi laid 3 petitions on behalf of 3 different complainants:

I. The first is against the Nigeria Ports Authority on alleged disengagement of concerned Ports Staff without the necessary disengagement fees being paid.

II. The second is against the National Broadcasting Commission on alleged refusal to pay staff entitlements.

III. The third is against the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company on alleged prolonged low voltage power supply to consumers, despite them being moved to Band A consumer billing.

Hon. Abdullahi El-Rasheed laid a petition on behalf of the Senior Staff of Banks Association against Ecobank PLC on alleged refusal to pay severance benefits to disengaged staff.
Hon. Matthew Nwogu laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against one Ambassador Agah on alleged abuse of Office and misappropriation of powers and privileges.
Hon. Mohammed Jejere laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against The African Development Agency on alleged non-payment for duly completed contracts.

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

MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:

Hon. Inuwa Garba moved a motion on the need to investigate the allegation by United States Congressman, Scot Perry that the USAID has allegedly funded the activities of Boko Haram and other terrorist groups and it was seconded by Hon. Yusuf Galambi. Hon. Garba in leading the debate stated that the claim by the Congressman is a huge allegation that cannot be ignored. He stated that there were alleged funds allocated to Boko Haram, ISWAP and other terrorist groups within countries in the West African region. Hon. Garba stated that from 2022-2024, Nigeria received funds from USAID to tackle health and other socioeconomic challenges. He stated that it would be sad if some of such funds were truly channeled to fund the activities of insurgents which Nigeria has been battling on all fronts for a very long period of time. He stated that if the allegations are not properly investigated, it would undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty as a nation and open Nigeria up to more of such misappropriation of funds for these evil acts that have left scores dead, missing, orphaned and widowed. Hon. Garba called on the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to investigate the allegations and prosecute anyone found culpable. He also called on all the Heads of relevant Security Intelligence Agencies to come before the relevant Committees of the House to clarify the air on the allegations.

Hon. Sada Soli stated that the matter is highly grievous and should be taken seriously by the Nigerian government, this is to ensure the integrity and decisiveness of Nigeria in dealing with such issues. He stated that the source of the allegations make it imperative to investigate as it was not from the grapevine or social media banta. He stated that the activities of some NGOs and CSos in Nigeria has been called into question for sometime now, and all these parameters should be thoroughly investigated why insurgency in Nigeria is protracted and has continued to linger throughout all these years.

Hon. Ibe Osonwa in his contribution expressed worry that an Agency as distinguished as the USAID that is seen to be a strong ally and developmental partner of Nigeria is said to be engaging in activities that threaten Nigeria’s national security. He stressed the need for carrying out a thorough and wholistic investigation on the allegation from a truly sensitive and supposedly well informed source.

Hon. Amobi Ogah stated that the activities of the NGOs in Borno state and Yobe state is highly questionable and there is the need for Parliament to rise up to the defense of Nigerians.

Hon. Ifeanyi Uzokwe called for an investigation into the allegations on these donor agencies to ensure if there is truth to such allegations. He called for sincerity of purpose on the part of the investigating authorities.

Hon. Umar Ajilo proposed an amendment to refer the motion to an Ad-Hoc Committee to focus exclusively on the issue in order to promote societal confidence.

Hon. Abubakar Yalleman proposed an amendment to change the term “summon” the NSA to “invite” the NSA to appear before the Ad-Hoc Committee. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the Ad-Hoc Committee Chaired by Hon. Victor Uzo as contained in the 2nd Announcement above.

Hon. Jafaru Yakubu moved a motion on the urgent need to improve security and avert the likelihood of terrorist activities on roads linking some communities in Taraba state and it was seconded by Hon. Aliyu Abdullahi. Hon. Jafaru in leading the debate stated that the roads boost the transportation of agricultural products and livestock and this has made bandits and cattle rustlers besiege them to abduct travelers and their goods. He stated that the dilapidated state of the roads has emboldened the activities of the bandits. Hon. Jafaru called on North East Development Commission to reconstruct the affected roads and that the House Committee on North East Development Commission should ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on North East Development.
Hon. Shehu Danboki moved a motion on the need to contain the escalating indices of banditry and kidnapping in communities of Katsina state and it was seconded by Hon. Dennis Chukwugozie. Hon. Shehu in leading the debate stated that the escalating rates of attacks in these communities have left residents as victims of violence, losses and deaths. He stated that if unchecked, these attacks may leave these communities destitute. Hon. Shehu called on the relevant security authorities to intensify efforts at stamping out these marauding bandits and that the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence as well as Legislative Compliance should ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence as well as that on National Emergency and Disaster Preparedness.

PRESENTATION OF BILLS

Association of Researchers and Inventors of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2080) (Hon. Abdulmalik Zubairu) – First Reading.
Federal University Teaching Hospital, Gusau, (Establishment) Bill, 2025(HB.2081) (Hon. Abdulmalik Zubairu) – First Reading.
National Child Protection and Enforcement Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2090) (Hon. Kafilat Ogbara) – First Reading.
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration), 1999 (Direct Transfers of Statutory) Bill, 2025 (HB.2069) (Hon. Kama Nkemkanma) – First Reading.
Harmful Waste (Special Criminal Provisions, etc.) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2074) (Hon. Mutu Nicholas Ebomo) – First Reading.
Mandatory Installation of Surveillance Cameras in Public Places in the Federal Capital Territory Bill, 2025. (HB.2075) (Hon. Ebomo Nicholas Mutu) – First Reading.
Fiscal Responsibility Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2078) (Hon. Chiroma Mohammed Garba) – First Reading.
National Eye Centre, Doma (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (SB.193) (Senate) – First Reading.
Nigerian Institute of Mining and Geosciences, Garaku, Nasarwa State (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB. 3010) (Hon. Jonathan Gwefi Gaza) – First Reading.
Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2082) (Hon. Patrick Umoh) – First Reading.
Labour Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.3005) (Hon. Chike John Okafor) – First Reading
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2025 (Exclusion of Application of Prerogative of Mercy to Corruption Cases) (HB.2083) (Hon. Patrick Umoh) – First Reading.
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2025 (Uniformity of Annual Vacation of Courts in Nigeria) (HB.2084) (Hon. Patrick Umoh) – First Reading
Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Ikot Mboho, Akwa Ibom State (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2085) (Hon. Patrick Umoh) – First Reading.
National Solid Minerals Research and Development Institute (NSMRDI) Anka, Zamfara State (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (Hon. Isa Mohammed Anka) – First Reading.
Education Reform Bill, 2025 (Hon. Isa Mohammed Anka) – First Reading.
Federal University of Science and Technology, Talata Mafara (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (Hon. Isa Mohammed Anka) – First Reading.

PRESENTATION OF REPORTS

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, 2022 to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Uluoke-Uzaire, Edo State and for Related Matters (HB. 633) (Referred: 11/12/2024).

The report was laid.

Committee on Pensions:
Hon. Hussaini Mohammed Jallo:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Pensions to investigate the Administration of Nigeria’s Pension Fund Asset” (HR. 195/10/2023) (Referred: 3/10/2023).

Laying of the report stepped down by leave of the House

Committee on Pensions:
Hon. Hussaini Mohammed Jallo:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Pensions on the Plight of Retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme” (HR. 66/02/2024) (Referred: 20/2/2024).

Laying of the report stepped down by leave of the House

ORDERS OF THE DAY

BILLS

A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Federal Polytechnic, Kaduna and Establish Federal University of Technology, Kaduna, to Provide Training and Teaching Instruction in every aspect of Education and such other Fields of Applied Learning Relevant to the Needs of the Development of Education in Nigeria, Matters of Administration and Discipline of Students and for Related Matters (HB. 18) (Hon. Abbas Tajudeen and Hon. Sadiq Ango Abdullahi) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Sadiq Abdullahi moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Hassan Hussain. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on University Education.

A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University of Mining and Geosciences, Jos, Plateau State to make Comprehensive Provisions for its Due Management, Administration and for Related Matters (SB.12) (Leader) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Abdullahi Halims moved for the second reading of the Bill and seconded by Hon. Ali Isa. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the Committee of the Whole.

A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Medical Centres Act, 2022 to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Isanlu, Yagba East, Kogi State and for Related Matters (HB.2024) (Hon. Leke Abejide) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon.Leke Abejide moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Kareem Abisodun. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Health Institutions.

A Bill for an Act to Establish the National Vocation Training Centre in all 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria and to make Comprehensive Provisions for its Due Management and Administration and for Related Matters (HB. 736) (Hon. Joseph Folorunsho Adegbesan) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Joseph Adegbesan moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Shettima Ali. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Alternative Education.

A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Act, 2023 to have the Headquarters of the Institute at Oshodi, Lagos State and Provide for a Single Term of Office for the Director–General and for Related Matters (HB.1823) (Hon. Fayinka Moses Oluwatoyin and Nineteen Others) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Fayinka Oluwatoyin moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Ali Taofeek. Hon. Fayinka in leading the debate stated that the Industrial Research Institute was formally established in Lagos state and provided for the research needs of Nigerians. He stated that the edifice in Lagos state is more equipped to provide these vital services, which it has been doing for over 68 years and hence should have the edifice as its headquarters.

Hon. Ademorin Kuye in contributing to the debate stated that the Bill seeks to protect the efficiency of running the Institute, the economy of movement and the geographic balancing. He stated that the Institute caters to research training for industries located mostly in Lagos and Ogun state. He urged Honorable Members to support the Bill on the term of logic.

Hon. Ahmed Idris in speaking against the Bill stated that the Institute had operated fine in Lagos when Lagos was the National capital, but it can equally function effectively in Abuja which is the current Federal capital of the nation. He called on Honorable members to put National interest above regional interests.

Hon. Ali Isa also speaking against the Bill stated that there is no need to move the Institution back to Lagos while it is functioning optimally well in Abuja. He called on Honorable Members not to approve the second reading of the Bill on grounds of the principles of what’s right. The Bill was voted on, but not approved for second reading.

A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Agricultural Development Fund Act, 2022 and for Related Matters (HB.2036) (Hon. Bello A Ka’oje and Hon. Saba Ahmed Adam) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Bello Ka’oje moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Alphonsus Odudoh. Hon. Bello in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks to amend Clause 2(b) and some other clauses of the Principal Act to among other things ensure the proper structure of the Governing Board, the proper function of the Fund to ensure agricultural development as well as for attracting private and foreign investors. He urged Honorable Members to support it for the agricultural development of Nigeria for Nigerians. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Agricultural Production and Services.

A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Medical Centres Act, 2022 to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Ilashe-Ipokia, Ogun State and for Related Matters (HB.1218) (Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Abiodun Akinlade moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Kafilat Ogbara. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Health Institutions.

A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of the National Institute for Technical and Vocational Education, Kalgo, Kebbi State and for Related Matters (HB.1622) (Hon. Ibrahim Mohammed) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Ibrahim Mohammed moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Ebikake Enenimiete. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Technical Education.

MOTIONS

Need to Investigate Accrued Revenue Savings and Disbursement from the Distributable Pool Account of the Federation:
Hon. Mansur Manu Soro:

The House:

Notes that Section 162 (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), provides that “any amount standing to the credit of the Federation Account shall be distributed among the Federal, State and the Local Government Areas in each State on such terms as may be prescribed by the National Assembly;

Informed that the non-compliance with the provision of Section 162 (3) of the Constitution, the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has introduced a revenue savings policy in managing revenues collected in the distributable policy account;

Aware that the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has hinged its decision on the need to minimize the impact of increased revenues on the money supply and inflation caused by the unification of exchange rates and fuel subsidy removal;

Concerned that the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has saved an estimated 15 trillion Naira from the distributable pool account over the last 20 months in statutory revenues due to the Federal, States, and the Local Government Areas with no clear guidelines and updates on the amounts standing in credit to the Federal Government, the 36 States, and the 774 Local Government Areas;

Disturbed that the introduction of the new savings policy is not backed by any legal framework on how the saved funds, accruing interest, and investment will be managed or distributed to the three tiers of government;

Cognizant of the obligation of the Federal Government to control inflation through the instrumentality of monetary and fiscal policies;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Accountant General of the Federation, and the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to provide a clear legal and policy framework so that the new savings policy can work effectively for the consideration of the National Assembly;

(ii) also urge the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Accountant General of the Federation, and the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to, in the event of inflationary pressure in the economy, henceforth, domicile funds earmarked for savings with the Central Bank of Nigeria in the respective beneficiary accounts of the federating units and varying amounts, standing in credits of the Federal Government and the thirty-six (36) States, the FCT, and the seven hundred and seventy–four (774) Local Government Areas;

(iii) mandate the Committee on Finance to investigate the extent of the savings made in the last twenty–two (22) months, establish the level of accrued interest and principal amounts saved for the Federal Government, the thirty-six (36) States of the Federation, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the seven hundred and seventy–four (774) Local Government Areas, and to report within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Debate
Hon. Mansur Soro moved the motion on the need to investigate accrued revenue savings and disbursement from the distributable Pool Account of the Federation and was immediately stepped down for further consultations.

Need to Investigate the Oil and Gas Park Construction Project in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State:
Hon. Bassey Akiba:

The House:

Notes that the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, 2010 was enacted to, among others, ensure an increase in the participation of Nigerians in the Oil and Gas Industry, ensure the use of the country’s resources such as goods, services and assets in the industry, attract investment to the Oil and Gas sector, and integrate oil producing communities into the Oil and Gas value chain;

Also notes that Sections 4 and 5 of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Act mandate the Board to coordinate and monitor the implementation of the Act and ensure a measurable and continuous growth of Nigerian content in all oil and gas arrangements, projects, operations, activities or transactions in the Nigerian oil and gas industry;

Further notes that the Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks Scheme (NOGAPS) was conceived by NCDMB to establish facilities in strategic locations for the manufacturing of oil and gas components, as well as research and development activities;

Aware that NOGAPS adopted a shared-services strategy in which the NCDMB supplies infrastructure like power and utilities, including road networks, water, and waste treatment, among others, for businesses located on the site, allowing local manufacturers to concentrate on their primary business of manufacturing instead of taking on responsibilities such as power generation and road construction, thereby reducing operating costs for them;

Also aware that in March 2018, NCDMB commenced implementation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Park Scheme (NOGAPS) with the construction of the first Nigerian Oil and Gas Park at Odukpani, Cross River State, to create a regional low-cost manufacturing hub that would produce equipment components and spare parts that would be utilized in the Nigerian Oil and Gas industry;

Concerned that the oil and gas park in Odukpani has been reportedly abandoned and remains unutilized, with previous efforts to develop the area being stalled, whereas a similar project which the Board undertook has been completed;

Also concerned that while specific reasons for the stagnation are not detailed, reports have alleged that the challenges are related to funding, bureaucratic bottlenecks, operational inefficiencies, and shifting focus, among other things;

Cognizant that the oil and gas park in Odukpani holds significant potential for local economic development, especially in terms of employment and infrastructure, thus efforts must be made to ensure completion of the project;

Resolves to:

mandate the Committee on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring to investigate the non-completion of the Oil and Gas Park project in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, and ensure that all factors militating against the completion and smooth-running of the park are effectively addressed

Debate
Hon. Bassey Akiba moved the motion on the need to investigate the Oil and Gas Park Construction Project in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State and it was seconded by Hon. Julius Pondi. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring.

Need to Fund the Construction of Deplorable Ogrute–Umuida–Unadu–Akpanya Odolu Federal Road: Hon. Chidi Mark Obetta Hon. Dennis Agbo:

The House:

Notes that the deplorable Ogrute–Umuida–Unadu-Akpanya-Odolu Federal Road connects both Enugu State and Kogi State;

Recalls that the construction of this vital link road was awarded by the Federal Government fourteen (14) years ago, the contractors mobilized to site with heavy machineries and did preliminary site clearing and earthwork during which the existing community-maintained road was excavated but the road construction was subsequently abandoned till date;

Concerned that over time, abandoned roads in Obaka Unadu and Ohom Unadu communities in Igbo–Eze South Local Government Area of Enugu State have caused flooding, thereby making the road not only impassable but posing a major threat to rural dwellers’ lives and properties;

Also concerned that the continued abandonment of this vital road inhibits the transportation of agricultural produce from the communities in Igbo–Eze South Local Government Area to the urban centers;

Worried that the much-needed drive to diversify the nation’s economy will be grossly affected if important roads like the Ogrute–Umuida–Unadu–Akpanya–Odolu is not constructed to facilitate free movement of farmers to easily ferry their farm produce to urban areas are not urgently constructed;

Resolves to:

(i) mandate the Committees on Works, FERMA and Rural Development to liaise with the relevant Federal Ministries and Agencies to ascertain why construction of the road was abandoned;

(ii) also mandate the Committee on Works to liaise with Federal Ministry of Works to include the construction of the road in the 2026 budget estimates;

(iii) further mandate the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.

Debate
Hon. Chidi Obetta moved the motion on the need to fund the construction of deplorable Ogrute–Umuida–Unadu–Akpanya Odolu Federal Road and it was seconded by Hon. Murphy Osaro. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Works.

Need to Address the Deplorable State of Oba–Nnewi–Okigwe Road (Nnewi Axis):
Hon. Peter Ifeanyi Uzokwe:

The House:

Notes the tragic accident of 14 February 2025, at the “Ugwu Akpati Ozu” section of the Oba–Nnewi–Okigwe Road, where a truck loaded with cement lost control due to the poor state of the road, destroying shops and killing eight persons on the spot, leaving others injured;

Also notes that the Oba-Nnewi–Okigwe Road, particularly the Nnewi axis, has become a death trap due to deep potholes, poor drainage systems, and lack of adequate road maintenance, thereby exposing road users and residents to frequent accidents and untimely deaths;

Cognizant that the deplorable state of the road has caused severe hardship to motorists, traders, and residents, affecting economic activities and worsening the already dire security situation in the axis;

Worried that if urgent rehabilitation and maintenance of the road are not done, more lives and properties will continue to be lost, and the economic potential of the region will be further stifled;

Aware that the Ministry of Works and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) are responsible for the maintenance and rehabilitation of federal roads across the country and have a duty to ensure that highways remain safe and motorable for all users;

Resolves to:

(i) observe a minute of silence in honor of the victims of the tragic accident.

(ii) urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide urgent medical assistance and relief materials to the families of the victims and those injured in the accident;

(iii) mandate the Committees on Works and FERMA to ensure the immediate commencement of the rehabilitation and reconstruction work on the Oba-Nnewi–Okigwe Road, especially the Nnewi axis.

Debate
Hon. Peter Uzokwe moved the motion on the need to address the deplorable state of Oba–Nnewi–Okigwe Road (Nnewi Axis) and it was seconded by Hon. Pascal Agbodike. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Works as well as that on Federal Road Maintenance.

Proliferation of Fake Vehicle Number Plates:
Hon. Matthew Nwogu:

The House:

Notes that the purposes of vehicle plate numbers is for easy identification of vehicles and to enable security agencies trace and identify any vehicle suspected of involvement in the commission of crime;

Aware of Vanguard Newspaper report of 7 February, 2025 where the Lagos State Sector Commander of FRSC claimed that most fake number plates used for crime in the country, bear the tags of respected

Institutions such as the Presidency, Nigeria Youth Council (NYC), and National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS);

Also worried that the “One Chance” robbery and kidnapping incident in Nigeria is linked to fake vehicle plate numbers, with some falling victim while some met their untimely death in the hands of these criminals;

Cognizant that with the current state of insecurity in Nigeria, there is an urgent need to crack down on the use of fake plate numbers which pose a security threat to the citizens;

Concerned that some number plates bearing the Presidency, Nigeria Youth Council (NYC), NANS and other government agencies are, according to the FRSC Sector Command, Lagos, not registered in the Nigeria Vehicle Registration database;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Road Safety Commission in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that only vehicles with registered plate numbers found in the Nigeria Vehicle registration database ply roads in Nigeria;

(ii) also urge the Federal Road Safety Commission in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force to intensify efforts to arrest users of fake plate numbers and ensure that the producers are traced and prosecuted; and

(iii) mandate the Committee on Federal Road Safety Commission to ensure compliance and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Debate
Hon. Matthew Nwogu moved the motion on proliferation of fake vehicle number plates and it was seconded by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Federal Road Safety.

Rehabilitation of Idofian-Fufu-Lajiki-Oke-Oyi Link Road in Ifelodun, Ilorin South/East Local Government Area of Kwara State:
Hon. Aluko Ahmed Yinka:

The House:

Notes that the Idofian, Fufu, Lajiki, and Oke-Oyi communities in Ifelodun, Ilorin South, and Ilorin East Local Government Areas of Kwara State are critical to the state’s agricultural production, contributing to about 26% or over 500,000 metric tons of food supply annually, including tubers, grains, vegetables, and livestock;

Also notes that the 27 km ldofian-Fufu-Lajiki-Oke-Oyi link road, between two federal highways, within three local government areas, is crucial for agricultural and economic activities but has not undergone major rehabilitation since 1980, despite its strategic importance in the North Central region;

Aware that the deplorable state of the road has led to over 200 reported accidents in 2024, resulting in loss of lives and properties;

Also aware that the poor condition of the road has made it extremely difficult for farmers to transport farm produce from rural areas to urban markets, leading to post-harvest losses, reduced income for farmers, and increase cost of food, discouraging farming, leading to food insecurity in the country;

Worried that the dilapidated state of the road has created a conducive environment for criminal activities, including kidnappings and armed robberies, endangering the lives of residents and commuters;

Cognizant that the rehabilitation of the road will not only reduce accidents and save lives but also boost agricultural productivity, improve rural livelihoods, and stabilize food prices by ensuring the smooth transportation of farm produce to markets;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Works to immediately commence the rehabilitation of the Idofian-Fufu-Lajiki-Oke-Oyi link road to ensure the safe and free movement of people, goods, and services;

(ii) also urge the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Works to prioritize the road as a critical infrastructure for agricultural development;

(iii) mandate the Committees on Works, Agricultural Production and Services, and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Debate
Hon. Aluko Yinka moved the motion on the rehabilitation of Idofian-Fufu-Lajiki-Oke-Oyi Link Road in Ifelodun, Ilorin South/East Local Government Area of Kwara State and it was seconded by Hon. Regina Akume. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Works as well as that on Agricultural Production and Services.

Hon. Abdullahi Halims moved a motion for the House to suspend its relevant rules in order to allow it adopt the votes and proceedings of the day and it was seconded by Hon. Ali Isa.

House Adjournment:
The House at 13:42 adjourned plenary to Tuesday, March 4th, 2025 by 11:00 A.M following a motion for adjournment moved by the Deputy Leader of the House, Hon. Abdullahi Halims and seconded by the Minority Whip, Hon. Ali Isa.

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