Nigeria National Assembly: Plenary proceedings, House of Reps, Wed, March 5th, 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 Tuesday, March 4th, 2025.

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ANNOUNCEMENT:

1. Honorable Members are reminded of the Iftar dinner invitation with the Honorable Speaker. The dinner will be hosted on scheduled and already announced dates for Honorable Members from each of the different Geopolitical zones.

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PETITIONS:

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

I. The first is against Mediterranean Shipping Company on alleged extortion, unfair practice, intimidation, tax evasion and other fraudulent conducts.

II. The second is against Mr. Mohammed Garba of the Department of State Security (DSS) on alleged cyber bullying, threat to life, abuse of office, hacking of her phone, harassment and intimidation.

III. The third is against the Nigeria Petroleum Company for alleged non-compliance to provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) concerning involvement of host communities in contracts, community development projects and employment opportunities.

2. Hon. Mudashiru Lukman laid 2 petition on behalf of 2 different complainants:

I. The first is against the Nigeria Police on alleged unethical treatment and refusal to treat a victim after allegedly being shot by a police officer.

II. The second is against an Energy Company on alleged fraudulent crude oil procurement and alleged gross marginalization of the host community.

3. Hon. Muhammed Jajere laid 2 petitions on behalf of 2 different complainants against 2 different Oil companies, but on the same subject matter: alleged unlawful termination of employment and lack of due compensation.
4. Hon. Murphy Osaro laid 2 petitions on behalf of 2 different complainants:
   I. The first is against the Federal Housing Authority on alleged failure to allocate 2 houses paid for over 30 years ago.

II. The second is against an Oil company for alleged neglect and environmental hazards due to its operations in the community.

5. Hon. Ime Okon laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against a private University on alleged unlawful dismissal from employment. He called for his reinstatement to the University and payment of his entitlements.
6. Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the Governing Council of a Polytechnic on alleged gross abuse of office.
7. Hon. Hassan Hussein laid a petition on behalf of a complainant claiming alleged unlawful withdrawal of property.
8. Hon. Abdullahi Halims laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) on alleged unlawful termination of employment.

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

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MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:

1. Hon. Abdullahi Balarabe moved a motion on the urgent need to curb the menacing attacks by bandits in communities of Katsina state and it was seconded by Hon. Muhammad Jajere. Hon. Abdullahi in leading the debate expressed sadness at the escalating crisis of banditry in the state. He stated that the ransom demanded from the bandits for the abducted victims is high and worrisome, especially considering the economic crunch being suffered widely. Hon. Abdullahi called on the Inspector General of Police as well as other security agencies to investigate the means the bandits deploy in carrying out their actions and deploy more personnel to the region. He also called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide rehabilitation and relief to the victims. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Police, Defense, Humanitarian Services as well as that on NEMA.
2. Hon. Marcus Onobun moved a motion on the urgent need to curb the high rate of incessant killings in Edo state and it was seconded by Hon. Idu Emeka. Hon. Marcus in leading the debate stated that Edo state has been bedeviled by heightening activities of suspected killer herdsmen. He stated that the number of victims of these attacks have continued to rise steadily which is a worrisome trend, also causing fear among communities. Hon. Marcus called on the Federal Government to lend a helping hand in curbing the menace and that the Inspector General of Police should ensure the Police identity flash points of violence within the state and curb the menace. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Police.
3. Hon. Victor Abang moved a motion on the need to immediately halt the killing of individuals and destruction of crops by rampaging elephants and other animals in Cross Rivers state and it was seconded by Hon. Patrick Umoh. Hon. Victor in leading the debate stated that the rampaging animals are those that stray from 2 prominent conservative parks within the state whose boundaries need further fortification. He stated that it is important to properly protect the animals, but the fact that they cannot be contained has left communities at their mercies and the people may result to self help and harm the animals to protect themselves, their families as well as their crops. Hon. Victor called on the Nigeria Park Services to ensure proper containment of the animals and that the House Committee on Environment should ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Environment as well as that on National Emergency and Disaster Preparedness.

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PRESENTATION OF BILLS
 

1. Chartered Institute of Physical Asset and Infrastructure Management (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB. 1936) (Hon. Marcus I. Onobun) – First Reading.
    
2. Sheriffs and Civil Service Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB. 1895) (Hon. Mathew Nwogu) – First Reading.
    
3. Prohibition of Open Urination and Defamation Bill, 2025 (HB. 1804) (Hon. Marcus I. Onobun) – First Reading.
    
4. University of Aerospace and Aeronautics, Oka–Akoko (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2061) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere) – First Reading.

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PRESENTATION OF REPORTS
 

1. 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 and Establish Federal Medical Centre, Ankpa, Kogi State and for Related Matters (HB. 1855) (Referred: 21/11/2024).

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Patrick Umoh and seconded by Hon. Adesola Adedayo.

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 and Establish Federal Medical Centre, Wesley Guild Ilesa, Osun State and for Related Matters (HB.1871) (Referred:14/1/2025).

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Patrick Umoh and seconded by Hon. Adesola Adedayo.

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ORDERS OF THE DAY
 
BILLS
 

1. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos and Establish Federal University of Technology, Yaba 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.1910) (Hon. Abbas Tajudeen and Hon. Fuad Kayode Laguda) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Fuad Laguda moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Ayodeji Alaoakala.

Hon. Wale Raji stated that he had sponsored the same Bill in the 8th Assembly and it went through every step except for receiving Presidential assent. He suggested that it be harmonized so that it does not go through the whole process all over again.

Hon. Jesse Onuakalusi stated that Yaba College of Technology is an Institution with a great name and reputation and he does not think changing the name will do service to the proud Institution, it’s staff, students and alumni.

The Presiding Speaker stated that the House had sat with experts and resolved that the time has come for Polytechnics to step up, stop HND programs and begin B.Tech programs. He stated that the Executive Arm of Government are in line with this as it is the current practice worldwide for educational development.

2. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Road Safety Commission Act to restructure the Movement of Oil Tankers and Heavy Goods Vehicles to Night Time Hours and for Related Matters (HB.2067) (Hon. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere) – Second Reading.

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

3. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Medical Centres Act, 2022 to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Ajasse–Ipo, Kwara State and for Related Matters (HB.1506) (Hon. Adedayo Samuel Adesola) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Adedayo Adesola moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Kelechi Nwogu. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Health Institutions.

4. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Agriculture, Kukawa, Borno State, to Provide Full – Time Courses Leading to the Award of Diploma, Higher Diploma in Agriculture and Allied Fields and be Responsible for the Due Administration of the College and for Related Matters (HB.545) (Hon. Mallam Bukar Gana) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Bukar Gana moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Abubakar Yalleman. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions.

5. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Act, 2007 to Replace Maritime Transport with Maritime Blue Economy and for Related Matters (HB.1573) (Hon. Kayode Moshood Akiolu) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Kayode Akiolu moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Kafilat Ogbara. Hon. Akiolu in leading the debate stated that the Bill simply seeks to amend the Principal Act in order to ensure the proper functioning and management of maritime transport in Nigeria and for the generation of all proceeds within the sector. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Maritime Administration and Safety.

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MOTIONS
 

6. Reconsideration of Outstanding Bills from Preceding Assembly:
   Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive:
    
   (i) University of Aerospace and Aeronautics, Oka-Akoko (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2061); and
    
   (ii) Federal University of Medicine and Health Science, Bida, Niger State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.771).
    
   The House:
    
   Notes that pursuant to Order Twelve, Rule 17 (a), (b), (c) & (d) 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 Bills:
    
   (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. 2061 and 771, respectively;
    
   Resolves to:
    
   Re-commit the Bills to the Committee of the Whole for consideration.

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

7. Rehabilitation and Dualization of Ijebu –Ode – Ibadan Road:
   Hon. Joseph Folorunsho Adegbesan:
    
   The House:
    
   Notes that ljebu Ode–lbadan road is one of the major federal roads in the South-West Geo-Political Zone of Nigeria that connect both Ogun and Oyo States;
    
   Also notes that the road connects several communities and Local Governments Areas of both States and was constructed over four decades with low statistics of vehicular movement and population of that time;
    
   Concerned that the 53kilometres road is extremely narrow and in a deplorable state necessitating immediate government intervention due to the present population density and vehicles traversing the road on daily basis, thereby hindering agricultural production and contribution of farmers to the nation food security and economy, due to the heavy vehicular traffic and criminal activities that have taken over the road;
   Cognizant that the rehabilitation and dualization of the road will stimulate economic development, eradicate criminal activities on the road and improve the standards of living of the people within the environment;
    
   Resolves to:
    
   (i) urge the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency to provide remedial support to the dilapidated parts of the road;
    
   (ii) mandate the Committee on Works in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Works to include the rehabilitation and dualization of the 53 kilometres Ijebu Ode–lbadan road in the 2025 Supplementary budget, if any or the 2026 budget estimates;
    
   (iii) mandate the Committees on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and Works to ensure strict compliance.

Debate
Hon. Joseph Adegbesan moved the motion on rehabilitation and dualization of Ijebu-Ode-Ibadan road and it was seconded by Hon. Aderemi Husssani. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) as well as that on Works.

8. Need to Restore Nyamatsor Constituency of Benue State:
   Hon. Sekav Dzua Iyortyom:
    
   The House:
    
   Notes that Nyamatsor State Constituency in Buruku Local Government Area existed among other State Constituencies in Benue State under the defunct Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1979; and made up of eight (8) Council Wards, comprising of Mbakyaan, Mbayaka, Mbaakura, MbatyoUgh, Mbaade, Mbazagee, Etulo and Shorov;
    
   Also notes that the Nyamatsor State Constituency produced members into the Benue State House of Assembly from 1979 until the Third Republic was aborted by the Military in 1993;
    
   Convinced that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) acted utra vires when it excluded Nyamatsor State Constituency, which existed under the 1979 Constitution of Nigeria, during the conduct of the 1999 general elections;
    
   Aware that Section 91 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) provides that “a House of Assembly of a State shall consist of three or four times the number of seats which that State has in the House of Representatives divided in a way to reflect, as far as possible, nearly equal population”;
    
   Also aware that Benue State which has eleven (11) seats in the House of Representatives, is mandated to have at least 33 State Constituencies as each seat in the House of Representatives is mandated to have 3 state constituencies in the State House of Assembly;
    
   Concerned that the situation in the Benue State House of Assembly and Buruku Federal Constituency is such that Benue State House of Assembly has only 32 members instead of 33 as mandated by Sections 91 and 112 of the 1999 Constitution;
    
   Worried that Buruku Federal Constituency has only one member or seat instead of three members or seats as envisaged by the 1999 Constitution in the Benue State House of Assembly;
    
   Aware that in 2004 the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), wrote to the National Assembly to approve the restoration of the suppressed State Constituencies across the nation;
    
   Cognizant that Section 114 (1) the Constitution of the Federal republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) provides for periodic review of State Constituencies, It states that “the Independent National Electoral Commission shall review the division of every State into constituencies at intervals of not less than ten years, and may alter such constituencies following the provision of this section to such extent as it may consider desirable in the light of the review”;
    
   Also cognizant that the last review of State Constituencies in Nigeria by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was in 1998, resulting in the Suppression of Nyamatsor and 65 other State Constituencies;
    
   Disturbed that from 1998 till date, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has continued to suppress the Nyamatsor State Constituency and other State Constituencies across nineteen (19) States of the Federation, in spite of a motion moved by Hon. Kingsley Chinda directing the restoration of suppressed constituencies;
    
   Also disturbed that the essence of participatory democracy is to ensure inclusive governance to bring about a balanced development in society but the people of Buruku have remained excluded and underrepresented as a result of this unconstitutional Suppression of Nyamatsor State Constituency.
    
   Resolves to:
    
   (i) urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to restore Nyamatsor State Constituency in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State to comply with extant Laws and the Provisions of Sections 91 and 112 of the  Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended); and
    
   (ii) also mandate the Committees on Electoral Matters and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and implementation.

Motion stepped down by leave of the House.

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House Adjournment:
The House at 12:17 adjourned plenary to Thursday, March 6th, 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.