Plenary proceedings, House of Reps, Tuesday, May 13th, 2025

After the recitation of the First stanza of the National Anthem, the National Pledge and opening prayer, the Deputy Speaker approved the votes and proceedings of Thursday, May 8th, 2025.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. The House rescinded its decision on the referral on a Bill for an Act to Amend the National Assembly Service Pension Board Act, No. 62, 2023, to among other things, Reconstitute the Membership of the Board, Provide the Template for Payment of Gratuity and Establish a Fund for the Scheme and for Related Matters (HB.2240) standing in the names of Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen and Hon. Bello Isah Ambarura that was listed for Second Reading on Thursday, May 8th, 2025 and was referred to the House Committee on Public Service Matters, to now be referred to the House Committee on Pensions.
2. The membership of the Conference Committee on the Tax Reform Bills was announced and it is to be Chaired by Hon. Julius Inonbvere.

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MATTERS IF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:

1. Hon. Cyril Hart Godwin moved a motion on the urgent demand for the immediate and unconditional release of 18 persons, including a pregnant woman and children abducted by sea pirates and criminals along the waterways by Rivers state and it was seconded by Hon. Muktar Shagaya. Hon. Godwin in leading the debate stated that the incident occurred on March 16th, 2025 and the threat to life has led to skepticism of engaging in socioeconomic activities on the waterway.

He stated that the incident has become a reoccurring one and expressed concern at the seeming inability of the security apparatus within the region to contain the unfortunate situation. Hon. Godwin called on the Inspector General of Police to ensure the unconditional release of the victims and ensure such incidents do not occur anymore and that the relevant Committees of the House should ensure compliance.

Hon. Godwin Kimikamboh proposed an amendment calling on the joint task force within the region to ensure it properly secures the said waterways. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committees on Defense, Police Affairs, Navy, as well as that on Legislative Compliance.

2. Hon. Mohammed Bio moved a motion on the need to resolve diplomatic insensitivities on boundary disputes between communities bordering Nigeria and the Republic of Benin and it was seconded by Hon. Abdulmumin Ari. Hon. Bio in leading the debate stated that the President of Republic of Benin had made a declaration that has hindered the smooth transportation of people, agricultural goods and services across the border. He stated that the blockage has caused the breakdown of socioeconomic activities within the community.

He also stated that it is making life unbearable for the people and is heightening bilateral strains on relationship between the people of both countries that may contribute to heightened insecurity. Hon. Bio called on the Federal Government to ensure the engagement of diplomatic proceedings with the Government of the Republic Of Benin with the aim of resolving the protracted quagmire. He further called on the House Committees on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Integration in Africa, as well as that on Treaties, Agreements and Protocols to ensure compliance.

Hon. Clement Jimbo proposed an amendment to incorporate the House Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs to the last prayer of the motion. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committees on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Integration in Africa, Treaties, Agreements and Protocols as well as that on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs.

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PRESENTATION OF BILLS:

1. FCT Statutory Appropriation Bill, 2025 (HB.2305) (Executive) – First Reading.
2. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2025 (HB.2299) (Hon. Ikweagwuonu Onyinye Ugochinyere) – First Reading.
3. National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2300) (Hon. Jesse Oky-Joe Onuakalusi) – First Reading.
4. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2025 (HB.2301) (Hon. Dumnamene R. Dekor) – First Reading.
5. Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Mani, Katsina State (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2216) (Hon. Ahmed Yusuf Doro) – First Reading.
6. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2025 (HB.2302) (Hon. Ikweagwuonu Onyinye Ugochinyere) – First Reading.
7. Character Risk Management Institute of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2303) (Hon. Zakaria Dauda Nyampa) – First Reading.
8. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2025 (HB.2304) (Hon. Hussain Mohammed Jallo) – First Reading.
9. Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2025 (HB.1937) (Hon. Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi) – First Reading.
10. Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Ikara (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.1785) (Hon. Aliyu Mustapha Abdullahi) – First Reading.

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PRESENTATION OF REPORTS:

1. Committee on Federal Colleges of Education:

Hon. Adamu Tanko:

“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Federal Colleges of Education on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Colleges of Education Act, Cap. F8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Provide for Establishment of Federal College of Education, Ijesha, Lagos State and for Related Matters (HB.355)” (Referred:11/6/2024).

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Adamu Tanko and seconded by Hon. Mohammed Jalo.

2. Committee on Federal Colleges of Education:

Hon. Adamu Tanko:

“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Federal Colleges of Education on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Colleges of Education Act, Cap. F8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Provide for Establishment of Federal College of Education, Oyin Akoko, Ondo State and for Related Matters (HB. 1600)” (Referred:8/10/2024).

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Adamu Tanko and seconded by Hon. Mohammed Jalo.

3. Committee on Federal Colleges of Education:

Hon. Adamu Tanko:

“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Federal Colleges of Education on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Colleges of Education Act, Cap. F8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Establish Federal College of Education, Suleja, Niger State and for Related Matters (HB.1803)” (Referred:11/12/2024).

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Adamu Tanko and seconded by Hon. Mohammed Jalo.

4. Committee on Federal Colleges of Education:

Hon. Adamu Tanko:

“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Federal Colleges of Education on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Colleges of Education Act, Cap. F8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to Provide for Establishment of Federal College of Education (Technical), Faskari, Kastina State and for Related Matters (HB. 1418)” (Referred:9/7/2024).

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Adamu Tanko and seconded by Hon. Mohammed Jalo.

5. Committee on Federal Colleges of Education:

Hon. Adamu Tanko:

“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Federal Colleges of Education on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal College of Education Act, Cap. F8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Establish Federal College of Education (Technical) Ogute–Okpella, Edo State and for Related Matters (HB.912)” (Referred: 20/11/2024).

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Adamu Tanko and seconded by Hon. Mohammed Jalo.

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ORDERS OF THE DAY:

BILLS:

Hon. Julius Ihonbvere moved for the House to suspend its relevant rules and allow for it to take the debate of the Constitution Alteration Bills simultaneously and it was seconded by Hon. Aliyu Sani Madaki.

Hon. Julius Ihonbvere moved for the House to take the debates of the Constitution Alteration Bills and it was seconded by Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka.

1. A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to remove from Independent National Electoral Commission, the Powers of Registration and Regulation of political Parties in Nigeria and Transfer same to the Office of the Registrar General of Political Parties and for Related Matters (HB. 2227) (Hon. Abbas Tajudeen and Hon. Francis E. Waive) – Second Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Obi Aguocha spoke in opposition to the intent of the Bill as; if the Office is not well over-sighted, it could manipulate the registration of political parties to favor allies to the detriment of perceived opponents and that the Office of the Registrar General of Political Parties is unknown to the Nigerian Constitution.

Hon. Francis Waive in exercising his right of reply stated that the decision should be made at the Public Hearing stage for Nigerians to make their decision. The Bill was voted on, but not approved for second reading.

Hon. Francis Waive moved a motion for the House to rescind its decision and allow for independent voting on each Constitution amendment Bill instead of lumping them altogether and it was seconded by Hon. Babajimi Benson.

Hon. Aliyu Sani Madaki raised a Point of Order noting that Hon. Waive can only call for the rescission following a motion properly on notice.

The Presiding Speaker asked Hon. Francis Waive to ensure the motion for rescission is properly listed on the next legislative day.

2. A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Cap. C23, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Provide for the Principle of Rotation of the Offices of the President and the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria among the Six Geopolitical Zones of the Country, Namely: North Central, North East, North West, South East, South South, and South West and for Related Matters (HB. 2291) (Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu) – Second Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Aliyu Sani Madaki in contributing to the debate noted that the rotation should be in alliance with the spirit of Federal Character and should remain just between the North and South.

Hon. Ali Isa also contributed but however stated that the Bill should be adopted and also applied to the State Governors and their Deputies as Nigerians in all zones have the capacity of leadership despite being seen as minorities. He called for the speedy adoption of the Bill.

Hon. Sada Soli in contributing to the debate stated that the concept of rotation should reflect national interest and federal character above everything else. This he stated is so that capable Nigerians are not disenfranchised, which may lead to national disharmony.

The Presiding Speaker stated that the Bill seeks national balance and equity and assured that the Constitutional Review Committee will do its work judiciously and present the best version before the House.

Hon. Clement Jimbo praised the spirit of the Bill as it sets to cure the disenfranchisement of the minority regions in Nigeria and will give them their due opportunities to vie for these positions. He however called for a timeframe for its implementation to when every region has participated.

Hon. Mohammed El-Rufai expressed his concern from a Constitutional stand point, as everyone from every region can vie for leadership as it is and reserving it for regions can still cause conflict within regions and set a dangerous precedent. He also sited the case of the death of the President while in Office and the Vice President is not from the region that should be President, as it will be unfair to say a Vice President cannot succeed the dead President.

Hon. Olumide Osoba called for a functional internal democracy within political parties which should take care of proper zoning of candidates and will not interfere with the provisions of the Constitution. The Bill was voted on, but not approved for second reading.

3. A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Cap. C23, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to provide for Establishment, Independence, and Functions of the Office of the State Auditors-General for Local Governments and the Federal Capital Territory Area Councils, to Strengthen Fiscal Oversight, Promote Accountability and enhance Good Governance at the Grassroots and for Related Matters (HB.2288) (Hon. Julius O. Ihonvbere) – Second Reading.

Debate:
The Bill was voted on, but not approved for second reading.

4. A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Cap. C23, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to provide for the Number of Judges of the Federal High Court to be not less than one hundred or such other Number as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly and for Related Matters (HB.2279) (Hon. Julius O. Ihonvbere) – Second Reading.

Debate:
The Bill was voted on, but not approved for second reading.

5. A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Cap. C23, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to expand the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to include Admiralty Jurisdiction, including Shipping and Navigation on the River Niger, River Benue and their effluents, and on such other Inland Waterways as may be designated by an Act of the National Assembly as International Waterways, all Federal Ports, and Carriage by Sea and for Related Matters (HB.2280) (Hon. Julius o. Ihonvbere) – Second Reading.

Debate:
The Bill was voted on, but not approved for second reading.

6. A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Empower the National Judicial Council to Fix and Review, in conjunction with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, the Salaries, Allowances, and other Emoluments of Judicial Officers and Staff of the Judiciary, and for Related Matters (HB.2281) (Hon. Julius o. Ihonvbere) – Second Reading.

Debate:
The Bill was voted on, but not approved for second reading.

7. A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Create Ughelli East Local Government Area in Delta State and for Related Matters (HB.2248) (Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive) – Second Reading.

Debate:
The Bill was voted on, but not approved for second reading.

8. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Tertiary Education Trust Fund Act, No.16, 2011 to Provide for the Inclusion of Inter–University Centres among beneficiaries of the Tax Imposed under the Act; and for Related Matters HB.1754 (Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu and eight others) – Second Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Muktar Shagaya moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Regina Akume. Hon. Shagaya in leading the debate stated that the TETFUND was established to provide support to tertiary institutions in the nation through the provision of infrastructure and infrastructural development, learning tools and training. He pointed out that the need for the inter-university centers will be to foster proper education especially in research and language studies which will boost university education. Hon. Shagaya also called for support for the existing centers as it is in line with the Law and fairness of implementation. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on University Education.

9. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Livestock Development, Kusada, Katsina State to Provide Training, Research and Extension Services in Livestock Production and Management and for Related Matters (HB. 2220) (Hon. Abubakar Yahaya Kusada) – Second Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Abubakar Yahaya moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Idem Unyime. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Livestock Development.

10. A Bill for an Act to Establish a Standardized and Mandatory Framework for Risk Management Reporting by Registered firm to Promote a Culture of Risk awareness, effective Risk management practices, and Accountability among Businesses, Contributing to Stability and resilience of the National Economy in Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB. 1951) (Hon. Abubakar Makki Yalleman) – Second Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Abubakar Yalleman moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Satomi Ahmed. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Commerce.

11. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of the Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Isiokpo, Rivers State and for Related Matters (HB.1708) (Hon. Blessing Chigeru Amadi) – Second Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Blessing Amadi moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Inuwa Garba. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Health Institutions.

12. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Ijero Ekiti, Ekiti State to offer Full-Time Courses leading to the award of Certificates in Nursing and Midwifery and for Related Matters (HB.1642) (Hon. Omoleye Abiodun Francis) – Second Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Omoleye Francis moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Femi Bamisile. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Health Institutions.

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MOTIONS:

13. Need to Restore the Suppressed Ugheli South Second State Constituency in Delta State by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC):

Hon. Francis E. Waive:

The House:

Notes that prior to 1999, Ughelli South had two State Constituencies, Ughelli South Constituency 1 and Ughelli South Constituency 2, under the defunct Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1979;

Also notes that the second Ughelli South Constituency produced Hon. Member, like Hon. J.K.W Jinghu in Delta State House of Assembly during the 1991 General Election before its suppression by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) in 1998;

Believes that the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC)’s exclusion of the second Ughelli South Constituency from the 1999 General Elections was deemed ultra vires and unconstitutional;

Aware that of the provisions of Section 91 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 which 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 Delta State currently has ten (10) seats in the House of Representatives, and by the above stated position is expected to have at least 30 State Constituencies, but unfortunately has only 28 by reason of the suppressed Second Ughelli South Constituency;

Worried that the people of Ughelli South has since been subjected to under representation at the State House by reason of the suppressed constituency which has left the Local Government of over 291,000 people (Fourth Largest LGA in Delta State) with just one seat at the State House, making it one of the most under developed Local Government Area in the State;

Recalls that Mr. Godwin and five others filed a case with the Federal High Court, Warri presided over by Justice Shitu Abubakar in 2014, who delivered a judgment ordering the INEC to restore the second Ughelli State Constituency, but the Court order is yet to be carried out till date;

Cognizant that Section 114 (1) the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 provides for periodic review of State Constituencies, which 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 INEC is in the process of restoring some suppressed State Constituencies in which case it is appropriate for the Commission to restore the second Ughelli South Constituency in line with Court judgment and provisions of the Constitution;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the INEC to restore the suppressed second Ughelli South Constituency of Delta State; and

(ii) mandate the Committees on Electoral Matters and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and implementation.

Debate:
Hon. Francis Waive moved the motion on the need to restore the suppressed Ugheli South second State Constituency in Delta state by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and it was seconded by Hon. Akin Rotim. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Electoral Matters as well as that on Legislative Compliance.

14. Need to Enforce the Right of Every Child to Basic Education as Provided under the Universal Basic Education Scheme:

Hon Obi Aguocha:

The House:

Notes that in partial fulfillment of its duty to provide education for citizens of Nigeria, the State had enacted the Child’s Rights Act, 2003 and the Compulsory Free Universal Basic Education Act, 2004;

Also notes both laws guarantee the right of every Nigerian Child to Compulsory Basic Education from Primary to Junior Secondary School at the expense of the State.

Aware that with respect to the funding of the Universal Basic Education Scheme, the Federal Government is required to contribute 2% of its Consolidated Revenue Fund to the Universal Basic Education Fund (UBEF) annually while State Governments are entitled to access the Universal Basic Education Fund through the provision of counterpart funding;

Also aware that to ensure compliance with the law, parents and guardians who refuse to allow their children and wards to be educated by the State are liable to be prosecuted.

Concerned that in spite of the clear provisions of both legislations, the Country continues to witness increase in the number of out of school children, insufficient funding, uneven distribution of resources, poor teacher quality, socio-cultural barriers such as child labour, early marriage, gender bias against girl education;

Also concerned that millions of children of school age are found on the streets either begging for alms or hawking goods, thus increasing the number of out-of-school children which will eventually lead to serious crisis in the nearest future;

Disturbed that according to UNICEF, as of September 2024, Nigeria has 18.3 million out of school, one of the highest figures in the world;

Also disturbed that the crisis has continued to escalate the insurgency in the North East region, which has led to the closure of schools on account of the abduction of school children, displacement of parents and children, and destruction of schools by the Boko Haram sect and other terrorist Organizations in the country;

Cognizant of the need for the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to provide a supervisory role on the scheme and ensure an impressive enrollment of Children for basic education in the Country;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Universal Basic Education Commission to ensure that every Nigerian child has access to Free and Compulsory Education as contained in Article 17 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Section 15 of the Child’s Rights Act, and Section 2 of the Compulsory Free Universal Basic Education Act, 2004;

(ii) mandate the Committee on Basic Education and Services to invite the Management of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to provide report on the implementation of the scheme; and

(iii) also mandate the Committee on Basic Education and Services to ensure compliance.

Debate:
Hon. Obi Aguocha moved the motion on the need to enforce the right of every child to Basic Education as Provided under the Universal Basic Education Scheme and it was seconded by Hon. Godwin Ogah.

An amendment was proposed calling on the House Committee on Basic Education to investigate the failure of the Implementation of the policy on the right of the Nigerian child to compulsory basic education. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committee on Basic Education and Services.

15. Need for Federal Government to Procure and Lease Mechanized Agricultural Machineries to Farmers at Subsidized Rate in all the Local Government Areas Across the Federation:

Hon. Aderemi A. Oseni:

The House:

Notes that the uncontrollably high cost of food and related items has left the average Nigerian income struggling to keep up, thereby increasing the cost of living in the country;

Aware that the primary responsibility of the government is to ensure food security and control food and related product prices to minimize their impact.

Observed that the continuous increase in the prices of food is largely triggered by factors like ins’ecurity, high cost of agricultural inputs, and low production, aligned to the fact that most farmers in Nigeria engage only in subsistence farming systems, which can only produce meagre outputs;

Cognizant of the need for the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, to aggressively encourage small farmers to engage in modern mechanized farming to increase agricultural production and ensure food security by providing modern farming machines, introducing modern farming skills with the aid of technology to boost food production in Nigeria;

Also aware of the need for the federal government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and Sustainable Development Goals Office, with the Development Partners in collaboration with the Thirty-Six States, FCT, and the 774 Local Government Areas to set up farm settlements in each of the local government areas, equip them with modern farming machinery and other agricultural inputs for leasing to farmers, some of which will be sold to farmers at subsidized rate, to boost production and ensure food security;

Also notes that these measures, when implemented, will revolutionize the agricultural value chain and food production sector, make it more attractive, encourage more people to go into farming, and attract investment to the sector;

Further aware that timely and effective implementation of this program will be a very smart and easy way of getting our teaming youths to embrace agriculture, which will in turn bring in fresh energy, vibes, and innovation into the sector for the prosperity of our dear nation.

Resolves to:

(i) mandate the Committee on Agricultural Production and Services to invite the Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sustainable Development Goals office to work out a modality to Procure and Lease Mechanized Agricultural Machineries to Farmers at subsidized rate in all the Local Government Areas Across the Federation;

(ii) also mandate the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.

Debate:
Hon. Aderemi Oseni moved the motion on the need for the Federal Government to procure and lease mechanized agricultural machineries to farmers at subsidized rate in all Local Government Areas across the Federation and it was seconded by Hon. Dominic Okafor who also proposed an amendment that the House Committee on Appropriations should be incorporated into the prayers of the motion considering the amount of funds that will be needed for its implementation in all Local Governments nationwide.

Hon. Uchenna Okonkwo also proposed an amendment to prayer 1 of the motion to also provide training programs to the beneficiaries of the machineries for their proper utilization.

Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase praised the spirit of the motion and proposed an amendment to include the procurement of herbicides, fertilizers and other agricultural inputs that boost agricultural productivity and yield to the prayers of the motion. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committees on Agricultural Production and Services, Appropriations, as well as that on Legislative Compliance.

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House Adjournment:

The House at 13:22 adjourned plenary to Wednesday, May 14th, 2025 by 11:00 A.M following a motion for adjournment moved by the Deputy Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka and seconded by the Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Aliyu Madaki.

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