Nigeria National Assembly: Plenary proceedings, House of Reps, Wednesday, May 14th, 2025

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

By admin , in Inside stories , at May 15, 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, May 13th, 2025.

ANNOUNCEMENT:

All Honorable Members intending to perform the 2025 Hajj exercise should forward their visa and tickets to the Office of the Chairman, House Committee on Islamic Pilgrims Affairs before May 15th, 2025.

PETITIONS:

Hon. Obinna Aguocha laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the Nigeria Police on alleged discrimination, injustice and denial of his financial rights.
Hon. Iyawe Esosa laid a petition on behalf of some complainants against NIPOST on alleged unlawful policies that has proved detrimental to dispatch riders and is making the discharge of their services burdensome.
Hon. Aliyu laid a petition on behalf of a community on urgent need for investigation into the alleged increases banditry attack on their community as a result of the alleged withdrawal of military personnel earlier guarding the community. They petitioned that the cases of the banditry attacks have increased since the alleged withdrawal of the military personnel.

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

MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:

Hon. Bitrus Laori moved a motion on the need to mitigate the spread of diphtheria in Nigeria and it was seconded by Hon. Muktar Shagaya. Hon. Laori in leading the debate stated that diphtheria has become a critical issue in Nigeria as its first outbreak claimed over 20 lives in Borno state. He stated that the disease has a high spread rate hence the need for the urgent need to mitigate its spread.

Hon. Laori also called for early detection and proper treatment for patients so that they do not spread the highly contagious disease. He expressed alarm at the high rate of the spread of the disease especially in Northern Nigeria. He called on the Ministry of Health as well as the National Center for Disease Control to employ all measures to mitigate the further spread of the disease. Hon. Laori also called on the House Committee on Health as well as that on Health Institutions to ensure assistance for the implementation and compliance to the prayers of the motion. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Health Institutions as well as that on Information and National Orientation.

Hon. Kafilat Ogbara moved a motion on the urgent need to investigate the fire outbreak and the resultant security threat in Owode market of Kosofe Federal constituency in Lagos state and it was seconded by Hon. Abdumumin Ari. Hon. Kafilat in leading the debate expressed sadness at the loss suffered by traders of the market. She bemoaned the high level of insecurity in the area that may have caused the inferno.She also expressed worry at the delay in response measures and inadequate infrastructural integrity.

She called on the Nigeria Police and Lagos state government to investigate the true cause of the inferno and ensure safety of life and property within the area and that the National Emergency Management Agency, Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation should provide immediate relief support to traders and victims of the disaster. Hon. Kafilat also called on the House Committee on Disaster Management and Preparedness to ensure compliance.

Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka proposed an amendment to prayer 1 to urge the Federal Government and not the Lagos state government to handle the investigation, so that the House does not fall in violation of the relevant Laws. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committee on Police Affairs, Emergency Management and Disaster Preparedness as well as that on Humanitarian Affairs.

Hon. Mohammed Bargaja moved a motion on the urgent need to investigate the mass killing and looting within communities in Sokoto state and it was seconded by Hon. Garba Shehu. Hon. Mohammed in leading of the debate stated that the said attacks has led to mass displacement of people for the fear of also falling victims. He stated that lives and properties worth millions have been lost to the bandits and it is seriously disturbing the socioeconomic activities of residents as well as the peaceful harmony among the communities.

Hon. Mohammed expressed worry at the high probability of food insecurity if farmers are not able to work to provide food for the immediate communities and the rest of the country. He called on the Chief of Defense Staff to ensure the deployment of essential security personnel to maintain peace and order within the region and that the Ministry of Internal Affairs and all other relevant relief providing Ministries and Agencies should provide relief to the affected victims. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Defense, Humanitarian Affairs as well as that on National Disaster and Emergency Preparedness.

PRESENTATION OF BILLS

North–Central Development Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2307) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere) – First Reading.
South–South Development Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2308) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere) – First Reading.
South–West Development Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2306) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere) – First Reading.
State Police Service Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.1710) (Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai) – First Reading.
Federal Tourist Centre, Oshimili, Delta State (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2147) (Hon. Okolie Ngozi Lawrence) – First Reading.
Federal Orthopaedic Hospitals Management Board Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (SB.169) (Senate) – First Reading.
Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2270) (Hon. Esosa Iyawe) – First Reading.
Nigeria Police Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2257) (Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai) – First Reading.
Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2258) (Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai) – First Reading.
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2025 (Creation of Bodzo Local Government Area) (HB.2318) (Hon. Ahmed Adamu Saba) – First Reading.
Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2309) (Hon. Fuad Kayode Laguda) – First Reading.
Federal University of Economics (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2310) (Hon. Fuad Kayode Laguda) – First Reading.
Council of Economic Education Bill, 2025 (HB.2311) (Hon. Fuad Kayode Laguda) – First Reading.
Abuja Environmental Protection Board (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2312) (Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara) – First Reading.
Abuja Broadcasting Corporation (Establishment) Bill, 2025(HB.2313) (Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara) – First Reading.
Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2314) (Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara) – First Reading.
University Teaching Hospitals (Reconstitution of Boards, etc.) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2315) (Hon. Mudashiru Lukman Alani) – First Reading.
Nigerian Customs Training College, Oghara (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2316) (Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu) – Second Reading.
Nigerian Paramedic College, Isiokolo (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2317) (Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu) – Second Reading.

ORDERS OF THE DAY
BILLS

Hon. Francis Waive moved a motion that the House suspend its relevant rules to allow for the commencement and conclusion of the amendment Bills of the regional Development Commissions and it was seconded by Hon. Aliyu Madaki.

A Bill for an Act to Amend the North–Central Development Commission Act, 2025 and for Related Matters (HB.2307) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Julius Ihonbvere moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Aliyu Madaki. Hon. Ihonbvere in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks to amend the Act to expand its effectiveness and reach to the concerned region and ensure proper implementation and administration of its functions. 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 South–South Development Commission Act, 2025 and for Related Matters (HB.2308) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere) – Second Reading.

A Bill for an Act to Amend the South–West Development Commission Act, 2025 and for Related Matters (HB.2306) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere) – Second Reading.

A Bill for an Act to amend the South East Development Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (SB 568) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere) – Second Reading.

A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Establishment of Nigerian Institute of Agricultural and Applied Economics to Regulate, Control and Determine the Standard of Knowledge to be Attained by Persons Seeking to Become Members of the Institute and for Related Matters (HB.1351) (Hon Benjamin Kalu and eight others) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Muktar Shagaya 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 Agricultural Colleges and Institutions.

A Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (Establishment) Act, No.35, 2022 and for Related Matters (HB. 2108) (Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade) – Second Reading

Debate
Hon. Abiodun Akinlade moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Abbas Adigun.

Hon. Oyedeji OyeShina called for the proposed Investigative Bereau to be truly independent and stand on its own so that its functions cannot be manipulated.

Hon. Akinlade in exercising his right of reply stated that it should be under the Presidency and not under the ministry of Aviation as it is presently, this he stated is so that the right regulations can be applied from the highest level, as against being under a single agency or ministry. This position was reiterated by Hon. Stanley Olajide. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Special Duties as well as that on Aviation.

A Bill for an Act to Establish Chartered Institute of Financial and Investment Analysts of Nigeria, to Regulate and Control the Practice of Financial and Investment Analysts in Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB.336) (Hon. Whingan Sesi Oluwaseun) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Whingan Oluwaseun moved for the second reading of the Bill. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading referred to the House Committee on Commerce.

A Bill for an Act to Establish Chartered Institute of Nigerian Universities Professional Administrators charged with the Responsibility for Advancing the Study, Training and Practice of Universities Professional Administrators and for Related Matters (HB.784) (Hon. Paschal Agbodike) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Paschal Agbodike moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Idu Emeka. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Commerce.

A Bill for an Act to Establish National Vocational and Entrepreneurship Institute, Jos, Plateau State to Provide Full and Part Time Courses of Instruction in different Fields of Study and for Related Matters (HB.1186) (Hon. Daniel Asama Ago) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Daniel Asama moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Salisu Koko. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Alternative Education.

MOTIONS

Irregularities in the Remittance of two percent Surcharge on Import of Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) by the Nigeria Customs Service and the Federal Ministry of Finance in line with RMRDC (Amendment) Act:
Hon. Aliyu Mustapha Abdullahi:

The House:

Notes that the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) was established in 1987 under the Science and Technology Act, 2004 to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported raw materials;

Also notes that its primary mission is to promote research, development and the utilization of locally available raw materials to stimulate industrial growth and economic diversification;

Aware that the RMRDC Act was repealed and enacted in 2022 with the import surcharge increased from one to two percent to adequately fund the Council’s operations and mandate;

Aware that the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Nigeria Customs Service and the Budget Office are responsible for ensuring the accurate collection, remittance, and budgeting of the two percent surcharge to enable the Council plan and execute its statutory obligations effectively;

Concerned that there are persistent irregularities in the calculation of the remittance of the two percent import surcharge to RMRDC;

Also concerned that presently the Raw Material Research and Development Council is being paid a negligible amount of about 0.05%, of which sources cannot be defined, and the lack of transparency and accountability in the remittance process contravenes the intent and provisions of Section 12(1)(b) of the RMRDC Act, 2022;

Worried that the irregularities or discrepancies and lack of clarity created in the disbursement of the fund arbitrarily void the provision of the law and have greatly hampered the development of the nation and continue to serve as a clog in the wheel of progress;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Nigeria Customs Service to provide a detailed explanation of the methodology and criteria used in determining the two percent import surcharge remittance and publish a transparent framework for calculating and implementing the two percent surcharge in compliance with the RMRDC’s Act, 2022;

(ii) also urge the Federal Ministry of Finance to ensure accurate calculation and immediate remittance of all arrears of the two percent surcharge to the RMRDC; and

(iii) mandate the Committees on Science Research Institutions, Finance and Customs and Excise to investigate the irregularities and report within four (4) weeks further legislative action.

Debate
Hon. Aliyu Abdullahi moved the motion on the irregularities in the remittance of two percent surcharge on import of Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) by the Nigeria Customs Service and the Federal Ministry of Finance in line with RMRDC (Amendment) Act and it was seconded by Hon. Aliyu Missau. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Science Research Institutions, Finance as well as that on Customs.

Devastating Gully Erosion in Idah/Igala-Mela/Ofu Federal Constituency of Kogi State:
Hon. David Idris Zacharias:

The House:

Notes that the problem of soil erosion faces Nigeria like many other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, and this is mainly due to very high-intensity rainfall that results in heavy runoff and soil loss;

Also notes that the Idah/Igala-mela/Ofu Federal Constituency of Kogi State has continued to face the challenge of gully erosion and this has become the greatest threat to the environment in most parts of the constituency;

Worried that the Idah/Igala-mela/Ofu Federal Constituency of Kogi State has become home to several gully erosion sites, especially at Angwa by Oga Primary School in Idah town, Idah LGA; Ajaka town in Igalamela-Odolu LGA; and Itobe New Layout, Ajegwu, Aloji, Umomi, and Ugwolawo towns in Ofu LGA;

Also worried that gully erosion in the federal constituency has the effect of loss of land for agriculture and for habitation, lives and property, roads, and cultivated lands being washed away;

Regrets that communities in the federal constituency are being separated because of very wide gullies that may in some cases reach a depth of about 25 meters and a length of about 2 kilometers;

Concerned that the gully erosions have made inter-community movement almost impossible, and adversely affects trading activities, movement of farm produce, and access to educational and health facilities in some cases;

Aware that with the increased of human development activities and adverse environmental changes, the magnitude of the gully erosion in the Federal Constituency will increase if urgent preventive steps are not taking;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Environment, Ecological Project Office in conjunction with the Kogi State government address gully erosion in Idah/Igala-mela/Ofu Federal Constituency and other affected Communities;

(ii) also urge National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to send relief materials to the affected communities in Idah/Igala-Mela/Ofu Federal Constituency of Kogi State;

(iii) mandate the Committee on Environment to interface with the Federal Ministry of Environment, Ecological Project Office to address the gully erosion in the affected communities of Idah/Igala-mela/Ofu Federal Constituency;

Debate
Hon. David Zacharias moved the motion on devastating gully erosion in Idah/Igala-Mela/Ofu Federal Constituency of Kogi State and it was seconded by Hon. Abdullahi Halims. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Environment.

Need to Address the Decline of Bompai, Sharada and Chalawa Industrial Estate in Kano State:
Hon. Hassan Shehu Hussain:

The House:

Notes that the historic economic growth and industrial activities in Kano and other parts of Northern Nigeria have been partly due to the contribution of industrial activities at Bompai, Sharada, and Chalawa industrial estates, Kano;

Also notes that the three industrial estates have an estimated 1000 manufacturing industries;

Recalls that the estates host a wide range of industries, including textiles, Motor Vehicle Assembly, food and beverages, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, steelworks, tanneries, packaging, agro-sacks, and plastics;

Recognizes that the estates previously employed an estimated one million, five hundred thousand (1.5) skilled and unskilled workers, thereby supporting the livelihoods of numerous households;

Acknowledges the crucial role the industrial estates played in catalyzing economic activities in Northern Nigeria and neighboring countries such as Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and Mali, reaffirming Kano’s position as an economic hub for the region;

Aware that the estates contribute significant revenue to Kano State and the Federal Government of Nigeria, in addition to bolstering the country’s industrial capacity and Gross Domestic Product (GDP);

Also aware of the report by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) that there has been a consistent decline in industrial and manufacturing activities in the estates since 2014, thereby diminishing Kano’s standing as one of Nigeria’s industrial hubs;

Concerned that the estates are now reduced to mere warehouses, rented out for storage, rather than being active production centers;

Also concerned that the decline can be attributed to a lack of basic infrastructure, such as a reliable power and water supplies, railway collapse, poor road conditions, multiple taxation, and the long distance between Kano and the nation’s seaports;

Worried about the impact that the decline in manufacturing activities in the estates is having on Kano, particularly in relation to the rising unemployment among the youth and the increasing instances of despair, thereby contributing to insecurity within the state and the surrounding region;

Also worried that the social and economic effects of this industrial decline are further exacerbated by the current economic challenges due to the removal of fuel subsidies;

Concerned that these conditions together represent a potential crisis that, if unaddressed, could be exploited by malicious actors to incite social unrest and tension in Kano and the country in general;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on the state of Bompai, Sharada, and Chalawa Industrial Estates by collaborating with relevant agencies, such as the Federal Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment, and the Bank of Industry (BOI), to establish a credit scheme to support the revitalization of the ailing industries in the Estate;

(ii) urge the Federal Government to withdraw incentives that favour the importation of products that can be manufactured locally to reduce unnecessary competition and protect the domestic market, thereby allowing indigenous industries and manufacturers to thrive;

(iii) mandate the Committee on Industry to liaise with the Federal Ministries of Trade, Industry and Investment, Works, and Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) to collaborate with the government of Kano State to address the challenges of multiple taxation, poor road networks, and inadequate energy supply faced by the industrial estates;

(iv) also mandate the Committees on Industry and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.

Debate
Hon. Hassan Hussain moved the motion on the need to address the decline of Bompai, Sharada and Chalawa Industrial Estate in Kano State and it was seconded by Hon. Mohammed Shehu. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Industry as well as that on Commerce.

CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE) Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu Chaired:

13. A Bill for an Act to Amend the North–Central Development Commission Act, 2025 and for Related Matters (HB.2307) (Leader) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – Committee of the Whole: 14/5/2025.

Synopsis of the report:
Hon. Julius Ihonbvere stated that the Bill seeks to promote more efficiency of the discharge of the Commission’s duties.

Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-4

A Bill for an Act to Amend the South–South Development Commission Act, 2025 and for Related Matters (HB.2308) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – Committee of the Whole: 14/5/2025.

Synopsis of the report:
Hon. Julius Ihonbvere stated that the Bill seeks to promote more efficiency in the discharge of the Commission’s duties.

Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-4

A Bill for an Act to Amend the South–West Development Commission Act, 2025 and for Related Matters (HB.2306) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – Committee of the Whole: 14/5/2025.

Synopsis of the report:
Hon. Julius Ihonbvere stated that the Bill seeks to promote more efficiency in the discharge of the Commission’s duties.

Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-4

A Bill for an Act to Amend the South East Development Commission Act and for Related Matters (SB.568) – Committee of the Whole: 12/3/2025.

Synopsis of the report:
Hon. Julius Ihonbvere stated that the Bill seeks to promote more efficiency in the discharge of the Commission’s duties.

Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-4

17. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act, Cap. A12, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (as amended) to make Provision for Establishment of &nbsp;Federal College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Umaisha, Toto Local Government Area, Nasarawa State and &nbsp;for Related Matters (SB.56) &nbsp;(Leader) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency)Committee of the Whole: 15/10/2024).

Synopsis of the report:
Hon. Julius Ihonbvere stated that the Bill seeks to amend the existing Act to establish the proposed college of fisheries for the development of research and knowledge in the sector for interested individuals.

Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-3

Committee on Science and Technology:
Hon. Zakariya Tijjani Zannah:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Science and Technology a Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal Institute of Technology, Ikpoba–Okha, Edo State charged with the Responsibility, amongst other things, for the Conduct of Research into any branch of Technological and Management Sciences Courses and for Related Matters (HB. 636) and approve Recommendations therein” (Laid: 17/12/2024).

Consideration of the report stepped down by the leave of the House

Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education:
Hon. Fuad Kayode Laguda.
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education on a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Vocational and Entrepreneurship Institute, Okota/Oshodi, Lagos State, to Provide Qualitative Education in Vocational and Entrepreneurship and for Related Matters (HB. 226) and approve Recommendations therein” (Laid: 28/11/2024)

Synopsis of the report:
Hon. Fuad Laguda called on Honorable Members to support the establishment of the proposed vocational and entrepreneurship Institute for the promotion of studies of knowledge for independent wealth creation for Nigerians.

Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-25

Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education:
Hon. Fuad Kayode Laguda.
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Polytechnics Act, Cap. F17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Establish Federal Institute of Technical and Vocational Education, Imeko, Ogun State for the purpose of Providing Qualitative Education in Technical Education and Vocational Education and for Related Matters (HB. 506) and approve Recommendations therein”(Laid:28/11/2024).

Synopsis of the report:
Hon. Fuad Laguda called on Honorable Members to support the establishment of the proposed Institute to support the development of technical education in the region for interested individuals.

Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-35

Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education:
Hon. Fuad Kayode Laguda:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education on a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Vocational and Skills Acquisition College Yankaba, Kano State to Provide for Research, Teaching, Instruction and Training on Vocational and Skills Acquisition and for Related Matters (HB.592) and approve Recommendations therein” (Laid: 28/11/2024).

Synopsis of the report:
Hon. Fuad Laguda called on Honorable Members to support the establishment of the proposed college for the promotion of alternative skill acquisition for deepening of knowledge for independent engagement in productivity to boost private sector development in Nigeria.

Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-22

HOUSE IN PLENARY:

The House reverted to plenary and adopted the report of the Committee of the Whole following a motion by Hon. Julius Ihonbvere and seconded by Hon. Aliyu Madaki.

House Adjournment:
The House at 13:20 adjourned plenary to Thursday, May 15th, 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 Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Aliyu Madaki.

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