Plenary proceedings of the House of Reps, Tuesday, June 24th, 2025

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

By admin , in Inside stories , at June 25, 2025 Tags: Ejiro Umukoro Publisher and Editor in Chief, House of Representatives, Investigative Journalism, 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 votes and proceedings of Thursday, June 12th, 2025.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Communication from the President:
I. Decline of Presidential Assent to the National Assembly Library Trust Fund Amendment Bill 2025 due to contradictions of some clauses with provisions of some Laws of the land. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hopes necessary steps to rectify the discrepancies will be effected.
The House Committee on Specialty Healthcare invites all interested Honorable Members to a seminar on the management of arthritis and other joint pains on Wednesday, June 25th, 2025 at Conference Room 231, House of Representatives by 10:00 AM.
Defection of Honorable Members:

I. Hon. Peter Akpanke (Cross Rivers) from PDP to APC

II. Hon. Paul Nnachi (Enugu) from Labor Party to APC

All Honorable Members of the PDP are reminded of an emergency meeting on Wednesday, June 25th, 2025 at ECOWAS, Maitama, Abuja by 19:00
Changes to the Leadership of some Standing Committees of the House was announced.

PETITION:

Hon. Jesse Onuakalusi laid a petition on behalf of a complainant on a plea for reinstatement as a cadet in the Nigeria Police Academy.

The petition was referred to the House Committee on Public Petitions.

MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:

Hon. Billy Osawaru moved a motion on the need to investigate the challenges facing the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and the Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) nationwide and it was seconded by Hon. David Agada. Hon. Osawaru in leading the debate stated that the NHIS Act which seeks to reduce the burden of healthcare for Nigerians has failed to achieve the desired objectives to provide quality and affordable healthcare services to deserving Nigerians. He stated that the HMOs have been accused of allegedly collaborating with some Health Institutions to compromise the effectiveness of the scheme by making Nigerians pay out-of-pocket for what should have been covered. Hon. Osawaru also stated that diverse unethical practices are alleged to be in practice within the system including the discharging of sub standard drugs to patients. He called on the Director General of the NHIS to interphase with the House Committee on Healthcare Services to ensure all the alleged issues are resolved. He also called on the House Committee on Healthcare Services as well as that on Health Institutions to investigate the causes of the problems and recommend lasting solutions to the House within 4 weeks. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Healthcare Services.
Hon. Sadiq Abdullahi moved a motion on the need to investigate the killing of 13 people from Kaduna state who were traveling in Plateau state and it was seconded by Hon. Muktar Shagaya. Hon. Abdullahi in leading the debate stated that the victims were innocent and unarmed travelers who were mobbed and killed by unidentified individuals. He expressed worry that issues like these threaten the right of freedom of movement for Nigerians. Hon. Abdullahi bemoaned the inability of the security agencies to arrest such perpetrators despite frequent resolutions of Parliament. He called on the Inspector General of Police, The Director General of the Department of State Services as well as the Chief of Army Staff to ensure proper security within the region. He further called on the National Emergency Management Agency to provide relief to the victims and also for the constitution of an Ad-Hoc Committee to investigate the attacks that have become too frequent.

Hon. Umar Ajilo in contributing to the debate expressed sadness over the continuing events of these such attacks and called on the people and government of Plateau state to ensure peaceful passage of travelers within their roads so that peace between people of neighboring states can be assured. The Presisding Speaker stated that it had been brought to his attention that the Plateau state Governor is actually about to visit Kaduna state to condone with the people.

Hon. Ali Isa also called on government to ensure security of lives and properties of Nigerians traveling nationwide. He proposed an amendment that the Ad-Hoc Committee should report back to the House within 2 weeks. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to an already existing Ad-Hoc Committee on security issues within and around Plateau state.

Hon. Femi Bamisile moved a motion on the urgent need to intervene on a critical road linking Oyo, Osun and Ekiti states and it was seconded by Hon. Fatoba Gbadura. Hon, Bamisile in leading the debate caled for the much needed intervention and rehabilitation on the critical road linking Oyo, Osun and Ekiti states as it is critical in the conveyance of agricultural and commercial products through this axis. He called on the Ministry of Works and Housing as well as the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to ensure the rehabilitation is carried out. Hon. Bamisile further called on the Federal Road Safety Corps to increase patrol and provide safety measures within the affected regions. He called on the Governors of Oyo, Osun and Ekiti states to work together to provide a lasting solution to the problem. He also called on the House Committee on Works as well as that on FERMA to ensure compliance. The Motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Works, FERMA as well as that on Appropriations.

PRESENTATION OF BILLS

Federal College of Health Sciences and Technology, Dala, Kano State (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2352) (Hon. Aliyu Sani Madaki) – First Reading.
Federal Institute of Mining and Geoscience, Takum, Taraba State (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2361) (Hon. Jonathan Gaza Gbefwi & two others) – First Reading.
Federal Institute of Mining and Geoscience, Gusau, Zamfara State (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2362) (Hon. Jonathan Gaza Gbefwi & Hon. Kabiru Ahmadu) – First Reading.
Federal Institute of Mining and Geoscience, Akmpakpa, Cross – River State (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2363) (Hon. Jonathan Gaza Gbefwi & Hon. Egbona Alex) – First Reading.
Federal Institute of Mining and Geoscience, Ekiti, Ikoro, Ekiti State (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2364) (Hon. Jonathan Gaza Gbefwi & Hon. Bamisile Olufemi) – First Reading.
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2025 (HB.2371) (Hon. Chinedu Ogah) – First Reading.
National Commission for Renewed Hope Agenda Trust Fund (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2372) (Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka) – First Reading.
Nigerian Correctional Service Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2374) (Hon. Olusola Steve Fatoba) – First Reading
River Basins Development Authority Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2375) (Hon. Mudashiru Lukman Alani) – First Reading.
National Human Rights Commission Bill, 2025 (HB.2376) (Hon. Abiola Makinde &Hon. Mudashiru Lukman Alani) – First Reading.
Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults (Vulnerable Groups) Establishment Bill, 2025 (HB.2377) (Hon. Oyeshina Najimdeen Oyedeji) – First Reading
Debt Management Office Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2380) (Hon. Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba) – First Reading.
Nigeria Customs Service Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2381) (Hon. Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba) – First Reading.
Civil Aviation Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2382) (Hon. Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba) – First Reading.
Nigerian Ports Authority Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2383) (Hon. Emeka Idu) – First Reading.
Federal University of Entrepreneurship Studies (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2386) (Hon. Emeka Idu) – First Reading
Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (SB.339) (Senate) – First Reading.
Federal University of Education (Technical) (Establishment)Bill, 2025 (SB.221) (Senate) – First Reading
2024 Appropriation Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2404) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere) – First Reading.
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2025 (Creation of Ethiope State) (HB.2405) (Hon. Benedict Etanabene) – First Reading.
Chartered Institute of Digital and Educational Technology (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2365) (Hon. Ahmed Yusuf Doro) – First Reading.
National Waste Management Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2379) (Hon. Gwacham Maureen Chinwe) – First Reading.
National Hospital for Women and Children (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2378) (Hon. Gwacham Maureen Chinwe) – First Reading.
Nigeria Police Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2403) (Hon. Abubakar Makki Yalleman) – First Reading
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2025 (HB.2402) (Hon. Abubakar Makki Yalleman) – First Reading.
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2025 (HB.2360) (Single Term of six year) (Hon. Ozodinobi George Ibezimako) – First Reading.

PRESENTATION OF REPORTS

Committee on Customs and Excise:
Hon. Leke Abejide:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Customs and Exercise on the issue from the Statutory Revenue Fund of the Nigeria Customs Service’s projected revenue the total sum of N1,132,548,855,205.88 (one trillion, one hundred and thirty two billion, five hundred and forty–eight million, eight hundred and fifty–five thousand, two hundred and five Naira, eighty–eight Kobo) for Nigeria Customs Service for the 2025 fiscal year, of which the sum of ₦1,070,488,214,675.04 (one trillion, seventy billion, four hundred and eighty–eight million, two hundred and fourteen thousand, six hundred and seventy–five Naira, four Kobo), based on a 4% FOB (Free on Board) Cost of Service, ₦33, 007, 042, 273. 87 (thirty–three billion, seven million, forty–two thousand, two hundred and seventy–three Naira, eighty–seven Kobo) for the Nigeria Customs Service, is for 2% share of imports VAT for 2025, ₦29,053,598,256.97 (twenty–nine billion, fifty–three million, five hundred and ninety–eight thousand, two hundred and fifty–six Naira, ninety–seven Kobo) is fund accrued for Ongoing Capital Projects, ₦247,156,436,799.26 (two hundred and forty–seven billion, one hundred and fifty–six million, four hundred and thirty–six thousand, seven hundred and ninety– nine Naira twenty–six Kobo) is for Personnel costs, ₦239,973,932,653.35(two hundred and thirty–nine billion, nine hundred and seven–three million, nine hundred and thirty–two thousand, six hundred and fifty–three Naira, thirty–five Kobo) is for Overhead costs while the sum of ₦645,418,485,753.26 (six hundred and forty–five billion, four hundred and eighteen million, four hundred and eighty–five thousand, seven hundred and fifty–three Naira, twenty–six Kobo) is for Capital costs for the fiscal year, 2025”.

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Leke Abejide and seconded by Hon. Hassan Hussain.

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, Alkaleri, Bauchi State and for Related Matters (HB. 550) (Referred: 7/3/2024).

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Patrick Umoh and seconded by Hon. Adebayo Adepoju.

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, Rigachikun, Kaduna State and for Related Matters (HB. 102) (Referred: 5/12/2024).

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Patrick Umoh and seconded by Hon. Adebayo Adepoju.

Committee on Police Affairs:
Hon. Makki Abubakar Yalleman:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Police Affairs on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigeria Police Trust Fund Act No. 6 of 2019 to Increase the duration of the Trust Fund for continued training, Provision of Security Equipment, and Related Facilities, enhance the Skills of the Personnel of the Nigerian Police and for Related Matters (HB.1720) (Referred:15/5/2025).

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Wale Ahmed.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

BILLS

A Bill for an Act to Amend the 2024 Appropriation Act to Further Extend the Capital Components of the Act From 30th June 2025 to 31st December, 2025 and for Related Matters (HB.2404) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – Second Reading.

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

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 Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Abdullahi Halims moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Ali Isa. Hon. Halims in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks to establish the jurisdiction and functions of the shipping industry and for proper regulation. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Constitution Review.

A Bill for an Act to make Agricultural Science a Core and Compulsory Subject in all Public and Private Secondary Schools in Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB. 2222) (Hon. Alex Egbona) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Alex Egbona moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Kelechi Nwogu. Hon. Egbona in leading the debate stressed the importance of agriculture in economic diversification hence the necessity for its study, which he stated should be made mandatory in order to make Nigerians knowledgeable in the agricultural field, and from a young age. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee Basic Education and Services.

A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University of Tropical Medicine, Irrua, Edo State and for Related Matters (HB.1925) (Hon. Marcus I. Onobun) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Marcus Onobun moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Chris Nkwonta. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on University Education.

A Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Act, Cap. N146, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to provide at least 15 percent of Women Representation in the Recruitment of the Corps, Require the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to Provide and maintain Gender Responsive Compliance Programme in the Recruitment, Training, Marital Status, Posting and Discipline of the Corps and Establishment of a Unit to Monitor and Maintain Records of Gender Responsive Compliance Program and for Related Matters (HB.1718) (Hon. Kafilat Ogbara) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Kafilat Ogbara moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Ayodeji Alaoakala. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Interior.

MOTIONS

Need to investigate the Abandonment of over Thirty Industrial Development Centres (IDC) Across the Country:
Hon. Emeka Idu Godwin.

The House:

Notes that over thirty Industrial Development Centres (IDCs) were established in the seventies with the objectives of providing assistance to small and medium scale industries;

Also notes that despite the four Zonal Centres located in Osogbo, Owerri, Zaria and Maiduguri, the country cannot be said to have benefitted much from the establishment.

Aware that the Osogbo IDC was established in February 1976 on 70 hectares of land by the Federal Government in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to provide technical assistance in the field of small and medium scale industries development in the country;

Observes that the Osogbo and other Centres have been neglected and abandoned over the years, leading to private entities taking over their lands and buildings;

Also aware that the main objective of establishing the centres with public funds were to promote the industrialization, reduce foreign exchange demand, and provide numerous benefits to the country.

Cognizant that the thirty Industrial Development Centres (IDCs) particularly the four Zonal Centres were fully equipped with heavy machineries for the purpose of disseminating industrial technical knowledge and skills that would have impacted tremendously on the country’s drive towards industrialization;

Concerned that over the years, virtually all of the IDCs, Staff and equipment are wasting away and some of the equipment have become obsolete;

Also concerned that although the Federal Government had handed over these Centres to the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) for some years now, nothing has been done holistically to redress the pathetic situation in these Centres;

Also cognizant that if this trend is not checked, the Country will continue to lose the benefits of industrialization, which will in turn affect the standard of living of the people.

Resolves to:

mandate the Committee on Small and Medium Scale Enterprises to investigate the neglect and abandonment of over thirty Industrial Development Centres, recommend appropriate optimal utilization for their objectives and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative action

Debate
Hon. Emeka Idu moved the motion on the need to investigate the abandonment of over thirty Industrial Development Centres (IDC) across the country and it was seconded by Hon. Dominic Okafor. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Industry.

Need for Strengthen Security in Odo-Otin/Ifelodun/Boripe Federal Constituency to Restore Banking Operations:
Hon. Olusoji Abidemi Adetunji:
 The House:

Notes that access to banking services is a fundamental driver for economic growth, financial inclusion and citizen empowerment, hence every Federal Constituency in Nigeria deserves at least one functional and secured banking institution;

Also notes that all banking operations within Odo–Otin/Ifelodun/Boripe Federal Constituency have been suspended due to persistent and violent armed robbery attacks, making financial transactions and commercial activity nearly impossible for residents and businesses;

Recalls that the attacks began on 12 February 2016 with the coordinated robbery of three banks—Skye (now Polaris), First Bank, and Union Bank in Ikirun leading to ten deaths;

Concerned that subsequent deadly robberies, including the 28th September 2021 attack on Wema Bank in Iragbiji (which left four dead), and similar incidents in Okuku and Iree, has resulted in the loss of more lives and escalated insecurity across the constituency;

Aware that the Constituency, with a population of over 800,000 across 540 km2, is served by only six police divisions, around 420 personnel, and one functional patrol vehicle, which is grossly inadequate for its security needs;

Also aware that Section 33(1) of the 1999 Constitution guarantees citizens the right to life and security, which the government is obligated to uphold;

Worried that the shutdown of banks has forced residents to travel 30 to 50 kilometres to Osogbo for basic financial services, increasing hardship and risk;

Conscious that the absence of banks undermines economic growth and worsens financial exclusion, with long-term implications for livelihoods and development;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Government to establish and implement a robust and sustainable security architecture to curb persistent armed robbery attacks, thereby enabling the safe reopening of banking institutions across Odo–Otin/Ifelodun/Boripe Federal Constituency of Osun State;

(ii) also urge the Inspector General of Police to immediately deploy sufficient, well-equipped security personnel armed with modern weapons, communication tools, and operational patrol vehicles to strategically cover key locations within the constituency and deter further criminal attacks;

(iii) mandate the Committees on Legislative Compliance and National Security and Intelligence to monitor the implementation of this resolution and ensure prompt and effective action by relevant authorities.

Debate
Hon. Olusoji Adetunji moved the motion on the need to strengthen security in Odo-Otin/Ifelodun/Boripe Federal Constituency to restore banking operations and it was seconded by Hon. Mudashiru Lukman. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence.

House Adjournment:
The House at 13:13 adjourned plenary to Wednesday, June 25th, 2025 by 11:00 A.M following a motion for adjournment moved by the Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Usman Kumo and seconded by the Minority Whip, Hon. Ali Isa.

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