Plenary proceedings, House of Reps, Tuesday, July 1st, 2025

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

By admin , in Inside stories , at July 1, 2025 Tags: #LightRayMedia, #NASS, 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 26th, 2025.

ANNOUNCEMENT:

The Clerk of the House reminded Honorable Members that the National Assembly open week commences from Tuesday, 8th July 2025 and runs through to Thursday, 10th July 2025. In line of this, there will be no plenary during the period. The event is themed and aims to create better awareness, synergy, increase civic participation as well as to build and strengthen trust between citizens and government. All Members are therefore urged to fully participate.

PETITIONS:

Hon. Jesse Onuakalusi laid 2 petitions on behalf of 2 different complainants:

I. The first is on an alleged multi billion Naira contract scam, diversion of public funds, abuse of power and use of police influence to try to block the investigation.

II. The second is on an alleged failure to adhere to the Supreme Court’s judgement.

The 2 petitions were referred to the House Committee on Public Petitions.

MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:

Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka moved a motion on the urgent need to prevent the looming threat of sanctions and suspension of Nigeria for non-remittance of arrears of cumulative contributions to the Secretariat of the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States and it was seconded by Hon. Chinedu Ogah. Hon. Isiaka in leading the debate stated that the group was constituted to promote economic development for its members through trade and other economic activities, and Nigeria has also benefited from grants from the Group. These numerous socioeconomic benefits he warned are threatened should Nigeria incur the wrath of sanctions and suspension from the Group. Hon. Isiaka stated that the unpaid dues of Nigeria runs to over a millions Euros. He called on the Federal Government to speedily settle all outstanding dues with the Group as the relationship with the Group is vital to its economic development plans. He called on the House Committee on Finance, National Planning and Economic Development as well as that on Aids and Loans Management to ensure compliance to the prayer of the motion. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Finance, Foreign Affairs, National Planning and Economic Development, Inter-Parliamentary Relations as well as to that on Aids and Loans Management
Hon. Shehu Saleh moved a motion on the need to investigate the attacks on some communities in Niger state and it was seconded by Hon. Jafaru Mohammed. Hon. Shehu in leading the debate stated that the bandits attacked military personnel and unarmed civilians alike which caused immense fear in the region. He expressed worry that if such attacks are not curtailed, socioeconomic activities may grind to a halt in the agrarian communities. Hon. Shehu called on the National Emergency Management Agency to provide relief for the victims. He also called on the relevant security agencies to deploy troops to the region to ensure the restoration of order. He commended the efforts of Governor Umar Bago for proactive measures taken to curtail the attacks. Hon. Shehu further called on the House Committee on Defense and Humanitarian Affairs to ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Defense as well as to that on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness.
Hon. Ahmed Saba moved a motion on the urgent need to address the deteriorating security situation in some communities of Kwara state and it was seconded by Hon. Chris. Nkwonta. Hon. Ahmed in leading the debate stated that the dire situation is caused by the activities of bandits and kidnappers who have continued to constitute threats to the peaceful communities and their socioeconomic activities. He also stated that the kidnappers have stepped up abductions of prominent citizens and bandits have turned the communities into a killing field. Hon. Ahmed stated that the youth have begun demonstrating and demanding immediate action from government. He expressed worry that if urgent steps are not employed by government to curb the state of insecurity, community residents may be forced to take laws into their own hands. Hon. Ahmed called on the Ministry of Defense and the Defense Headquarters to immediately deploy troops to the affected communities towards ensuring peace, safety and security of lives and properties. He also called on the Inspector General of Police to deploy officers to the region to tackle the activities of the bandits and kidnappers in the region in order to bring calm to the region. He further called on the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence as well as those over-sighting other relevant security agencies to ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Defense, Police Affairs as well as to that on National Security and Intelligence.

MATTER OF PERSONAL EXPLANATION:

Hon. Francis Waive rose on a matter of personal explanation to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting Presidential assent to the Bill establishing the Federal Medical Center in Ughelli North/ Ughelli South/ Idu Federal Constituency of Delta state.

PRESENTATION OF REPORT

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 Establish College of Nursing Sciences, Ikot Mboho, Akwa Ibom State to Provide for Training and Research in General Nursing, Midwifery and Other Specialties of Nursing and for Related Matters (HB. 2085)” (Referred:8/5/2025).

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Patrick Umoh and seconded by Hon. Ari Abdulmumin.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

BILLS

A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Teachers’ Institute Act, Cap. N79, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 for the Institute to Constitute the Membership of the Council and provide Nigeria Certificate in Education, Undergraduate, Post Graduate and Research Programmes in Teachers Education and for Related Matters (HB.879) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – Third Reading.

Debate
Hon. Julius Ihonbvere moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Ali Isa. The Bill was voted on, read for the third time and passed.

A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Colleges of Education Act, Cap. F8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Establish the Federal College of Education, (Technical) Uzebba–Iuleha, Edo State and for Related Matters (HB. 1852) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – Third Reading.

Debate
Hon. Julius Ihonbvere moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Ali Isa. The Bill was voted on, read for the third time and passed.

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) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – Third Reading.

Debate
Hon. Julius Ihonbvere moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Ali Isa. The Bill was voted on, read for the third time and passed.

A Bill for an Act to Establish Auctioneers Registration Council of Nigeria for the Purpose of Regulating and Monitoring the Business and Practice of Auctioneers and Auctioneering in Nigeria, and for Related Matters (HB.1508) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – Third
Reading.

Debate
Hon. Julius Ihonbvere moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Ali Isa. The Bill was voted on, read for the third time and passed.

A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Medical Centres Act, 2022 to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Gwadabawa, Sokoto State (HB.2241) (Hon. Isa Bello Ambarura) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Bello Ambarura moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Umar Ajilo. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Health Institutions.

A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Medical Centres Act, 2022 to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Wurno, Sokoto State and for Related Matters (Hon. Ibrahim AlMustapha Aliyu) (HB.718) – Second Reading.

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

A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Medical Centres Act, 2022 to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Ore, Ondo State and for Related Matters (HB.2158) (Hon. Adefiranye Ayodele Festus) – Second Reading.

Debate

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

A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Establishment of Federal University of Oil and Gas Technology, Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State and for Related Matters (HB.2032) (Hon. Donald Kimikanboh Ojogo) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Donald Ojogo moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Sanni Abdulraheem. 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 Federal Medical Centres Act, 2022 to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Ukana, Akwa Ibom State and for Related Matters (HB.2082) (Hon. Patrick Umoh) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Patrick Umoh moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Hussaini Jallo. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Health Institutions.

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 (Technical), Lafiagi, Kwara State and for Related Matters (HB.953) (Hon. Ahmed Adam Saba) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Ahmed Saba moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Mittema Obordor. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Federal Colleges of Education.

MOTIONS

Need to Reintroduce History in the Nigerian School Curriculum:
Hon. O. K. Chinda:

The House:

Notes that history was removed as a standalone subject from Nigeria’s basic education curriculum in 2009 and only reintroduced in 2019 after several calls by scholars, educators, and civil society groups;

Also notes that despite its reintroduction, history is still not being adequately implemented in many schools across the country due to lack of trained teachers, poor funding, and inadequate teaching materials;

Recognises that the study of history is fundamental to nation-building, civic awareness, and the preservation of national identity, values, and culture;

Concerned that the absence or poor teaching of history has contributed to a widespread lack of understanding among younger generations about Nigeria’s past, its heroes, struggles, and socio-political evolution, resulting in increased ignorance, misinformation, and intolerance;

Aware that countries across the world teach their history not only to instil patriotism but also to provide young people with critical thinking skills, context for current affairs, and a sense of belonging and purpose;

Recalls that the National Council on Education in 2019 directed the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) to work towards full reintegration of history into the curriculum at all levels of basic education;

Worried that without proper legislative backing, funding, and monitoring, the reintroduction of history risks being superficial and ineffective;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with State Ministries of Education and the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), to fully implement the reintroduction of History as a standalone and compulsory subject at primary and junior secondary school levels nationwide;

(ii) also urge the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) to include funding for history education in their intervention programmes and teacher development plans;

(iii) mandate the Committees on Basic Education and Legislative Compliance to ensure adequate oversight of the implementation process, including teacher training, curriculum review, and provision of learning materials.

Motion stepped down by leave of the House.

Need for INEC to Create More State Constituencies from Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, and Ukwuani State Constituencies of Delta State:
Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi:

The House:

Notes that Section 112 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), empowers the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to divide every state in the federation into such a number of state constituencies as is equal to three or four times the number of federal constituencies within that state;

Also notes that during the Third Republic, Ndokwa East Local Government Area was delineated into State Constituency 1 and 2 in the Delta State House of Assembly, but was later restored to a single constituency due to low population;

Further notes that Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, and Ukwuani State constituencies have tripled their populations, as evidenced in election results by INEC, thereby meeting the delineation requirements for additional constituencies;

Concerned that the current structure does not adequately reflect the population growth in these areas, leading to under-representation and inequitable resource allocation;

Worried that the lack of additional constituencies in Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, and Ukwuani State constituencies could hinder effective governance and the socio-economic development in the regions;

Cognizant of the clamour for a second constituency in Ndokwa East as initially delineated in 1993, has not been addressed despite the population growth;

Aware that Delta State currently has ten (10) Federal Constituencies and twenty–nine (29) State Constituencies, which clearly contravenes Section 112 and Section 91 of the Constitution;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to:

(a) urgently review and implement the delineation of additional state Constituencies from Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, and Ukwuani State constituencies in accordance with Section 112 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended);

(b) conduct a comprehensive population and voter registration audit in Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, and Ukwuani to ensure accurate and fair representation in the Delta State House of Assembly;

(ii) mandate the Committee on Electoral Matters to interface with INEC and other relevant stakeholders to facilitate the creation of additional constituencies in compliance with constitutional provisions;

(iii) also mandate the Committees on Electoral Matters and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Debate
Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi moved the motion on the need for INEC to create more state constituencies from Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, and Ukwuani state constituencies of Delta State and it was seconded by Hon. Kelechi Nwogu. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Electoral Matters.

Need to Regulate the Indiscriminate Increase in Airfare for Domestic Flights in Nigeria:
Hon Ahmed Yinka Aluko:

The House:

Notes that the aviation sector is a vital part of Nigeria’s transportation network, facilitating economic and social activities, and domestic flights for millions of Nigerians;

Also notes that domestic airlines in Nigeria have arbitrarily and disproportionately increased airfare, particularly for short-haul flights, with routes such as a 35-minutes flight from Ilorin to Abuja and a 25-minutes flight from Lagos to Ilorin are priced higher than longer routes like Lagos to Abuja, which is over one (1) hour despite shorter flight durations and lower operational costs;

Further notes that this unjustified pricing structure imposes severe financial strain on travellers, especially those from underserved regions who depend on air transport for business, education, and healthcare, while also discouraging passenger traffic and stifling economic growth in the aviation sector;

Aware that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) have a statutory mandate to regulate fair pricing and protect consumers from exploitative practices, yet domestic airlines continue to implement opaque fare hikes without clear justification;

Also aware that affordable air travel is essential for national integration, economic development, and accessibility, particularly for States with limited transport alternatives, but unchecked fare can lead to monopolistic tendencies, reducing competition, thereby marginalising smaller airports;

Concerned that the current pricing model in Nigeria discourages investment in regional aviation infrastructure, as exorbitant fares reduce passenger demand and undermine the federal government’s efforts to improve connectivity;

Observes that other countries with similar aviation markets have implemented fare regulations or price transparency policies to prevent arbitrary increases, ensuring that air travel remains accessible without compromising airline profitability;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to undertake a comprehensive review of airfare pricing structures in Nigeria, with particular emphasis on short-haul domestic flights, and to take appropriate enforcement action against airlines found guilty in exploitative pricing practices;

(ii) also urge the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to:

(a) collaborate with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to develop and implement fair pricing guidelines and regulatory frameworks that ensure airlines adhere to transparent, justifiable, and non-discriminatory pricing practices across all domestic routes;

(b) establish a robust monitoring and evaluation mechanism under the NCAA to continuously track airfare trends, identify unjustifiable price increases, and take prompt regulatory action to protect consumer interests;

(iii) mandate the Committees on Aviation and Commerce to interface with relevant stakeholders, including airline operators, consumer protection agencies, and passenger associations, to develop a comprehensive framework for fair airfare pricing and consumer protection in the aviation sector.

Motion stepped down by leave of the House.

Need to Control Erosion in Mashi/Dutsi Federal Constituency of Katsina State:
Hon Salisu Yusuf Majigiri:

The House:

Notes that the Meteorological Agency predicts high rain and flood overflow in Katsina State in 2025, requiring urgent attention to save lives and properties in the area;

Aware of the need to address the ravaging effects of gully erosion in Katsina -Daura Road including Mashi Police Station, INEC Office, Federal Medical Centre, Kano-Jigawa-Katsina- Maradi rail line (international rail linking Nigeria to Niger Republic) and communities in Mashi Takalafiya, Kashe Naira, Katoge, Tsoma, Mashi Arewa, Marna Mashi, Tsugudidi, Katoge, U/G Gabas and Mashi Market;

Disturbed that the erosion threatens communities’ access to livelihoods, security of lives and properties, food security, property destruction, joblessness, and social/economic instability in the communities;

Also aware of the adverse effects of the erosions on the roads and communities have been ignored, and if not checked, may deny the residents access to schools and farmlands as well as cut off the rail linking Nigeria to Niger Republic through Kayawa, Shargalle, Karawa, Jana, Mashi/Katoge, Tsoma and Zabaro, which may eventually lead to death trap and loss of goods and services worth millions of naira, and loss of agricultural produce;

Cognisant of the provisions of Section 2(1) and (2) of the National Environmental (Soil and Erosion and Food Control) Regulations, 2011, on the objectives of the regulations which protect human life and environments, similarly, Section 14(2) (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government;

Resolves to:

(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Environment and other relevant agencies to take a holistic approach in containing the gully erosion menace in Mashi/Dutsi Federal Constituency of Katsina State;

(ii) also urge the Ecological Fund Office to find a lasting solution to the gully erosion on these roads and communities in the Mashi/Dutsi Federal Constituency of Katsina State;

(iii) mandate the Committees on the Environment and Ecological Fund to ensure compliance.

Debate
Hon. Salisu Majigiri moved the motion on the need to control erosion in Mashi/Dutsi Federal Constituency of Katsina state and it was seconded by Hon. Zakaria Nyampa. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Environment as well as to that on Ecological Fund.

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

A Bill for an Act to Amend the Orthopaedic Hospitals Management Board Act, Cap. O10 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to provide for Establishment of Orthopaedic Hospitals Toro, Bauchi State and for Related Matters (SB.364) (Senate) (Leader) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – Committee of the Whole: 12/3/2025.

Synopsis of the report:
Hon. Julius Ihonbvere stated that the Bill was sent from the Senate to the House for concurrence. He urged Members to support it as it seeks the establishment of the orthopedic hospital for the benefit of people living in Toro, Bauchi state and its environs.

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

Committee on University Education:
Hon. Fulata Hassan.
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on University Education on a Bill for an Act to Establish Akanu Ibiam Federal University of Technology, Unwana, Ebonyi State to Provide Training and Teaching Instruction in every aspect of Education and 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.672) and approve recommendations therein” (Laid: 14/1/2025).

Consideration of report deferred by leave of the House

Committee on Health Institutions:
Hon. Patrick Umoh.
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Amend the University Teaching Hospitals (Reconstitution of Board, Etc.) Act Cap. U15, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and for Related Matters and approve recommendations therein” (HB.1445) (Laid 6/2/2025).

Synopsis of the report:
Hon. Patrick Umoh stated that the Bill seeks to amend the Principal Act (Section 22) to accommodate the recommendation.