Nigeria National Assembly: Plenary, House of Reps, Thursday, July 3rd, 2025

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

By admin , in Ignite , at July 3, 2025 Tags: #LightRayMedia, #NASS, Ejiro Umukoro Publisher and Editor in Chief, House of Representatives, Investigative 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 Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

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.
Defection of Honorable Members:

I. Hon. Unyime Idem (Akwa Ibom) from PDP to APC

II.Hon. Martins Esin (Akwa Ibom) from PDP to APC

III. Hon. Uduak Odudoh (Akwa Ibom) from PDP to APC

IV. Hon. Etteh Ikpong (Akwa Ibom) from PDP to APC

V. Hon. Emmanuel Ekon from YPP to APC

VI. Hon. Okon Bassey from PDP to APC

VII. Hon. Paul Ekpo from PDP to APC.

Members of the Nigeria-United States of America Parliamentary Friendship Group will be having a meeting on Monday, July 7th, 2025 at Room 348, House of Representatives (New Wing) by 12:00.
The House Committee on Public Accounts announced that there will be a conference on Public Accounts and Responsible Governance holding at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel on Monday, July 7th, 2025 by 10:00.

PETITIONS:

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

I. The first is against an Officer Jonathan of the Nigerian Army Engineering Corp on alleged gross violation of Human Rights and abuse of power.

II. The second is against the Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Mining on alleged failure to respect a legal agreement.

Hon. Tanko Adamu laid a petition on behalf of a complainant asking for reinstatement into an Agency of Government from which he was allegedly wrongfully terminated.

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

MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:

Hon. Hussaini Jallo moved a motion on the need to address the devastation caused by rain storms in communities of Kaduna state and it was seconded by Hon. Aliyu Misau. Hon. Jallo in leading the debate stated that the disaster occurred on Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 and severely affected hundreds of homes, farmlands and other infrastructur leading to the displacement of several people. He called on the National Emergency Management Agency and other relevant Agencies to provide relief to the affected people. Hon. Jallo further called on the House Committee on NEMA, Rural Electrification as well as that on Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.

Hon. Ahmed Jaha commiserated with the victims and added that the rains of this year has wreaked tremendous havoc on many communities nationwide, especially within Northern Nigeria. He proposed an amendment for the prayers of the motion to cover affected communities in Borno state and that the North East Development Commission (NEDC) should also provide relief to the victims. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, NEDC as well as to that on Rural Electrification.

Hon. Zakaria Nyampa moved a motion on the incessant kidnappings and killings in communities of Adamawa state and it was seconded by Hon. Idem Unyime. Hon. Zakaria In leading the debate stressed the need to contain the dastardly activities of bandits and kidnappers in the affected communities in Adamawa state as it has had the negative effects of hindering socioeconomic activities of the residents which is sure to lead to food insecurity in the region. He stated that the effects have spread terror in many communities in the region. Hon. Zakaria bemoaned the absence of adequate security which has emboldened the bandits to continue their attacks unabated. He called on the Chief of Defense Staff, Chief of Army Staff as well as the Inspector General of Police to deploy sufficient manpower to the region and ensure the nefarious activities of the bandits and kidnappers are fully contained. He stressed that the people of the region, being Nigerians deserve to live in a peaceful, secure and prosperous environment within their communities. He further called on the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Defense as well as that on Police Affairs to ensure compliance. He further called on the National Emergency Management Agency to provide adequate relief for the affected people. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Defense, National Security, Police Affairs as well as to that on National Disaster Preparedness.
Hon. Suleiman Abubakar moved a motion on the urgent need to contain the high level of killings in communities around Gumi in Zamfara state and it was seconded by Hon. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa. Hon. Suleiman in leading the debate stated that the activities of armed bandits in the region has become alarming as it seems to be a daily occurrence. He stated that the attacks have led to large migration and displacement of people as they feel helpless and at the mercy of these bandits. Hon. Suleiman stated the that the bandits have rustled all the cattle in the region and completely taken over the socioeconomic means of livelihood of the residents. He called on the Chief of Defense Staff, Chief of Army Staff as well as the Inspector General of Police to deploy sufficient manpower to the region and ensure the nefarious activities of the bandits and kidnappers are fully contained. He also called on the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to come to the aid of the displaced persons. He then called on the House Committee on House Committee on Defense, Army, Police Affairs, Emergency and Disaster Preparedness as well as that on Internally Displaced Persons to ensure compliance

Hon. Awaji Dagomie Abiante proposed an amendment that the relevant security agencies to adopt technology in aerial surveillance of all these regions suffering frequent banditry attacks. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committee on Defense, Army, Police Affairs, Emergency and Disaster Preparedness as well as to that on Internally Displaced Persons.

Hon. Donald Kimikanboh moved a motion on the need for the Federal Government to intervene in communities of Ondo state ravaged by flood disasters and it was seconded by Hon. David Agada. Hon. Donald in leading the debate stressed the need for the urgent intervention of government as the floods which begun on the 1st of July has affected three-quarters of communities in the state. He stated that numerous, houses, businesses, farmlands and public facilities have been partially or completely damaged by the floods. Hon. Donald called on the National Emergency Management Agency to provide relief for the displaced persons and that the Government should provide special funds to ensure Erosion diversion mechanisms are put in place. He further called on the House Committee on Environment as well as that on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness to ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Environment as well as to that on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness.

ADMITTANCE INTO CHAMBER

Admittance into the Chamber:
Hon. Julius O. Ihonvbere:
“That the House, pursuant to Order Six, Rule 4 (1) and (2) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives, do admit into the Chamber, Delegates to the 8th Conference Network of the African Parliamentarian on Defense and Security Committees (REPAM – CDS) Abuja for the purpose of observing the House Proceedings”.

Hon. Julius Ihonbvere moved the motion for admittance of the dignitaries into the Hallowed Chambers of the House and it was seconded by Hon. Kingsley Chinda.

PRESENTATION OF BILLS

National Directorate of Employment Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.1908) (Hon. Eze Nwachukwu Eze) – First Reading
Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.1928) (Hon. Eze Nwachukwu Eze) – First Reading
Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2433) (Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu) – First Reading
Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Omuo- Ekiti, Ekiti State (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2424) (Hon. Bamisile Olufemi Richard) – First Reading
Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2423) (Hon. Dalhatu Shehu) – First Reading
Matrimonial Causes Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2425) (Hon. Festus Akingbaso) – First Reading
Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2426) (Hon. Festus Akingbaso) – First Reading
Administration of Criminal Justice Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2427) (Hon. Festus Akingbaso) – First Reading
Cocoa Research Institute, Idanre, Ondo State (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2428) (Hon. Festus Akingbaso) – First Reading
Federal College of Health and Dental Technology, Ifedore, Ondo State (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2429) (Hon. Festus Akingbaso) – First Reading
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2025 (HB.2430) (Hon. Aminu Jamo Daura) – First Reading
Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025. (HB.2431) (Hon. Aminu Jamo Daura) – First Reading
Wildlife Conservation Research Institute, Pandam, Qua’an Pan Local Government Area, Plateau State (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2432) (Hon. John Moenwul Dafaan, Hon. Ahmed Idris) – First Reading

PRESENTATION OF REPORT

Report of the 19th Session of the Parliamentary Union of Islamic Conference (PUIC) of OIC Member States:
Hon. Adamu Ibrahim Gamawa:
“That the House do receive the Report of the 19th Session of the Parliamentary Union of Islamic Conference (PUIC) of OIC Member States and Related Meetings Under the Theme: “PUIC Silver Jubilee/Sound Governance and Strong Institutions as Pillars of Resilience” held at the Parliament of Indonesia, Jakarta, Republic of Indonesia from 14 – 15 May, 2025”

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Adamu Ibrahim and seconded by Hon. Hassan Hussaini.

ORDERS OF THE DAY
BILLS

A Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps Act Cap. N 135, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and for Related Matters (HB.2174) (Hon. Adewale Hammed) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Adewale Hammed moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Muktar Shagaya. Hon. Adewale in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks to amend the Principal Act (Section 2, 3 & 4) to properly place the Technical Aid Corp which was originally established to promote development and technical know how with other African and Caribbean States. The amendment seeks to accommodate such recent factors as disaster management, climate change, food security etc. He stated that the amendment further seeks to ensure Nigerians take full advantage of the Corps’ collective advantages. He urged Members to support it for the promotion of national development. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on National Policies.

A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Institute of Mining and Geosciences, Takum, Taraba State to Provide Courses of Instruction, Training and Research in the Exploration and Exploitation of Minerals for National Development and for Related Matters (HB.2361) (Hon. Jonathan Gaza Gbefwi and Hon. Sadiq Tafida) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Gaza Gbefwi moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Kelechi Nwogu. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Solid Minerals Development.

A Bill for an Act to Amend the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, Cap A12, Law of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Establish Federal College of Agriculture, Ijebu Ijesa, Osun State and for Related Matters (HB.70) (Hon. Oluwole Oke) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Oluwole Oke moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Bamidele Salam. 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 Establish Climate Resilient Commerce in Nigeria to Establish a framework for Climate Resilient Commerce in Nigeria, Promoting Sustainable Economic Growth, and Reducing the Vulnerability of Nigerian Businesses in Climate Related Risks and for Related Matters (HB. 2206) (Hon. Ahmed Munir) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Ahmed Munir moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Chike Okafor. Hon. Munir in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks a better sustainable framework for ensuring climate resilient agriculture and commerce in Nigeria to ensure food security and prosperity security despite fluctuations in climate change. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Commerce.

A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Universities of Agriculture Act, Cap. F22 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (as amended) to make provision for the Establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture, Ningi, Bauchi State and for Related Matters (HB. 890) (Hon. Hashimu Adamu Ranga) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Hashimu Ranga moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Kalejaye Paul. 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 Federal Colleges of Education Act, No. 43, 2023 to Establish Federal College of Education (Technical) Ibi, Taraba State for Related Matters (HB. 2025) (Hon. Ayuba Aboki Zaku Dampar) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Ayuba Dampar 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 Federal Colleges of Education.

A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to create Additional Local Government Areas in Imo State and for Related Matters (HB. 2236) (Hon. Amadi Akarachi Etinosa) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Amadi Akarachi moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Uchenna Okonkwo. Hon. Amadi in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks to add 4 more Local Governments to Imo state and urged Members to support it. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on the Review of the Constitution.

A Bill for an Act to Provide Legal framework for Free Internet Access Programme in selected Public Places in Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB. 1751) (Hon. Abubakar Yahaya Kusada) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Abubakar Kusada moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Dennis Agbo. Hon. Kusada in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks to provide the necessary legal framework and legal foundation to ensure reputable and reliable internet service providers are engaged in providing free internet access in government selected public places for development of educational learning and research, as well as to ensure smarter means of work, cybersecurity and communication.

Hon. Kingsley Chinda reminded Members that providing internet has been privatized, so government must pay and coming as a Bill will mean if it is violated by Government, it can be hounded. He called on Hon. Kusada to rather bring it back as a Motion, instead as passing it as a Bill.

Hon. Oluwole Oke also reiterated the notion, asking who bears the cost? He stated that the cost of free internet currently in place is built into services provided where they exist.

Hon. Dennis Agbo in his contribution stated that the Bill seeks the legal framework for the provision of free internet as is obtainable in other parts of the world. He stated that it is important to at least provide the framework before the means of implementation can be put in place. He urged Members to support it.

Hon. Kusada in exercising his right of reply stated that the Bill simply seeks to ensure a proper system for coordinating critical and necessary free internet access when achievable. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Digital and Information Technology.

A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal University of Environmental Science, Ohaaukwu, Ebonyi State and for Related Matters (HB. 284) (Hon. Eze Nwachukwu Eze) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Eze Nwachukwu moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Regina Akume. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on University Education.

A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of the Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery Ikara, Kaduna State and for Related Matters (HB.1785) (Hon. Aliyu Mustapha Abdullahi) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Aliyu Abdullahi moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Murtala Banye. 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 Nigeria Meteorological Agency Act, No. 29, 2022 and for Related Matters (HB. 3009) (Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Abiodun Akinlade moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Abubakar Fulata. Hon. Akinlade in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks to amend the Principal Act to ensure NIMET functions optimally to promote economic growth. The Bill he stated also seeks more funding for NIMET by securing a percentage of funds from agencies it regulates as well as to provide a sound legal framework for NIMET’s operations. He urged Members to support it. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Aviation Technology.

A Bill for an Act to Repeal the River – Basins Development Authorities Act, Cap. R9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the River – Basins Development Authorities Bill for equitable distribution of River – Basins Development Authorities in Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB.902) (Hon. Eze Nwachukwu) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Eze Nwachukwu moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Chimaobi Sam. Hon. Eze in leading the debate stated the the Bill seeks to repeal the Principal Act and reenact the proposed one to address the injustice and inequality faced by the South East which has only 1 River Basin as against all other geo-political zones that have 2. The Bill he stated simply seeks to add a second River Basin to boost agricultural production in the states of the South East considering the economic contribution of the South East region to the prosperity of the nation.

Hon. Ahmed Idris in contributing to the debate called for caution as the title of the Bill is not in total agreement with what Hon. Eze stated. He stated that the title should have read “Amend the Act” and not “Repeal the Act”. Hon. Kingsley Chinda also reiterated the same view of Hon. Ahmed Idris. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Water Resources.

MOTIONS

Recommittal of Bills:
Hon. Francis E. Waive:

The House:

Notes that the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2025 (HB. 1038) and Nigeria Ports Economic Regulatory Agency Bill, 2025 (HB. 500) were passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives and transmitted to the President for assent;

Observes that certain provisions in the forwarded Bills are inconsistent or in conflict with the recently assented Tax Acts;

Cognizant of the need to further scrutinize the two Bills to expunge the inconsistency with the Tax Acts;

Resolves to:

Commit the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2025 and the Nigeria Ports Economic Regulatory Agency Bill, 2025 to the Committee of the Whole for consideration and passage.

Debate
Hon. Francis Waive moved the motion on recommittal of Bills and it was seconded by Hon. Hamisu Ibrahim. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the Committee of the Whole.

Need to Confirm the Employment of Qualified Contract Staff in the Transmission Company of Nigeria:
Hon. Felix Uche Nwaeke:

The House:

Notes that the Transmission Company of Nigeria controls the management of the Afam sub-region station in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State and oversees the transmission of power from four power plants;

Also notes that Oyigbo Local Government Area is a host community to Afam sub-region station but the indigenes are employed as contract staff by the Transmission Company of Nigeria;

Worried that the Transmission Company of Nigeria has been conducting recruitment exercises, employing new staff from other parts of the country neglecting the indigenes who possess necessary qualifications and requisite experience, having worked as contract staff for at least five years, thereby causing friction within the host Community;

Concerned that if qualified and experienced indigenes are not given proper work opportunities and are limited to contract staff, agitations may escalate and disrupt power distribution in Abia, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa and Cross River State;

Resolves to:

mandate the Committees on Labour, Employment and Productivity, and Power to audit and ascertain the number of qualified Afam indigenes contract staff who have served for at least 5 years and investigate why their employment cannot be regularized during recruitment and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Debate
Hon. Felix Nwaeke moved the motion on the need to confirm the employment of qualified contract staff in the Transmission Company of Nigeria and it was seconded by Hon. Tijani Ghali. Hon. Ahmed Idris stated that the motion contradicts Section 14(3) of the Nigerian Constitution as it is at the discretion of Government when to convert such staff to be permanent. He stated that if adopted, the motion will give impetus to other agitations. Hon. Ahmed called for more negotiations and lobbying to achieve the prayers of the motion.

Hon. Oluwole Oke in his contribution called on the government to convert the contract staff as it is not right to keep staff in such state beyond 6 months. He called on Members to support it for the benefit of the affected Nigerians.

Hon. Kingsley Chinda called for a realistic solution to the problem the motion seeks to address. He agreed that there is need to investigate the employment process of TCN. He proposed an amendment to the prayer of the motion to be purely for the investigation to any violations to labor laws and federal character laws in the employment process by the TCN.

Hon. Awaji Abinante proposed an amendment to incorporate the House Committee on Federal Character to the prayers of the motion. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committee on Labor, Employment and Productivity, Power as well as to that on Federal Character.

Need to Implement the Provisions of the Nigeria Police Academy Act, 2021 to Expand the Academy to Multiple Campuses Across the Country:
Hon Kalejaiye Adeboye Paul:

The House:

Notes that the Nigeria Police Academy (Establishment) Act, 2021, provides for establishment, development, and expansion of the Nigeria Police Academy as a degree-awarding institution for the training and education of officers of the Nigeria Police Force;

Also notes that Section 3 of the Act empowers the Academy, under the oversight of its Governing Council, to “establish such campuses, colleges, faculties, institutions, schools, and units within the Academy as may be necessary or desirable, subject to the approval of the National Universities Commission;

Observes that the Governing Council of the Nigeria Police Academy is chaired by the Minister of Police Affairs, while the Chairman of the Police Service Commission as alternate chairman and the Inspector-General of Police being a key member, among others;

Worried that despite the clear provisions of the Act, the Nigeria Police Academy continues to operate only a single campus in Wudil, Kano State, thereby limiting access and opportunities to quality police training across the country;

Cognizant that the establishment of additional campuses in each geopolitical zone will promote inclusiveness and strengthen the capacity of the Nigeria Police Academy to train officers effectively;

Resolves to:

(i) call on the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, as the Visitor to the Academy, to recognise the importance of establishing additional campuses, approve recommendations of the Governing Council and mandate the Council to diligently pursue the expansion of the Nigeria Police Academy into a multi-campus institution to fully discharge its mandate for the advancement of policing, security, and national development;

(ii) urge the Governing Council of the Nigeria Police Academy to immediately commence the implementation of the provisions of the Nigeria Police Academy Establishment Act, 2021, by facilitating the establishment of additional campuses in each geo-political zone in the country;

(iii) also urge the National Universities Commission to consider proposals by the Governing Council, thereby facilitating the establishment of additional campuses to strengthen the capacity and accessibility of the Academy;

(iv) mandate the Committees on Police Institutions, Police Affairs, University Education and Appropriations to collaborate with the Governing Council of the Nigeria Police Academy to ensure that necessary legislative and budgetary provisions are made to support the establishment and operation of additional campuses;

Debate
Hon. Kalejaiye Paul moved the motion on the need to implement the Provisions of the Nigeria Police Academy Act, 2021 to expand the Academy to multiple campuses across the country and it was seconded by Hon. Aderemi Oseni.

Hon. Afolabi In contributing to the debate expressed worry if the motion does not violate the Principal Act. He expressed worry at the cost implication, he also asked if the existing Academy not adequate? Are there sufficient resources to ensure the professionalism needed in such specialized security related Academies if they are duplicated across the states?

Hon. Bamidele Salam supported the motion as there is a necessity in the need for more campuses to promote national inclusiveness.

Hon. Ahmed Idris stated that the Act stipulates that if the Academy is not over stretched, there should be no need for further additions. He however called for the expansion of the existing one and to make it of the highest standard. He urged Members not to be swayed by sentiments.

Hon. Ghali Tijani stated that the Academy has the capacity to accommodate interested police cadets. He reiterated the need to further develop the existing one in qualitative service and knowledge delivery.

Hon. Wakil stated that as the Chairman, House Committee on Police Institutions he can attest that the current Police Academy does not utilize up to 40 % of its structure in training cadets. He called for the technical development of the Academy and in the future, if there is the need for more Academies, then it can be provided for.

Hon. Oluwole Oke stated that the Nigeria Police have many structures lying fallow, so these facilities can be employed nationwide as campuses of the Police Academy. He urged Members to support the motion. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Police Institutions, Police Affairs, University Education as well as to that on Appropriations.

Need to Include Representatives of Local Government Areas and FCT Area Councils in the Composition of Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC):
Hon. Shehu Saleh Rijau:

The House:

Notes that Section 7(1) of Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) establishes Local Government Area Councils as a 3rd tier system of Government, while Section 162(3) of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 provides for the entitles the Local Government Councils to share directly in Federation Account Allocations as benefitting entities;

Also notes that the Supreme Court has construed Sections 162(5) and (6) Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to the effect that the States are agents of the Federation to collect Local Government allocations from the Federation Account and pay to LGCs and did not give the States any right or interest in the said allocations to the Local Government Area Councils, from the Federation Account. The Supreme Court went further to also state that the duty of the States is to simply convey to the LGCs their allocations from the Federation Account;

Aware that the Supreme Court has further recognised that the approach of a direct payment to the LGCs will achieve the intention and purpose of the Constitution and accord with the smooth running of the system of paying the Local Government Area Councils their allocations from the Federation Account;

Also aware that the Supreme Court has also pronounced to the effect that paying the LGCs through the States of the Federation has not worked, therefore justice demands that Local Government Area Councils’ allocations from the Federation Account should henceforth be paid directly to the LGCs;

Observes that Section 5 of the Allocation of Revenue (Federation Account, etc) Act 1981 prescribes the membership of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to be only representatives of the Federal Government and State Governments to the exclusion of the 3rd tier of Government, i.e. Local Government Councils (LGCs);

Also observes that this provision of the Act is no longer consistent with the current interpretation of Sections 162(5) and (6) CFRN 1999 as recently determined by the Supreme Court in its judgment of July 2024;

Further observes that it is imperative to urgently harmonize the provisions of Section 5 of the Act with the Constitution and its current interpretation by the Supreme Court; and

Aware that the representatives of the States had always represented LGCs at FAAC; however, in light of the current position of the Constitution, as interpreted by the Supreme Court, it has become imperative that a representative of LGCs per State and FCT Area Councils be nominated to represent their interest at FAAC,

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Government to ensure one representative of each Local Governments Council per State and FCT Councils are included as a member of FAAC; and

(ii) communicate the resolution to the Hon Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the economy, as the Chairman of FAAC, for necessary action;

(iii) mandate the Committee on States and Local Government to ensure compliance.

Debate
Hon. Shehu Rijau moved the motion on the need to include Representatives of Local Government Areas and FCT Area Councils in the composition of Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) and it was seconded by Hon. Zannah Usman.

Hon. Solomon Bob in contributing to the debate stated that the issue at hand is a Constitutional Provision and cannot be amended via motion. He also noted that in Federalism, the Constitution states that “ Nigeria is constituted into states and the federal capital” there was no mention of local governments. He asked that the motion be stepped down.

Hon. Bamidele Salam in supporting the motion stated that it seeks to fill the gap created by a Law that was recently interpreted by the Supreme Court.

Hon. Mansur Soro stated that adopting the motion would be almost impossible as the Provisions of Section 162(7-9) stipulates the labels of representatives into such spheres. He proposed an amendment to create special recognition for Local Government Representatives in the specific sphere being proposed (Federal Government Allocation).

Hon. Ahmed Idris in his contribution stated that the Supreme Court excludes Local Government Representatives from FAAC. While he supports Local Government inclusion, it should be done through a Bill and not a motion.

Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka stated that Section 162(3) of the Constitution supports Local Government Councils as recipients of Federation funds. He stated that not supporting the motion would be abdicating the responsibility of the House as representatives of the people, especially for those in the local government. He called on Members to continue protecting local government autonomy by adopting the motion. Hon. Isiaka proposed an amendment to prayer 1 of the motion to urge the Federal Government to ensure Local Government be direct recipients from the federal allocation (FAAC). The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committee on States and Local Governments

House Adjournment:
The House at 14:51 adjourned plenary to Tuesday, July 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 Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda.

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