On UNICAL Accreditation Crisis, Plenary proceedings by House of Reps, Tue, July 22nd, 2025

After the recitation of the First stanza of the National Anthem, the National Pledge and opening prayer, the Deputy Speaker approved the votes and proceedings of Thursday, July 3rd, 2025.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. The Presiding Speaker reminded Members of the demise of late President Muhammadu Buhari and praised him as a President that was a true friend to the Parliament and respected the role of Parliament in governance. He asked the House to honor him with prayers and a minute silence.
2. Communication From Mr. President:
   I. Revenue Mobilization Allocation Appropriation budget proposal (2025) for consideration and approval by the House. President Bola Tinubu expressed his optimism of the House’ usual support and cooperation in handling such issues pertaining to strengthening Governmental ability to effectively discharge its responsibilities to Nigerians. The communication was referred to the House Committee on Finance.
3. Communication from the Rules and Business Committee:
   I. The Committee communicated to Members a slight shift regarding the decision to suspend Bills from the Senate until its good grace is continually reciprocated from the Senate on House Bills within its purview. He stated that the Committee has noticed that the Senate has begun expedient work on House Bills within its purview. The Committee will however continue to monitor the progress and report back to the House.

II. The Rules and Business Committee also announced to affected Committee Chairmen that referrals on Bills and Motions that have not been treated on time (from the the first session of the Tenth House of Representatives), according to Rule 18(11), such referrals will be referred to the Committee of the Whole for further legislative action. The Presiding Speaker asked affected Chairmen to see Him or the the House Leader to clarify such difficulties and ensure appropriate solutions.

4. Defection of Honorable Member:
   I. Hon. Mark Esset (Akwa Ibom) from PDP to APC.
5. The House Committee on Sports is inviting Members for an event holding on Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025 by 15:00 at the National Assembly Library Complex.

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PETITIONS:

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

I. The first is on alleged unlawful detention of his son for many years.

II. The second is against the Nigerian Customs on alleged unlawful dismissal.

2. A petition was laid on behalf of a complainant from Benue state on alleged violations of rights.
3. Hon. Tajudeen laid a petition on behalf of a complainant on alleged unlawful dismissal.
4. Hon. Clement Jumbo laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the Nigerian Army on alleged denial of prescribed maternity leave, discrimination, maltreatment and unlawful dismissal.
5. Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the Anambra Electricity Distribution Company on alleged non-uniformity of electricity bills.
6. Hon. Sanni Egidi laid a petition on behalf of a complainant on alleged unjust treatment.
7. A petition was laid on behalf of a group of investors on alleged nor-refund on investments, that breached the terms of agreement.
8. A petition was laid on behalf of a complainant against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on alleged negligence of the EFCC to investigate a complaint against a company.

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

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MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:

1. Hon. Ahmed Idris moved a motion on the rising insecurity in communities around Wase in Plateau state and it was seconded by Hon. UgoChinyere. Hon. Ahmed in leading the debate stated that the rising rate of banditry and kidnappings within the communities has become alarming. He stated that the attacks occur too frequently and with impunity. Hon. Ahmed expressed fear that if urgent steps are not taken, the normalcy of life within the region will be totally destroyed. He praised well meaning Nigerians, the Military, Police and other security agencies for the work being done in the region. He called on the Nigerian Army, Police, Air Force as well as the Department of State Security to deploy more personnel to ensure peace in the region. Hon. Ahmed further called on the House Committee on Defense, Army, Air Force, Police Affairs, Interior, Humanitarian Affairs Emergency and Disaster Preparedness as well as that on Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Defense, Army, Air Force, Police Affairs, Interior, Humanitarian Affairs Emergency and Disaster Preparedness as well as to that on Legislative Compliance..
2. Hon. Kingsley Chinda moved a motion on the crisis in the University of Calabar and it was seconded by Hon. Bitrus Laori. Hon. Ahmed Jaha in leading the debate stated that the crisis affects over 300 students who are from the Department of Dentistry casting a dark cloud over their employment chances in the medical field. He expressed worry at the behavior of the university as it adversely affects the future of these young Nigerians. Hon. Jaha called on the University of Calabar to immediately work with stakeholders and the students to resolve the issue. He further called for the review of the admission process into the Department and that the House Committee on Tertiary Education should investigate the issue and report back to the House for further legislative action. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the relevant Committee of the House.
3. Hon. Mohammed Muktar moved a motion on the urgent need for the United States of America to review its visa policy towards Nigerians and it was seconded by Hon. David Agada. Hon. Mohammed in leading the debate stated that it is concerning that the USA continues to impose stringent conditions on Nigerians seeking to acquire visas for over 3 months now and this has begun eroding the good relationship between the 2 countries. He called on the USA to remember the symbolic roles Nigeria plays in world affairs and reverse these conditions to ensure continuous synergy between both countries. Hon. Mohammed called on the Parliament of both countries (Nigeria-USA Friendship Group) to work on ways to smoothen the relationship between Nigeria and the United States of America. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the relevant Committee of the House.
4. Hon. Iyang Lemke moved a motion on the urgent need to investigate and salvage the situation of federal roads in and around Calabar, Cross Rivers state and it was seconded by Hon. John Okafor. Hon. Iyang in leading the debate stated that Calabar is a strategic center of tourism and border with Cameroon. He expressed concern as the roads in the region are almost totally abandoned and unpassable. Hon. Iyang called for the Constitution of an Ad-Hoc Committee to investigate the issue. He also called on the Niger Delta Development Commission as well as Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to ensure rehabilitation on the affected roads. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Works as well as to that on FERMA.

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MATTER OF PERSONAL EXPLANATION:

1. Hon. Clement Jumbo rose on a matter on Personal Explanation to call the notice of Members to the seeming violation of Sections 4-6 of the Nigerian Constitution as some Courts issue judgments that are vague and subject to misinterpretation. The matter was referred to the relevant Judiciary Committees of the House to establish its legality.

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PRESENTATION OF BILLS
 

1. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2025 (HB.2492) (Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu) – First Reading.
    
2. Export (Prohibition) Act (Repeal) Bill, 2025 (HB.2460) (Hon. Francis E. Waive and Hon. Babajimi Benson) – First Reading.
    
3. Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2461) (Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase) – First Reading.
    
4. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2025 (HB.2462) (Hon. Zakaria D. Nyampa) – First Reading.
    
5. Crude Oil Theft (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill, 2025 (HB.2468) (Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa and twenty – one others) – First Reading.
    
6. Production and Distribution (Anti-Sabotage) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2475) (Hon. Dumnamene Dekor and fourteen others) – First Reading.
    
7. Petroleum Industry Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2465) (Hon. Whingan Olusesi Oluwaseun and seventeen others) – First Reading.
    
8. Federal College of Agriculture and Tropical Studies, Efon–Alaye (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (SB.144) (Senate) – First Reading.
    
9. Exclusive Economic Zone Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2466) (Hon. Sani Bala and thirteen others) – First Reading.
    
10. Administration of Criminal Justice Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2467) (Hon. Mitema Obordor and eight others) – First Reading.
     
11. Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill,2025 (HB.2479) (Hon. Adebayo Oluwaseun Balogun) – First Reading.
     
12. Federal University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere, Ekiti State (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2449) (Hon. Ojuawo Rufu Adeniyi) – First Reading.
     
13. National Institute for Electric Mobility, Dogondaji, Sokoto State (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2489) (Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki) – First Reading.
     
14. Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill (SB.146) (Senate) – First Reading.
     
15. Entrepreneurship Institute, Tambuwal, Sokoto State (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2490) (Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki) – First Reading.
     
16. Agro-Processing Export Free Trade Zone, Kebbe, Sokoto State (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2483) (Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki) – First Reading.
     
17. Federal University of Science Deba, Gombe State (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (SB.874) (Senate) First Reading.
     
18. Private Institutions and Health Care Service Providers (Prohibition) Bill, 2025 (HB.2487) (Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah) – First Reading.
     
19. Federal College of Agriculture and Tropical Studies, Afashio, Edo State (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (SB.464) (Senate) – First Reading.
     
20. Raw Materials Research and Development Council Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (SB.606) (Senate) – First Reading.
     
21. Fifty-Year National Economic Plan Act for Nigeria (Institution) Bill, 2025 (HB.2488) (Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah) – First Reading.
     
22. Statistics Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2491) (Hon Abbas Tajudeen & Hon Adegboyega Nasiru Isiaka) – First Reading.
     
23. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2025 (Creation of Ose State) (HB.2448) (Hon. Ifeoluwa Ehindero) – First Reading.
     
24. Federal University of Livestock Development Studies, Ikara, Kaduna State (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2463) (Hon. Aliyu Mustapha Abdullahi) – First Reading.
     
25. Federal University of Oil and Gas Technology, Kabau, Kaduna State (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2474) (Hon. Aliyu Mustapha Abdullahi) – First Reading.
     
26. Federal Capital Territory College of Nursing and Midwifery Gwagwalada (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2407) (Hon. Joshua Chinedu Obika) – First Reading.
     
27. Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2408) (Hon. Joshua Chinedu Obika) – First Reading.
     
28. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2025 (Creation of Ibadan State) (HB.2439) (Hon. Abass A. Adigun) – First Reading.
     
29. Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (SB.739) (Senate) – First Reading.

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PRESENTATION OF REPORTS
 

1. Ad–hoc Committee on Rivers State:
   Hon. Julius Ihonvbere:
   “That the House do receive the Report of the Ad–hoc Committee on Rivers State on a Bill for an Act to Authorise the issue from the Rivers State Government Statutory Revenue Fund of the Rivers State Account, the total sum of (N1,485, 662, 592, 444. 00) one trillion, four hundred and eighty–five  billion, six hundred and sixty–two million, five hundred and ninety–two thousand , four hundred and forty–four Naira, only while the sum of (N256, 423, 694,639.00) two hundred and fifty–six billion, four hundred and twenty–three million, six hundred and ninety–four thousand, six hundred and thirty–nine Naira only  is for Personnel Cost, the sum of (N162, 582, 693,678. 00) one hundred and sixty–two billion, five hundred and eighty–two million, six hundred and ninety–three thousand, six hundred and seventy–eight Naira only is for Overhead Cost, while the sum of (N1, 066, 656, 204,127.0) one trillion, sixty–six million, six hundred and fifty–six thousand , two hundred and four Naira, one hundred and twenty–seven Kobo only is for Capital Expenditure for the year ending 31 December, 2025 (HB.2397) (Referred: 28/5/2025)

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Julius Ihonbvere and seconded by Hon. Ali Isa.

2. Committee on Communications:
   Hon. Peter Ohiozojeh Akpatason:
   “That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Communications on the issue from the Statutory Revenue Fund of the Nigerian Communications Commission the total sum of two hundred and seventy-two billion, four hundred and thirty-three million, eight hundred and five thousand Naira (₦272,433,805,000.) only, out of which (N95, 668, 842. 00) ninety – five billion, six hundred and sixty–eight million, eight hundred and forty–two thousand Naira only, is for Recurrent Expenditure, (N10, 735, 141. 00) ten billion, seven hundred and –thirty – five million, one hundred and forty–one thousand Naira, only is for Capital Expenditure, (N30, 130, 436) thirty billion, one hundred and  thirty  million, four hundred and thirty -six thousand  Naira only, is for Special Projects while the sum of (₦15,000,000,000) Fifteen Billion Naira only, is for Transfer to Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), (N120, 836, 033) one hundred and twenty billion, eight hundred and thirty – six million, thirty – three thousand Naira, only is for Transfer to Federal Government and (N63, 352) sixty -three thousand and three hundred and fifty-two Naira, only is surplus/deficit transfers for the financial year ending 31 December 2025” pursuant to Order Twenty Rules 29 (c)(h) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Peter Akpatason and seconded by Hon. Sanni Egidi..

3. Committee on Industry:
   Hon. Enitan Dolapo Badru:
   “That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Industry on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Act, 2011 to Clarify Ambiguities in the Interpretation of key words in the Principal Act, Define Important Terms, Provide Clarity and Precision and Enhance the Fund’s Sources of Revenue and for Related Matters (HB. 1519)” (Referred:11/7/2024).

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Dolapo Badru and seconded by Hon. Zannah Usman.

4. Committee on Digital and Information Technology:
   Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide:
   “That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Digital and Information Technology on a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Institute of Information Communication Technology, Idanre, Ondo, State to provide full time Courses, Teaching, Instruction and Training in Information Communication Technology and to provide for the Appointment of the Provost and other Officers of the Institute to carry out the Administrations and the Discipline of Students of the Institute and for Related Matters (HB.783) (Referred: 12/3/2025).

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Adedeji Olajide and seconded by Hon. Ali Taofeek.

5. Committee on Specialty Healthcare:
   Hon. Alex Egbona:
   “That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Specialty Healthcare on a Bill for an Act to provide for Establishment of National Obstetrics Fistula Centre, for Treatment, Rehabilitation, Reintegration, Research and Training, Babbar-Ruga, Katsina State and for Related Matters (HB. 1190) (Referred:5/2/2025).

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Alex Egbona and seconded by Hon. Shettima Ali.

6. Committee on Specialty Healthcare:
   Hon. Alex Egbona:
   “That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Specialty Healthcare on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Orthopaedic Hospitals Management Board Act Cap. O10 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2024 to provide for the Establishment of Orthopaedic Hospital, Shinkafi, Zamfara State and for Related Matters (HB 2159) (Referred:27/3/2025)

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Alex Egbona and seconded by Hon. Shettima Ali.

7. Committee on Specialty Healthcare:
   Hon. Alex Egbona:
   “That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Specialty Healthcare on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Orthopaedic Hospitals Management Board Act Cap. O10 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2024 to provide for Establishment of Orthopaedic Hospital, Yauri, Kebbi State under the Control of the Orthopaedic Hospitals Management Board and Affiliated to Federal University, Birnin Kebbi Teaching Hospital and for Related Matters (HB 2193) (Referred:27/3/2025)

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Alex Egbona and seconded by Hon. Shettima Ali.

8. Committee on Specialty Healthcare:
   Hon. Alex Egbona:
   “That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Specialty Healthcare on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Orthopaedic Hospitals Management Board Act Cap. O10 laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2024 to provide for Establishment of Orthopaedic Hospital, Wamako, Sokoto State and for Related Matters (HB 2127) (Referred:7/5/2025).

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Alex Egbona and seconded by Hon. Shettima Ali.

9. Committee on University Education:
   Hon. Abubakar Hassan Fulata:
   “That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on University Education on a Bill for an Act to Upgrade the College of Horticulture Dadin Kowa, Gombe State to the Federal University of Livestock and Horticulture, Dadin Kowa, Gombe State, to make Comprehensive Provisions for its Due Management and Administration and for Related Matters (HB 1970) (Referred:25/6/2025).

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Abubakar Fulata and seconded by Hon. Abdullahi Shehu.

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ORDERS OF THE DAY
BILLS
 

1. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Road Safety Commission (Establishment) Act, 2007 to Empower the Federal Road Safety Commission with the Responsibility for Road Traffic Administration and Safety Management, Preventing and Minimizing Road Traffic Crashes on Public Roads, the Supervision of Users of such Public Roads, the Regulation of Traffic thereon and clearing of obstruction on any part of the Public Roads and for Educating Drivers, Motorists and other Members of the Public generally on the proper use of Public Roads and Matters Related to Safety on the Public Roads and for Related Matters (HBs. 1604 & 1401) (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. Kingsley Chinda. The Bill was voted on, read for the third time and passed.

2. 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) (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. Kingsley Chinda. The Bill was voted on, read for the third time and passed.

3. A Bill for an Act to Establish National Polytechnics Commission to Supervise, Regulate and Co-Ordinate Polytechnics Education in Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB. 673) (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. Kingsley Chinda. The Bill was voted on, read for the third time and passed.

4. A Bill for an Act to Establish Integrated Corporate Data Management Commission as the Body responsible for Comprehensive Collation, Harmonization of Certificates issued by Corporate Statutory Regulatory bodies, Graduation based on compliance with enabling laws Regulating Corporate Entities in Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB. 518) (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. Kingsley Chinda. The Bill was voted on, read for the third time and passed.

5. A Bill for an Act to Establish Institute of Debt Recovery Practitioners of Nigeria, to Train, Regulate, License and Exercise Control over the Occupation of Collection and Recovery of Debt, Levies, Fees or Remuneration by Registered Debt Collectors and for Related Matters (HB. 96) 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. Kingsley Chinda. The Bill was voted on, read for the third time and passed.

6. A Bill for an Act to Establish Agro Processing Export Free Trade Zone, Yewa North/Imeko Afon-Ogun State HB. 219) (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. Kingsley Chinda. The Bill was voted on, read for the third time and passed.

7. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Medical Centres Act and Establish Federal Medical Centre, Mangu, Plateau State and for Related Matters (HB.1747) (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. Kingsley Chinda. The Bill was voted on, read for the third time and passed.

8. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Nursing Sciences, Mangun, Plateau State to Provide for Training and Research in general Nursing, Midwifery and other Specialities of Nursing and for Related Matters (HB 1748) (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. Kingsley Chinda. The Bill was voted on, read for the third time and passed.

9. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Medical Centres Act, 2022 to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Uluoke-Uzaire, Edo State and for Related Matters (HB. 633) (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. Kingsley Chinda. The Bill was voted on, read for the third time and passed.

10. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal College of Education Act, Cap. F8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Establish Federal College of Education (Technical) Ogute–Okpella, Edo State and for Related Matters (HB.912) (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. Kingsley Chinda. The Bill was voted on, read for the third time and passed.

11. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Colleges of Education Act, Cap. F8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Provide for Establishment of Federal College of Education, Oyin Akoko, Ondo State and for Related Matters (HB. 1600) (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. Kingsley Chinda. The Bill was voted on, read for the third time and passed.

12. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal University of Science Deba, Gombe State and for Related Matters (SB.874) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Julius Ihonvbere moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Kingsley Chinda. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the Committee of the Whole.

13. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act to Provide for the Establishment of the Federal College of Agriculture and Tropical Studies Efon Alaye, Ekiti State and for Other Related Matters (SB. 144) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Julius Ihonvbere moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Kingsley Chinda. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the Committee of the Whole.

14. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act to Provide for Establishment of the Federal College of Agriculture and Tropical Studies Afashio, Edo State and for Other Related Matters (SB. 464) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Julius Ihonvbere moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Kingsley Chinda. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the Committee of the Whole.

15. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of the Federal University of Science and Technology Epe, Lagos State and to make Comprehensive Provision for its Due Management and Administration and for Other Related Matters (SB. 739) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Julius Ihonvbere moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Kingsley Chinda. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the Committee of the Whole.

16. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Universities of Technology Act to Provide for Establishment of the Yaba Federal University of Technology and Vocational Training Yaba, Lagos State and for Other Related Matters (SB. 738) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – Second Reading.

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

17. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Institute of Mining and Geosciences, Gusau, Zamfara State to Provide Courses of Instruction, Training and Research in the Exploration and Exploitation of Minerals for National Development and for Related Matters (HB.2362) (Hon. Jonathan Gaza Gbefwi and Hon. Kabiru Ahmadu) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Kabiru Ahmadu 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.

18. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of National Institute for Technical and Vocational Education Kankara, Kastina State and for Related Matters (HB. 1468) (Hon. Dalhatu Shehu) – Second Reading.

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

19. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigerian Defence Academy Act, 2004 and for Related Matters (HB. 1709) (Hon. Emeka Idu Godwin O.) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Emeka Idu moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Billy Osawaru. Hon. Emeka in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks to amend the Principal Act to empower the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) to have right of first refusal concerning successful students as well as some other amendments to strengthen the efficiency of the NDA to provide principled and well disciplined graduates to the defense sector. He urged Members to support the Bill for the development of security of Nigeria. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Defense.

20. A Bill for an Act to Establish the National Independent Project and Monitoring Agency (NIPMA) for the Purpose of Ensuring Transparency, Accountability, and Effective Monitoring and Evaluation of Public Projects in Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB. 2344) (Hon. Chinedu Emeka Martins) – Second Reading.

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

21. A Bill for an Act to Provide Legal Framework for the Enhancement and Growth of Digital Economy and Digital Governance in Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB. 1599) (Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Adedeji Olajide moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Eze Nwachukwu. Hon. Olajide in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks to establish an organized and all inclusive framework for e-governance. He stated that it will promote innovation and position Nigeria as a leader among technologically established nations. Hon. Olajide stated further that it will propel innovation, guarantee the ease of doing business, ensure digital skill development and improve security through digital means. He urged Members to support it. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Finance, Digital and Information Technology, well as to that on National Planning.

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MOTIONS
 

22. Recommittal of Bills:
     
    (i) Export (Prohibition) Act (Repeal) Bill, 2025(HB.2460); and
    (ii) Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2406).
     
    Hon Francis Ejiroghene Waive.
     
    The House:
     
    Notes that pursuant to Order Twelve, Rule 17 (a), (b), (c) & (d) of the Standing Orders, the House may, upon being re-gazetted or circulated, reconsider in the Committee of the Whole, without commencing de-novo, the Bills–
     
    (a) whose report were presented by the Committee before consideration;
    (b) passed by the House and forwarded to the Senate for concurrence for which no concurrence was made or negative;
    (c) passed by the Senate and forwarded to the House for which no concurrence was made or negative; or;
    (d) passed by the preceding Assembly and forwarded to the President for assent but for which assent or withholding therefore were not communicated before the end of the tenure of the preceding Assembly.
     
    Also notes that the aforementioned Bills were passed by the preceding Assembly and forwarded to the President for assent but for which assent or withholding thereof was not communicated before the end of the tenure of the last Assembly;
     
    Aware that the Bills were read for the first time as HBs. 2460 and 2406 respectively;
     
    Resolves to:
     
    Re-commit the Bills to the Committee of the Whole for consideration.
     

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

23. Need to Commit Funds for the Construction and Completion of Kishi-Kaiama, Kaiama-New Bussa and Kaiama-Kosubosu Roads in Oyo, Kwara and Niger States:
    Hon. Mohammed Omar Bio:
     
    The House:
     
    Notes that Baruten/Kaiama Federal Constituency of Kwara State in a vantage location sharing boundaries with Oyo, Kogi, Niger and Kebbi States and the Republic of Benin;
     
    Also notes that due to the agrarian nature of residents in the Local Government Area with abundant natural resources and its proximity to the Republic of Benin, couple with road networks to facilitate efficient movement of goods and services, stimulate economic growth, trade, and generally improve quality of life;
     
    Further notes that Kishi–Kaiama, Kaiama–New Bussa, and Kaiama–Kosubosu Roads linking Baruten/Kaiama federal Constituency to the neighbouring states are in a state of disrepair;
     
    Worried that the aforementioned roads are not allocated funds for rehabilitation, for instance, in the Federal Ministry of Works 2024 Capital Budget Performance Report, Ago–Are–Kishi-Mosi Road (59km+500) was allocated N41,000,000 (forty-one million naira) with 0% performance based on expenditure, while Kaiama-New Bussa Road (78 kilometres) was allocated N100,410,000 (one hundred million, four hundred and ten thousand naira) equally with 0% performance based on expenditure, lastly Kaiama–Kosubosu Road (92-108 kilometres depending on the routes taken) was allocated a sum of N100,000,000 (one hundred million naira) with 48.13% performance based on expenditure;
     
    Disturbed that the paltry allocations earmarked for the respective roads is grossly insufficient to rehabilitate 10% roads;
     
    Also worried that continuous allocations of paltry sums to the roads will not alleviate the suffering of people in the constituency due to the bad nature of the roads, thereby negatively impacting the economic activities;
     
    Resolves to:
     
    (i) urge the Federal Ministry of Works to prioritize the completion of Kishi–Kaiama, Kaiama–New Bussa and Kaiama–Kosubosu Roads in Oyo, Kwara and Niger States by allocating sufficient funds to rehabilitate the roads to improve ease of doing business;
     
    (ii) mandate Committees on Works and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.

Motion stepped down by leave of the House

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

24. Ad–hoc Committee on Rivers State:
    Hon. Julius Ihonvbere:
    “That the House do consider the Report of the Ad–hoc Committee on Rivers State on a Bill for an Act to Authorise the issue from the Rivers State Government Statutory Revenue Fund of the Rivers State Account, the total sum of (N1,485, 662, 592, 444. 00) one trillion, four hundred and eighty–five  billion, six hundred and sixty–two million, five hundred and ninety–two thousand , four hundred and forty–four  Naira, only while the sum of (N256, 423, 694,639. 00) two hundred and fifty–six billion, four hundred and twenty–three million, six hundred and ninety–four thousand, six hundred and thirty–nine Naira only  is for Personnel Cost, the sum of (N162, 582, 693,678. 00) one hundred and sixty–two billion, five hundred and eighty–two million, six hundred and ninety–three thousand, six hundred and seventy–eight Naira only is for Overhead Cost, while the sum of (N1, 066, 656, 204.127) one trillion, sixty–six million, six hundred and fifty–six thousand , two hundred and four Naira, one hundred and twenty–seven Kobo  only is for Capital Expenditure for the year ending 31 December, 2025 (HB.2397) (Laid: 22/7/2025) – Committee of Supply.

Synopsis of the report:
Hon. Julius Ihonbvere stated that the Bill seeks to ensure good governance for the people of Rivers State and that due diligence was taken to ensure proper accountability. He urged Members to support it.

Summary of voting
Recommendations voted on and adopted: 1-3

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HOUSE IN PLENARY:

The House reverted to plenary and adopted the report of the Committee of Supply following a motion by Hon. Julius Ihonbvere and seconded by Hon. Kingsley Chinda.

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Hon. Julius Ihonvbere moved that the House suspends its relevant rules to take the Third Reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Kingsley Chinda.

BILL

25. A Bill for an Act to Authorise the issue from the Rivers State Government Statutory Revenue Fund of the Rivers State Account, the total sum of (N1,485, 662, 592, 444. 00) one trillion, four hundred and eighty–five  billion, six hundred and sixty–two million, five hundred and ninety–two thousand , four hundred and forty–four  Naira, only while the sum of (N256, 423, 694,639. 00) two hundred and fifty–six billion, four hundred and twenty–three million, six hundred and ninety–four thousand, six hundred and thirty–nine Naira only  is for Personnel Cost, the sum of (N162, 582, 693,678. 00) one hundred and sixty–two billion, five hundred and eighty–two million, six hundred and ninety–three thousand, six hundred and seventy–eight Naira only is for Overhead Cost, while the sum of (N1, 066, 656, 204.127) one trillion, sixty–six million, six hundred and fifty–six thousand , two hundred and four Naira, one hundred and twenty–seven Kobo  only is for Capital Expenditure for the year ending 31 December, 2025 (HB.2397)-Third Reading.

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

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

 26. A Bill for an Act to Domesticate the New Partnership for Africa’s Development Framework and Establish African Union Development Agency and to give effect to its Provisions in the Federal Republic of Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB. 271) Committee of the Whole:27/7/2023.

Synopsis of the report:
Hon. Julius Ihonbvere stated that the Bill seeks to domesticate relations within African countries to promote strength, relationship-structure and African culture/heritage through the Agency.

Summary of voting
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-26

27. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Export (Prohibition) Act, Cap E22, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and for Related Matters (HB. 2460) – Committee of the Whole:22/7/2025.

Synopsis of the report:
Hon. Julius Ihonbvere stated that the Bill seeks to ensure scrutiny, synergy and prosperity in the export and commerce sector of Nigeria. He urged Members to support it.

Hon. Ahmed Wase and Hon. Agbedi Frederick called the attention of Members to the fact that the items the Bill seeks to repeal are not stated, and items to be retained were also not indicated so it makes it impossible for Members make informed decisions.

Further consideration of the report was deferred by leave of the House.

28. Committee on Public Accounts:
    Hon. Bamidele Salam.
    “That the House do consider the Report on the Committee on Public Accounts on the Annual Report of the Auditor General for the Federation for December 31 2019 and December 31 2020 (Part 1) Non–compliance and Internal Control Weakness Issues in MDAs and approve recommendations therein” pursuant to Order Twenty Rules 6 (2)(i) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives (Laid: 12/3/2025).

Synopsis of the report:
Hon. Bamidele Salam stated that the Committee received the Auditor General’s report and considered it thoroughly and Members should support it.

Hon. Ahmed Wase again rose for the need for Members to properly study the report before deciding.

This position was also reiterated by Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka who stressed the need for Members to vote with good and well-informed conscience.

Hon. Julius Ihonbvere called for proper continuous auditing and accounting. He praised the Public Accounts Committee of the House for a good job done. He urged Members to support the report.

Hon. Francis Waive praised the Office of the Auditor General in doing an exhaustive job and report. He also praised the Auditor General for maintaining integrity and cooperation with the Committee on Public Accounts. Hon. Waive urged Members to adopt the report to show Nigerians that the House is serious about tackling corruption.

Hon. Patrick Umoh again praised the House Committee on Public Accounts for a good job done. He called on the House to go ahead and make public the findings of the Committee so that Nigerians can know those causing problems for the Nigerian state.

Hon. Frederick Agbedi also stated that the report of the Public Accounts Committee is a vital tool that can be used to ensure sanity in functions of Ministries, Departments and Agencies. He urged Members to support it.

Hon. Adedeji Olajide called on Members to support the integrity of the Committee on Public Accounts as it has done a thorough job in handling the task given to it. He called on Members to support it.

Hon. Kabiru Ahmad also called on Members to support the report from the Committee as it was a thoroughly and properly done job.

Hon. Kingsley Chinda also praised the work done by the Committee on Public Accounts, but called for a proper scrutiny of the report for proper passage.

Hon. Abubakar Yalleman called for a deferral of the report so it can be looked into properly.

Hon. Bamidele Salam in exercising his right of reply stated that that the Committee continues to work only in line within its jurisdiction and that the report is on 2019/2020 years, so there is the need to approve it and begin the processing on the on 2021/2022 to meet up with its schedule. He called on Members to approve the recommendations as the Committee has done its job accordingly and in line with the mandate given to it by the House.

Summary of voting:
Recommendations voted on and adopted for 2019: 1-10

Recommendations voted on and adopted for 2020: 1-10

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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. Kingsley Chinda.

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House Adjournment:
The House at 15:24 adjourned plenary to Wednesday, July 23rd, 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 the Media Unit, Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives.