Nigeria National Assembly: Plenary proceedings, House of Reps for Thurs, Nov 2nd, 2023.
The Speaker of the House Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen presided.
After leading the opening prayer and recitation of the national pledge, the Speaker approved the votes and proceedings of Wednesday, November 1st, 2023.
Administration of Oath of allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and that of the Office of a Member of the House of Representatives on a Member-elect:
- Hon. Mukhtar Chawai (Kaduna APC).
PETITIONS:
- Hon. Mohammed Shehu laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the State Security Service and the Nigerian Police on cases of alleged protracted detention of Nigerians, torture, violation of their human rights, as well as the neglect and flouting of Nigerian Court orders to release suspects on bail. They craved the intervention of the House to get justice.
- Hon. Julius Ihonvbere laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the Legal Aid Council bordering on alleged injustice within the organization.
- Hon. Moshood Olanrewaju laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on alleged threat to his life, criminal conduct and criminal breach of trust.
- Hon. Danladi Suleiman laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the Niger Delta Development Commission and Warri Global Energy Ltd. over alleged abandonment of a road in Cross River State. He seeks accountability of moneys budgeted for the road construction.
- Hon. Eze Nwachukwu laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against Engr. Ahmed Salihu who is the Managing Director of Owena Benin Basin Development Authority on alleged inhuman treatment on him and the denial of his salary by the management since his alleged unlawful suspension. He is calling to be reinstated and paid his due entitlements.
- Hon. Uguru Emmanuel laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the Nigerian Army on alleged illegal arrest and detention without being charged or court-marshaled. He is calling on the House for intervention on his matter.
All petitions were referred to the House Committee on Public Petitions.
MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:
- Hon. Marie Enenimiete moved a motion on the urgent need to stop the breakdown of law and order in Bayelsa State, and it was seconded by Hon. Useni Mohammed. Hon. Marie in leading the debate quoted alleged inciting statements made by some political party candidates threatening to maim and kill political opponents. She stressed that if precautionary measures are not adopted, those statements can be taken as executive orders to be carried out and this may cause mayhem destroying socioeconomic activities and lives in the communities.
She called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call all parties to order. She further called on the Inspector General of Police to ensure peace before, during and after the elections. Hon. Marie also called on the Independent National Election Commission to ensure a peace accord is signed and integrity of candidates can be assured. She then called on the relevant Committees of the House to ensure compliance and report back to the House for further legislative action.
The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Police, Defense as well as that on Legislative Compliance.
- Hon. Zainab Gimba moved a motion on the devastation caused by marauding elephants on farmlands in some communities of Borno State, and it was seconded by Hon. Khadija Ibrahim. Hon. Gimba in leading the debate stated that the elephants usually destroy numerous farmlands during their movements in the wild. She commended the Borno State government for their quick intervention in trying to contain the menace. She further expressed concern that if not properly curtailed, the destruction can worsen the food insecurity threat already propagated by the effects of insecurity. Hon. Gimba then called on the State government to partner with vigilantes, the Federal Ministry of Environment, as well as National Conservation Parks to curtail the problem. She further called on the Ministry of Environment and National Parks to hasten efforts to curtail the problem. She called on the relevant committees of the House to ensure compliance.
The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Environment, Disaster Management as well as that on Poverty Alleviation.
- Hon. Stanley Olajide moved a motion on the need to curb the leakage of classified information and documents from security agencies, and it was seconded by Hon. Eze Nwachukwu. Hon. Olajide in leading the debate expressed worry at the rate at which classified documents get to the social media, this he stated is dire to the safety of security respondents to cases of insecurity as well as to the compromise of their security operations. He stated that this is a national issue that deserves urgent intervention.
Hon. Olajide called for forensic investigation into the data storage infrastructure of security agencies. He called on the joint House Committees on Defence, Army, Navy, Airforce etc. to work with the relevant security related agencies of government to ensure a non-compromising data storage mechanism for security agencies of the nation is maintained.
The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Natiional Security Adviser, National Security, Information and Technology as well as that on Defense.
- Hon. Akin Rotimi moved a motion on the need for urgent intervention and rehabilitation of Ikole road, and it was seconded by Hon. Abubakar Yalleman. Hon. Rotimi in leading the debate stressed the importance of the road for transportation of people, goods and services. He stated that the vital road has completely broken down and called for its complete rehabilitation. Hon. Rotimi stated that the road has become a hot-spot for criminals to assault travelers and something needs to be done urgently to tackle this. He called on the Minister of Works to ensure the immediate rehabilitation of the road and that the relevant committees of the House should ensure compliance.
The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Works as well as that on Legislative Compliance.
PRESENTATION OF BILLS:
- Nigerian Health Infrastructure Development (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.816) (Hon. Mansur Manu Soro) – First Reading.
- University Teaching Hospitals (Reconstitution of Board) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.817) (Hon. Adedayo Samuel Adesola) – First Reading.
- Finance Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.818) (Hon. Adedayo Samuel Adesola) – First Reading.
- Corporate Social Responsibility Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.819) (Hon. Jesse Okey – Joe Onuakalusi) – First Reading.
- National Open Institute of Vocational Skills Apprenticeship and Entrepreneurship (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.820) (Hon. Jesse Okey – Joe Onuakalusi) – First Reading.
- Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Abigborodo, Delta State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.821) (Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi) – First Reading.
- Federal Institute of Fisheries Research, Ogidigben, Delta State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.822) (Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi) – First Reading.
- Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.823) (Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji) – First Reading.
- Police Academy Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.824) (Hon. Chinedu Ogah) – First Reading.
- National Intelligence Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.825) (Hon. Chinedu Ogah) – First Reading.
- Federal Institute of Vocational and Technical Education, Obiaruku, Delta State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.826) (Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi) – First Reading.
- Private Guards Companies Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.827) (Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi) – First Reading.
- Federal Colleges of Education Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.828) (Hon. Odimayo Okunjimi John) – First Reading.
- Public Procurement Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.829) (Hon. Aliyu Bappa Misau) – First Reading.
- Central Bank of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.830) (Hon. Aliyu Bappa Misau) – First Reading.
- Federal Road Safety Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.831) (Hon. Adedayo Samuel Adesola) – First Reading.
- Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition, Fagge, Kano State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.832) (Hon. Muhammad Bello Shehu) – First Reading.
- Federal Colleges of Education Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023(HB.833) (Hon. Ahmed Yinka Aluko) – First Reading.
- Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.834) (Hon. Ahmed Yinka Aluko) – First Reading.
- Federal Colleges of Education Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.835) (Hon. Blessing Chigeru Amadi) – First Reading.
- North East Development Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.836) (Hon. Mansur Manu Soro) – First Reading.
- National Council on Climate Change Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2023 (HB.837) (Hon. Samuel Adedayo) – First Reading.
- Abuja Building Regulatory Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.838) (Hon. C.N Eleodimuo) – First Reading.
- Federal University of Education (Technical), Gombe State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.839) (Hon. Abdullahi El-Rasheed) – First Reading.
- Chartered Institute for Social Entrepreneurship and Leadership of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2023(HB.840) (Hon. Abdullahi El-Rasheed) – First Reading.
PRESENTATION OF REPORTS:
1.Committee on Appropriations:
Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Appropriations on a Bill for an Act to authorise the issue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation the total sum of N 2,176,791,286,033 (two trillion, one hundred and seventy-six billion, seven hundred and ninety-one million, two hundred and eighty-six thousand, thirty-three Naira) only, of which N18,000,000,000 (Eighteen Billion Naira) only is for Statutory Transfers, N1,033,471,162,373 (one trillion, thirty-three billion, four hundred and seventy-one million, one hundred and sixty-two thousand, three hundred and seventy-three Naira) only is for Recurrent (Non-Debt) Expenditure while the sum of N1,125,320,123,660 (one trillion, one hundred and twenty-five billion, three hundred and twenty million, one hundred and twenty-three thousand, six hundred and sixty Naira) only is for contribution to the Development Fund for Capital Expenditure for the year ending 31 December 2023 (HB. 765) (Referred: 31/10/2023).
The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Kabir Abubakar and seconded by Hon. James Faleke.
2.Ad–hoc Committee on the Need to Investigate the Utilization of Ecological Funds to Great Green Wall:
Hon. Ismaila Haruna Dabo:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Ad–hoc Committee on the Need to Investigate the Utilization of Ecological Funds to Great Green Wall by the International Organisations from 2015 to Date and all Federal Allocations to the National Agency for the Great Green Wall as well as Contract Awarded to Various Contractors for the Project from 2019 to Date” (HR. 78/07/2023) (Referred: 13/7/2023).
The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Ismailia Dabo and seconded by Hon. Bello Ambarura.
ORDERS OF THE DAY:
BILLS:
- A Bill for an Act to Enact the Nigerian Content (Non–Oil and Gas Sector) Development to Establish the Nigerian Content (Non–Oil and Gas Sector) Development Council and to provide for Programme and structure for the use of Nigerian Expertise made in Nigeria goods and services, Economic Diversification and for Related Matters (HB. 59) (Hon. Ogundu Kingsley Chinda and thirty–eight Others) – Second Reading.
Debate:
Hon. Kingsley Chinda moved for the second reading of the bill, and it was seconded by Hon. Nnolim Nnaji. Hon. Chinda in leading the debate stated that the bill seeks to extend the local content Act to non-oil and gas sectors. He stated that it will be a legislative tool to ensure the inclusion of the non-oil and gas sectors into the benefits presently enjoyed by the oil and gas sectors provided by the cover of the Nigerian local content Act. He stated that such critical sectors as ICT, Manufacturing, Power, Agro Allied, Marine etc are to benefit from the effects of the bill.
Hon. Chinda stated that the advantage of the bill when passed will open up these sectors to Nigerian participation to be pioneers in running the sectors. He assured that the bill is not revenue demanding as the sectors are to self-generate revenue that will provide a base of development and employment for all Nigerians.
Hon. Ahmed Jaha praised the spirit of the bill as it is genuinely aimed at boosting revenue in the non-oil and gas sectors. He stated that with the high population growth rate in Nigeria, there lies the urgent need for this type of platform that guarantees economic diversification with local and foreign investors participating in diverse thriving sectors. He expressed confidence that this will place Nigeria in a position to play in a level playing field with other world leaders.
Hon. Aliyu Madaki in his contribution called on Honourable Members to support the passage of the bill as it seeks to reduce the over dependence on oil. This he stated will also help to reduce insecurity as teeming youths will be usefully engaged. Hon. Madaki further stated that the development of the economy will also aid the strengthening of the Naira. The bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Nigerian Local Content Development and Monitoring.
- A Bill for an Act to Establish Niger Delta Institute of Technology and Skills Acquisition Beeri, Rivers State and to make Comprehensive Provisions for Management, Administration and detailed Identification of Areas in Technology, Skills Acquisition and for Related Matters and for Related Matters (HB. 114) (Hon. Dekor Dumnamene) – Second Reading.
Debate:
Hon. Dekor Dumnamene moved for the second reading of the bill, and it was seconded by Hon. Adeboye Paul. Hon. Dekor in leading the debate stated that the bill seeks the establishment of the proposed Institute for the development of technology and skill acquisition for Nigerians in the region. He stated that the Institute will be useful in training people to meet technological and scientific needs of society and provide for the development of such sectors. He stressed that it will also help in boosting employment in non-blue collar sectors which have high demand for skilled labour in society presently. Hon. Dekor bemoaned the reducing availability of skilled Nigerians in these sectors which makes foreigners, especially from other African countries fill the void.
Hon. Famous Osawaru in his contribution commended the spirit and letter of the bill for promoting continuing education which in turn is sure to promote relevance for benefiting Nigerians participating in thriving new sectors locally and internationally. It will also supplement what formal universities do not extensively cover. He stated that the benefit will make graduates truly employable.
Hon. Igariwey Enwo in contributing to the debate stated that the availability of well trained Nigerians is essential to filling participants for the aim of diversifying the Nigerian economy by developing the proposed local content for non-oil and gas sectors.
Hon. Martins Etim praised the spirit of the bill as it will help in training youths with the aim of being positively engaged and employed. He also praised the fact that the benefits of passing the bill also include self employment by the youths.
Hon. Ademorin Kuye in speaking against the bill stressed that establishment bills seem not to be assented to by the Executive due to paucity of funds. He stated that the Niger Delta region where the institute is proposed to be sited has numerous such Institutions with similar functions. He further reminded Honourable Members that there is the Niger Delta Development Commission, Niger Delta Ministry, 13% derivation, Amnesty Program, Petroleum Technology Development Fund etc. that offer such training of skill acquisition locally and internationally. He asked for the bill to be stepped down in the light of these facts.
Hon. Solomon Bob in his contribution stated that there is the dire need for infrastructural development in the Niger Delta region and called for the development of more infrastructure as the bill seeks.
Hon. Dekor Dumnamene in exercising his right of reply stated that if proper implementation of funds were available, things will not have gotten this dire. He stated that the bill seeks to cure a particular problem and urged Honourable Members to support its passage.
Hon. Garba Inuwa in his contribution stated that there is the dire need for the creation of skill acquisition centers in all regions of Nigeria for the youths to be able to compete favorably with international counterparts. The bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committees on Niger Delta Development Commission, Science and Technology, as well as that on Information Technology.
- A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Health Sciences, Gaya, Kano State and for Related Matters (HB.31) (Hon. Mustapha Tijjani) – Second Reading.
Debate:
Hon. Mustapha Tijani moved for the second reading of the bill, and it was seconded by Hon. Zainab Gimba. Hon. Tijani in leading the debate stated that the bill seeks to establish the proposed college of health sciences to cater for increasing population growth as well as cater for the increasing outbreak of peculiar diseases. This he stated informed the need for providing for specialized health professionals to deal with these numerous needs. He stated that the college will also provide for improved healthcare education and training. The bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Health Institutions.
MOTIONS:
- Need to Construct 65 Kilometers Rural Access Road within Makarfi/Kudan Federal Consistency of Kaduna State:
Hon. Umar Shehu Ajilo:
The House:
Notes that Makarfi/Kudan Federal Constituency in Kaduna State is an agrarian community which engages in both wet season farming for annual crops such as sugar cane maize, millet, beans and soya beans, and irrigation farming for perishable crops like tomato, pepper, cabbage and other species of vegetables for their subsistence;
Worried about the lack of rural access road network linking the farms to other towns and nearby states where their farm produce is in high demand, preventing farmers’ produce from reaching the market and causing significant economic loss;
Also worried that most of the existing access roads linking the farmers to the main roads have recently been washed off by flood, particularly in Likoro, Lafiya, Danbami, Jaja, Danguzuri, Marke, Nasarawan doya, Ruma, Gimi wards of Kudan and Makarfi Local Government Areas of Kaduna State respectively;
Cognizant of the need to construct 65 kilometres of rural access roads to Makarfi/Kudan Federal Constituency to facilitate the transportation of farm produce to neighbouring communities and states.
Resolves to:
(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to include the construction of 65 kilometres of rural access roads within the agrarian Communities of Makarfi/kudan federal constituency, Kaduna State in the 2024 Appropriations budget estimate to aid the transportation of farm produce to the market;
(ii) mandate the Committee on Appropriations to ensure compliance.
Debate:
Hon. Umar Ajillo moved the motion on the need to construct 65 kilometers access road within Makarfi/Kudan Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, and it was seconded by Hon. Etteh Ikpong.
Hon. Olumide Osoba proposed an amendment to incorporate the House Committee on National Budget and Planning into the prayer of the motion. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committee on Appropriation, as well as that on Budget and National Planning.
- Rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons from War-torn Communities between Ebonyi and Cross Rivers States:
Hon. Uguru Emmanuel:
The House:
Notes that Abakaliki and Izzi Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State share boundaries with Obubra and Yala Local Government Areas of Cross River State;
Concerned that Ebonyi State and Cross River State disagreed on the boundaries within the axis of Abakaliki/Obubra and Izzi/Yala Local Government areas, which has resulted in a long-standing boundary dispute between the two States;
Also concerned that since 2005 to date, the disputes, which have degenerated into violent communal conflicts, have continued in full strength and intensity, resulting in the death of thousands of people, destruction of properties worth billions of Naira as well as displacement of the people from their homes, forcing them to take refuge in camps at Onunwakpu lgbeagu and Nwida in Ebonyi State and Ntrigom in Cross River State;
Aware that the affected communities include Nduezoke, Azungele, Idogolo, Okpagala, Ndubia Mfuma, Ndunwanpfu, Nkaleke, Azuofia Idda, Azuofia Okpitumo, Nduegu Amachi, Oferekpe Enyigba in Izzi and Abakaliki Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State and Ijibollo, Eja, Ogba, Ntrigom in Yala, Obubra of Cross River State;
Worried that the conflicts have caused untold hardships to the people who are predominantly farmers as their means of livelihood were destroyed during attacks on their communities, leaving them without food, adequate shelter and proper healthcare, thus exposing them to unfavourable weather conditions, health risks and even further violent attacks;
Also worried that if palliative measures are not urgently taken to help the victims, the mortality rate among the aged and the children will continue to rise;
Resolves to:
(i) urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to provide relief materials, rehabilitate, reintegrate and safely reinstate the victims of violent communal conflicts in lgbeagu, Amachi, Edda, Okpuitumo, and Oferekpe Enyigba in Izzi and Abakaliki Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State, and Ijibolo and other Communities of Obubra and Yala Local Government Areas of Cross River State;
(ii) also urge the National Boundary Commission to speed up the process of proper delineation of the boundaries between Ebonyi State and Cross River State; and
(iii) mandate the Committees on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness and Special Duties to ensure compliance and report back within six (6) weeks for further Legislative action.
Debate:
Hon. Uguru Emmanuel moved the motion on the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons from war-torn communities between Ebonyi and Cross Rivers States, and it was seconded by Hon. Adedayo Olumuyiwa. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness.
- Devastating Effect of Gully Erosion in Nasarawa/Bacoco, Ikot Uduak, Ikot Nkebre, Nyaghasang, Akai Effa and Anwatim Communities in Calabar Municipal/Odukpani Federal Constituency, Cross River State:
Hon. Bassey Akiba:
The House:
Notes the prevailing devastation occasioned by gully erosion in Nasarawa/Bacoco, Ikot Uduak, Ikot Nkebre, Nyaghasang, Akai Effa and Anwatim communities in Calabar Municipality which has persistently ravaged these communities destroying lives and properties and rendered indigenes and residents internally displaced;
Also notes that the Nasarawa/Bacoco community is the worst hit, about 100 of the 500 units of Aka Estate, a low and middle-income housing scheme which was an intervention project facilitated by a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. (Etubom) Nya Asuquo Eyoma (1999-2003) have submerged and there is the threat of more houses being submerged;
Aware that previous intervention and mitigation projects that were undertaken by government agencies and the World Bank at the erosion sites at Ikot Nkebre and Ikot Uduak have failed to address the problem hence the gully persists;
Concerned that the devastating effect of the gully has not only destroyed houses and other properties, it has also compromised the integrity of the substructure of many buildings forcing many residents out of their homes without shelter for fear of building collapse, hence in need of temporary shelters and other relief materials;
Worried that without urgent intervention to forestall further devastation and losses in the vicinity of the gully erosion, there might be a humanitarian crisis as the houses in these communities are in danger of being submerged by the gully and most of the owners, especially beneficiaries of the housing scheme and farmers whose lands and properties are being threatened cannot bear the cost of mitigating the disaster;
Resolves to:
(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to ensure the provision of relief materials and other forms of aid for the victims of erosion.
(ii) also urge the Ecological Fund Office, to urgently carry out an impact assessment aimed at mitigating the gully erosion and include the construction intervention projects in the 2024 budget estimates; and
(iii) mandate the Committee on Ecological Funds to investigate the reason why previous interventions in the communities failed.
Debate:
Hon. Bassey Akiba moved the motion on devastating effect of gully erosions in Nasarawa/Bacoco, Ikot Uduak, Ikot Nkebre, Nyaghasang, Akai Effa and Anwatim communities in Calabar Municipal/Odukpani Federal Constituency of Cross River State, and it was seconded by Hon. Aliyu Aminu. Hon. Akiba prayed for the quick intervention of the House in coming to the aid of the affected victims so that they do not resort to self-help as their lean resources have completely run out and they are becoming desperate. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Ecological Funds.
- Flood Disaster in Mayo-Selbe and Serti Towns, Gashaka Local Government Area of Taraba State:
Hon. David Abel Fuoh
The House:
Notes that on 3 October 2023, there was a heavy downpour of rain in Mayo-Selbe town, Gashaka Local Government Area of Taraba State destroying farmland, Shops, about 500 houses and other property worth millions of naira;
Worried that the only access road linking villages in the community was cut off, leaving inhabitants stranded and roaming the streets in search of shelter and basic needs;
Also worried that as a result of the flood disaster some of the inhabitants are internally displaced and temporarily occupying public buildings, such as schools, Mosques and Churches;
Resolves to:
(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Ecological Fund Office to embark on erosion control and land reclamation in Mayo-Selbe Town, Gashaka Local Government Area of Taraba State;
(ii) also urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to assess the level of damage and provide relief materials to the affected victims;
(iii) further urge the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to provide relief materials to the victims, design and construct drainage where necessary; and
(iv) mandate the Committee on Works to ensure compliance.
Debate:
Hon. David Fuoh moved the motion on the flood disaster in Mayo-Selbe and Serti towns, Gashaka local government area of Taraba State, and it was seconded by Hon. Aliyu Wakil. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Works.
- Abandoned Dredging of the Lower River Niger:
Hon. Danlandi Suleiman Aguye:
The House:
Notes that River Niger remains one of the most critical natural assets that holds great prospects for economic diversification in Nigeria and the Federal Government’s primary aim for its recent plans to dredge the river is to make it navigable to enhance economic activities, reduce the burden on highways, minimize accidents and create employment opportunities for Nigerians;
Also notes that the newly created Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy can generate trillions of Dollars and will provide millions of jobs as it involves a wide range of sectors and resources related to oceans, seas, coasts and waterways;
Further notes that dredging provides numerous benefits for the maritime sector through maintenance of existing waterways, creation of new waterways, and increasing the depth of waterways, and waterways require continuous maintenance dredging to remain navigable, thus stimulating trade and engendering inclusive growth and enhancing economic development through sub-regional transhipment trade in the country;
Concerned that since 2014, after former president Goodluck Jonathan formally declared that his Administration had completed dredging of the 527km lower River Niger from Warri to Baro, no badge or cargo has been seen hauling goods via the river as stakeholders have continued to question whether the dredging was done;
Also concerned that the claim of the dredging of 118 kilometres from Onitsha to Idah was questioned as investors have continued to avoid using the route, and since 2016 to date, maintenance dredging has not been carried out on Nigeria’s waterways, which has stifled performance in the maritime industry;
Resolves to;
(i) urge the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to commence immediate maintenance dredging of the lower River Niger and opening up more waterways across the country, as this will lead to new job opportunities for millions of Nigerians;
(ii) mandate the Committee on Inland Waterways to investigate the allegations surrounding the dredging of the lower River Niger in the past years and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
Debate:
Hon. Danladi Aguye moved the motion on the abandoned dredging of the lower River Niger and it was seconded by Hon. Oseni Aderemi. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Inland Waterways.
- Need to investigate and recover over 30 billion Dollars in Accrued Fees and Bonuses from Mergers of Multinational Oil Companies:
Hon. Ademorin Kuye:
The House:
Notes that the Oil Industry experienced several lateral mergers/buyovers/takeovers of Companies in the same Oil and Gas exploration, prospecting, production and marketing in the ‘90s;
Also notes that Section 2 of the Petroleum Act, 2014 the extant law applicable under which the merger took place provides that the Oil exploration licenses, Oil prospecting Licenses and Oil mining Licenses may be granted to only Nigerian Citizens or Companies incorporated in Nigeria, implying that mergers that results in a corporate body not indigenous to Nigeria, in terms of incorporation would exclude the new entity from the scope of Companies that can be given a license or lease under the Petroleum Act;
Informed that the June 1984 merger of Gulf and Chevron which brought Chevron through the back door to inherit Gulf oil operations in the country, was not approved until July 1991, after careful consideration and bargaining that still shortchanged the country of over USD 65 million as at that time;
Cognizant that other mergers between Exxon and Mobil to form ExxonMobil; Elf, Total and Fina to form TotalFinaElf, and between Chevron and Texaco to form ChevronTexaco, have resulted in new entities and companies that should have been subjected to processes such as:
(i) Application for assignment of interest in each block;
(ii) Payment of reserve value in each block;
(iii) Payment of a sign-on or signature bonus in respect of each block;
(iv) Fresh registration at the Corporate Affairs Commission; and
(v) Fresh commitment to social, community and environmental policies in Nigeria that were not done.
Concerned that the mergers while increasing assets of Foreign Oil Multinationals in the country, resulted in the layoff of hundreds of Nigerian Professionals and brought some companies through the back door e.g Exxon and Fina were not physically present in Nigeria in their registered names and identities;
Also concerned that the proper sign-on of the oil block inherited as assets was not done, thus costing the country hundreds of millions of dollars in signature bonuses and reserve value payments that should have been paid;
Worried that the country bled revenue of over USD 30 billion in signature bonuses, reserve values and assignment fees of 43 oil blocks where merging companies operate;
Resolves to:
mandate the Committees on Public Assets, Petroleum Resource (Upstream) and (Downstream) to investigate and recover funds for the federation and report back within eight (8) weeks for further legislative action.
Debate:
Hon. Ademorin Kuye moved the motion on the need to investigate and recover over 30 billion Dollars in accrued fees and bonuses from mergers of multinational oil companies, and it was seconded by Hon. Tijani Zakariya.
Hon. Abubakar Fulata proposed an amendment to incorporate the House Committee on Finance in the prayer of the motion and stated that it should be the lead Committee.
Hon. Adamu Tanko proposed an amendment to incorporate the House Committee on Petroleum Resources Midstream in the prayer of the motion
Hon. Abubakar Yalleman also proposed an amendment to incorporate the House Committee on Justice in the prayer of the motion.
Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere raised a point of order that the House had earlier mandated the joint House Committees on Gas, Petroleum Upstream, Midstream, as well as that on Downstream to study the NEITI report which also covers the subject matter of the motion, so the motion would be in conflict with the work of the joint Committees and hence should be stepped down.
Hon. Julius Ihonvbere and Hon. Francis Waive both stated that since the joint Committees have not yet brought the work done on the NEITI report before the House, it cannot be in conflict with the motion.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen agreed with this position and asked the joint Committees to continue their work with the NEITI report which is broader than the single scope of this motion. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committees on Finance, Public Assets, Justice, as well as that on Petroleum Resources (Upstream, Midstream and Downstream) respectively.
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY) Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen Chairing:
10. Committee on Appropriations:
Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Appropriations on a Bill for an Act to authorise the issue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation the total sum of N 2,176,791,286,033 (two trillion, one hundred and seventy-six billion, seven hundred and ninety-one million, two hundred and eighty-six thousand, thirty-three Naira) only, of which N18,000,000,000 (Eighteen Billion Naira) only is for Statutory Transfers, N1,033,471,162,373 (one trillion, thirty-three billion, four hundred and seventy-one million, one hundred and sixty-two thousand, three hundred and seventy-three Naira) only is for Recurrent (Non-Debt) Expenditure while the sum of N1,125,320,123,660 (one trillion, one hundred and twenty-five billion, three hundred and twenty million, one hundred and twenty-three thousand, six hundred and sixty Naira) only is for contribution to the Development Fund for Capital Expenditure for the year ending 31 December 2023 (HB. 765)” – Committee of Supply (Laid: 2/11/2023).
Issuance from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation the total sum of N 2,176,791,286,033 (two trillion, one hundred and seventy-six billion, seven hundred and ninety-one million, two hundred and eighty-six thousand, thirty-three Naira) only, of which N18,000,000,000 (Eighteen Billion Naira) only is for Statutory Transfers, N1,033,471,162,373 (one trillion, thirty-three billion, four hundred and seventy-one million, one hundred and sixty-two thousand, three hundred and seventy-three Naira) only is for Recurrent (Non-Debt) Expenditure while the sum of N1,125,320,123,660 (one trillion, one hundred and twenty-five billion, three hundred and twenty million, one hundred and twenty-three thousand, six hundred and sixty Naira) only is for contribution to the Development Fund for Capital Expenditure for the year ending 31 December 2023.
BE IT ENACTED by the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as follows: –
- Issue and appropriation of N2, 176, 791, 286, 033 from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for 2023.
(i) The Accountant-General of the Federation shall, when authorised to do so by Warrants signed by the Minister charged with responsibility for finance, payout of the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation during the year ending on the 31st day of December 2023, the sums specified by the Warrants, not exceeding in the aggregate N2,176,791,286,033 (two trillion, one hundred and seventy-six billion, seven hundred and ninety-one million, two hundred and eighty-six thousand, thirty-three Naira) only for the year ending on the 31st day of December 2023;
(ii) The amount mentioned in subsection (1) of this section shall be appropriated to heads of expenditure as indicated in the Schedule to this Bill;
(iii) No part of the amount aforesaid shall be released from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation after the end of the year mentioned in subsection (1) of this section.
2.Release of funds from the Consolidated Revenue Fund
all amounts appropriated under this bill shall be released from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation only for the purpose specified in the schedule to this bill.
3.Virement:
In the event that the implementation of any of the projects intended to be undertaken under this bill cannot be completed without virement, such virement shall only be effected with the prior approval of the National Assembly.
4.Interpretation:
For the purposes of this Bill the term “schedule” includes the detailed estimates of expenditure attached thereto.
5.Short Title:
This bill may be cited as the Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2023.
Schedule:
2023 Supplementary Budget Proposal.
PART A – Statutory Transfers
HEAD:
STATUTORY TRANSFERS:
- Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
18,000,000,000
TOTAL – Statutory Transfers
18,000,000,000
PART B–Recurrent (Non–Debt) Expenditure
HEAD:
Ministry/Departments/Agency
- Ministry of Defence
346,171,830,241 - Police Formations and Command
29,661,660,269 - Office of the National Security Adviser
39,637,671,863 - Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
103,000,000,000 - Service–Wide Vote–Recurrent
515,000,000,000
Total Recurrent (Non–Debt)
1,033,471,162,373
PART C–Capital Expenditure
- State House
100,000,000,000 - Ministry of Defence
200,037,269,430 - Police Formations And Command
20,338,339,731 - Office of the National Security Adviser. 10,364,705,353
- Department of State Services
49,046,831,697 - Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
97,000,000,000 - Federal Ministry of Works
300,000,000,000 - Ministry of Housing
100,000,000,000 - Federal Capital Territory Administration
28,000,000,000 - Capital Supplementation
220,532,977,450 - Total Capital Expenditure
1,125,320,123,660 - Aggregate Expenditure
2,176,791,286,033
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM:
A Bill for an Act to authorise the issue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation the total sum of N 2,176,791,286,033 (two trillion, one hundred and seventy-six billion, seven hundred and ninety-one million, two hundred and eighty-six thousand, thirty-three Naira) only, of which N 18,000,000,000 (eighteen billion Naira) only is for Statutory Transfers, N1,033,471,162,373 (one trillion, thirty-three billion, four hundred and seventy-one million, one hundred and sixty-two thousand, three hundred and seventy-three Naira) only is for Recurrent (Non-Debt) Expenditure while the sum of N1,125,320,123,660 (one trillion, one hundred and twenty-five billion, three hundred and twenty million, one hundred and twenty-three thousand, six hundred and sixty Naira) only is for contribution to the Development Fund for Capital Expenditure for the year ending on the 31st day of December 2023.
Synopsis of the report:
Hon. Kabir Abubakar stated that the report of the bill is pursuant to the referral of the House to the Committee on Appropriation and the work done by the Committee. He moved a motion for an amendment to correct the order paper: that the State House is allocated 28 Billion Naira and not 100 Billion Naira, while the Federal Capital Territory is allocated 100 Billion Naira and not 28 Billion Naira respectively.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-5
HOUSE IN PLENARY:
The House reverted to plenary and adopted the report of the Committee of Supply following a motion by Rep. Julius Ihonvbere and seconded by Hon. Usman Kumo.
BILL:
- A Bill for an Act to authorise the issue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation the total sum of N 2,176,791,286,033 (two trillion, one hundred and seventy-six billion, seven hundred and ninety-one million, two hundred and eighty-six thousand, thirty-three Naira) only-Third Reading.
Debate:
Hon. Julius Ihonvbere moved for the Third reading of the bill and it was seconded by Hon. George Ozodinobi. The bill was voted on, approved for Third reading and passed.
Hon. Julius Ihonvbere moved that the House suspend its relevant rules to adopt the votes and proceedings of the day to allow for the speedy and onward transmission of the resolutions of the House, and it was seconded by Hon. George Ozodinobi.
Adjournment:
The House at 14:09 PM adjourned plenary to Tuesday, November 7th, 2023 by 11:00 A.M following a motion for adjournment moved by the Leader of the House, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere and seconded by the Deputy Minority Whip, Hon. George Ozodinobi.
Courtesy: LightRay Media and Media Unit, Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives.
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