Nigeria National Assembly: Plenary proceedings, House of Reps, Wed, Nov 20th, 2024

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

By admin , in Inside stories , at November 20, 2024

After the recitation of the First stanza of the National Anthem, the National Pledge and opening prayer, the Speaker approved the second votes and proceedings of Tuesday, November 19th, 2024

ANNOUNCEMENT:

Honorable Members are reminded to participate in the 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER BASED VIOLENCE AND WOMEN’S INCLUSION from November 25th, 2024 to 10th December 2024.

PETITIONS:

Hon. Eze Nwachukwu laid a petition on behalf of some retired police officers against the Nigeria Police on the alleged halting of their pensions for over 2 years.
Hon. Unyime Idem laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the Nigeria Police on the alleged non-compliance to the ratification of an issue as well as refusal to pay due entitlements.

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

MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:

Hon. Obuku Oforji moved a motion on urgent need to address the effects of a flood disaster in a community in Bayelsa state and it was seconded by Hon. Ahmed Jaha. Hon. Oforji in leading the debate stated that residents of the community where the flood occurred have suffered enormous hardships as a result of its devastating effects. These effects he stated, have rendered the roads impassable, thereby cutting off interconnection. He commended the Bayelsa state government for its swift intervention and reaction to the plight of the affected, but called on the National Emergency Management Agency to supplement these efforts with more relief for the victims. Hon. Oforji also called on the Ministry of Environment to immediately commence the dredging of the River Niger in order to reduce future flooding. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Environment.
Hon. Muhammad Sani moved a motion on the need to investigate the modality and reasoning behind the 50% deduction to the account of the Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC) and it was seconded by Hon. Jesse Onuakalusi. Hon. Sani in leading the debate expressed concern why the same deducted fund from other agencies have been remitted to them, while that of the Nigeria Shippers Council is still being withheld. He stressed that the lack of such funds has made carrying out its (NSC) constitutional mandate more burdensome as its various infrastructures have continued to suffer dilapidation, with no funds for rehabilitation and upkeep. Hon. Sani called on the Central Bank of Nigeria as well as the Ministry of Finance to immediately release the deducted 50% of its allocated funds as well as other remaining deductions. He further called on the House Committee on Finance, Shipping Services as well as that on Public Accounts to ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Finance, Shipping Services as well as that on Public Accounts .

PRESENTATION OF BILLS

National Social Investment Programme Agency Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB. 1917) (Executive) – First Reading.
National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB. 1935) (Hon Abdussamad Dasuki) – First Reading.
National Agricultural Programme Coordination Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1201) (Hon. Afam Ogene) – First Reading.
National Institute for Vocational and Technical Education, Makera, Kaduna South, Kaduna State (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1203) (Hon. Abdulkarim Hussain Ahmed) – First Reading.
National Institute for Construction Technology and Management, Eziohnum, Delta State (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1332) (Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi) – First Reading.
Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition, Ossisa, Ndokwa East LGA, Delta State (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1333) (Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi) – First Reading
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2024 (Creation of Additional Local Government Council in Lagos State) (HB.1866) (Hon. Dolapo-Badru Enitan and 19 Others) – First Reading.
Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1870) (Hon. Olusoji Abidemi Adetunji) – First Reading.
Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1871) (Hon. Emmanuel Omirin) – First Reading.
Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition, Gamawa, Bauchi State (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1872) (Hon. Adamu Ibrahim Gamawa) – First Reading.
Essential Drugs, Therapeutic Medical Devices and Hospital Consumables Provision, Management and Utilization Bill, 2024 (HB.1873) (Hon. Adamu Ibrahim Gamawa) – First Reading.
National Grassland and Forage/Fodder Production Research Institute, Guma–Gamawa, Bauchi State (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1875) (Hon. Adamu Ibrahim Gamawa) – First Reading.
Federal Vocational and Skills Acquisition College Ilaro, Ogun State (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1827) (Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade) – First Reading.
National Mathematical Centre Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1833) (Hon. Mark B. Useni) – First Reading.
Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1894) (Hon. Isah Bello Ambarura) – First Reading.
Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1861) (Hon. Adebayo Balogun) – First Reading.
Federal University of Technology, Enugu (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1909) (Hon. Abbas Tajudeen) – First Reading.
Federal University of Technology, Yaba (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1910) (Hon. Abbas Tajudeen) – First Reading.
South East Development Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (SB.568) (Senate) – First Reading.
North West Development Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (SB.561) (Senate) – First Reading.
Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna State (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (SB.13) (Senate) – First Reading.
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Scholarship Board (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1844) (Hon. Abdulrahaman Ajiya) – First Reading.
Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (SB. 277) (Senate) – First Reading.

PRESENTATION OF REPORTS

Committee on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring:
Hon. Boma Goodhead:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring on a Bill for an Act to Repeal the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Act No. 2, 2010 and Enact the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Act to Establish Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board and to provide for Legal Framework, Structures and Programmes for the Strengthening of Nigerian Content in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry and for Related Matters (HB.1039)” (Referred: 8/2/2024)

The report was laid

Committee on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring:
Hon. Boma Goodhead:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring on a Bill for an Act to Enact the Nigerian Content (Non – Oil and Gas Sector) Development Bill, to Establish Nigerian Content (Non-Oil and Gas Sector) Development Council and to provide for
Programme Structure for the use of Nigerian Expertise, Made-in-Nigeria Goods and Services, Economic Diversification and for Related Matters (HB. 59) (Referred: 2/11/2024)

The report was laid

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, 2004 to Provide for Establishment of Orthopaedic Hospital, Billiri, Gombe State to be Affiliated to Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe and for Related Matters (HB.1277) – (Referred: 17/7/2024).

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Gaza Gbwefi and seconded by Hon. Garba Inuwa

Committees on Solid Minerals Development, National Security and Intelligence, Army, Police Affairs, Interior and Legislative Compliance:
Hon. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi:
“ That the House do receive the Report of the Committees on Solid Minerals Development, National Security and Intelligence, Army, Police Affairs, Interior and Legislative Compliance on the Need to Investigate the Arbitary Increase in the Price of Cement by Manufacturers of Cement in Nigeria” (Referred: 14/3/2024).

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Gaza Gbwefi and seconded by Hon. Ali Isa

Committees on Solid Minerals Development, National Security and Intelligence, Army, Police Affairs, Interior and Legislative Compliance:
Hon. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi:
“ That the House do receive the Report of the Committees on Solid Minerals Development, National Security and Intelligence, Army, Police Affairs, Interior and Legislative Compliance to Investigate Illegal Mining in Nigeria (HR.342/11/2023)” (Referred: 8/11/2024).

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Gaza Gbwefi and seconded by Hon. Ali Isa

BILLS

Consolidation of Bill:

(a) A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) Act to Change the Use of the Word National Interest to Public Benefit and to Increase the Period Provided for a term of Contract as Prerequisite for Registration of the Document under this Act from 10 years to 20 years and for Related Matters (HB.1788) (Hon. Ngozi Okolie); and

(b) A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion Act, Cap. N62, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to strengthen the capacity of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion to Monitor, on a continual basis, the transfer of Foreign Technology to Nigeria, to encourage, regulate, and commercialize Inventions, Innovations and Research and Development Results more effectively and ensure enhances and diversified Representation in its governance for broader sectorial coverage and for Related matters (HB. 1846) (Hon. Tijjani Zanna Zakariya).

Debate
Hon. Francis Waive moved for the consolidation of the Bills and it was seconded by Hon. Terseer Ugbor. The motion for consolidation was voted on, adopted and the House Committee on Rules and Business was asked to schedule a date for the debate on the general principles of the newly consolidated Bill.

A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Cap. C23, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 to Provide Voting Rights for Nigerians in Diaspora and for Related Matters (HB. 1530) (Hon. Abbas Tajudeen and Hon. Sadiq Ango Abudllahi) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Sadiq Abdullahi moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Cyril Godwin. 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 Amend the Federal High Court Act, Cap F12, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (as amended) to Provide for increase in the Number of Judges of the Court; to Provide for the Retention of Revenue Generated by the Court and for Related Matters (HB.1634) (Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu and seven others) – Second Reading.

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

A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Kaugama, Jigawa State to provide Training and Research in General Nursing Midwifery and other Specialties of Nursing and for Related Matters (HB. 1792) (Hon. Abubakar Makki Yalleman) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Abubakar Yalleman moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Babajimi Benson. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Health Institutions.

A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition, Illela, Sokoto State, to Provide Full-Time Courses, Teaching Instruction and Training in Technology, Applied Science, Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities and Management; and for Related Matters (HB. 927) (Hon. Isah Bello Ambarura)- Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Bello Ambarura moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Yusuf Galambi. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Polytechnics and Other Technical Education.

A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal College of Education (Technical) Ile-Ife, Osun State and for Related Matters (HB.438) (Hon. Ajilesoro Taofeek Abimbola)- Second Reading.

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

A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal College of Education Act, No. 43, 2023 to Establish Federal College of Education (Technical) Ogute–Okpella, Edo State and for Related Matters (HB.912) (Hon. Dekeri Sunday Anamero) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Anamero Dekeri 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 Assure Adequate Funding for Mineral Resources Exploration and Extraction through Public Private Partnership (PPP) and for Related Matters (HB. 289) (Hon. Lanre Okunlola) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Lanre Okunlola moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Joseph Folorunsho. Hon. Okunlola in leading the debate stated that the Bill intends to ensure the development of the mineral exploration and extraction sector. It further seeks to ensure operations within the sector is carried out optimally and in line with International best practices. He stated that the Bill again seeks to link the expertise of the private sector in the development of the Nigerian mining sector through a public-private partnership agreement which will help in the diversion of the Nigerian economy. Hon. Okunlola stated that new technologies have emerged and proven that exploration mapping can be done digitally so that precise positions can be mined for the reduction of speculation and ensure more precision in mining. This he stated is for the reduction of cost and environmental hazards of mining.

Hon. Ahmed Jaha praised the spirit of the Bill as it will bring Public-Private Partnerships to ensure maximization of resources and results for the boost of the extractive industry and the Nigerian economy.

Hon. Tijani Ismail called for the express passage of the Bill as it seeks to ensure to the harnessing of some hitherto untapped mineral resources for the economic benefits of Nigerians. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Solid Minerals Development.

MOTIONS

Outstanding Bills from Preceding Assembly:
Hon. Francis E. Waive:

(i) Merchant Shipping Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024(HB.1592);
(ii) Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1593);
(iii) Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Bill, 2024 (HB.1594);
(iv) Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1855); and
(v) Federal University, Birinin Kebbi, Kebbi State (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB. 1780)

Notes that pursuant to Order Twelve, Rule 17 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 Bill(s)–
(a) whose report was 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 was 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. 1592, 1593, 1594, 1855 and 1780 respectively;

Resolves to:

Re-commit the Bills to the Committee of the Whole for consideration.

Debate
Hon. Francis Waive moved the motion for the outstanding Bills from the preceding Assembly and it was seconded by Hon. Lanre Oladebo. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the Committee of the Whole.

Need to Implement Verifiable Documentation of Point of Sale (POS) Users’ and Fund Recipients’
Identities in Nigeria:
Hon. John Okafor:

The House

Notes the increasing challenges posed by the undocumented identities of Point of Sale (POS) users and fund recipients in Nigeria, leading to opportunities for fraudulent activities within the financial system and the necessity to combat such illicit practices and safeguard the integrity of financial transactions within Nigeria;

Aware that undocumented POS transactions from both parties identities create a loophole for fraudulent activities, such as identity theft, money laundering, and unauthorised transactions. Also, by enforcing the documentation of users’ identities, the incidence of fraud will significantly reduce and the security of financial transactions in Nigeria will be enhanced.

Also aware that proper documentation of POS users’ identities fosters accountability among operators and users. This transparency will help trace transactions back to the individuals involved, holding them accountable for illegal activities conducted through the POS system, and ensure a lasting end to the criminal use of POS.

Worried that there is an obvious regulatory bias and enforcement challenge towards due process by the relevant regulatory bodies and the urgency for immediate intervention to avert this ugly situation and shield Nigerians from the hands of criminalities through the use of the POS system;

Also aware that establishing a system for verifiable documentation of POS users’ and recipients’ identities aligns with the national and international financial regulatory requirements with the objective of preventing financial crimes and ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and know your customer (KYC) regulations;

Cognizant that implementing stringent identity verification measures will protect consumers and businesses from becoming vulnerable to fraudulent schemes carried out through POS transactions. Additionally, the process will build trust in the financial system and encourage greater participation in the growing cashless transactions system in Nigeria.

Resolve to:

mandate the Committees on Digital and Electronic Banking, Finance, Banking Regulations, and Financial Crimes to invite the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Group Managing Directors (GMDs) of all Commercial Banks and Other Financial Institutions utilizing POS services to appear before the Committees and find immediate and lasting measures to address this challenge and report back within four (4) legislative weeks.

Motion stepped down by leave of the House.

Breaches and other Infractions of some Federal Government Institutions on Insurance and Actuarial Matters Using Forensic Audit:
Hon. Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi:

The House:

Notes that Section 88 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) is not restrictive of any method/approach within the confines of the law for committees to carry out oversight functions;

Also notes that while the conventional insurance is struggling with outdated insurance laws, there is a dearth of professional loss adjusters and irregular payment of loss adjusters fees, Non-remittance of premium, especially to reinsurers, Lack of innovation, inconsistent government policies, lack of cooperation within the insurance industry, and poor governance issues in the industry Weak regulatory bodies as a result of moribund laws, Low market penetration and lack of trust from the insuring public; the deposit insurance suffers from ineffective supervision, leading to the failure of many banks, especially microfinance banks; challenges related to asset disposal; inadequate legal and regulatory framework; failure to collaborate effectively with CBN and AMCON to secure financial stability in the Nigerian economy; and the cumbersome process of failure resolution and reimbursement of depositors.

Aware that over $1 billion that should have been retained in Nigeria if all insurance practitioners are given the option of the right of first refusal (insurance being more about risk bearing and sharing) is being taken abroad, which affects the nation’s economy, thereby always weakening our insurance sector and depleting our foreign reserve;

Also aware that these breaches and infractions have given rise to excessive cession and retrocession of businesses in breach of the Local Content Act to the extent that 90% of the risks of some federal government organizations are placed outside the country;

Concerned that non-transparency and lack of accountability in insurance practice in Nigeria today have resulted in over 30 naira unsettled claims in the group life insurances of the Nigeria Police Force, Head of Service (for Federal Civil Servants), and Ministry of Defence (for the Nigerian Armed Forces) because of no actuarial valuation, no gap analysis, and non-compliance with Section 57 of the Insurance Act, 2023, and Section 4, Subsection 5 of the Pension Reform Act, 2014, among other factors;

Also concerned that the resultant effect of the above has led millions of families of the deceased Federal Government personnel that are the beneficiaries suffering because they were not paid the entitlement of their breadwinners; when paid, in some cases, unallowed deductions are made, thereby shortchanging them;

Worried that the Committee on Insurance and Actuarial Matters letters to the MDAs, like NEMA, NPA, and NNPC, for either documents to enable oversight or appear before the Committee to address these issues are being treated with ignominy to the extent that it will soon become the rules rather than the exceptions that will negatively impact the overall oversight functions of the House of Representatives, if not nipped in the bud;

Also worried that there are huge unsettled life claims in Nigeria due to the fact that the premiums meant for payment were suspected to have been squandered by some insurance companies and a few individuals, and it is only a forensic auditor that will unravel this.

Resolves to:

mandate the Committee on Insurance and Actuarial Matters to conduct an investigation using forensic auditors, where necessary, and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Debate
Hon. Sulaiman Gumi moved the motion on breaches and other infractions of some Federal Government Institutions on Insurance and Actuarial Matters Using Forensic Audit and it was seconded by Hon. Abubakar Yalleman. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Insurance and Actuarial Matters.

Inclusion of Odukpani-Itu Road Project in the 2025 Budget Estimates:
Hon. Unyime Idem Hon. Clement Jimbo Hon.Martin Esin
Hon. Etteh Okpolupm Ikpong Hon. Ukpongudo Emmanuel Hon. Uduak Odudoh
Hon. Patrick Umoh Hon. Okon Ime Hon. Martins Esin
Hon. Paul Ekpo Hon. Mark Esset Hon. Lemke Inyang
Hon. Alex Egbona Hon. Victor Abang Hon. Bassey Akiba
Hon. Bassey Joseph Hon. Peter Akpanke Hon. Micheal Irom
Hon. Godwin Odey:

The House:

Notes that Odukpani/Itu Road is crucial for the economic development of Cross River and Akwa Ibom communities, the South-south region, and the nation at large, as it serves as the primary route for transportation of goods and services, including construction materials and farm produce, and evacuation of imported goods from the northern part of the country, especially Benue and Nasarawa, to other parts of the country in the south;

Worried that the current deplorable state of the road’s, spanning over 20 years since its construction in 1975, has resulted in economic loss and untold hardship for commuters in Akwa Ibom State and Cross River State;

Aware that the 83.3 kilometers of the Federal Highway was awarded in 2021, in tranches to Julius Berger, Sermatec, and CCECC Companies, respectively, for reconstruction, but the road has remained uncompleted till date;

Also worried about the man hours wasted while plying the road due to obstruction from broken-down trucks and ravaging gully erosion on the highway, the consequences of which are daily loss of agricultural, economic, and industrial activities and human lives, cumulatively as estimated by the National Bureau of Statistics and Federal Ministry of Works at N1.465 billion annually;

Concerned about the plights of the people of Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency and the funding gap that has exacerbated the road infrastructure, thus delaying completion of the road;

Cognizant of the need to make provision to include the construction of the Odukpani–Itu Road Project in the 2025 Budget estimates;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning to ensure the inclusion of Odukpani-Itu Federal Highway construction in the 2025 Budget estimates;

(ii) mandate the Committees on National Planning and Economic Development, Appropriations, Finance, and Works to ensure compliance and adequate budgetary provision; and

(iii) also mandate the Committees on Public Procurement and Works to investigate the abandonment of the Odukpani/Itu Road Project, which was awarded in tranches to Julius Berger, Sermatec, and CCECC in 2021.

Debate
Hon. Unyime Idem moved the motion on the inclusion of Odukpani-Itu road project in the 2025 budget estimates and it was seconded by Hon. Mark Esset. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Works, Appropriations, Finance as well as that on National Planning.

Need to Increase Funding and Annual Budgetary Allocation to Federal Polytechnics to Address Issues Besetting the Institutions:
Hon. Danladi Suleiman Aguye Hon. Salman Idris:

The House:

Notes that the Polytechnics were established through legislation by the 6th National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the Federal Polytechnic Act (as amended);

Also notes that Polytechnics are Technical Institutions offering Post-Secondary Technical Education programmes leading to the award of Diplomas Certificates such as the National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND);

Further notes that currently there are, a total of Thirty Seven (37) Federal Polytechnics in Nigeria,

Aware that Polytechnic Education was essentially introduced into the country to produce middle-level manpower and technical skills in engineering and technology, provide high skilled technical knowledge to give training and impart necessary skills for the production of technicians, technologists, and other skilled personnel;

Concerned that despite rapid expansion and changes that in the world of Technology, Polytechnic education is yet to be accorded due recognition in the country;

Also concerned that most of these Institutions are faced with multifaceted challenges such as lack of training facilities, inadequate qualified human resources, obsolete laboratories and workshops for practical activities, outdated curriculum that is devoid of 21st century skills requirements among others;

Disturbed that despite the number of Polytechnics in Nigeria, with years of history, technical jobs across several sectors, especially oil and gas as well as maritime sectors are not man by Nigerians as a result of skill gap from graduates of polytechnics;

Worried about inadequate funding of Federal Polytechnics in Nigeria, as some are being converted into Universities, while China took a drastic steps to convert about 600 Universities to Polytechnics;

Informed that funding of Polytechnic education will help bolster the country’s for technological development and reduce heavy importation and dependency bringing growth and development that developed countries have attained in different Sectors of global economy due to technological advancement;

Cognizant that Polytechnics are the backbone of our technical education system and 1T Order to meet the evolving demands of our economy, we must significantly increase our investment in the polytechnic education;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Education to increase the funding of Federal Polytechnics in Nigeria;

(ii) mandate the Committees on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education, Finance, and Appropriations to increase the budgetary allocation of Federal Polytechnics in Nigeria in the 2025 budget estimates;

(iv) also mandate the Committee on Legislative Compliance to compliance.

Debate
Hon. Salman Idris moved the motion the need to increase funding and annual budgetary allocation to Federal Polytechnics to address issues besetting the Institutions and it was seconded by Hon. Haruna Gowon. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and other Technical Education, Finance, Appropriations as well as that on Legislative Compliance.

Need to Address to Activities of Distribution Companies (DISCOS) in Nigeria:
Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka:
 The House:
 Notes that the activities of Distribution Companies (DISCOS) in the country and their recent actions, which is posing a threat to economic stability and welfare of the Nigerian populace;
 also notes that Nigerian consumers paid for electricity meters installation, but Discos is demanding additional payments for replacement of these metres under dubious pretenses, undermining consumer trust and exacerbating financial burdens;
 Worried that Consumers are being coerced into paying for meters which they have earlier financed, causing financial strain on households and businesses already facing economic challenges.
 Also worried about the sabotage of economic development by Discos, where essential services are used against citizens intended to serve thereby, stifling growth and development;

Concerned that despite constant regulatory oversight and demand for accountability by the Committee on Power from these companies, Discos remained recalcitrant in operating with impunity and disregard for consumer rights;
 Recognises that the Discos’ actions pose a significant threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and welfare of citizens;

Cognizant of the need to stand against injustices and prioritizes constituents’ needs and rights.
 Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Power to declare Discos as non-state actors and take immediate measures to address their reckless actions, threatening the nation’s economy.

(ii) also urge Discos to undergo Recapitalization of not less than 500 billion Naira, and only those with the required financial muzzles that can provide maximum satisfaction to consumers are allowed the space to continue to operate;

(iii) mandate the Committee on Power to:
(a) investigate the activities of the Distribution Companies (DISCOS) in Nigeria, with the intent to hold them accountable and safeguard consumer rights;

(b) examine the implementation of the stricker regulations governing the operations of Discos, to ensure transparency and fairness in dealings with Consumers;

(c) activate public awareness campaigns and initiatives to educate consumers about their rights and the proper channels for addressing grievances related to electricity services and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Debate
Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka moved the motion on the need to address the activities of Distribution Companies (DISCOS) in Nigeria and it was seconded by Hon. Tanko Adamu. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Power.

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

A Bill for an Act to Amend the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act, 2021 (as amended) to make Provisions for Establishment of Federal College of Agricultural Technology, Opialu–Ojapo, Benue State to contribute to the Development of Nigeria through Training of Qualitative Manpower in Agriculture by adequate exposure to Sound Theoretical Background, Practical Farm and field Demonstration and for Related Matters (SB.212) (Senate) – (Leader) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere) – Committee of the Whole: 30/11/2024.

Synopsis of the report:
Hon. Julius Inonbvere stated that the Bill seeks to establish the council to ensure qualitative manpower training for the development of the agricultural sector.

Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-3

A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Universities of Agriculture Act, Cap. F22, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2024 and Establish Federal University of Agricultural, Kabba, Kogi State and for Related Matters (HB. 1520) (Leader) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere) – Committee of the Whole: 30/11/2024.

Synopsis of the report:
Hon. Julius Ihonbvere stated that the Bill seeks the establishment of the University to ensure the transfer of knowledge in the field of agricultural research which will translate to professionals engaging in the development of the agricultural sector.

Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-3

Committee on Health Institutions:
Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Amend the University Teaching Hospitals (Reconstitution of Boards, etc.) Act, Cap. U15, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and for Related Matters (HB.962) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 10/7/2024).

Synopsis of the report:
Hon. Adedayo Olumuyiwa stated that the Bill seeks to ensure the establishment and upgrading of the health institution in order to ensure more points for the acquisition of quality, but affordable healthcare services.

Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-3

Committee on Health Institutions:
Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Medical Centres and Establish Federal Medical Centre, Kwale, Delta State and for Related Matters (HB. 680) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 17/7/2024).

Synopsis of the report:
Hon. Adedayo Olumuyiwa stated that the Bill seeks the establishment of the medical center in Kwale in order to cater for the health needs of those within the region and its environs.

Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-3

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. Ali Isa.

House Adjournment:
The House at 13:11 adjourned plenary to Thursday, November 21st, 2024 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 Whip, Hon. Ali Isa.

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