Nigeria Parliament: Plenary proceedings, House of Reps, Tues, Dec, 3rd, 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 Thursday, November 28th, 2024

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ANNOUNCEMENT:

The Clerk of the House announced that Honorable Members should be reminded of the 2024 International Day for People Living With Disabilities. There is an ongoing celebration of the day within the premises of the National Assembly for interested participants.

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PETITIONS:

Hon. Paul Nnamchi laid a petition on behalf of some complainants against a Chartered Professional Body for alleged gross misconduct.
Hon. Hussaini Jalo laid a petition on behalf of some pensioners against First Bank of Nigeria on the alleged denial of their rights
Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi laid a petition on behalf of some complainants against an organization on alleged forgery, misrepresentation and twisting of facts
Hon. Victor Chukwuemele laid a petition on behalf of some complainants who represent some host communities against Shell Petroleum Company for alleged Marginalization of their rights as host communities in regards to employment and local content contracts.

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

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MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:

1. Hon. Kama Nkemkanma moved a motion on the urgent need to investigate the plan by the Central Bank of Nigeria to retire over 1000 of its staff nationwide in a scheduled reduction exercise and it was seconded by Hon. Mansur Soro. Hon. Kama in leading the debate expressed concern at the socioeconomic implications of this plan on the would-be affected workers and their dependents, especially at a harrowing period such as this. He called for the constitution of an Ad-hoc committee to investigate the matter and its economic implications and report back to the House within 4 weeks. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the soon to be constituted Ad-Hoc Committee. Membership of the Ad-Hoc Committee was then announced and it is to be Chaired by Hon. Bello Usman Kumo.
2. Hon. Idem Unyime moved a motion on the need for the investigation of the incessant boat mishaps in Nigeria’s waterways and it was seconded by Hon. Akeem Adeyemi. Hon. Idem in leading the debate expressed with extreme sadness the witnessing of boat mishaps that have continued to be a reoccurring decimal, especially in recent times. He lamented the high loss of lives as a result of these mishaps which shows little concern for safety measures on these means of marine transport. Hon. Idem called for the enforcement of better maritime safety standards, better training for the transport operators, more efficient emergency response plans as well as for the clamping down on overcrowded boats. He urged the Federal Government through the Ministry of Blue Economy as well as that on Marine Transport to ensure the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) as well as the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) enforce such safety regulations on travels within and around Nigerian inland waterways, and that the relevant Committees of the House should ensure compliance.

Hon. Awaji Dagomie-Abiante in contributing to the debate expressed worry at how the agencies saddled with the responsibility of maintaining safety on the Nigerian waterways keep failing to live up to expectations. He called on the relevant House Committees to do proper oversight on such Agencies of Government as it is known that boat operators provide their passengers work jackets, instead of life jackets, which are more durable. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Maritime Safety Education and Administration as well as that on NIWA.

Hon. Clement Jimbo moved a motion calling on the Federal Government to wade into the communal crisis between some communities in Akwa Ibom state and it was seconded by Hon. Badau Yusuf. Hon. Jimbo in leading the debate stated that the community comprises about 10 villages with large, undeveloped, but fertile lands. He stated that since 2011; a a part of the land spanning about 10 kilometers has been the cause of the prolonged disputes, attacks and counterattacks which have gotten worse since 2024. Hon. Jimbo applauded the efforts of the Akwa Ibom government to bring the clashes to a peaceful resolution. This he however stated has yielded little progress, emboldening the perpetrators of these attacks to continue their attacks unabated. He stated that this has made people migrate to neighboring villages to continue perpetrating mayhem, while some have also fled for fear of their lives. The long span of these attacks, he stated has negatively affected socioeconomic development, activities and movement within the region. Hon. Jimbo called on the House to liaise with the National Boundary Commission, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to bring a lasting solution to the conflicts. He called on the government of Akwa Ibom state and that of Abia state to work together to bring the situation under control. Hon. Jimbo also called for the setting up of a military base in the region to maintain peace, security and stability. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Special Duties, Humanitarian Affairs as well as that on Army.

Hon. Ysusf Gagdi moved a motion on the need for the Federal Government to take urgent steps to curb the rising incidence of kidnapping and Insurgency in Kanke/Paskshin/Kanam federal constituency of Plateau state and it was seconded by Hon. Dominic Okafor. Hon. Gagdi stated that bandits in recent times, especially since August have made the region a base for nefarious activities. He expressed concern over the spate of kidnappings and killings of victims, even after ransom had been collected. Hon. Gagdi stated that the financial demand and extortion by these bandits have financially crippled many families, not to talk of the psychological effects and trauma faced by the victims. He expressed sadness that the area which is an attractive hub for socioeconomic activities has also attracted these unwanted bandits. He stated that the surrounding forest reserves have become a safe haven of escape and habitation for the criminals. Hon. Gagdi warned that if urgent steps are not taken to combat the activities of these bandits; the region may become almost uninhabitable. He called on the Inspector General of Police to immediately deploy an anti kidnapping squad to dislodge the bandits and that the Chief of Defense Staff should establish a military base to employ counter insurgency measures aimed at clearing all hideouts used by the bandits. He further called on all related National Security Agencies, the Department for State Security, the National Security and Civil Defense Corps to ensure measures for establishing and maintaining peace within the region. Hon. Gagdi further called for the compensation and rehabilitation of the victims. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Interior as well as that on National Security.

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MATTER OF PRIVILEGE:

Hon. Mustapha Tijani rose on a matter of privilege against a publication that breached his rights as an Honorable Member about a publication credited to the Deputy Spokesperson of the House in an on-line publication by the Daily Trust Newspaper stating that those opposed to the Tax Reform Bills of the Executive now seek their speedy passage. He stated that his view as a stakeholder and one who opposes the Bills was not sought, and that the publication makes it look like they were induced to support the passage of the Bills. Hon. Tijani called for the retraction of the publication, its investigation and if the investigation finds the deputy spokesperson guilty, he/she should be made to resign the post of deputy spokesperson of the House and also ensure a printed apology in a national daily newspaper should be carried out as it breaches his privilege on his person and his region.

The Presiding Speaker assured that the House will ensure due investigation and all necessary actions will be taken in line with the findings of the investigation as well as in accordance with the House Rules.

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PRESENTATION OF BILLS

1. Federal University, Biu Borno State Bill, 2024 (HB. 1964) (Establishment) (Hon. Muktar Betara Aliyu) – First Reading.
2. Nigerian Military Force Bill, 2024 (HB. 1949) (Hon. Rufus Ojuawo Adeniyi and three others) – First Reading.
3. Veteran Federation of Nigeria (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2024 (HB. 1950) (Hon. Rufus Ojuawo Adeniyi) – First Reading.
4. Risk Management Reporting (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB. 1951) (Hon. Abubakar Makki Yalleman) – First Reading.
5. Nigerian Heroes Register Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB. 1952) (Hon. Abubakar Makki Yalleman) – First Reading.
6. Nigerian Institute of Animal Science Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB. 1953) (Hon. Abubakar Makki Yalleman) – First Reading.
7. Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB. 1954) (Hon. Abubakar Makki Yalleman) – First Reading.
8. Nigerian Export Promotion Council Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB. 1955) (Hon. Abubakar Makki Yalleman) – First Reading.
9. Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB. 1956) (Hon. Abubakar Makki Yalleman) – First Reading.
10. Nigerian Television Authority Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB. 1957) (Hon. Abubakar Makki Yalleman) – First Reading.
11. Produce (Enforcement of Export Standards) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB. 1958) (Hon. Abubakar Makki Yalleman) – First Reading.

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ORDERS OF THE DAY

BILLS

1. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University of Agriculture, Ugbawka, Nkanu East, Enugu State to make comprehensive provisions for its Due Management and Administration and for Related Matters (HB. 669) (Leader) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – Third Reading.

Debate

Hon. Abdullahi Ali 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 Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Eka-Midim, Akwa Ibom State and for Related matters (HB. 1157) (Leader) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – Third Reading.

Debate

Hon. Abdullahi Ali 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 Amend the Federal Medical Centres Act to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Igboho, Oyo State and for Related Matters (HB. 1386) (Leader) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – Third Reading.

Debate

Hon. Abdullahi Ali 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 Provide for Establishment of Federal Institute of Fisheries Research, Ogidigben, Delta State and for Related Matters (HB. 822) (Leader) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – Third Reading.

Debate

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

Debate

Hon. Abdullahi Ali 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 Amend the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act and for Related Matters (HB. 1662) (Hon. Abbas Tajudeen and Hon. Mark Useni) – Second Reading.

Debate

Hon. Mark Useni moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Terseer Ugbor. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Basic Education and Services.

7. 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 and for Related Matters (HB.1634) (Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu and seven others) – Second Reading

Debate

Hon. Suleiman Gummi moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Mohammed Shehu. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Judiciary.

8. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji, Osun State and to make comprehensive provisions for its Due Management and Administration and for Related Matters (SB.569) (Senate) (Leader) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – Second Reading.

Debate

Hon. Abdullahi Ali 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.

9. A Bill for an Act to Amend the North West Development Commission Act, 2024 and for Related Matters (SB. 567) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – Second Reading.

Debate

Hon. Abdullahi Ali 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.

10. A Bill for an Act to Amend the South East Development Commission Act, 2024 and for Related Matters (SB. 568) (Leader) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – Second Reading.

Debate

Hon. Abdullahi Ali 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.

11. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Animal Husbandry, Kaoje, Kebbi State and for Related Matters (HB.1929) (Hon. Bello A. Kaoje) – Second Reading.

Debate

Hon. Bello Kaoje moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Zannah Usman. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Livestock.

12. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of the National Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Robotic Studies Sciences Regulation Commission to ensure Proper Control of Usage of Artificial Intelligence (Ai) Technology in Nigeria, Regulate the Development, Deployment, and use of Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria and for Related Matters (HBs.143, 601, 942, and 1810) (Hon. Sada Soli,Hon. Benjamin O. Kalu, Hon. Ademorin A. Kuye, Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka , Hon. Akin Rotimi) – Second Reading.

Debate

Hon. Benjamin Kalu moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Sada Soli. Hon. Sada in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks to lay a foundation for forward thinking Legislative Framework to mitigate potential risks associated with digital information technology, especially as it relates to artificial intelligence. It also aims to ensure government can properly coordinate and mange the risk associated therein as well as ensure adequate data protection and governance for the good of Nigerians. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Information and Communication Technology as well as that on Science Engineering.

13. A Bill for an Act to Establish Fisheries and Aquatic Studies Research Institute, Darki, Wudil, Kano State to Provide for Instruction, Training and Research into the field of Fishery and Aquatic Studies in Nigeria including the conservation of Fish Husbandry and commercial Fisheries in Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB. 1210) (Hon. Abdulhakeem Kamilu) – Second Reading.

Debate

Hon. Abdulhakeem Kamilu moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Rabiu Yusuf. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions.

14. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Medical Centers Act and Establish the Federal Medical Centre, Ohafia, Ohafia Local Government Area, Abia State and for Related Matter (HB.257) (Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa) – Second Reading.

Debate

Hon. Ibe Osonwa moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Abubakar Nalaraba. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Health Institutions.

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MOTIONS

15. Need to Unfreeze the Accounts of the National Social Investment Programmes Agency (NSIPA) for the Reactivation of all Social Investment Programmes of the Agency:

Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu Hon. Julius Ihonvbere Hon. Usman Bello Kumo Hon. Abubakar Hassan Fulata Hon. James A. Faleke Hon. Ibrahim A. Isiaka Hon. Babajimi Benson Hon. Chike John Okafor Hon. Sada Soli Hon. Ahmed Jaha Hon. Kama Nkemkanma Hon. Balele Aminu Hon. Usman Muritala Banye Hon. Chinedu Ogah Hon. Alex Egbona Hon. Mohammed Omar Bio Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi Hon. M. B. Shehu Fagge Hon. Blessing Chigeru Amadi Hon. Nwobasi Joseph Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere:

The House:

Notes that the National Social Investment Progamme Agency (NSIPA) was established pursuant to the National Social Investment Programme Agency (Establishment) Act, 2023, with the mandate of empowering unemployed persons, vulnerable widows, orphans, children, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable senior citizens, etc.;

Also notes that NSIPA oversees critical social intervention programs such as Grant for Vulnerable Groups, N-Power, the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), Conditional Cash Transfers (CCT), and the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP), etc.;

Notes that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Government gives emphasis to the mandate of the NSIPA to cushion the effect of economic shocks on the poor and the vulnerable;

Disturbed that despite the programmes of NSIPA being vital for poverty alleviation, youth empowerment, and economic inclusivity in Nigeria, the agency’s functionality has been hindered due to administrative bottlenecks, insufficient funding, and frozen accounts;

Worried that the effort of the government and the laudable programmes of NSIPA were truncated by alleged financial mismanagement by handlers of the programmes leading to the suspension of programmes and freezing of the agency’s account and subsequent investigation by anti-corruption and security agencies;

Concerned that the smooth operations of the programmes and the fulfillment of the mandate of NSIPA are hindered due to the suspension (freezing) of the accounts of the agency and other administrative bottlenecks, which has remained in force even more than 3 months after the President reconstituted the new management of NSIPA;

Also concerned that the NSIPA Frozen account contradicts the President’s mandate on poverty alleviation by hindering and halting social welfare programs, including conditional cash transfers, small business grants, and school feeding initiatives; undermining economic empowerment initiatives; delaying in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and causing erosion of public confidence and administrative paralysis in fighting poverty, among other things;

Also worried that as a result of the suspension of accounts of the NSIPA, the N-Power programme has been so negatively affected that 395,731 beneficiaries are owed outstanding stipends to the tune of N81, 315, 440, 000 (Eighty-One Billion, Three Hundred and Fifteen Million, Four Hundred and Forty Thousand Naira)—a fund already captured under the 2023 and 2024 amended Appropriation Acts, which will lapse by the year ending 31st December, 2024;

Believes that restoring NSIPA’s account aligns with the President’s vision, ensuring that poverty alleviation efforts remain effective, efficient, and impactful, and that it is essential to act swiftly to resolve this issue to maintain momentum toward the administration’s poverty eradication goals;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to mandate the Honourable Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy to –

(a) ensure that all frozen accounts of the National Social Investment Programmes Agency (NSIPA) are unfrozen within 72 hours to enable the smooth recommencement of all the programmes of NSIPA, and

(b) Ensure the release of funds to NSIPA for the payment of outstanding stipends owed to 395,731 N-Power beneficiaries nationwide without further delay.

(ii) also urge the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management to ensure that all the administrative bottlenecks hindering the smooth operations of all programmes of NSIPA are immediately removed; and

(iii) transmit this resolution to the Senate for concurrence.

Debate

Hon. Benjamin Kalu moved the motion on the need to unfreeze the accounts of the National Social Investment Programmes Agency (NSIPA) for the reactivation of all Social Investment Programmes of the Agency and it was seconded by Hon. Tijani Jobe who also proposed an amendment urging the President to mandate the relevant authorities to unlock the various warehouses used by NSIPA.

Hon. Ahmed Jaha further proposed an amendment to prayer 2 to also incorporate the Ministry of Poverty Reduction into the prayer. The motion was voted on and adopted as amended according to its prayers.

16. Need to Investigate and Address Deviations from Federal Government Approved Master Plans of Federal Housing Estates for Excessive Profiteering:

Hon. Esosa Iyawe:

The House:

Notes that the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) was established, among other functions, to provide, develop, and manage Real Estate on a commercial basis in all states of the federation as well as prepare and submit proposals for National Housing Programs;

Aware that the Federal Housing Authority executes the housing programs proposed and submitted after getting approvals from the Federal Government;

Informed that approvals of the Estates includes conducive, serene, and tranquil living spaces, approved site plans, development timelines, green areas, recreational facilities, community centers, and general services areas for banks, health centers, post offices, and shopping malls;

Concerned that after the commencement of construction and subscription by the public, the Federal Housing Estates surreptitiously deviates from the approved plans in Guzape, Lugbe, and Lagos by converting spaces approved for green areas, recreational centers, and general utilities to living spaces sold at a premium to unsuspecting subscribers;

Also concerned that spaces meant for greenery, drainages, and channelling of flood water are converted and constructed upon, endangering the lives of subscribers who have bought into the initial plan of affordable serenity and tranquility of the FHA Estates for excessive profiteering;

Resolves to:

Mandate the Committee on Public Assets to investigate the deviations from the approved plans and report within four (4) for further legislative actions.

Debate

Hon. Esosa Iyawe moved the motion on the need to investigate and address deviations from Federal Government approved Master Plans of Federal Housing Estates for excessive profiteering and it was seconded by Hon. Mitema Obordor.

Hon. Mathew Nwogu proposed an amendment to incorporate the Committee on Housing and Habitat as well as that on Urban Development and Regional Planning to the prayer of the motion and that the Committee on Public Assets should be expunged. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committee on Housing and Habitat as well as that on Urban Development and Regional Planning.

17. Rehabilitation and Furnishing of the National Museum, Port Harcourt, Rivers State:

Hon. Blessing Chigeru Amadi:

The House:

Notes that the Federal Government, through Decree 77 of 1979, established the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) to manage the museums across the country;

Also notes that the National Museum, Port Harcourt reflects the aspects of life in the Niger Delta, contribute to the region as an economic sphere of influence and a region that blends diverse cultural traditions;

Aware that the National Museum serves as a crucial repository of Nigeria’s cultural heritage, therefore preserving artifacts that tell the nation’s story;

Also aware that the National Museum, Port Harcourt is in a state of neglect and disrepair, where structural deficiencies not only endanger the safety of workers and visitors but also impede the adequate conservation, exhibition, and accessibility of the nation’s cultural treasure;

Worried that the continued neglect may result in irreversible damage to the structural integrity of the facility and jeopardize Nigeria’s cultural identity thereby, diminishing the collective sense of pride and belonging;

Cognizant that rehabilitating and equipping the National Museum, Port Harcourt, would boost tourism and cultural development, create opportunities for local artisans, businesses, and the region, as well as preserve the nation’s cultural heritage and be an investment in the education and enlightenment of the future generation;

Resolves to:

(i) mandate the Committees on Works, Niger Delta Ministry, and NDDC to ensure urgent renovation and procurement of modern equipment for the National Museum Complex Port Harcourt; and

(ii) also mandate the Committee on Appropriation to include the rehabilitation and the equipment of the Port Harcourt Museum Complex in the 2025 budget estimates.

Debate

Hon. Blessing Amadi moved the motion on rehabilitation and furnishing of the National Museum, Port Harcourt, Rivers state and it was seconded by Hon. Patrick Umoh. Hon. Donald Kimikamboh proposed an amendment to incorporate the House Committee on Tourism to the prayer of the motion.

Hon. Eugene Okechukwu also proposed an amendment to delete the term ‘Niger Delta Ministry’ and replace it with the ‘Ministry for Regional Development’. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committee on Culture and Tourism, Works, Regional Development, Niger Delta Development Commission as well as that on Appropriations.

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

18. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Medical Centres Act to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Bonny and for Related Matters (HB.1855) (Leader) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – Committee of the Whole: 16/10/2024.

Synopsis of the report:

Hon. Abdullahi Ali stated that the Bill seeks to establish the medical center for the healthcare benefits of those living in and around Bonny and Honorable Members should support it.

Summary of voting:

Clauses voted on and approved: 1-3

19. A Bill for an Act to Establish the Chartered Institute of Capital Market Registrars to Ensure Professionalism in the System; and for Related Matters (HB.1460) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) (Leader)– Committee of the Whole:18/7/2024.

Synopsis of the report:

Hon. Abdullahi Ali stated that the Bill seeks the establishment of the institute to ensure professionalism within the capital market sector.

Summary of voting:

Clauses voted on and approved: 1-26

20. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the National Examinations Council (NECO) (Establishment) Act, Cap. N37, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the National Examination Council (NECO) (Establishment) Act, 2024 to Provide for National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE), the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (Internal) (SSCE) (I) Compulsory for Every Nigerian Child, and to Design the Scope of the Powers and Functions of the Governing Board of the Council and for Related Matters (HB. 421) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) (Leader)– Committee of the Whole: 14/5/2024.

Consideration of the report deferred to a different legislative date.

21. A Bill for an Act to Amend the North West Development Commission Act and for Related Matters (SB. 567) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – Committee of the Whole: 3/12/2024.

Synopsis of the report:

Hon. Abdullahi Ali stated that the Bill seeks the amendment of the Principal Act to make it in line with current realities.

Summary of voting:

Clauses voted on and approved: 1-10

22. A Bill for an Act to Amend the South East Development Commission Act and for Related Matters (SB. 568) (Leader) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – Committee of the Whole: 3/12/2024.

Synopsis of the report:

Hon. Abdullahi Ali stated that the Bill seeks the amendment of the Principal Act to make it in line with current realities.

Summary of voting:

Clauses voted on and approved: 1-8

23. Report of the Conference Committee:

Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase:

“That the House do consider the Report of the Conference Committee on a Bill for an Act to Establish North Central Development Commission charged with the Responsibility, among other things, to Receive and Manage Funds from Allocation of the Federation Account for the Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of Roads, Houses and other Infrastructural Damages Suffered by the Region as a result of the effect of the Communal Crises as well as tackle the Ecological Problems and any other Related Environmental or Developmental challenges in the North Central States and for Related Matters and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 28/11/2024).

Synopsis of the report:

Hon. Ahmed Idris stated that the Bill seeks to regularize the organization and functions of the North Central Development Commission. There were 2 versions of recommendations (that of the House as well as that of the Senate). That of the Senate was adopted for the Chairmanship of the Commission to be rotated by states in alphabetical order, while the House version was adopted for the siting of the Headquarters of the Commission.

Summary of voting:

Clauses voted on and approved: Recommendations of the Conference Committee was adopted.

24. Report of the Conference Committee:

Hon. Abbas Adigun:

“That the House do consider the Report of the Conference Committee on a Bill for an Act to Amend the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap. N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and for Related Matters and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 28/11/2024).

Synopsis of the report:

Hon. Abbas Adigun stated that the report was passed by the House and sent to the Senate for concurrence, but the Senate and House had different positions on some aspects. This made it necessary for the constitution of conference committee for harmonization, the House version was however adopted.

Summary of voting:

Clauses voted on and approved: The recommendations of the Conference Committee was adopted.

25. Report of the Conference Committee:

Hon. Frederick Agbedi:

“That the House do consider the Report of the Conference Committee on a Bill for an Act to Establish South–South Development Commission charged with the responsibility to receive and manage funds from the Federation Account allocation and other sources, Donations, Grants, Aids for the Integration, Development, Resolution of Infrastructural Deficit, Militancy, Communal crisis as well as tackle Ecological, Environmental problems and for Related Matters and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 28/11/2024).

Synopsis of the report:

Hon. Chike Okafor stated that Bill seeks the establishment of the South-South Development Commission. The House and the Senate had some slight differences in their views, but these were resolved and harmonized in a conference committee.

Summary of voting:

Clauses voted on and approved: The Recommendations of the Conference Committee was adopted

26. Committee on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring:

Hon. Boma Goodhead:

“That the House do consider 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 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) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 19/11/2024).

Consideration of the report deferred to a different legislative date.

27. Committee on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring:

Hon. Boma Goodhead:

“That the House do consider 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) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 19/11/2024).

Consideration of the report deferred to a different legislative date.

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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. Abdullahi Ali and seconded by Hon. Kingsley Chinda.

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House Adjournment:

The House at 14:29 adjourned plenary to Wednesday, December 4th, 2024 by 11:00 A.M following a motion for adjournment moved by the Deputy Leader of the House, Hon. Abdullahi Ali and seconded by the Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda.

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