Nigeria National Assembly Uncut: Plenary proceedings, House of Reps, Thurs, Feb 13th, 2025

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

By admin , in Inside stories , at February 13, 2025 Tags: #NASS, Ejiro Umukoro Publisher and Editor in Chief, House of Representatives, Lady E Ejiro Umukoro, LightRay Media, Nigeria National Assembly

After the recitation of the First stanza of the National Anthem, the National Pledge and opening prayer, the Speaker approved the votes and proceedings of Wednesday, February 12th, 2025

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Hon. Oluwatoyin Fayinka announced that today marks the 49th anniversary of the assassination of late General Murtala Mohammed (GCFR) Nigeria’s former Head of State. General Murtala achieved a lot of socioeconomic developments for Nigerians during his leadership and made the proclamation for the change of the national capital from Lagos to Abuja. The announcer therefore proposes that every February 13th should be set aside as the Murtala Mohammed Day in his honor.
Inauguration of National Assembly Mosque Management Committee on Monday, February 17th, 2025 by 14:00 at the Speaker’s Conference Room: 301
Following the signing by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the House is pleased to announce leadership of some Committees:

I. South West Development Commission: to be Chaired by Hon. Akin Adeyemi.

II. North Central Development Commission: to be Chaired by Hon. Raheem Tuinji.

III. There was also a rejig of the Chairmanships and Deputies of some other Standing Committees as well as some Caucuses.

Hon. Kingsley Chinda, the Minority Leader announced that all Honorable Members of the Minority caucus of the House are to have an emergency meeting at Conference Room 028 (Temporary Chambers of the House) immediately after plenary.

PETITIONS:

Hon. Jesse Onuakalusi laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against an organization on alleged corporate environmental recklessness.
Hon. Dennis Agbo laid a petition on behalf of a community against some police officers on alleged illegal brutality, extrajudicial killings, harassment, extortion and acts bordering on terrorism.
Hon. Ifeanyi laid a petition on behalf a family against a Mr. Godwin on alleged unlawful eviction from their home, harassment and continuous threats to their lives despite monies collected.
Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere laid 2 petitions on behalf of 2 different sets of complainants:
I. On behalf of 14 police officers against the Nigeria Police on alleged unlawful dismissal and
II. On behalf of Caroline against an organization on alleged brutal assault, criminal conspiracy, denial of human rights and threat to destroy her home in Abuja.
Hon. Murphy Edo Osaro laid a petition on behalf some complainants against the management of the University af Benin Hospital and the Federal Housing Development Authority on alleged fraudulent sales of some buildings, criminal activities as well as abuse of office.
Hon. Idu Emeka laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the Nigeria Customs Service, Tincan Command on alleged illegal and fraudulent auctioning of his Toyota Highlander vehicle.
Hon. Bello Ambarura laid a petition on behalf of a sergeant on alleged wrongful dismissal from service and called for the intervention of the House.
Hon. Fatoba Olusola laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on unlawful termination of appointment for about 5 years and called for the intervention of the House.

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

MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:

Hon. Mohammed Jajere moved a motion on the need to provide security following an amend robbery attack at a popular market in Yobe state and it was seconded by Hon. Hamishu Adamu. Hon. Jajere in leading the debate stated that on January 20th, a group of unknown armed groups attacked the market and killed over 17 people, injured many and made away with huge amounts of cash and goods. He expressed concern at the rate this criminality is frequently carried out without apprehending the perpetrators. He called on the Ministry on Humanitarian Affairs, the North-East Development Commission, Nigeria Police, National Emergency Management Agency, Small and Medium Enterprises and other relevant bodies to in conjunction with the relevant Committees of the House provide relief for the victims and investigate the issue with a view to bringing an end to such occurrences. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Humanitarian Affairs, Small and Medium Enterprises as well as that on the Nigeria Police.
Hon. Gaza Gbefwi moved a motion on the call for immediate improvement of toll gates in Nasarawa state and it was seconded by Hon. Bitrus Laori. Hon. Gaza stated that the toll gates are mechanisms of government to generate revenue to pay for roads constructed and for their maintenance. He stated that the dilapidated state of roads cause hazards to commuters in Nasarawa state due to continuous construction. Hon. Gaza wondered why the roads remain uncompleted despite the tolls being paid. He called on the relevant Committees of the House to investigate the tolling operations nationwide and that the relevant agencies should explore immediate solutions to ensure an interim system of tolling is found till a more lasting technically compatible solution is achieved. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Works, Public Procurement as well as that on Federal Road Safety.
Hon. Peter Aniekwe moved a motion on the need to critically wade into the ongoing communal crisis in Anambra state and it was seconded by Hon. Paul Ekpo. Hon. Peter in leading the debate stated that the land dispute has lasted for over 2 weeks and has turned brutal leaving several people dead, many injured and many more displaced. He expressed worry that if the crisis is not quickly managed, the devastation will continue and cause more humanitarian crisis within the region and may spill beyond the region. Hon. Peter then called on the Nigeria Police to deploy more personnel to restore and maintain peace within the region and that the National Emergency Management Agency should ensure relief to the victims. He also called on the House Committee on Humanitarian Affairs as well as that on Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Humanitarian Affairs as well as that on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness.

PRESENTATION OF REPORT

1. Report of the Conference Committee:
Hon. Babajimi Benson:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Conference Committee on a Bill for an Act to Prohibit the Exportation of Maize in Large Commercial Quantities out of Nigeria and for Related Matters”

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Bello Ambarura and seconded by Hon. Abdullahi El-Rasheed.

2. Report of the House Committee on Appropriations:

Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar.
“That the House do receive the report of the Committee on Appropriations on a Bill for Act to authorize the issue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation the total sum of #54,990, 165,355, 396 (fifty-four trillion, nine hundred ninety billion, one hundred sixty-five million, three hundred and fifty-five thousand, three hundred and ninety-six Naira) only, of which #,645,761,358,925 (Three trillion, six hundred and forty-five billion, seven hundred and sixty-one million, three hundred and fifty-eight thousand, nine hundred and twenty-five Naira) only is for Statutory Transfers, #14,317,142,689,548 (Fourteen trillion, three hundred and seventy billion, one hundred and forty-two million, six hundred and eighty-nine thousand, five hundred and forty-eight Naira) only is for Debt Service, #13,064,009,682,673 (Thirteen trillion, sixty-four billion, nine million six hundred and eighty-two thousand, six hundred and seventy-three Naira) only so for Recurrent (Non-Debt) Expenditure while the sum of #23,963, 251,624,250 (Twenty-three trillion, nine hundred and sixty-three billion, two hundred and fifty-one million, six hundred twenty-four thousand, two hundred and fifty Naira) only is for contribution to the Development Fund for Capital Expenditure for the year ending on the 31 December, 2025. (HB. 2021)” (Referred: 19/12/2024).

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Abubakar Kabir and seconded by Hon. Igwariwe Enwo.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

BILLS

A Bill for an Act to Repeal the National Lottery Act No. 7 of 2005 and the National Lottery (Amendment) Act No. 6 of 2017, and to Enact the Central Gaming Bill to Regulate the Operation and Business of all forms
of Online and Remote Gaming Across the Geographical Boundaries of the Federating Units and beyond the Borders of Nigeria, Provide for the Conduct of Gaming in the Federal Capital Territory, and enhance Revenue Generation for the Federation and for Related Matters (HB. 2062) (Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu and six others) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Bamidele Salam moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. David Agada. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Governmental Affairs.

A Bill for an Act to Amend the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act, Cap. A12, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (as amended) to make Provision for Establishment of Federal College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Tallase, Gombe State and for Related Matters (SB.297) (Senate) –(Leader) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Julius Ihonbvere 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.

A Bill for an Act to Establish Kofa, Bebeji Entrepreneurs University, Kano and to make Comprehensive Provisions for its Due Management and Administration and for Related Matters (HB. 2051) (Hon Jibrin Abdulmumin) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Jibrin Abdumumin moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Hassan Hussain. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on University Education.

A Bill for an Act to Amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) by amending Part 1 of the First Schedule and creating additional three States being Oke–Ogun State, Ijebu State and Ife–Ijesa State and for Related Matters (HB.1098) (Hon. Wole Oke) – Second Reading.

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

A Bill for an Act to Establish Lower Courts Designated District And Magistrate Courts for the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, with Jurisdiction over Civil and Criminal Causes and Matters and for the Appointment of District Court Judges and Magistrates and of other Court Officers, and for other Purposes Relating to or Connected with the Administration of Civil and Criminal Justice and for Related Matters (HB.1947) (Hon. Adamu Ibrahim Gamawa) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Adamu Gamawa moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Sani Lawal. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on FCT Judiciary.

A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Agricultural Development Fund (Establishment) Act, 2022 and for Related Matters (HB.2036) (Hon. Bello A Ka’oje and Hon. Saba Ahmed Adam) – Second Reading.

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

MOTIONS

Rescission of Clause 14(2) (b) (c) and (d) of the South West Development Commission Bill, 2025, pursuant to Order Nine, Rule (1) (6) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives:
Hon. Francis E. Waive.

The House:

Notes that the South west Development Commission Bill (Establishment), (HB.283) 2024 was passed by the National Assembly;

Aware of the need to rescind the provisions of Clause 14(2) (b) (c) and (d) of the Bill to be in tandem with similar Federal Government bodies;

Cognizant of the need to incorporate the new changes into the Bill;

Resolves to:

Rescind its decisions on the Clause 14(2) (b) (c) and (d) of the Bill and recommit same to the Committee of the Whole for reconsideration.

Debate
Hon. Bello Ambarura moved the motion on Rescission of Clause 14(2) (b) (c) and (d) of the South West Development Commission Bill, 2025, pursuant to Order Nine, Rule (1) (6) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives and it was seconded by Hon. James Faleke. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the Committee of the Whole.

Alleged Fraudulent Practices in the Payment of Contractors by the Office of the Federal Ministry of Finance and Office of the Accountant General of the Federation:
Hon. Paul Nnamchi Hon. Julius Ihonvbere Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji:

The House:

Notes that the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) mandates transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public funds as fundamental principles of governance;

Also notes that Section 15(5) of the Constitution provides that “the State shall abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power,” which underscores the government’s obligation to prevent, investigate, and punish malfeasance practices, particularly in public finance management;

Observes that there are reports of contractors being coerced into offering kickbacks or facing unjustified deductions from their payments as a condition for processing their invoices by officials of the Federal Ministry of Finance;

Alarmed that corrupt practices in contractor payments lead to the abandonment of critical infrastructure projects, loss of jobs, and economic hardship, contrary to the objectives of the present administration’s economic recovery efforts;

Worried that the unrestrained continuation of these corrupt practices discourages credible investors and undermines faith in the government’s ability to uphold transparency and accountability;

Also worried that if these allegations are not thoroughly investigated and addressed, contractors will lose confidence in government engagements, leading to slowed economic development and failed infrastructure projects nationwide;

Appreciates that this situation demands an urgent and decisive response in line with Section 88(1) and (2) that empowers the National Assembly to investigate any matter related to the administration of laws within its legislative competence; the conduct of any official or department responsible for public revenue and expenditure;

Resolves to:

(i) urges the Federal Government to:

(a) strengthen internal controls and enforce strict penalties for officials found culpable in corrupt practices within the payment system; and

(b) establish a transparent and accountable digital payment system to eliminates discretionary human interference in contract payments, ensure timely disbursement and compliance with due process;

(ii) mandate the Committees on Finance to investigate the allegations of fraudulent practices in the payment of contractors by officials of Federal Ministries of Finance and Accountant-General’s Office in the last three years to identify the perpetrators and recommend appropriate sanctions and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative actions.

Debate
Hon. Julius Ihonbvere moved the motion on alleged fraudulent practices in the payment of contractors by the Office of the Federal Ministry of Finance and Office of the Accountant General of the Federation and it was seconded by Hon. Olajide Adedeji. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Finance.

Need to investigate the Budget Expenses and Activities of all Nigeria Research Institutes from 2010 to Date:
Hon. Ganiyu Adele Ayuba:

The House:

Notes that over sixty-five (65) Nigerian Research Institutes were established with the core mandate of conducting research in various fields of knowledge for the scientific, social, and economic development of the country.

Also notes that in carrying out their core mandates, funds were proposed by these Research Institutes annually in the national budgets to carry its obligations efficiently and effectively;

Aware that over the years, the National Assembly, in exercise of its constitutional duties, approved billions of naira to these Research institutes to conduct research to advance the technological, social, and economic development of the nation;

Concerned that notwithstanding the huge amount of money budgeted in the various Appropriation Acts and released to these Research Institutes, there is little evidence to support the substantial amount released for the research;

Also concerned that the core mandates of these Research Institutes may not be achieved and the nation’s scarce resources may continue to go down the drain;

Cognizant of the need to investigate the activities of these Research Institutes viz-a-viz:

(i) the budgetary releases from 2010 to date and its implementation for the purpose for which the money was budgeted for;

(ii) the outcome of the research and the visible impacts on the Technological, Social, and Economic development of the nation,

Resolves to:

mandate the Committees on Science Research Institution, Science and Technology, Science Engineering and National Agency for Science and Engineering (NASENI) to investigate the activities of Research Institutes viz-a-viz budgetary releases from 2010 to date, its utilization, and research outcomes to determine the level of its compliance in achieving their core mandates.

Debate
Hon. Ganiyu Ayuba moved the motion on the need to investigate the budget expenses and activities of all Nigeria Research Institutes from 2010 to date and it was seconded by Hon. Danladi. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Research Institutions, Agency for Science and Engineering as well as that on Science and Technology.

Calling on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to Pay Off all Outstanding Contract Debts to its Contractors:
Hon. Pascal Agbodike:

The House:

Notes that the Niger Delta Development Commission was established to ameliorate the living standard of the people of Niger Delta Region due to ecological challenges faced as a result of the exploration of oil minerals in the Niger Delta Region;

Also notes that the Commission engaged contractors from various parts of the country to enhance the living standards of the region by providing goods, services, and social infrastructure;

Aware that most of the contractors secured loans from Commercial Banks using their landed properties as collateral to execute contracts, hoping to receive payment upon completion;

Also aware that where the payments are not met within the required period, those properties used as collateral are confiscated by the banks, and this has been the fate of contractors engaged by the Niger Delta Development Commission in the last eight years;

Concerned that most contractors have complained of non-payments after contract completion, leaving many homeless and overburdened with debts, leading to untimely deaths;

Also concerned that this has brought a very negative reputation to the Commission and to Nigeria, being a Commission established by an Act of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria;

Cognizant of the urgent need to pay of all Contractors who has have Completed their contract projects;

Resolves to:

mandate the Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission to investigate the nonpayment of the Outstanding Contract Debts owed by the Niger Delta Development Commission to contractors, identify the contractors, determine the total outstanding debts, and recommend payment plan and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative actions.

Debate
Hon. Pascal Agbodike moved the motion calling on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to pay off all outstanding contract debts to its contractors and it was seconded by Hon. Chinedu Ogah.

Hon. Nweke Uche proposed an amendment to change the heading of the motion from “A call to pay off the contractors” to “ A call for investigation into the details surrounding the cause for the delays in payment” before taking further action. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committee on NDDC.

CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE ON SUPPLY) Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen Chaired:

Committee on Appropriations:
Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar.

“That the House do consider the report of the Committee on Appropriations on a Bill for Act to authorize the issue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation the total sum of #54,990, 165,355, 396 (fifty-four trillion, nine hundred ninety billion, one hundred sixty-five million, three hundred and fifty-five thousand, three hundred and ninety-six Naira) only, of which #,645,761,358,925 (Three trillion, six hundred and forty-five billion, seven hundred and sixty-one million, three hundred and fifty-eight thousand, nine hundred and twenty-five Naira) only is for Statutory Transfers, #14,317,142,689,548 (Fourteen trillion, three hundred and seventy billion, one hundred and forty-two million, six hundred and eighty-nine thousand, five hundred and forty-eight Naira) only is for Debt Service, #13,064,009,682,673 (Thirteen trillion, sixty-four billion, nine million six hundred and eighty-two thousand, six hundred and seventy-three Naira) only so for Recurrent (Non-Debt) Expenditure while the sum of #23,963, 251,624,250 (Twenty-three trillion, nine hundred and sixty-three billion, two hundred and fifty-one million, six hundred twenty-four thousand, two hundred and fifty Naira) only is for contribution to the Development Fund for Capital Expenditure for the year ending on the 31 December, 2025. (HB. 2021) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 13/2/2025).

Synopsis of the report
Hon. Kabir Abubakar stated that the report is a result of judicious work done on the budget proposal laid on the floor of the House during a joint session of the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by Standing Committees of the House as well as the House Committee on Appropriations, as well as the due harmonization of the details with the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-13 and the schedules as amended, as well as the long title of the Bill.

HOUSE IN PLENARY:

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

Hon. Julius Ihonbvere moved a motion for the House to suspend its relevant rules in order to allow it take the third reading of the Appropriations Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Kingsley Chinda.

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

Hon. Julius Ihonbvere moved a motion for the House to suspend its relevant rules in order to allow it adopt the votes and proceedings of the day and it was seconded by Hon. Kingsley Chinda.

House Adjournment:
The House at 15:13 adjourned plenary to Tuesday, February 18th, 2025 by 11:00 A.M following a motion for adjournment moved by the Leader of the House, Hon. Julius Ihonbvere and seconded by the Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda.

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