Plenary proceedings, House of Reps, Thur, March 6th, 2025
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen presided.
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, March 5th, 2025.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- Honorable Members from the South East caucus are invited to an Iftar dinner with the Honorable Speaker. The dinner will be hosted on Wednesday, March 12th, 2025.
- Membership of the Ad-Hoc Committee to investigate the utilization of takeoff grants, bailout funds and financial interventions given to Ministries Departments and Agencies of Government from 2015 was announced and it is to be Chaired by Hon. Emeka Chinedu.
PETITIONS:
- Hon. Jesse Onuakalusi laid 2 petitions on behalf of 2 different complainants:
I. The first is against a Mr. Kingsley Emeka on alleged threat, harassment and intimidation using police force.
II. The second is from Mr. Victor on behalf of a community against the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company on alleged non-compliance to the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act concerning the appointment of the community members to benefit from the award of community development contracts and from benefiting from the Oil Trust Fund.
- Hon. Chris Nkwonta laid a petition on behalf of the youth forum of a community against a Steel Company on alleged unscrupulous labor practices, violating community laws and pollution of natural resources.
- Hon. Victor Obuzor laid a petition on behalf of a complainant on the alleged unlawful dismissal of a Lance Corporal seeking redress.
- Hon. Patrick Umoh laid a petition on behalf of a complainant on alleged illegal occupation and destruction of properties.
- Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the Nigeria Police Force on alleged unlawful abduction and illegal detention of the National President of their Youth Council.
All the petitions were referred to the House Committee on Public Petitions.
MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:
- Hon. Kingsley Chinda moved a motion on the urgent need to investigate the utilization of takeoff grants, bailout funds and financial interventions given to Ministries Departments and Agencies of Government from 2015 in order to checkmate misuse or financial malpractice and it was seconded by Hon. Mohammed Shehu. Hon. Chinda in leading the debate stated that the effective utilization of these funds is paramount for public trust concerning the prudent utilization of scarce public funds. He noted that since 2015 many of such funds have been given to MDAs without due accountability or commiserate dividends shown. Hon. Chinda stated that such funds were aimed at bettering the lives of Nigerians and their under utilization has led to deterioration in public service delivery which has also lowered public trust in government. He called for the constitution of a special Committee to investigate the performance of these funds from 2015 and find out each case where there is a lack of compliance in procedure and application, then make proper recommendations to the House for further Legislative action within 4 weeks. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to an Ad-Hoc Committee to be Chaired by Hon. Emeka Chinedu as reflected in the second announcement.
- Hon. Victor Obuzor moved a motion on the urgent need to investigate the non compliance and enforcement of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Act 2022 and NACA Act 2023 and it was seconded by Hon. Shettima Ali. Hon. Victor in leading the debate stated that there have been gross violations of these Acts by airlines in the form of flight delays, cancellations and mishandling of baggages. He stated that these occurrences have continued to have adverse effects on the travel plans of passengers as well as violations of their rights as customers. He stated that these liabilities are provided for in the said Acts and called for their strict adherence by the airlines. Hon. Victor called on the House Committee on Aviation to liaise with the Ministry of Aviation to provide the protocol for the strict adherence to these Acts and ensure adequate penalties for violating airline operators. He also called on the House Committee on Industry to liaise with relevant authorities in order to ensure airline operators are in compliance with the Federal Consumer Act 2018. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Aviation as well as that on Industry.
- Hon. Salman Idris moved a motion on the need to address the incessant terrorist attacks and kidnappings across Kabba Federal constituency of Kogi state and it was seconded by Hon. Sani Tanko. Hon. Idris in leading the debate stated that the once peaceful region has become a haven for incessant terrorist attacks and banditry. He commended the efforts of the state Governor in trying to bring the situation under control, but stressed that the state cannot do it alone as the attacks have become too widespread. Hon. Idris stressed that the incessant and unprovoked attacks have led to loss of many lives, loss of properties, fear of going to farmlands which can lead to food insecurity and socioeconomic degradation. He called on the relevant National Security Agencies, the Army and Police to ensure deployment of personnel to the region to quell the unrest. He also called on the National Emergency Management Agency to provide relief to the victims and that the relevant Committees of the House should ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Army, Police as well as that on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness.
MATTER OF PERSONAL EXPLANATION:
- Hon. Solomon Bob raised a Point of Order to remind Honorable Members that their primary responsibility of representation is to their constituents. So when approached by members of the public not from their constituencies to present petitions on the floor, it is right to redirect them to the Honorable Member representing them who should understand the issues more remotely.
The Presiding Speaker asked Honorable Members to take note of this position. He stated that even though Honorable Members as Public Servants represent all Nigerians, it is more expedient for Honorable Members to channel such petitions from their own constituents.
PRESENTATION OF BILLS
- Chartered Institute of Counselling of Nigeria Bill, (Establishment) 2025 (HB.1986) (Hon. O. K. Chinda) – First Reading.
- National Public Asset Management Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2093) (Hon. Esosa lyawe) – First Reading.
- National Skills Development and Empowerment Bill, 2025 (HB.2094) (Hon. Esosa Iyawe) – First Reading.
- Federal Universities of Technology Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025(HB.2096) (Hon. Esosa Iyawe) – First Reading.
- Examination Malpractices Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2097) (Hon. Esosa Iyawe) – First Reading.
- Nigerian Police Academy Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2099) (Hon. Mohammed Danjuma Hassan) – First Reading.
- Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) (Creation of Additional Local Government Councils in Imo State) Bill, 2025 (HB.3100) (Hon. Harrison Anozie Nwadike) – First Reading.
- Nigerian Diaspora Investment Trust Fund (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2101) (Hon. Tochukwu Chinedu Okere) – First Reading.
- Federal College of Health Science, Technology, and Tropical Medicine, Abwa, Benue State (Establishment, Etc.) Bill, 2025 (HB.2102) (Hon. Sekav Dzua lyortyom) – First Reading.
- Nigerian Ports Authority Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2111) (Hon. Esosa Iyawe) – First Reading.
- Older Persons Rights Bill, 2025 (HB.2098) (Hon. Olubodun Festus Olugbenga & Hon. Tochukwu Okere) – First Reading.
- Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2025 (HB.2120) (Review the Penalties for Certain Capital Offences) (Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu & six others) – First Reading.
- Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) (Review the Framework for Local Government Administration) Bill, 2025 (HB.2121) (Hon Benjamin Okezie Kalu & eight others) – First Reading.
- Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) (National Local Government Electoral Commission as Independent Body) Bill, 2025 (HB.2122) (Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu & eight others) – First Reading.
- National Emergency Management Agency Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2123) (Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu & six others) – First Reading.
- Administration of Federal Capital Territory Area Councils (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2053) (Hon. Frederick Yeitiemone Agbedi) – First Reading.
- Federal Universities of Agriculture Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.1645) (Hon. Bukar Talba) – First Reading.
- Federal Capital Territory Area Council Economic Board (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2054) (Hon. Frederick Yeitiemone Agbedi) – First Reading.
PRESENTATION OF REPORTS
- Committee on South East Development Commission:
Hon. Chris Nkwonta:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on South East Development Commission on the issue from the Statutory Revenue Fund of the South East Development Commission the total Sum of (₦250,550,000,000.00) two hundred and fifty–five billion, five hundred and fifty million, Naira only, out of which (N223, 350, 000. 000) two hundred and twenty-three billion, three hundred and fifty million Naira, only is for Capital Expenditure while the sum of (N27, 200, 000. 000) twenty – seven billion, two hundred million Naira, only is for Recurrent Expenditure for the financial year ending 31 December 2025.
Laying of the report was stepped down by leave of the House.
- Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions:
Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act, Cap. A12, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to make Provision for Establishment of Federal College of Agriculture, Kagarko, Kaduna State; and for related matters (HB. 1368) (Referred:6/10/2024)
The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Isiaq Akinlade and seconded by Hon. Salman Idris.
- Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions:
Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act, Cap. A12, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to make provision for Establishment of Sugarcane Research Institute, Makarfi, Kaduna State and for Related Matters (HB. 1667) (Referred: 22/10/2024)
The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Isiaq Akinlade and seconded by Hon. Salman Idris.
- Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions:
Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act, Cap. A12, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to make Provision for Establishment of Agricultural and Energy Technical Institute, Aboh, Delta State and for Related Matters (HB. 955) (Referred: 21/5/2024)
The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Isiaq Akinlade and seconded by Hon. Salman Idris.
- Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions:
Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act, Cap. A 12, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to make provision for Establishment of Federal College of Agriculture and Forestry, Okundi, Boki Local Government Area, Cross River State and for Related Matters (HB. 146) (Referred: 21/2/2024)
The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Isiaq Akinlade and seconded by Hon. Salman Idris.
- Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions:
Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act, Cap. A 12, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to make provision for Establishment of Federal College of Agriculture and Forestry, Fika, Yobe State and for Related Matters (HB. 1023) (Referred: 11/7/2024)
The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Isiaq Akinlade and seconded by Hon. Salman Idris.
- Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions:
Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act, Cap. A 12, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to make provision for Establishment of Federal Institute of Fisheries Research, Bununu Town, Tafawa Balewa, Bauchi State; and for Related Matters (HB. 285) (Referred: 13/2/2024)
The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Isiaq Akinlade and seconded by Hon. Salman Idris.
- Committee on Health Institutions:
Hon. Patrick Umoh:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Medical Centres Act and Establish Federal Medical Centre, Mangu, Plateau State and for Related Matters (HB.1747) (Referred:5 /12/2025).
The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Patrick Umoh and seconded by Hon. Adesola Adedayo.
ORDERS OF THE DAY
BILLS
- A Bill for an Act to Establish the National Commission for Decommissioning of Oil and Gas Installations (NC-DOGI) under the Presidency to Coordinate Decommissioning efforts as part of Nigeria’s Environmental diplomacy strategy, ensure Autonomy in decision making and Protect National Interests through sustainable Resource Management, Environmental Restoration and International Collaboration and for Related Matters (HB.1968) (Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Benjamin Okezie Kalu and Hon. Julius O. Ihonvbere) – Second Reading.
Debate
Hon. Francis Waive moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Akin Rotimi. Hon. Francis in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks to fill critical gaps in the decommissioning of of oil and gas fields in order to protect the environment. He stated that the Bill further seeks to discourage the abandonment and deterioration of oil and gas fields that are left to wreak environmental havoc in contradiction to the Paris Agreement. This he stated is to ensure a safe, stable and thriving environment for Nigerians present and those yet unborn. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream).
- A Bill for an Act to an Act to Provide for Establishment of an Independent Authority for the Registration, Regulation and Funding of Political Parties in Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB.1862) (Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Marcus Onobun) – Second Reading.
Debate
Hon. Marcus Onobun moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Donald Kimikanboh. Hon. Marcus in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks to properly coordinate in a transparent manner; the registration and operations of political parties for smooth democratic reform. He stated that the free and fair nature of running political parties and the matters relating to their candidates is essential for the development of internal democracy, and the Bill seeks to establish the proposed Authority to ensure this. In seeking to create the proposed independent Authority to register and regulate political parties; it will relieve the burden on the Independent National Electoral Commission, in order for it to focus on other crucial electoral issues. It also seeks to ensure the proposed Authority effects resolutions to disputes between political parties, as well as between such parties and their individual members (inter-party and intra- party) to ensure transparency and stability in the democratic process.
Hon. Solomon Bob commended the spirit of the Bill but expressed concern that the Bill may complicate the political process as it is. He stated that what the propose Authority seeks to cure are already taken care of in the current Electoral Laws.
The Presiding Speaker stated that no Bill is perfect and any concern will definitely be taken care of when the Bill gets to the Public Hearing stage where all interested Nigerians as well as other stakeholders come together to discuss it. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Political Matters as well as that on the Review of the Constitution.
- A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal College of Agriculture, Ebelle, Edo State and for Related Matters (HB.1805) (Hon. Marcus I. Onobun) – Second Reading.
Debate
Hon. Marcus Onobun moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Etteh Ikpong. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions.
- A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal University of Biomedical Sciences, Oju, Benue State and for Related Matters (HB.162) (Hon. David Agada Ogewu) – Second Reading.
Debate
Hon. David Agada moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Isiaka Gboyega. 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 Nigerian Research Institutes Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Establish Nigerian Institute of Cashew Research, Eesade, Ogbomosho, Oyo State to provide Basic and Applied Research into facilities, Access to Resources, Trading and Other Technical Services Relating to the Cultivation, Processing, Utilisation and Economy of Products of Cashew and for Related Matters (HB.1845) (Hon. Sunday Ojo Makanjuola) – Second Reading.
Debate
Hon. Sunday Makanjuola moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Abbas Adigun. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Agricultural Production and Services.
- A Bill for an Act to Establish National Grassland and Forage/Fodder Production Research Institute, Guma–Gamawa, Bauchi State, to Drive Implementation of the National Livestock Transformation and for Related Matters (Hon. Adamu Ibrahim Gamawa) – Second Reading.
Debate
Hon. Adamu Ibrahim moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Aliyu Missau. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Livestock Development.
MOTIONS
- Need to Investigate the Family Homes Funds Limited over the 500,000 Units Housing Scheme of the Federal Government:
Hon. Esosa lyawe:
The House:
Notes that the Housing Sector has consistently played a pivotal role in the economic fortune of nations and contributes about 16 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in advanced countries;
Also notes that in 2021 the World Bank estimated that Nigeria’s housing deficit stood at 15.56 million units, and in 2023, the Federal Government put the housing deficit statistics at 28 million units with an estimated funding need of 21 Trillion Naira;
Concerned that some of the housing schemes initiated by the Federal Government have been mired in controversy, the consequence of which is the rapid growth of informal settlements, and slums on the edge of Nigeria’s major cities, with obvious drawbacks for economic development, health, safety and security;
Aware that in a bid to address the housing deficit in 2018, the Federal Government established the Family Homes Fund Limited with a mandate to utilize the sum of 1.5 Trillion Naira for the construction of at least 500,000 houses for low-income earners across the country;
Also concerned that to date, not only has Family Homes Fund Limited failed to live up to expectations, but the few houses built are in obscure locations and unaffordable to the target audience for the scheme;
Cognizant that the undelivered project has tied up government funds, potentially leading to deterioration of the houses and further economic loss, if not addressed promptly.
Resolves to:
Mandate the Committee on Public Assets to investigate the Family Homes Funds Limited over the 500,000 Units Housing Scheme funded by the Federal Government and ascertain the status of the project, and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
Debate
Hon. Esosa Iyawe moved the motion on the need to investigate the Family Homes Funds Limited over the 500,000 Units Housing Scheme of the Federal Government and it was seconded by Hon. John Okafor.
Hon. Nweke Uche proposed an amendment to prayer 2 of the motion to incorporate the House Committee on Housing and Habitat to the referral of the motion. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committee on Housing and Habitat as well as that on Public Assets.
- Need to Complete the Multi-Million Dollar Kaduna 215mw Power Plant and Rehabilitation of Vandalized Gurara Plant:
Hon. Hussaini Mohammed Jallo:
House:
Notes that the Kaduna 215Mega Watt Power Plant is located in Kudendan adjacent to the Industrial area of Southern Kaduna metropolis;
Also notes that the Power Plant project was conceived by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Power primarily to support regular power supply to the Kaduna industrial cluster in addition to increase energy capacity to the National Grid;
Further notes that the Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract was awarded to EPC Consortium of Messrs Rockson Engineering, General Electric and Nuovou Pignone on 19 November, 2009, which was to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2013, regrettably the completion and commissioning of the plant has been postponed severally, the last being second quarter of 2018;
Disturbed that after the failed commissioning of the Power Plant, a member of the Consortium Rockson Engineering Company Limited was placed on Court guided Receivership by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) for inability to settle indebtedness on sundry matters;
Also disturbed that Since the Receivership action by AMCON, some few activities took place at the project site including the supply of Power Control Module (PCM) after which, there was no further commissioning schedule communicated by the Consortium to Federal Ministry of Power. The project completion is effectively in abeyance;
Aware that the Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract has reached 86% completion as at July 2019 remaining the balance of Plant, erection services, termination and ducking of cables etc which are contained in the contract;
Concerned that the Kaduna 215 Megawatt Power Plant when completed is expected to bring numerous benefits:
(i) Economic Advantages:
(a) increased power generation – by adding 215 Megawatt of electricity to the Kaduna industrial cluster and the national grid;
(b) job creation, the plant when completed would create sustainable employment opportunities for the immediate local environment and the nation at large;
(c) stimulating economic growth, uninterrupted electricity supply would enhance business development and promotion of cottage industries.
(ii) Social Advantages:
(a) improved quality of life in homes, schools and primary health centres.
(b) enhanced security of life and properties
Also disturbed that the integrity of power transformers and Power Control Module facilities is questionable due to weather conditions and lack of preservation protocols due to no site works.
Resolves to:
(i) urge Federal Ministry of Power to ensure that the contractors handling these two important Power Plants are mobilize to return to site and to complete the projects within a stipulated time;
(ii) mandate Committees on Power and Compliance to ensure compliance and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
Debate
Hon. Hussaini Jallo moved the motion on the need to complete the Multi-Million Dollar Kaduna 215mw Power plant and rehabilitation of the vandalized Gurara plant and it was seconded by Hon. Ali Taofeek.
Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi proposed an amendment to mandate the House Committee on Power to investigate the issue and report back to the House. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committee on Power.
- Need to Revamp the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited/ Nigeria Products Storage Company Depot, Ore, Ondo State:
Hon. Festus Ayodele Adefiranye:
The House:
Notes that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited and its subsidiary the Nigeria Products Storage Company Depot, Ore, Ondo State which was commissioned in 1979 with a Storage capacity of about twenty two million liters play a vital role in the distribution and storage of petroleum products across the country ensuring availability and price stability;
Also notes that Ore Depot in Ondo state was established to serve as a key hub for petroleum product distribution to the southwest region and parts of Edo, Kwara and Kogi States facilitating economic activities and reducing transportation costs for marketers and Consumers;
Aware that the pipelines that supply or evacuate products to the depot was either vandalised or obsolete for years without repair, leading to supply disruptions, increased cost of petroleum products and undue hardship for Nigerians;
Also aware that the functionality of the Ore Depot will reduce unnecessary road accidents, wear and tear of vehicles, helps in reducing prices, consumption of diesel, reducing operational hazards and fuel costs;
Worried that the continued neglect of the facility undermines the Federal Government’s efforts towards economic diversification, job creation and the ease of doing business particularly for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises relying heavily on petroleum products;
Informed that revamping the Ore Depot will not only improve the availability and affordability of petroleum products in the southwest but will also enhance economic activities, generate employment opportunities, and boost revenue for the government across the country;
Resolves to:
(i) urges the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited to prioritize the repair and rehabilitation of vandalized pipelines linking Ore Depot for immediate resumption of operation in the facility;
(ii) mandate the Committees on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) and Gas Resources to liaise with relevant stakeholders, and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to assess the current state of the Ore Depot and ensure prompt restoration; and
(iii) also mandate the Committees on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) and Appropriations to make budgetary provisions in the 2026 budget estimates or special intervention funds for the immediate rehabilitation of the Ore Depot.
Motion stepped down by the leave of the House.
House Adjournment:
The House at 13:38 adjourned plenary to Tuesday, March 11th, 2025 by 11:00 A.M following a motion for adjournment moved by Hon. Francis Waive and seconded by the Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda.
Courtesy: LightRay! Media and Media Unit, Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives.
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