Plenary proceedings House of Reps, Tues, March 18th, 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 Thursday, March 13th, 2025.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- Defection of Honorable Members:
I. Hon. Mohammed Jallo (Kaduna state) from PDP to APC.
II. Hon. Adamu Tanko (Niger state) from PDP to APC. - The Nigeria-Equatorial Guinea Parliamentary Friendship Group is to be Chaired by Hon. Aliyu Misau.
MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:
- Hon. Abiodun Adesisda moved a motion on the need for the Federal Government to intervene in the massive massacre and kidnappings in communities of Akure North Local Government of Ondo state and it was seconded by Hon. Leke Abejide. Hon. Abiodun in leading the debate stated that the gunmen attacked the community and left scores dead. He also stated that suspected herdsmen kidnapped a farmer, collected ransom and still inflicted bodily harm on the victim. Hon. Abiodun stated that several other people have similarly been attacked, killed and had their houses burnt down by these suspected armed herdsmen. He called on the Federal Government to establish military posts in the area to stop further attacks. He also called on the National Emergency Management Agency to provide assistance to the victims. He then called on the House Committee on National Disaster Preparedness to ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on National Disaster Preparedness as well as that on National Security and Intelligence.
- Hon. Billy Osawaru moved a motion on the need to halt the recurring deaths of citizens as a result of building collapse in Nigeria and it was seconded by Hon. Peter Aniekwe. Hon. Osawaru in leading the debate stated that the incessant building collapse in Nigeria has been attributed to the use of substandard construction materials. He called on the Standard Organization of Nigeria to establish a quality assurance system to ensure only quality materials are used in construction in Nigeria. He bemoaned the high number of deaths attributed to building collapse. He expressed worry at the news that the Standard Organization of Nigeria reversed its decision to blacklist about 18 companies found culpable of using substandard building materials. Hon. Osawaru called on the Standard Organization of Nigeria to live up to its statutory obligation to Nigerians and stamp out the use of substandard materials. He further called on the House Committee on Industry to investigate the allegation against the Standard Organization of Nigeria and report back to the House within 4 weeks for further Legislative action. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Industry.
- Hon. Oluaseun Whingan moved a motion on the urgent need to address the frequency of road accidents on Otedola bridge in Lagos state and it was seconded by Hon. Muktar Shagaya. Hon. Oluaseun in leading the debate stated that the steep grading of the bridge is a major cause of the frequent traffic accidents. He also blamed the reckless driving and unprofessional culture of tanker drivers as another major cause of such accidents. Hon. Oluaseun called on the relevant government agencies to ensure proper regulation focusing on the structural vulnerabilities of the bridge and ensure regulations on drivers and vehicle inspections. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Works, Federal Road Safety as well as that on Land Transport.
ORDERS OF THE DAY
BILLS
- A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Assessment, Collection of, and Accounting for Revenue Accruing to the Federation, Federal, States and Local Governments; Prescribe the Powers and Functions of Tax Authorities, and for Related Matters (HB.1756) (Leader) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – Third Reading.
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.
- A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, No.13, 2007 and Enact the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill to Establish Nigeria Revenue Service, charged with Powers of Assessment, Collection of, and Accounting for Revenue Accruable to the Government of the Federation and for Related Matters (HB.1757) (Leader) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – Third Reading.
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.
- A Bill for an Act to Establish Joint Revenue Board, the Tax Appeal Tribunal and the Office of the Tax Ombud, for the Harmonisation, Coordination and Settlement of Disputes arising from Revenue Administration in Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB.1758) (Leader) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – Third Reading.
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.
- A Bill for an Act to Repeal Certain Acts on Taxation and Consolidate the Legal Frameworks Relating to Taxation and Enact the Nigeria Tax Act to Provide For Taxation of Income, Transactions and Instruments, and for Related Matters (HB.1759) (Leader) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – Third Reading.
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.
- A Bill for an Act to Amend the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act, No. 5, 2003 to restrict the use of Foreign Vessels in Domestic Coastal and Inland Commercial activities, to Promote the Development of Indigenous Tonnage and Establish a Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund and for Related Matters (HB.1593) (Leader) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – Third Reading.
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.
- A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship, Bama, Borno State, make Comprehensive Provisions for its Due Management and Administration and for Related Matters (SB. 186) (Leader) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – Third Reading.
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.
- A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bida, Niger State for the purpose of providing Qualitative Education in Medicine and Health Sciences and for Related Matters (H.B. 411) (Leader) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – Third Reading.
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.
- 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 to Registration of the Document under this Act from 10 years to 20 years and 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, Encourage, Regulate, and Commercialize Inventions, Innovations and Research and Development Results more effectively and enhanced diversified Representation in its governance for Broader Sectorial Coverage and for Related Matters (HBs.1788 &1846) (Leader) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – Third Reading.
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.
- A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Technology Business Incubation Foundation (Takeover) Act, to Provide for Establishment of the National Agency for Technology Incubation and for Related Matters (HB.1055) (Leader) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – Third Reading.
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.
- 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 Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Zaria, Kaduna State and for Related Matters (HB.2017) (Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Hon. Sadiq Ango Abdullahi) – Second Reading.
Debate
Hon. Francis Waive moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Abdulkadir Jobe. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Livestock Development.
- A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Medical Centres Act and Provide for Establishment of Federal Medical Centre Kumo, Gombe State and for Related Matters (HB.2177) (Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Hon. Bello Usman Kumo) – Second Reading.
Debate
Hon. Usman Kumo moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Health Institutions.
- A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Medical Centres Act and Establish Federal Medical Centre, Elele – Alimini, Emohua Local Government Area, Rivers State and for Related Matters. (HB.1174) (Hon. Boniface Emerengwa) – Second Reading.
Debate
Hon. Boniface Emerengwa 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 Health Institutions.
- A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University of Health Sciences, Dawakin Tofa, Kano State as a Training Institution for the Development for Medical and Health Sciences and make Comprehensive Provisions for the Management and Administration of the University and for Related Matters (HB. 2086) (Hon. Abdulkadir Tijjani Jobe) – Second Reading.
Debate
Hon. Abdulkadir Jobe 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 University Education.
- A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University of Entrepreneur and Business Management, Ekinrin Adde, Kogi State and to make Comprehensive Provisions for its Due Management and Administration and for Related Matters (HB. 2088) (Hon. James Abiodun Faleke) – Second Reading.
Debate
Hon. James Faleke moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Chike Okafor. 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 Electoral Act, 2022 by inserting a new Subsection (16) under Section 84 to Provide for the Replacement of Elected Members who resign or die without a Bye–Election and for Related Matters (HB.2171) (Hon. Adebayo Balogun) – Second Reading.
Second reading of the Bill stepped down by leave of the House.
MOTIONS
- Need to Investigate the Implementation and Remittance of the 5% User Charge for Roads Maintenance under the Federal Emergency Road Maintenance Agency (Amendment) Act, 2007:
Hon. Frederick Yeitiemone Agbedi:
The House:
Notes that Section 14(1)(h) of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) (Amendment) Act, 2007 mandates a 5% user charge on the pump price of petrol and diesel for the maintenance of Federal and State Roads, with 40% allocated to FERMA and 60% to State Roads Maintenance Agencies;
Also notes that since the enactment of this provision, the defunct Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) reportedly failed to remit funds to FERMA, despite multiple directives from the legislature;
Aware that in 2016, the Senate Committee on Works directed PPPRA to remit N634 billion to FERMA, representing unremitted funds between 2007 and 2015, but no evidence to suggests that these funds have been fully accounted for or disbursed;
Also aware that in 2019, the Senate directed its Committees on Petroleum Downstream and National Planning to investigate the Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency’s (PPPRA’s) failure to remit the funds, yet no significant progress has been reported on the implementation of this charge or the recovery of the arrears owed to FERMA;
Concerned that the non-remittance of these funds has severely limited FERMA’s capacity to maintain and rehabilitate federal roads, leading to the deterioration of road infrastructure, increased accidents, higher vehicle maintenance costs, and economic losses;
Also concerned that the defunct PPPRA justified its non-compliance by arguing that implementing the 5% user charge would increase fuel prices despite the clear legal requirement for such remittances;
Disturbed that as of January 2025, there is no publicly available evidence from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), which took over the functions of the PPPRA, indicating that the 59% user charge has been enforced or that the required funds have been remitted, thus undermining road maintenance efforts and neglecting a crucial funding mechanism for infrastructure development.
Resolves to:
set up an Ad-hoc Committee to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the status of the 5% user charge, including the outstanding amount owed to FERMA and the officials responsible for its implementation and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
Debate
Hon. Frederick Agbedi moved the motion on the need to investigate the implementation and remittance of the 5% user charge for roads maintenance under the Federal Emergency Road Maintenance Agency (Amendment) Act, 2007 and it was seconded by Hon. Kalejaye Paul.
Hon. Sada Soli in contributing to the debate stated that the motion seeks to strengthen FERMA and hence the need to investigate the issues raised by the motion judiciously so that the rehabilitation of critical road infrastructure can be maintained.
Hon. Cyril Hart proposed an amendment to the title to ‘Federal Road Agency’. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to a soon to be constituted on Ad-Hoc Committee.
- Dualization of Ajaokuta – Itobe Anyigba, Ankpa, Otukpa Road:
Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Ali Halims:
The House:
Recalls that in 1985, General Ibrahim Babangida the then Military Head of State, constructed about 150 kilometres road from Itobe through Anyigba, Kogi State to Okpo-Otukpa in Benue State to link the Northern part of the county to the South–East and other parts of South-South region of Nigeria;
Aware of the country’s population growth and vehicular movement, particularly the Dangote trucks which have completely taken over the route causing multiple accident;
Concerned that the heavy vehicular traffic on the road is causing chaos, security challenges, serious inconveniences and danger to road users.
Resolves to:
mandate the Committee on Works to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Works to commence the dualization of Ajaokuta – Itobe Anyigba, Ankpa, Otukpa Road;
Debate
Hon. Abdullahi Halims moved the motion on the dualization of Ajaokuta – Itobe Anyigba, Ankpa, Otukpa road and it was seconded by Hon. Akin Alabi. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Works.
- Confirmation of Authenticated Bills before Transmission to the President for Assent to ensure legislative Integrity and Accuracy:
Hon. Sada Soli:
The House:
Notes the discrepancies in some Bills passed by the National Assembly, specifically allegations that certain provisions are not identical with the original Bill passed by both the Senate and House of Representatives;
Also notes the President’s recent decline to assent to a Bill due to errors underscores the need for meticulous verification;
Aware that all Bills passed by the National Assembly are usually forwarded to the Clerk to the National Assembly for authentication, in accordance with the provisions of the Authentication Act;
Concerned that the Bills are not always reverted to the Clerks of both Houses for confirmation to ensure that the final version of the Bills accurately reflects the intentions of the National Assembly before transmission to the President for assent;
Also aware that adopting the Resolution of the House, the House of Representatives will demonstrate its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, ultimately strengthening the legislative process and reinforcing public trust in the National Assembly:
Resolves to:
mandate the Clerk to the National Assembly to:
(i) reverts all authenticated Bills to the Clerks of the Senate and House of Representatives respectively for confirmation before final transmission to the President for assent;
(ii) ensure that the Clerks of both Houses verify the authenticity and accuracy of Bills passed and forwarded to the President, certifying that no alterations or errors have occurred during the authentication process; and
(iii) also ensure that this confirmation process be made mandatory for all Bills, including Constitution alteration Bills, to guarantee the integrity and legitimacy of the legislative process.
Debate
Hon. Sada Soli moved the motion on the need for confirmation of authenticated Bills before transmission to the President for assent to ensure Legislative integrity and accuracy and it was seconded by Hon. Ahmed Satomi.
Hon. Benjamin Kalu in contributing to the debate stressed the need for the prayers of the motion to be strictly adhered to by the Clerks of both the Senate and the House of Representatives. He stated that the motion is as a result of a consensus of Honorable Members during the consideration of reports in the Committee of the Whole. Hon. Kalu stated that he has personally been a victim of this abnormally. He thanked Hon. Sada Soli for moving the motion to cure the abnormally. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the Senate for concurrence.
- Need to Provide Housemanship Placement for Medical Students:
Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong–Udo:
The House:
Notes that about 4,335 Medical Doctors graduate annually from Universities in Nigeria and outside the country, and out of this number, only about 2,926 secure housemanship placements;
Also notes that the waiting period for Medical Doctor Graduates for housemanship placement should not be more than the maximum time frame of “two years” as stipulated by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN);
Concerned that the available opportunities for participating in this compulsory housemanship have dwindled compared to the number of graduates from medical schools;
Also concerned that hospitals select fewer prospective interns in order to circumvent the problem of cost;
Worried that the disproportionate access to housemanship opportunities affects the future and career path of medical graduates. Consequently, the inability to achieve professional growth undoubtedly has a detrimental impact on fresh medical graduates, who will continue to look for better prospects outside Nigeria;
Also worried that this has negatively widened the gap in the patient-to-doctor ratio in Nigeria, and one doctor has to attend to 5,000 patients against the World Health Organization’s (WHO) prescription.
Resolves to:
(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to:
(a) improve the funding of the healthcare sector by increasing the budgetary allocation;
(b) encourage the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the MDAs to accredit more secondary Healthcare Institutions;
(c) expand the role of Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) to include harmonization and recruitment of interns in approved Teaching Hospitals;
(d) task the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to harmonize the pay parity for Medical Interns in Federal, State, and Private Hospitals; and
(ii) mandate Committee on Health Institutions to organize a stakeholders meeting to discuss possible ways to resolve issues related to housemanship placements and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
Motion stepped down by leave of the House.
- Need to Reform the ICT Department of the National Assembly:
Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide:
The House:
Aware that the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Department is pivotal to the seamless functioning of legislative operations in the National Assembly, providing essential support for legislative processes, communication, and data management;
Concerned that the ICT Department faces significant challenges, including improper structuring of the department, inappropriate placement under an ineffective directorate, inadequate funding, outdated infrastructure, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and cyber security vulnerabilities, which hinder its smooth operation and limit its capacity to meet the National Assembly’s ICT needs effectively;
Also concerned that insufficient technical expertise, poor data management practices, lack of standardization, and frequent power outages exacerbate operational inefficiencies, leading to system failures, data loss, and limited integration across departments, ultimately impacting legislative productivity;
Disturbed by the absence of a robust ICT policy, which has resulted in fragmented systems, ad hoc procurement of software and hardware, and the inability to implement a unified digital strategy for the National Assembly.
Recognizes that positioning the ICT Department under the Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly will provide it with the necessary oversight, strategic direction, and authority to align its operations with the core objectives of the legislative arm;
Also recognizes the need to restructure the ICT Department into functional units, including Infrastructure and Operations, Applications and Development, Information Security, and Technical Support, to address current gaps and enhance its efficiency;
Resolves to:
(i) mandate the National Assembly Management to reposition the ICT Department to report directly to the Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA) or establish it as a distinct directorate, the restructuring will empower the department to ensure that critical functions such as system uptime, security, and technological innovation are managed with urgency and strategic importance;
(ii) also mandate the Management of the National Assembly to develop and implement a comprehensive ICT policy that standardizes systems, improves data management practices, and addresses cyber security threats while ensuring adequate funding for modernizing infrastructure, acquiring licenses, and training staff;
(iii) further mandate the Committee on Digital and Information Technology to oversee the implementation of these reforms and report within four (4) for further legislative action.
Motion stepped down by leave of the House.
House Adjournment:
The House at 12:45 adjourned plenary to Wednesday, March 19th, 2025 by 11:00 A.M following a motion for adjournment moved by the Deputy Leader of the House, Hon. Abdullahi Halims and seconded by the Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda.
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