National Assembly: Plenary proceedings House of Reps Thurs, May 8th, 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, May 7th, 2025.
ADMITTANCE INTO THE HALLOWED CHAMBERS:
The House suspended its relevant rules in order to grant the Executive Governor of Katsina state and his entourage admittance into the Hallowed Chambers of the House to observe plenary proceedings following a motion by the Leader of the House, Hon. Julius Ihonbvere that was seconded by the Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Aliyu Madaki.
ANNOUNCEMENT:
- Defection of Honorable Members:
I. Hon. Balarabe Dabai (Katsina state) from PDP to APC
II. Hon. Aliyu Abubakar (Katsina state) from PDP to APC
III. Hon. Salisu Majigiri (Katsina state) from PDP to APC
MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:
- Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi moved a motion on the urgent need to investigate the nonpayment of contractors working with Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies since 2024 and it was seconded by Hon. Peter Aniekwe. Hon. Ezechi in leading the debate expressed concern that these contractors working with MDAs of Government have not been paid since October 2024 despite completing their jobs. He stated that the scarce budgetary releases and implementation has adversely affected contractors and investors. Hon. Ezechi stated that these delays have resulted in job loss, stalling of community based development projects and financial paralysis. He called for the invitation of the Ministers of Finance, Budget and National Planning, the Accountant General of the Federation, Auditor General and any other relevant personality on Tuesday, May 13th 2025 to explain to Honorable Members the reasons behind these delays and that the House Committee on Public Account should ensure compliance.
Hon. Ahmed Idris in contributing to the debate bemoaned the lack of budgetary releases that have crippled projects in many communities and constituencies nationwide. He stated that the trend is not financially healthy for the nation. Hon. Idris called for better budgetary performance and proposed an amendment that the House Committee on Appropriation should handle the investigation.
Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka commended the spirit of the motion and stated that monetary delays lead to complications relating to the project competition timeframe and quality, as costs of materials continue to rise. He called for speedy adoption and implementation of the resolutions of the House on the subject matter for the benefit capital projects.
Hon. Idem Unyime proposed an amendment to also incorporate the House Committee on Public Procurement to the prayers of the motion. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committees on Appropriations, Finance, Economic Planning, Banking Regulations as well as Public Procurement.
- Hon. David Zacharias moved a motion on the urgent need to intervene for victims of devastating windstorms in communities of Kogi state and it was seconded by Hon. Hart Cyril. Hon. David in leading the debate stated that the storms destroyed many infrastructure in the affected communities and hindered much of the socioeconomic activities of the people, thus seriously adversely affecting their wellbeing. He called on the National Emergency Management Agency to provide relief to the victims. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Emergency Disaster Preparedness and Management.
- Hon. Daniel Asama moved a motion on the need to address the incessant attacks and killings in communities of Jos, Plateau state, especially in the Bokos and Bassa regions and it was seconded by Hon. Salisu Majigiri. Hon. Asama in leading the debate stated that these attacks have continue to lead to unnecessary loss of lives. He further stated that the continuous nature of the attacks have led to lingering humanitarian crisis and lack of confidence in government. He stated that the wellbeing and safety of the people should remain of paramount importance to government at all times. Hon. Asama called on the relevant security agencies to deploy personnel to the region. He called on the House Committee of National Security and Intelligence, Defense as well as that on Police Affairs to ensure compliance. He further called on the National Emergency Management Agency as well as the Ministry on Humanitarian Affairs to provide relief to the victims and that the House Committee on Disaster Management, Humanitarian Affairs as a well as that on Legislative Compliance should ensure compliance.
Hon. Ahmed Idris in his contribution appreciated Hon. Asama for bringing the motion to the Floor of the House. He also commended the Speaker and the House for the huge financial contribution to the victims. Hon. Idris reiterated the need for addressing of the root causes of these conflicts that have lasted so long and claimed so many lives needlessly. He called on well meaning Nigerians in places of authority to help coordinate peace restoration discussions for the region. Hon. Idris also stressed the need for the rehabilitation of battered lives and infrastructure within the region to bring back the semblance of normalcy. He then proposed an amendment that the House constitute a Special Ad-Hoc Committee to handle the prayers of the motion so that it would be dedicated solely to this assignment and make its implementation faster. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the soon to be constituted Ad-Hoc Committee.
PRESENTATION OF BILLS
- Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2025 (HB.2283) (Hon. Jafaru Gambo Leko) – First Reading.
- North East Youth Skills Development and Digital Jobs (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2284) (Hon. Jafaru Gambo Leko & three others) – First Reading.
- National Youth Agripreneurship Fund (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2285) (Hon. Jafaru Gambo Leko & six others) – First Reading.
- National Farmers Inputs and Credit Guarantee Scheme (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2286) (Hon. Jafaru Gambo Leko & four others) – First Reading.
- Federal University of Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition, Ikom, Cross River State (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2289) (Hon. Victor Abang) – First Reading.
- Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2025(HB.2290) (Hon. Mutu Nicholas Ebomo, Hon. Julius Gbabojor Pondi and Hon. Ojogo Donald Kimikamboh) – First Reading.
- Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2025(HB.2291) (Hon. Benjamin O. Kalu) – First Reading.
- Federal Colleges of Education Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025(HB.2292) (Hon. Clement Jimbo) – First Reading.
- Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2025(HB.2293) (Hon. Murphy Osaro Omoruyi) – First Reading.
- Office of the Legislative Counsel of the National Assembly (Establishment) Bill, 2025 HB.2295) (Hon. Abbas Tajudeen) – First Reading.
- Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025(HB.2296) (Hon. Olabinjo Benjamin Adeyemi) – First Reading.
- Federal Universities of Agriculture Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025(HB.2297) (Hon. Ahmed Yinka Aluko) – First Reading.
- Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2025 (HB.2294) (Hon. Murphy Osaro Omoruyi) – First Reading.
- Tuberculosis (Anti-Discrimination) Bill, 2025 (HB.2298) (Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah) – First Reading.
ORDERS OF THE DAY
BILLS
- A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Medical Centres Act, 2022 to Provide for Establishment of Federal Medical Centre, Dadin-Kowa, Kano State and for Related Matters (HB. 644) (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. Aliyu Madaki. The Bill was voted on, read for the third time and passed.
- A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Colleges of Education Act, Cap. F8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to make Provision for the Establishment of Federal College of Education, Tudun Wada Dankadai, Kano State and for Related Matters (HB. 645) (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. Aliyu Madaki. The Bill was voted on, read for the third time and passed.
- A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University of Education, Numan Adamawa State and for Related Matters (HB. 936) (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. Aliyu Madaki. The Bill was voted on, read for the third time and passed.
- A Bill for an Act to Establish National Science, Technology, Innovation and Research Council to Set National Priorities on Research, Innovation and Development, to Improve Economic Growth and Competitiveness that can Lead to the Development of New Products, Processes, and Services, to Address Social and Environmental Challenges, to Improve the Quality of Life of People, to Create New Jobs and Opportunities and to Advance Knowledge and Understanding of Innovations; and for Related Matters (HB. 727) (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. Aliyu Madaki. The Bill was voted on, read for the third time and passed.
- A Bill for an Act to Amend the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria Act, 2007 to be in tandem with what obtains in the Procurement Professional Practice across the Globe and for Related Matters (HB.346) (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. Aliyu Madaki. The Bill was voted on, read for the third time and passed.
- A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Primary Education Commission, Etc. Act. No. 68 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and for Related Matters (HB.1078) (Hon. Abbas Tajudeen and Hon. Bello Isah Ambarura) – Second Reading.
Debate
Hon. Bello Ambarura moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Bitrus Laori. Hon. Ambarura in leading the debate stated that Bill seeks the amendment to the original Act to ensure local languages are protected and promoted, especially in foundational learning. This he stated is in order to protect the Nigerian identity. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Basic Education and Services.
- A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Assembly Service Pension Board Act, No. 62, 2023, to among other things, Reconstitute the Membership of the Board, Provide the Template for Payment of Gratuity and Establish a Fund for the Scheme and for Related Matters (HB.2240) (Hon. Abbas Tajudeen and Hon. Bello Isah Ambarura) – Second Reading.
Debate
Hon. Bello Ambarura moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Victor Ogene. Hon. Ambarura stated that the Bill seeks the amendment of the Principal Act to protect the operations of the pensions and gratuities of the staff of the National Assembly. This he stated is so that their lives; post-retirement are not jeopardized. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Public Service Matters.
- A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Colleges of Education Act No. 43, 2023 to Establish Federal College of Education Zaria, Kaduna State and for Related Matters (HB.2118) (Hon. Abbas Tajudeen and Hon. Bello Isah Ambarura) – Second Reading.
Debate
Hon. Bello Ambarura moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Gboyega Isiaka. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Federal Colleges of Education.
- A Bill for an Act to Amend the Tertiary Education Trust Fund Act, No.16, 2011 to Provide for the Inclusion of Inter–University Centres among beneficiaries of the Tax Imposed Under the Act; and for Related Matters (HB.1754) (Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu) – Second Reading.
Second reading of the Bill stepped down by leave of the House.
- A Bill for an Act to Repeal the National Emergency Management Agency Act, Cap. N34, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the National Emergency Management Agency Bill and for Related Matters (HB.2123) (Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu & six others) – Second Reading.
Debate
Hon. Godwin Ogah moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Mudashiru Lukman. Hon. Ogah in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks to repeal the Principal Act and enact the proposed Act in order to ensure proper and timely response of the National Emergency Management Agency for the benefit of Nigerians in need of relief response nationwide. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness.
- A Bill for an Act to an Act to Amend the National Sugar Development Council Act, Cap. N78 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Provide for the Functions, Powers of the Council and the Payment of all Monies received by the Council into the Federation Account in accordance with Section 162 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and for Related Matters (HBs.2022 and 2030) (Hon. Enitan Dolapo Badiru and Hon. Esosa Iyawe) – Second Reading.
Debate
Hon. Enitan Badiru moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Tajudeen Abisodun. Hon. Badiru in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks to amend the existing Act in order to regulate sugar imports and exports nationally based on local production and consumption. This he stated is to promote local employment and wealth creation within the sugar sector. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Industry.
- A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Medical Centres Act and Establish Federal Medical Centre, Ido, Oyo State to Provide Legal Framework for its due Management and Administration and for Related Matters (HB. 1706) (Hon. Aderemi A. Oseni) – Second Reading.
Debate
Hon. Aderemi Oseni moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Akintunde Rotimi. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Health Institutions.
- A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, (Special) Ora Igbomina, Osun State and for Related Matters (HB. 2112) (Hon. Clement Ademola Akanni) – Second Reading.
Debate
Hon. Clement Akanni moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Garba Muhammad. Hon. Akanni in leading the debate stated that the Bill specifically proposes the College to be focused on training on children and midwifery issues.
Hon. Ahmed Jaha called on the House not to let the College have issues of Presidential assent as the term ‘Special’ may look like a restriction to the functions of the Institution.
In exercising his right of reply, Hon. Akanni stated that the Bill seeks the knowledge from the proposed College to be specific on children and midwifery issues.
The Presiding Speaker clarified that all issues that are unsatisfactory can still be corrected during the Public Hearing or Committee of the Whole stages. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Health Institutions.
- A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Ikot Mboho, Akwa Ibom State to provide Training and Research in General Nursing, Midwifery and other Specialties of Nursing and for Related Matters (HB. 2085) (Hon. Patrick Umoh) – Second Reading.
Debate
Hon. Patrick Umoh 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 Health Institutions.
- A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal University of Technology, Ipokia, Ogun State and for Related Matters (HB. 1224) (Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade) – Second Reading.
Debate
Hon. Abiodun Akinlade moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Emerengwa Sunday. 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 the National Electoral Offences Commission and for Related Matters (HB. 2172) (Hon. Adebayo Olusegun Balogun) – Second Reading.
Debate
Hon. Adebayo Balogun moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Fatoba Gbadura. Hon. Balogun in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks to ensure the integrity of the Nigerian electoral process. It seeks to lessen the burden of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in prosecuting all electoral offenses nationwide. The proposed Commission should be saddled with handling electoral Offences matters, while INEC could focus on the coordination of national elections. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Electoral Matters.
MOTIONS
- Call to Establish More Compressed Natural Gas Conversion Centers Across Nigeria:
Hon. Sani Aliyu Madaki:
The House:
Notes that in the implementation of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (Pi-CNG), the federal government distributed CNG conversion kits across the country;
Also notes that the advantages of the conversion to CNG are enormous, as it will bring down the cost of living in Nigeria and reduce air and noise pollution, which makes it environmentally friendly;
Aware that its benefits are numerous, as CNG burns more cleanly than PMS, which means less carbon buildup in the engine, thus reducing the need for frequent engine repairs and prolonging the life of engine components;
Also aware that vehicles powered by CNG experience less wear and tear on critical components such as spark plugs and exhaust systems;
Further aware that for the take-off of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, the Federal Government proposed to establish CNG conversion Centers in some States, including Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Ebonyi, with one Center each, while Akwa Ibom has 5 Centers, Delta, 9 Centers, Edo with 11 Centers, Ekiti 7 Centers, Enugu and Kogi with 3 Centers, FCT-Abuja 3 Centers, Kaduna 10 Centers, Kwara 8 Centers, Lagos 70 Centers, Nasarawa 2 Centers, Ogun 7 Centers, Oyo 17 Centers and Rivers 8 Centers;
Concerned that from the above-listed Centers, only Kaduna in the North West States is benefiting from the presidential initiative, while no State in the North East is listed as a beneficiary;
Worried at the exemption of other States from the initiative as commuters of those States are not put into consideration;
Acknowledges that States like Kano, Borno, Katsina, and Sokoto, which are commercially viable, are exempted;
Cognizant of the need to establish more Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion centers in the Northwest and Northeast to facilitate legitimate business operations for all citizens;
Resolves to:
(i) urge the Federal Government to establish Compressed Natural Gas Conversion Centers equitably across the country to give Nigerians a sense of belonging; and
(ii) mandate the Committee on Gas Resources to ensure compliance and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
Debate
Hon. Aliyu Madaki moved the motion on the call to establish more Compressed Natural Gas conversion centers across Nigeria.
Hon. Sada Soli in his contribution to the debate stated that the CNG conversion initiative by the Federal Government is laudable but its geographical implementation spread is indeed lopsided against northern parts of Nigeria, especially the Northeastern and Northwestern regions. He called on the government to ensure all Nigerians are beneficiaries of the national initiative.
Hon. Ahmed Jaha in his contribution also reiterated the lack of CNG conversion centers in the Northeast region which make the few centers available constantly overstretched. Considering that the Northeast is at one of the farthest regions of the country, he stated that it needs more conversion centers to cater for states within the region. Hon. Jaha also stated that issues in one part of Nigeria will definitely affect other regions.
Hon. Olumide Osoba in his contribution stated that Nigeria should be moving towards hybrid and electricity powered vehicles and all regions should be carried along equally during the upgrade. This position was reiterated by Hon. Balogun Adebayo.
Hon. Kafilat Ogbara commended President Tinubu for the CNG conversion initiative. She proposed an amendment calling for the constitution of an Ad-Hoc Committee to effectively oversight the CNG conversion center geographical spread which should ensure proper national inclusion. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the soon to be constituted Ad-Hoc Committee.
- Need to Establish Additional Permanent National Youth Service Corps Orientation Camps, Renovate and Expand the Existing Camps:
Hon. Garba Ibrahim Muhmmad:
The House:
Notes that the National Youth Service Corps is a one-year mandatory program scheme established 22 May, 1973 with the objectives of fostering national unity, integration, patriotism and promoting peaceful coexistence among the citizens from different socio-cultural backgrounds;
Also notes that the National Youth Service Corps Orientation Program Scheme annually trains thousands of youths across various learning institutions for three week, equipping them with necessary skills and knowledge for the service year;
Also aware that the management of NYSC had once decried the state of the orientation camps across Nigeria;
Alarmed that some States lack orientation camps to accommodate and meet the increasing number of Corp members deployed, while other States temporarily utilize secondary school buildings to accommodate prospective Corps members;
Disturbed by the current dilapidated state of permanent orientation camps in the country, which is causing dissatisfaction due to inadequate facilities overstretching the existing facilities, leaving Corp Members with no options other than to be redeployed to neighbouring states for camping activities;
Concerned that due to space limitations, Corps members frequently have to travel for longer periods of time after being deployed;
Cognizant of the need for spacious, habitable orientation camps, with each camp accommodating at least 5,000 participants at a time across the states of the Federation;
Also cognizant of the need to ensure the provisions of the state-of-the-art facilities, build additional camps, to empower Nigerian Corp Members with life survival skills and strategies, ensuring sustainable development and evolutionary trends;
Resolves to:
(i) urge the Federal Government to collaborate with States Government to construct additional camps and expand existing ones to accommodate at least 5,000 participants in each States of the Federation;
(ii) also urge the Federal Ministry of Youth, in collaboration with other stakeholders, to work out modalities to achieve the construction and expansion of NYSC orientation camps; and
(iii) also mandate the Committees on Youth Development and Legislative Compliance to ensure and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
Debate
Hon. Garba Muhammad moved the motion on the need to establish additional permanent National Youth Service Corps orientation camps, renovate and expand the existing camps and it was seconded by Hon. Mansur Musa. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Youth Development.
House Adjournment:
The House at 13:32 adjourned plenary to Tuesday, May 13th, 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 Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Aliyu Madaki.
Courtesy: LightRay! Media and Media Unit, Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives.
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