The Deputy Speaker of the House Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu presiding.
After leading the opening prayer and recitation of the national pledge, the Deputy Speaker approved the votes and proceedings of Tuesday, March 5th, 2024.
PETITIONS:
Hon. Joshua Chinedu laid a petition on behalf of the Public Complainants Commission.
Hon. Jesse Onuakalusi laid a petition on behalf of 2 complainants: the first is against a retired Air Commodore for the alleged harassment of people with his personal pistol and using Air Force personnel to boost his harassments. The second is against the Michael Imodu Study Center on an alleged breach of agreement.
Hon. Patrick Umoh laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the Rector of Maritime Academy of Nigeria.
Hon. Marie Enenimiete laid a petition from a complainant against the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps over alleged unaccounted seized goods.
All petitions were referred to the House Committee on Public Petitions.
MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:
Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi moved a motion on the urgent need for action to curtail the life threatening gully erosion in some communities of Oshimili North in Delta state and it was seconded by Hon. Unyime Idem.
Hon. Ezechi in leading the debate stated that the dastardly effects of the gully erosion on the communities cannot be overemphasized and are truly life threatening. He called on the Federal government to take urgent and proactive measures to curtail the effects of the gully erosion and that the House Committee on Environment should ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Environment.
Hon. Umar Ajilo moved a motion on the need to investigate the circumstances surrounding the recurrent accidents on Zaria road that continues to claim lives of commuters and it was seconded by Hon. Shehu Dalhatu. Hon. Ajilo in leading the debate stated that the recurring nature of accidents on the Zaria expressway is truly worrisome as it has claimed the lives of many commuters. He identified a U-turn as the point that usually causes this.
Hon. Ajilo called on the House Committee on Works to ensure the questionable spot is taken care of and that relief should be provided for the surviving victims. An amendment was proposed to incorporate the House Committee on Federal Road Safety to carry out the due investigation into the root causes of the accidents.
Hon. Chinedu Ogah also proposed an amendment to incorporate the House Committee on police through its traffic officers to the investigation. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committees on Works, Road Safety as well as that on Police.
Hon. Sada Soli moved a motion on the need to contain the consistent bandit attacks on 17 communities in Katsina state and it was seconded by Hon. Manu Soro. Hon. Sada in leading the debate stated that Sections 33 and 41 enshrines the safety of lives and properties of Nigerians. He commended the efforts of the Governor of Katsina state but still bemoaned the continuous attacks on the affected communities. He expressed worry at the inability of security agencies to contain the attacks of the bandits who control almost half of Katsina state. He further called for reinforcements of security personnel to the affected areas.
Hon. Sada further expressed worry at the possibility of Katsina state being overrun by these bandits if their activities are not immediately contained. He called on President Bola Tinubu to further direct the security agencies to increase pressure against the terrorists and restore peace and order to the communities. He further called on the National Emergency Management Agency to ensure relief to the victims. He further called on the House Committees on Defense, Army, Police, as well as that on Disaster Preparedness to ensure compliance. Hon. Mohammed proposed an amendment to incorporate Zamfara and Sokoto states to be part of the prayers of the motion.
Hon. Chinedu Ogah proposed an amendment to make the prayers of the motion holistic to affect all states affected nationwide and that the National Security Adviser (NSA) should act on this. Hon. Sada Soli stressed that his motion should not be watered down by these amendments as he is stressing on 17 communities in Katsina state and every other Honourable Member can come up with a National or more holistic motion. The presiding Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu advised Hon. Chinedu Ogah to come up with a motion on the national issue.
Hon. Olumide Osoba proposed an amendment calling on the NSA to look into the activities of the joint task forces nationwide. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committees on Defense, Army, Police, Emergency Disaster Preparedness as well as that on National Security and Intelligence.
Hon. Taofeek Ajilosoro moved a motion on the urgent need to address circumstances that led to the mob to death of a veterinary technologist by a male lion in Osun state and it was seconded by Hon. Dominic Okafor. Hon. Ajilosoro in leading the debate blamed the absence of functioning tranquilizers for the inability of the slain zoo keeper to safely contain the lion that was trying to attack a woman before his intervention which led to the tragic loss of his life. He expressed worry at the rising cases of killings of zoo keepers by wild contained animals in different states of the country. Hon. Ajilosoro bemoaned the seeming nonchalant attitudes of these zoos for the welfare of zoo keepers.
He called on the National Orientation Agency to embark on sensitization of zoos and individuals with wild animals as pets on the need to adopt safety precautions. He further called on the House Committees on Safety Standards, as well as that on University Education to invite the affected zoos for clarification. The motion was voted on and adopted.
ORDERS OF THE DAY:
BILLS:
- A Bill for an Act to Establish the Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) to Prevent and Combat Forest Crimes and enhance Security within Nigerian Forests and for Related Matters (HB.90) – 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 Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act, Cap E Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to enhance effective Collaboration with relevant Law Enforcement Agencies and for Related Matters (HB. 315) – 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 Chartered Institute of Mentoring and life Coaching of Nigeria (CIMLCN) to be charged with the responsibility for Registration, Discipline of its Members to Systematize the Practice of Mentoring and Coaching and for Related Matters (HB. 753) – Third Reading.
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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 Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Act, Cap No.5 Laws of Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to clearly define the scope of Powers of the Chairman of the Commission; to Revoke Order or Notice under the Act; to avoid Arbitrariness and Ensure Effective Collaboration between the Commission and Other Agencies; and for Related Matters (HB. 316) – 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 National Metallurgical Training Institute, Sagamu, Ogun State to Provide Training, Information, Supervision, Guidance and advice to Students, researchers and Personnel in Iron and Steel, and Oil and Gas Industries for National Development and for Related Matters (HB. 109) – 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 Provide for Establishment of Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State and for Related Matters (HB. 585) – 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 the Federal College of Agricultural Technology Otun Ekiti to Provide full-time Courses in Agricultural Technology, Applied Science Management and other Fields of Studies and to make Provisions for the General Administration of the College and for Related Matters (HB.875) – 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 Provide for Establishment of Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State and for Related Matters (SB.174) (Senate) – Second Reading.
Debate:
Hon. Julius Ihonbvere moved for the second reading of the bill and it was seconded by Hon. Kingsley Chinda. Hon. Ihonbvere in leading the debate stated that it is a Senate bill seeking the concurrence of the House. It seeks to establish the proposed University for the development of the studies of environmental sciences, climate change, environmental degradation, technological development etc. He urged Honourable Members to support it for the educational benefits of those living in the region and its environs. The bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the Committee of the Whole.
- A Bill for an Act to Establish National Tax Crimes and Oversight Commission to Address Revenue Leakages emanating from Non – payment and Under – payment of Taxes, Irregularities in the Assessment, Reporting and Remittances of Taxes, to Prevent and Combat Tax Related Crimes, to plug all leakages in the Tax Administration System, to ensure the Protection of Tax Payers Rights and for Related Matters (HB.624) (Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu and eight others) – Second Reading.
Debate:
Hon. Felix Nweke moved for the second reading of the bill and it was seconded by Hon. Kelechi Nwogu. Hon. Nweke in leading the debate stated that the bill simply seeks to establish the Commission for the purpose of boosting revenue for Nigeria by exploring a wider net of taxation as well as block leakages in the national tax regime. He stressed the need to have a competent tax regime as a source of increasing scarce revenue for Nigeria. He stressed that the bill does not seek to increase the tax burden on already taxed Nigerians, but to ensure taxable sources are fully exploited. The bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Finance.
- A Bill for an Act to Amend the Flag and Coats of Arms Act, Cap. F30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Regulate, Display and use of National Flags and for Related Matters (HB.991) (Hon. Sada Soli) – Second Reading.
Debate:
Hon. Sada Soli moved for the second reading of the bill and it was seconded by Hon. Moruf. Hon. Sada in leading the debate stated that the Act was passed in 1960 and parts of it are outdated and moribund. The bill he stated seeks to amend sections 8 and 10 to address the fine for mutilating the flags and Coat of Arms from #100 to #100,000 and incorporate new security agencies such as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps in maintaining internal security to the enforcement, not just the police. The bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Interior.
- A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Medical Centre Act, to Provide for Establishment of Federal Medical Centre, Sisinbaki Wamba, Nasarawa State and for Related Matters (HB. 709) (Hon. Jeremiah Umaru) – Second Reading.
Debate:
Hon. Jeremiah Umaru moved for the second reading of the bill and it was seconded by Hon. Murphy Osaro. Hon. Umaru in leading the debate stated that the bill seeks the establishment of the Medical center to cater for the health requirements of those in Wamba and its environs. It is a border region sharing boundaries with Plateau and Kaduna states and it will cater for the medical needs of those in this wide region and fill the existing gap by the non-availability of such centers in the region. He also stated that the center will provide employment for qualified people and reduce the cases of medical tourism. 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, Itigidi, Cross River State and for Related Matters (HB.642) (Hon. Alex Egbona) – Second Reading.
Debate:
Hon. Alex Egbona moved for the second reading of the bill and it was seconded by Hon. Chris Nkwonta. Hon. Egbona in leading the debate stated that the bill seeks the establishment of the proposed medical center to cater for the gap in Cross River state which does not have such Federal institution. The communities have been yearning for the establishment of the center so that they do not have to travel far anymore for medical treatment. He also stated that the center will also provide employment for qualified people and reduce the cases of medical tourism. The bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Health Institutions.
MOTIONS:
- Outstanding Bills from Preceding Assembly:
Hon. Francis E. Waive:
(i) Federal Medical Centre, Sabongida-Ora, Edo State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 478);
(ii) National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education Bill, 2023 (HB. 503);
(iii) National Examination Council (NECO) (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 421);
(iv) Federal Institute of Fisheries Research, Ogidigben, Delta State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 822);
(v) Haliru Dantoro University of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Borgu, Niger State (Establishment) Bill,
2023(HB. 1044);
(vi) Federal Colleges of Education Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 1045); and
(vii) Dieticians Council of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB. 1114).
The House:
Notes that pursuant to Order Twelve, Rule 17 of the Standing Orders, the House may, upon being re-gazetted or circulated, reconsider in the Committee of the Whole, without commencing denovo, the Bill(s)–
(a) whose report was presented by the Committee before consideration;
(b) passed by the House and forwarded to the Senate for concurrence for which no concurrence was made or negative;
(c) passed by the Senate and forwarded to the House for which no concurrence was made or negative; or;
(d) passed by the preceding Assembly and forwarded to the President for assent but for which assent or withholding therefore was not communicated before the end of the tenure of the preceding Assembly.
Aware that the Bills were read for the first time as HBs.478, 503, 421, 822, 1040, 1044, 1045 and 1114 respectively;
Resolves to:
Re-commit the Bills to the Committee of the Whole for consideration.
Debate:
Hon. Bello Ambarura moved the motion on outstanding bills from preceding Assembly and it was seconded by Hon. Aliyu Madaki. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the Committee of the Whole.
- Need to Provide Living Wage for Workers in Nigeria:
Hon. O. K. Chinda Hon. Julius Ihonvbere Hon. Onanuga A. Oriyomi
Hon. Aliyu Sani Madaki Hon. Ali Isa J C Hon. Fred Agbedi
Hon. Boma Goodhead Hon. Seyi Sowunmi Hon. Abdulssamad Dasuki Hon. Nnolim Nnaji Hon. Soli Sada Hon. Iduma Igariwey
Hon. Victor Nwokolo Hon. Babajimi Benson Hon. Bamidele Salam
Hon. Solomon Bob Hon. Miriam Onuoha Hon. George Ozodinobi
Hon. Kwamoti Bitrus Laori Hon. Zakaria Nyampa Hon. Unyime Idem Hon. Mark Essiet Hon. Kelechi Nwogu Hon. Tunji Akinosi
Hon. Felix Nwaeke Hon Victor Obuzor Hon. Cyril Hart
Hon. Chris Nkwonta Hon. A. Balarabe Dabai Hon. Abass Adigun
Hon. Kabiru Adamu Hon. Blessing C. Amadi Hon. Ibe Okwara Osanwa Hon. Ginger Onwusibe Hon. Midala Balami Hon. Salman Idris. Hon. Alhassan Rurum Kabiru Hon. Peter Akpatason Hon. Okojie Odianosen Hon. Emerengwa Boniface:
The House:
Notes the rising rate of inflation in the country has made it difficult for average Nigerian to afford basic needs such as food, water, housing, education, healthcare, transportation, and clothing;
Also notes that the rising inflationary rate in the country has also had a negative effect on the cost of living, with the cost of food, accommodation, education, and transportation skyrocketing;
Aware that Nigeria is a signatory to the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and Article 23 of the Declaration states that “every individual who works has the right to just and favourable remuneration to ensure such a person and his or her family exist in dignity.”;
Also aware that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have a 2030 achievement deadline, and eight out of the 17 SDGs of the United Nations require the payment of a living wage to be achieved;
Recalls that when the fuel subsidy was removed in May 2023, the federal government offered palliatives to cushion its effects. However, the ameliorative effect of this measure has been overtaken by the continued rise in the cost of goods and services;
Further aware that the minimum wage (in Nigeria) was increased by the president recently, but the purchasing power is low owing to the continued rise in the cost of living in the country and the fall of the Naira;
Again aware that Trade Economics in 2018 reported the living wage for an individual Nigerian and a Nigerian family to be N43,200 per month and N137,600 per month, respectively. This is a pre-subsidy removal report;
Further notes that presently, no labourer can live in Nigeria with a wage of less than one hundred thousand Naira (N100,000.00);
Concerned that according to the World Bank report, low purchasing power in the country occasioned by a high inflationary rate, has led to an increase in poverty across the country;
Also recalls that the Rt. Hon. Speaker of the House of Representatives had on September 29, 2023, at the State Banquet in Abuja, opined that it is only a living wage that can ameliorate the insecurity and corruption pervading the country;
Worried that unless very immediate and pragmatic steps are taken to improve the income of Nigerians, more Nigerians will go down the economic line, with the poor population increasing. This, in effect, would lead to desperation and a loss of faith in the government;
Resolves to:
(i) mandate the Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity to explore ways to pay living wages to Nigerian workers at rates that align with economic realities; and
(ii) transmit the resolution to the Senate for Concurrence.
Debate:
Hon. Aliyu Madaki moved the motion on the need to provide living wage for workers in Nigeria and it was seconded by Hon. Chukwugozie Nwachukwu. Hon. Dominic Okafor proposed an amendment to prayer 1 to incorporate the House Committees on Finance as well as that on National Planning and Economic Development to the prayer. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committees on Finance, National Planning as well as that on Labour, Employment and Productivity.
- Need to Investigate Funding Structure of Beneficiaries of the National Budget and Causal Factors
of the Demand for Exemption from Envelope System by some Institutions of Government:
Hon. Nasir Gboyega Isiaka Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka:
The House:
Notes the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) on budgeting (Money Bills), which made the executive and legislature the main actors in the budget process in Nigeria;
Also notes that Sections 4, 59, 80–81 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) specifically detailed the powers and responsibilities of the two arms of government on how monies accruing to the country may be expended over a period of time;
Aware that the National Assembly, under Sections 80 and 81 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) is responsible for oversighting the executive branch of government by ensuring budget provisions are complied with;
Observes that the recent clinical examination reveals that there is no law conferring entitlement or excluded some beneficiaries from the National Budget;
Cognizance of the clamour by some government institutions to be exempted from the envelope system in the budgetary allocations;
Resolves to:
(i) mandates the Committee on National Planning and Economic Development to:
(a) investigate beneficiaries of the National Budget to determine their respective funding structure in accordance with the relevant Laws and Authorizations;
(b) review the need for exemption of some government institutions from the envelope regime on the national budgetary system;
(c) review budget ceiling and develop a resource framework; and
(d) document all findings and submit to the House, for further legislative action(s).
Debate:
Hon. Gboyega Isiaka moved the motion on the need to investigate funding structure of beneficiaries of the National Budget and causal factors of demand for exemption from Envelope System by some Institutions of Government, and it was seconded by Hon. Adesola Adedayo. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on National Planning and Economic Development.
- Need to Complete the Construction of Uwa Junction/Urua Edet Obo/Nto Edino Road in Essien
Udim and Obot Akara Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State:
Hon. Patrick Umoh:
The House:
Notes that the Uwa Junction/Urua Edet Obo/Nto Edino Road is a major road in Akwa Ibom State that run through two local governments of Essien Udim and Obot Akara, connects over 40 communities with several schools and businesses, and leads to Abia State of Nigeria;
Also notes that whereas contract for the construction of the road was awarded sometime in the year 2021 by the Federal Government through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the construction of the road has been abandoned owing to poor funding;
Further notes that the abandonment of the construction of the 18kilometres road has affected several communities; upended the livelihood of the people, stalled transportation of goods and services, and derailed smooth access to education by school children; thereby bringing upon the people of the community untold hardship;
Aware that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has proposed a paltry sum of (N50, 000, 000) Fifty Million Naira in the 2024 budget for the construction of the road, which sum is adjudged insufficient given the length, breadth and the kilometres of the road, construction of bridges and installation of streetlights;
Conscious that if the sum proposed for the construction of the road is not reviewed, the people of the community will continue to be exposed to serious hardship, and the road will remain a death trap;
Worried that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is embarking on other projects within the two local governments of Essien Udim and Obot Akara without first completing the road, which has more impact on the people and traverse many communities;
Concerned that embarking on other projects by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) without first completing the road will lead to abandonment of many projects;
Resolves to:
(i) urge the Ministry of Niger Delta and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to upwardly review the sum budgeted for the construction of the Uwa Junction/ Urua Edet Obo/Nto Edino Road in Essien Udim and Obot Akara Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom for completion of the road; and
(ii) mandate the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.
Motion stepped down by leave of the House.
- Call to Decongest Nigerian Correctional Services:
Hon. Chinedu Ogah:
The House:
Notes that the Nigerian Correctional Service, a federal entity under the Ministry of Interior, is a part of the Criminal Justice System under Exclusive list;
Also notes that the Nigerian prisons, outline, were mandated to reform, rehabilitate, and ensure effective reintegration of offenders into society in line with universally accepted standards;
Worried that Over 70,000 inmates in the country face inadequate facilities despite government efforts, and some have not been charged with criminal cases, while some are unable to pay the fines imposed by the courts despite having their cases determined;
Disturbed that by the Nigerian criminal justice system is plagued by flaws, with cases often lingering without resolution for years, thus overcrowding the correctional centers in various geopolitical zones.
Also disturbed that a data system reveals that federal offenders comprise less than 10% of correctional system inmates, leaving over 90% to state offenses;
Alarmed that overcrowding of the Correctional facilities has led to a huge revenue drain for successive governments, leading to prison dilapidation, criminalization, and inability to separate awaiting trial inmates from convicted ones.
Cognizant that implementing the criminal justice system and the adoption of non-custodial measures would effectively reduce the overcrowding of national prisons.
Resolves to:
(i) urge the Federal and State Governments to:
(a) provide comprehensive reforms of the country’s correctional system, including modernizing custodial centers, building new facilities, and redesigning the bail system;
(b) proposes legislation to allocate time for the speedy dispensation of justice and reduce the number of inmates awaiting trial;
(c) examine the role of the Federal and State Governments in the correction of inmates;
(d) propose sustainable, efficient solutions to address the congestion in 244 jails nationwide and the effective implementation of non-custodial measures;
(e) devise and promote effective reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of inmates;
(f) to utilize its prerogative of mercy to grant amnesty to deserving inmates.
(ii) also urge the Federal Ministry of Justice to prevent delays in justice dispensation and enhancing
the process of meeting bail conditions;
(iii) further urge the security agencies to avoid arbitrary arrests; and
(iv) mandate the Committee on Justice to ensure compliance.
Debate:
Hon. Chinedu Ogah moved the motion on the call to decongest correctional services in Nigeria and it was seconded by Hon. Okunlola Lanre. Hon. Kalejaye Paul proposed an amendment to incorporate the House Committee on Interior to the prayer of the motion. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committees on Justice as well as that on Interior.
- Need to Curb Indiscriminate Sale of Drugs and Lack of Adherence to Prescription Policy in Nigeria:
Hon. Adamu Ibrahim Gamawa:
The House:
Notes the lack of a prescription policy on drug and indiscriminate drug sales by druggists, pharmacists, patent medicine dealers, and street vendors, staffed by unqualified personnel which ultimately leads to antibiotic resistance and drug abuse;
Also notes that according to the National Bureau of Statistics Nigeria, there is a frightening surge in the issue of drug abuse and misuse in Nigeria with drugs use prevalence statistics at 14,4% of productive age in Nigeria (15–65 years of age), which almost three times the global Drug use Prevalence (5.5%);
Concerned that a large percentage of drug abuse in Nigeria are prescription drugs obtained without proper prescription;
Also worried that most of the drugs sold by illiterate and semi-literate drug hawkers are counterfeit, substandard or expired, and therefore do not meet the quality, safety and efficacy requirement of regulated medicines;
Also aware that various empirical studies showed that Drug abuse is a significant facilitator of extremism terrorism, violent crimes, and high school dropout, negatively affecting community health, security, and stability, according to consumer studies;
Cognizant that if urgent actions are not taken to declare a state of emergency and allocate resources to the identification of drug abuse response and treatment, a national catastrophe of unimaginable dimension is in the offing;
Resolves to
(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Health to develop prescription policy that must be enforced.
(ii) also urge the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria as matter of urgency to close all illegal outlets of pharmaceutical products including open drug markets and ensure that only prescribed drugs are administered to patients by qualified health practitioners and sanction erring pharmaceutical outlets;
(iii) further urge the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to collaborate with the Standards Organization (SON), National Orientation Agency to continuously sensitize public awareness about drug abuse;
(iv) mandate the Committees on Narcotics Drugs, Healthcare Services, National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.
Debate:
Hon. Adamu Gamawa moved the motion on the need to curb indiscriminate sale of drugs and lack of adherence to prescription policy in Nigeria and it was seconded by Hon. Aliyu Garu. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committees on Drugs and Narcotics, Healthcare Services, Food and Drug Control, as well as that on Legislative Compliance.
- Connecting Ringim/Taura Local Government Areas to the National Grid:
Hon. Sa’ad Wada Taura:
The House:
Notes the important role of electricity power supply in promoting socio-economic development within the Ringim/Taura Federal Constituency;
Concerned that the absence of electricity supply in Ringim/Taura Federal Constituency for more than a decade has caused serious repercussions on economic activities, education, and healthcare, adversely affecting the daily lives and economic pursuits of the constituents;
Aware of the recently completed Gagarawa 2x60MVA, 132/33KV Substation, situated only 0.01 kilometers away from Taura Local Government Area, encompassing the following communities: Ajaura, Gujungu, Majia, Kwalam, Kiri, Chukwaikwaiwa, Maje, Saban Garin Yaya and Chukuto Wards in Taura Local Government Area, while Yandutse, Ringim, Sintilmawa, Dabi, Kyarama, Karshi, Kafin Babushe, Chai-Chai and Sankara Wards in Ringim Local Government Area, and other communities;
Worried that the prolonged deprivation of electricity supply has resulted in a gloomy effect over economic activities of the entire area, particularly affecting small businesses, schools, and hospitals;
Also worried that the prolonged deprivation of electricity supply crisis has negatively impacted the economic activities of the area, particularly affecting small businesses, schools, and hospitals, hence the need to connect Ringim/Taura Federal Constituency to the National Grid;
Resolves to:
(i) mandate the Committee on Power to:
(a) engage with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and other relevant agencies to expedite the immediate connection of Ringim and Taura Local Governments to the national grid through the recently completed Gagarawa 2x60MVA, 132/33KV Substation; and
(b) collaborate with TCN and other concerned parties to ensure the reconnection of Ringim/Taura Federal Constituency to the National Grid and report back within four (4) for further legislative action.
Debate:
Hon. Sa’ad Taura moved the motion on connecting Ringim/Taura local government areas to the national grid and it was seconded by Hon. Sani Abdulraheem. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Power.
- Non-compliance with Corporate Social Responsibility obligations towards Oil-producing communities by ExxonMobil Company Limited in Akwa Ibom State.
Hon. Udak Alphonsus Odudoh:
The House:
Notes that Global advocacy calls for multinational companies to prioritize poverty alleviation and community development through Corporate Social Responsibility, particularly in South Countries;
Also notes that Corporate Social Responsibility is a deliberate efforts of business organization to act in a manner that promote the interest of its employees, suppliers, consumers, government, host Communities, ecosystem and society at large;
Aware that ExxonMobil has been operating in Akwa Ibom State having started her offshore oil exploration in Eastern Obolo territorial waters as Mobile Producing Limited, and owned the largest offshore platforms with a total of 728, 000 barrels per day gotten from her Six (6) platforms compressing Ekpe platform with 98,000 barrels per day, Inim platform with 82,000 barrels per day, Oso platform with 120, 000 barrels per day, Idoho platform with 78, 000 barrels per day, Edop platform with 300,000 barrels per day, and, Asabo platform with 50, 000 barrels per day respectively;
Also aware that ExxonMobil’s operations in Akwa Ibom State has contributed to environmental degradation, causing oil spills, sea pollution, ecosystem disruption, air pollution, farm destruction, aquatic animal deaths, and trade truncation;
Cognizance that before the enactment of Petroleum Industry Act 2022, Community Development trust fund was created thereby excluding Multinational Companies operating in Nigeria from directly engaging in host Communities Development through payment of certain percentage into the trust account, but ExxonMobil has failed to carry out its Corporate Social Responsibility to host Communities in Akwa Ibom State in the past one and a half decade;
Worried that despite ExxonMobil’s intervention programmes on Community development in Akwa Ibom State, their social activities do not commensurate with the level of environmental devastation and degradation orchestrated by its operations, as most host Communities are currently facing abject poverty and absence of infrastructural projects;
Also worried that Research shows that ExxonMobil’s efforts only facilitate exploration, with access roads connecting oil and gas fields to host communities;
Resolves to:
(i) mandate the Committee on Corporate Social Responsibility to investigate ExxonMobil Company’s Limited level of compliance with Corporate Social Responsibility in Akwa Ibom State from 2010 to 2021; and
(ii) also mandate the Committees on Corporate Social Responsibility and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
Motion stepped down by leave of the House.
- Need to Regulate Cryptocurrency Trading Platforms in Nigeria:
Hon. Muktar Tolani Shagaya:
The House:
Notes that Section 13 of the Investment and Securities Act, 2007 confers regulatory powers on the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to regulate and supervise the issuance, offering, and trading of digital assets within Nigeria’s capital market;
Also notes that Cryptocurrency is a digital payment platform that doesn’t rely on banks to verify transactions, it is a peer-to-peer system that can enable anyone anywhere to send and receive payments through digital currencies;
Further notes that the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria recently raised concerns about the escalating volume of transactions passing through unregulated cryptocurrency trading platforms, and the subsequent challenges in identifying the origins and beneficiaries of the funds;
Concerned that allowing the cryptocurrency market to run unregulated poses great risks to the country as recent research shows that criminal activities such as money laundering, terrorism financing, consumer protection vulnerabilities and other forms of cybercrimes are easily facilitated through cryptocurrency;
Aware that countries like the United States of America, China, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, e.t.c have taken proactive steps in establishing regulatory frameworks to oversee cryptocurrency transactions, thus safeguarding their financial systems;
Cognizant that regulatory ambiguity hampers the growth of legitimate cryptocurrency businesses and inhibits innovations in a sector with vast economic potentials;
Also cognizant of the urgent need to institute a comprehensive regulation to govern the use and exchange of cryptocurrencies within Nigeria, ensure financial stability, safeguard investor interests and mitigate illicit financial activities;
Further cognizant of the need for collaboration between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigerian Police, the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and other relevant Government agencies to combat illicit financial activities facilitated through cryptocurrencies;
Resolves to:
(i) urge the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigerian Police, the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to expedite the formulation and implementation of robust regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrency transactions in line with global best practices and standards; and
(ii) mandate the Committees on Capital Market and Institutions, and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
Motion stepped down by leave of the House.
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE) Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu Chaired:
- A Bill for an Act to Introduce Preventive Measure and Teaching of Breast and Cervical Cancers into the Curriculum of a Compulsory Subject (Civic Education) for Senior Secondary Schools in Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB. 501) – Committee of the Whole: 29/2/2024.
Synopsis of the report:
Hon. Julius Ihonbvere stated that the bill went through all procedures in the previous Assembly but did not get Presidential assent. He stated that the concerns noticed have been addressed and urged Honourable Members to support it.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-4
- A Bill for an Act to Introduce Preventive Measures and Teachings of Sexual Gender Based Violence into the Curriculum of a Compulsory Subject (Civil Education) for all Secondary Schools in Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB. 502) – Committee of the Whole: 29/2/2024.
Synopsis of the report:
Hon. Julius Inonbvere stated that the bill has similar circumstances with the preceding one and urged Honorable members to support it.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-4
Hon. Ikenga moved a point of order urging Honorable members to always be present at plenary till its conclusion and suggested for stiffer sanctions to be applied to regular defaulters.
The Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu called on caucus leaders to bear on Honorable members of their caucuses to always take plenary attendance more serious.
The Leader of the House, Hon. Julius Ihonbvere stated that committee meetings should not clash with plenary which is primary for Honorable members.
HOUSE IN PLENARY:
The House reverted to plenary and adopted the report of the committee of the Whole following a motion by Hon. Julius Ihonbvere and seconded by Hon. Aliyu Madaki.
Adjournment:
The House at 14:10 PM adjourned plenary to Thursday, March 7th, 2024 by 11:00 A.M following a motion for adjournment moved by the Leader of the House, Hon. Julius Ihonbvere and seconded by the Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Aliyu Madaki.
