Plenary proceedings of the House of Representatives for Thursday, December 2nd, 2021

After leading the opening prayer and recitation of the national pledge, the Speaker approved the votes and proceedings for Wednesday, December 1st, 2021

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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Transmission of the finance Bill 2021 for consideration and approval by the House of Representatives for passage into Law in order to support the implementation of the 2022 budget

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MOTION OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

1. Rep. Leke Abejide moved a motion on the urgent need to invite the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman to brief the House committees on INEC and that of Appropriation on the actual cost of direct primaries and it was seconded by Rep. Jimoh Olajide. Rep. Abejide in leading the debate stressed the need for the implementation of direct primaries for use by political parties to choose candidates so that the power of choice can truly be in the hands of the people. He stated that there is the notion that direct primaries will be very costly, hence the need for the INEC chairman to clarify. The motion was voted on and adopted.

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PRESENTATION OF BILLS

1. Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill, 2021 (1753) (Senate) – First Reading.

2. Forensic Science University of Nigeria Erin–Ile, Kwara State (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1754) (Rep. Tijani Ismail Kayode) – First Reading.

3. Widowhood Leave Bill, 2021 (HB. 1755) (Rep. Saidu Musa Abdullahi) – First Reading.

4. Federal Road Safety Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1756) (Rep. Saidu Musa Abdul) – First Reading.

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ORDERS OF THE DAY

BILLS

1. A Bill for an Act to Establish Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital, Yola; and for Related Matters (HB.1399) (Senate) – Second Reading.

Debate

Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Peter Akpatason. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the committee of the whole.

2. A Bill for an Act to Establish Construction Materials Standardization Agency to Standardize and Control the use of Materials for the Construction Industry in Nigeria; and for Related (HB.1705) (Rep. Gideon Gwani) – Second Reading.

Debate

Rep. Gideon Gwani moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Unyime Idem. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the committee of the whole. Rep. Gwani in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks to establish the agency which will be saddled with ensuring a reputable construction economy by insisting on sustainable/ standard construction materials in Nigeria hence reducing the threat of building collapse nationwide. He stated that the Bill also seeks to ensure the major cause of building collapse is taken care of by ensuring the application of the mandatory use of quality building materials for construction.

Rep. Abubakar Fulata in speaking against the Bill stated that the aim of the Bill is already being carried out by the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON).

Rep. Toby Okechukwu stated that the Bill will ensure that the SON is up and doing, especially when the Bill gets to the committee level for proper scrutiny.

Rep. Jimoh Olajide stated that any defect in the construction industry can lead to the loss of life, so the Bill is in line with ensuring a wholesome construction industry for Nigerians.

Rep. Mohammed Monguno stated that though he supports the notion that the SON is saddled with the oversight of what the proposed Bill seeks to enforce, the fact that the problem of building collapse in Nigeria is becoming too rampant makes it necessary for such tools as the proposed Bill to be effected. This same view was reiterated by Rep. Nkem Abonta.

Rep. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha pointed out that the incessant collapse of buildings nationwide makes it necessary for this Bill to be passed.

Rep. Nicholas Ossai in supporting the Bill stressed the need to ensure the committee of the House to which the Bill will be referred to does an extensive job to ensure the purpose of the Bill is achieved for the good of all Nigerians.

The Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila reminded members that the part of the long title of the Bill that states “and for other related matters” is meant for other things that may be beyond the purview of the SON. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House committee on housing and industry.

3. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal College of Horticulture, Okigwe, Imo State; and for Related Matters (HB. 1456) (Rep. Miriam Onuoha) – Second Reading.

Debate

Rep. Miriam Onuoha moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Henry Nwawuba. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House committee on agricultural colleges and institutions.

4. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Polytechnics Act, Cap. F17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to make Provision for a Change of Name of the Federal Polytechnic, Unwana–Afikpo to Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana–Afikpo; and for Related Matters (HB. 769) (Rep. Chinedu Nweke Ogah) – Second Reading.

Debate

Rep. Chinedu Ogah moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Tertiary Education and Services.

5. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal Medical Centre, Toro; and for Related Matters (HB.697) (Rep. Muda Lawal Umar) – Second Reading.

Debate

Rep. Muda Umar moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Alhassan Rurum. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House committee on health institutions.

6. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal College of Health Technology, Itebukunmi, Ondo State; and for Related Matters (HB.826) (Rep. Kolade V. Akinjo) – Second Reading.

Debate

Rep. Kolade Akinjo moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Ndudi Elumelu. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House committee on health institutions.

7. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Technical College, Ikuru Town, Rivers State; and for Related Matters (HB.962) (Rep. Awaji–Inombek D. Abiante) – Second Reading.

Debate

Rep. Awaji-Inombek Abiante moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Taiwo Oluyemi. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on tertiary education and services.

8. A Bill for an Act to Establish National Excessive Flood Management Commission to be saddled with Responsibility of Coordinating and Regulating all forms of Nigerian Dams Operations, its Drainages, Maintenance, Dams Construction Work, Supervision, Cost Analysis, Review of Work Maintenance to time Frame Specification, Recommendation to Government as Deemed Necessary to Curb and Achieve Utmost Control of Excessive Flood Invasion Ravaging the Country Annually; and for Related Matters (HB.1418) (Rep. Richard Gbande ) – Second Reading.

Bill stepped down by leave of the House.

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MOTIONS

9. Rescission on the Discharge of the Ad–hoc Committee to Investigate the Financial Budgetary Provisions, Approvals and Multilateral Donations on Skills Acquisition, Entrepreneurship, Empowerment and Other Related Programs of the Federal Government and its Agencies, Pursuant to Order 9, Rule 1 (6) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives:

Rep. Abubakar Hassan Fulata:

The House:

Notes that on 15 May, 2021, the Ad–hoc Committee to Investigate the Financial Budgetary Provisions, Approvals and Multilateral Donations on Skills Acquisition, Entrepreneurship, Empowerment and other Related Programs of the Federal Government and its Agencies among other Ad–hoc Committees was discharged;

Also notes that the Ad–hoc Committee had not concluded its assignment before the discharge;

Aware that before the discharge, most of the Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) did not respond on time but subsequently did immediately after the discharge;

Cognizant that given the importance of the Ad–hoc Committee’s assignment, it will be expedient to rescind the decision on the discharge and allow the Ad–hoc Committee more time to resume and conclude its assignment;

Resolves to:

(i) Rescind its decision on the Ad–hoc Committee to Investigate the Financial Budgetary Provisions, Approvals and Multilateral Donations on Skills Acquisition, Entrepreneurship, Empowerment and Other Related Programs of the Federal Government and its Agencies;

(ii) extend the time by an additional 14 days for the Ad–hoc Committee to conclude its assignment.

Debate

Rep. Ndudi Elumelu raised a point of order asking Rep. Abubakar Fulata to just ask for an extension of time for the Ad-Hoc committee as the second prayer of the motion suggests instead of rescission of the decision of the House.

Rep. Toby Okechukwu queried the conformity of the motion with the rules of the House and called for caution on the part of the House, so as not to be in conflict with the rules of the House. He however pointed out that the report of the committee is one that is of vital service to national growth. He then pleaded for an amendment so the motion can be saved.

The Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila stated that the motion ought to have come before the discharge of the responsibility of the Ad-Hoc committee due to the expiration of the timeline to discharge its duties.

The deputy leader of the House, Rep. Peter Akpatason called for the accommodation of the Ad-Hoc committee as the report is ready to be laid.

Rep. Sada Soli called for understanding of members for the chairman of the rules and business committee, Rep. Abubakar Fulata as the current situation now presents a quagmire that had been hitherto unforeseen.

Rep. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha called for the proper stepping down of the motion, so as not to preempt matters to do the same later, after they have been duly discharged according to House rules.

Rep. Abubakar Fulata moved for the stepping down of the Motion. The motion was stepped down by leave of the House.

10. Call to Investigate the High Level of Corruption on Nominal Rolls of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the Country:

Rep. Dachung Musa Bagos:

The House:

Notes the Report of high-level corruption being perpetrated in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the Country;

Aware that President Mohammadu Buhari, on 30 November 2021 ordered the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to take actions against Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and other personnel involved in project racketeering, budget and payroll padding as well as ghost worker’s retention;

Also aware that the Chairman of the Independent and Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) also stated that the review of the 2021 Budget led to the discovery of 257 duplicated projects with a combined worth of N20.138 billion;

Concerned that the corrupt practices are carried out in all facets of the activities of the MDAs, with the highest list been the issue of payroll padding and ghost workers’ retention, these funds find their way into the pockets of the Chief Executives, Officers/ Heads of the MDAs at the expense of the nation;

Also concerned that these corrupt practices have diverted the country’s revenue meant to be channelled into economic development and capital projects;

Appreciates the efforts of the present administration to curb or eradicate corruption in the country;

Resolves to:

Mandate the Committee on Anti–Corruption to investigate the issues of nominal rolls, payroll padding, and fake employment in all Ministries and MDAs in the Country and report back within one week for further legislative action.

Debate

Rep. Dachung Bagos moved the motion on the call to investigate the high level of corruption on nominal rolls of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the country and it was seconded by Rep. Abubakar Yalleman.

Rep. Magaji Da’u proposed an amendment to mandate all standing committees of the House to investigate the ministries and the agencies they oversight.

Rep. Abubakar Yalleman stated that all aspects of nominal rolls were all domesticated in the IPPIS system. He called on the Ad-Hoc committee set up by the House to investigate duplicated projects in budgets to liaise with the ICPC and report back to the House.

Rep. Ndudi Elumelu also proposed an amendment to set up an Ad-Hoc committee to investigate the ICPC chairman’s allegation of the duplication of over 200 projects in the budget estimates.

Rep. Toby Okechukwu proposed an amendment calling for an investigation into the level of waivers and approvals that have been issued by the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation in the past 5 years allowing some MDAs of government to carry out employment, minding the embargo on employment

Rep. Masur Soro proposed an amendment calling on the House to recede its earlier ruling on Rep. Magaji Da’u’s amendment. He called for the anticorruption committee of the House and the one that oversights the IPPIS to handle the investigation, instead of all standing committees to simultaneously investigate the MDAs they oversight. The House voted and approved his amendment. The motion was voted on and adopted as amended.

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Adjournment:

The House at 14:25 adjourned plenary till Tuesday, December 7th, 2021 by 11:00 following a motion for adjournment moved by Rep. Abubakar Hassan Fulata.

Courtesy:

Media Unit, Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives.