The Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila presiding.
After leading the opening prayer and the National Pledge, the Speaker approved the votes and proceedings for Thursday, February 17th, 2022
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ANNOUNCEMENT
1. On Wednesday, 3rd March and Thursday, 4th March, the House will take the electronic votings on the amendment of the constitution. Members should make themselves available as some votes will require a ratio of two-third of the members to scale through.
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PETITIONS
1. Rep. Isa Dederi laid 4 petitions from different complainants on different issues.
The petitions were referred to the House Committee on Public Petitions.
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MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
1. Rep. Tanko Sununu moved a motion on the urgent need call on the Federal Government to stem the incessant banditry attacks in Kebbi State and it was seconded by Rep. Abdullahi Hallims.
Rep. Hallims stressed the untold hardship brought to people in Kebbi State due to the continuous attacks by bandits as it has continued to deny them the opportunities to carry out their socio-e conomic activities for survival and wellbeing. Rep. Sununu also bemoaned the long periods these attacks are carried out without the intervention of security forces. He also expressed worry at the way the bandits have begun to target school children in their hundreds. Rep. Sununu called on the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to ensure the attacks are curbed by placing adequate security personnel in the affected areas. He further called on the National Emergency Management Agency to ensure adequate assistance to the victims.
Rep. Ibrahim Isiaka proposed an amendment to call for a minute silence due to the number of casualties to the attacks in Kebbi state and others nationwide.
The motion was voted on and adopted as amended.
2. Rep. Chris Azubogu moved a motion on the urgent need to restore security in Anambra state to arrest the killings of innocent people in the state and it was seconded by Rep. Chinedu Ofumelu.
Rep. Azubogu in leading the debate stated that non-state individuals have continued to spread panic through incessant attacks on innocent citizens in Anambra State to create panic and increase the tide of insecurity. He stated that the heightened fear has negatively affected the socio-economic life of residents of the State, even traditional rulers have started fleeing their palaces as a result of fear, especially in Nnewi which is a commercial nerve center in the state. He urged the security agencies to immediately arrest the situation and ensure peace/normalcy is restored to the state.
Rep. Lynda Ikpeazu called on the government to ensure the lives of the people being governed are secure as that is a pivotal responsibility of government. She bemoaned the exodus of people and businesses out of Anambra State due to the state of insecurity.
Rep. Chinedu Ofumelu called on the police to dismantle all illegal checkpoints in Anambra state, as they have been taken over for operations by these unknown gunmen. He called for help from the Federal Government to assist State Government to ensure stability in the state.
Rep. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha proposed an amendment calling on the Federal government to declare a state of emergency on insecurity in all affected States in the southeastern and south-south zones of the country. This is a reminder to stress the resolution of a state of emergency earlier issued by the House.
Rep. Ahmed Jaha commiserated with victims of the insecurity in Anambra State and stressed the nearness to non-state status as was feared in the northeastern states when it started. He called for a collective measure to tackle non-state perpetrators of insecurity unleashing mayhem and collecting fees from Nigerians. He further called for the immediate dismantling of all such illegal roadblocks where criminals intimidate Nigerians.
The motion was voted on and adopted as amended.
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PRESENTATION OF BILLS
1. Federal University of Technology, Offa, Kwara State, Bill, 2022 (HB. 1848) (Senate) – First Reading.
2. Federal College of Mines and Geological Studies, Guyuk, Adamawa State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB.
1849) (Senate)
3. Federal Colleges of Education Bill, 2022 (HB.1850) (Senate) – First Reading.
4. Federal Medical Centre, Bali (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1851) (Rep. Abdulsalam Gambo Mubarak) – First Reading.
5. Federal University of Science and Technology, Remo, Ogun State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1852) (Rep. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga) – First Reading.
6. National Cotton Production and Research Institute, Zamfara (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1853) (Rep. Ibrahim A. Aliyu) – First Reading.
7. National Rice Production, Processing and Research Institute, Kebbi (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1854) (Rep. Ibrahim A. Aliyu) – First Reading.
8. Administration of Jury Trials Criminal Justice Bill, 2022 (HB. 1855) (Rep. Mohammed Tahir Monguno) – First Reading.
9. Nigerian Loan Regulatory Commission Bill, 2022 (HB. 1856) (Rep. Shehu Ahmmed) – First Reading.
10. Nigeria Stadiums Maintenance Authority Bill, 2022 (HB. 1857) (Rep.Oyewo Olubola Oyegbile) – First Reading.
11. Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments in Nigeria (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1858) (Rep. Babangida Ibrahim) – First Reading.
12. Federal College of Education, Dengi –Kanam (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1871) (Rep. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi) – First Reading.
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PRESENTATION OF REPORTS
1. Committee on Tertiary Education And Services:
Rep. Aminu Suleiman:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Tertiary Education and Services on a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Orerokpe, Delta State and for Related Matters (HB. 663)” Referred: 5/3/2020).
The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Aminu Suleiman and seconded by Rep. Olumide Osoba.
2. Committee on Tertiary Education And Services:
Rep. Aminu Suleiman:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Tertiary Education and Services on a Bill for an Act to Repeal the Federal Colleges of Education Act, Cap, F8. Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the Federal College of Education Bill and for Related Matters (HB. 1455)” Referred: 18/11/2021).
The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Aminu Suleiman and seconded by Rep. Olumide Osoba.
3. Committee on Tertiary Education And Services:
Rep. Aminu Suleiman:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Tertiary Education and Services on a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Polytechnic, Tombia for the Training of Graduands in Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics; and for Related Matters (HB. 1333)” Referred: 1/12/2021).
The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Aminu Suleiman and seconded by Rep. Olumide Osoba.
4. Committee on Tertiary Education And Services:
Rep. Aminu Suleiman:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Tertiary Education and Services on a Bill for an Act to Establish Chartered Institute of Islamic Finance Professionals to Regulate the Activities of Members of the Profession; and for Related Matters (HB. 457)” Referred: 29/9/2021).
The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Aminu Suleiman and seconded by Rep. Olumide Osoba.
5. Committee on Tertiary Education And Services:
Rep. Aminu Suleiman:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Tertiary Education and Services on a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Education, Elebele, Ogbia, Bayelsa State to provide Full-Time Courses, Teaching, Instruction and Training in Technology, Applied Science, Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities and Management; and Provide for Appointment of the Provost and Other Officers of the College to carry out Administration and Discipline of Students of the College; and for Related Matters (HB. 1507)” Referred: 16/11/2021)
The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Aminu Suleiman and seconded by Rep. Olumide Osoba.
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Rep. Yusuf Gagdi rose on a matter of personal explanation to refute claims making the rounds that the House of Representatives has called for the dismantling of police checkpoints nationwide. He clarified that the resolution of the House following the motion by Rep. Chris Azubogu was to disband all illegal roadblocks by non-state actors who ferment insecurity and use such blocks to extort innocent Nigerians.
The position was reiterated by Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila.
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ORDERS OF THE DAY
BILLS
1. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Rigassa, Kaduna State; and for Related Matters (HB. 1726) Third Reading.
Debate
Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Peter Akpatason.
The Bill was read the third time and passed.
2. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency Act, Cap. N69, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency Bill to Provide for Definition and Component of Primary Healthcare in Nigeria, and for Related Matters (HB.39) – Third Reading.
Debate
Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Peter Akpatason.
The Bill was read the third time and passed.
3. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Polytechnic, Shendam, Plateau State to Provide for Equity and Access to Tertiary Education in the Country, make Comprehensive Provisions for its Due Management and Administration; and for Related Matters (HB. 395) – Third Reading.
Debate
Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Peter Akpatason.
The Bill was read the third time and passed.
4. A Bill for an Act to Establish the Regulation of Ecological Funds, to Address Nigeria’s Ecological Challenges particularly Erosion, Landslide, Desertification, Floods, Oil Spillage, Draught, etc.; and for Related Matters (HB. 739) – Third Reading
Debate
Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Peter Akpatason.
The Bill was read the third time and passed.
5. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Education (Technical) Umunneochi, Abia State to Provide Full-Time Courses, Teaching, Instruction and Training in Technology, Applied Science, Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities and Management; and for Related Matters (HB. 724) – Third Reading.
Debate
Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Peter Akpatason.
The Bill was read the third time and passed.
6. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal Medical Centre, Owutu Edda; and for Related Matters (HB. 1647) – Third Reading.
Debate
Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Peter Akpatason.
The Bill was read the third time and passed.
7. A Bill for an Act to Establish National Agency for the Production, Management and Control of Sugarcane, Makarfi, Kaduna State; and for Related Matters (HB. 1385) (Rep. Mukhtar Shehu Ladan) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Shehu Ladan moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Babajimi Benson.
The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions.
8. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Health Technology, Ningi, Bauchi State to ensure Access to Education in Health Technology, to provide Full-Time Courses of Teaching, Instruction, and Training in Health Technology; and for Related Matters (HB.1497) (Rep. Abdulkadir Sa’ad Abdullahi) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Abdulkadir Abdullahi moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Adewunmi Onanuga.
The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Health Institutions
9. A Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal University of Agriculture, Vom to make Comprehensive Provisions for its Due Management and Administration; and for Related Matters (HB.185) (Rep. Dachung Musa Bagos) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Dachung Bagos moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Abubakar Yalleman.
Rep. Bagos in leading the debate stated that the proposed institution would be highly beneficial to the agricultural-based people of Plateau state. He stated that the institution would boost agricultural practice and research in the state and its environs.
The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions.
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MOTIONS
10. Urgent Need to Address the Frequent Strike Actions by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU):
Rep. Dozie Ferdinand Nwankwo.
The House:
Aware of meetings by the relevant bodies which led to the call-off of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike action which lasted for 9months (March 2020 to December 2020);
Also aware of the individual and corporate pains the strike action inflicted on Nigerian students, parents and the education sector to the extent that it disrupted the academic calendar and impacted negatively on the teaching staff, their families and the depreciating standards of Nigeria’s Public Universities;
Conscious of the benefits and advantages of the demands of ASUU on the overall interests of Nigeria’s public institutions and the well-being of the personnel which includes funding for the revitalization of public universities and signing and implementation of the renegotiated” 2009 FGN- ASUU Agreement, amongst others;
Disturbed that shortly after the last horrendous experience by Nigerians, a one-month warning strike action by members of ASUU has commenced with effect from February 14, 2022, despite all previous efforts to resolve the contending issues, such efforts include that of the Speaker, House of Representatives and other stakeholders which included members of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC);
Further disturbed that the consequences of the strike action are embarrassingly becoming too frequent and with consequences too damning to the education sector as one-month strike action is a too much disruption to an academic calendar and too much time for an “idle man” to cause havoc, especially in the present university environment which is infested with cult activities and other social vices;
Concerned that in the present circumstances, claims and counterclaims by both ASUU members and Government representatives are not helping the situation because the picture created is not clear and both Nigerians and foreigners are left to interpret it differently, regrettably tilting towards perceived/or deliberate intention to frustrate the genuine spirit of reconciliation and tertiary education in Nigeria widely seen as education for the ordinary Nigerian;
Worried that major parts of the grounds of dispute border on issues like the injection of revitalization funds, payment of earned academic allowance and the likes that are obtainable in other African countries like Ghana and South Africa;
Also worried that Nigeria is losing revenue through Nigerian students who school abroad whereas Nigerian Universities can be raised to the standards of the best Universities in Africa and other parts of the world;
Cognizant that all hands must be on deck to avert the strike action and to allow Public Universities to continue with their programmes undisrupted and to resolves such issues dispassionately;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Ministry of Labour and Employment and ASUU to adhere to the Clauses and provisions of the previous -Memorandum of Understanding and the Memorandum of Action in the interest of Nigerian students and education sector in Nigeria and call off the warning strike;
(ii) mandate the Committees on Labour, Employment and Productivity and, Tertiary Education and Services to interface with the Ministries of Labour and Employment and, Education, Civil Society Organizations, Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) and ASUU to address the outstanding issues that are precipitating the current warning strike by members of ASUU;
(iii) also mandate the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.
Debate
Rep. Dozie Nwankwo moved the motion on the urgent need to address the frequent strike actions by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and it was seconded by Rep. Saotome.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
11. Need to Investigate the Non-refund of Contributions to Beneficiaries by the National Housing Fund (NHF):
Rep. Eta Mbora:
The House:
Notes that the National Housing Fund (NHF) was established to mobilize funds to facilitate the provision of affordable housing for employed Nigerians;
Also notes that every Nigerian earning N3, 000 or more per annum is required to contribute 2.5 percent of his or her monthly salary to the NHF;
Further notes that the core mandate of the (NHF) is to facilitate the mobilization of funds for the provision of Houses for Nigerians at affordable prices, ensure easy access to loan facilities to Nigerians for building, purchasing of improvement of residential Houses, provide incentives for capital markets to invest in property development and provide long-term loans to Mortgage Institutions for lending to contributors to the fund;
Aware that the National Housing Fund (NHF) Act provides that refund shall be made to contributors who did not obtain a housing loan while in service and should be processed and paid within three (3) months of receipt of the application for a refund;
Concerned that some Ministries, Departments and Agencies do not remit deductions from contributors’ salaries to Managers of the fund as stipulated by the Act, hence contributors who are mostly civil servants, are often oblivious of remittances made on their behalf while in service until the time of their retirement;
Worried that retirees who applied to the Federal Mortgage Bank and the National Housing Fund to be refunded have not been attended to in the last three years, resulting in endless delays of refund and non-payment of their refund;
Further aware that retirees who have invested productive years in the course of their service to the nation deserved a rewarding treatment in getting their contribution to the fund during active years in service as the country does not provide social security welfare for retirees;
Resolves to
Mandate the Committee on Housing and Habitat to investigate:
(i) the unnecessary delays and non-refund of retirees’ contributions to the National Housing Fund by both the Federal Mortgage Bank and the National Housing Fund;
(ii) the activities of the Federal Mortgage Bank and the National Housing Fund with respect to contributions, remittances from Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and report back within four (4) for further legislative action.
Debate
Rep. Eta Mbora moved the motion on the need to investigate the non-refund of contributions to beneficiaries by the National Housing Fund (NHF) and it was seconded by Rep. Patrick Ifon.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
12. Need to Revisit the Dredging of the Escravos Bar, Warri, Koko and Sapele Ports:
Rep. Thomas Ereyitomi:
The House:
Notes the Report that the Nigerian Ports Authority dredged the Escravos channel in Delta State in 2018;
Also notes that the Escravos bar was reportedly not dredged beyond a depth of 7.5 meters due to the presence of oil pipelines belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC);
Concerned that due to the high rate of siltation, the depth of the Escravos bar has drastically reduced to approximately 3.9 meters;
Also concerned that the Warri, Koko, and Sapele Ports have still not recorded improved traffic from high-tonnage vessels carrying petrol and other commodities, and as such, vessels need to wait for high tides or risk running aground;
Worried that in a bid to avoid paying demurrage, most petrol-carrying vessels which ventured into the Escravos bar in recent times have suffered damages;
Also worried that most maritime businesses have either crumbled or been relocated to the already crowded and overstretched Lagos Ports, which has had negative impacts on the economy of Delta State and Nigeria;
Cognizant of the capacity of the Warri, Koko and Sapele ports to create employment opportunities and curb youth restiveness and other social vices within Delta State, the Niger Delta Region and Nigeria when functioning at full capacity;
Resolves to:
(i) Call on the Federal Government to dredge the Escravos bar beyond 7.5 meters depth to improve the traffic of high tonnage vessels;
(ii) urge the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to relocate the oil pipelines along the Warri bar;
(iii) mandate the Committee on Ports and Harbour to ensure compliance.
Debate
Rep. Thomas Ereyitomi moved the motion on the need to revisit the dredging of the Escravos Bar, Warri, Koko and Sapele ports and it was seconded by Rep. Julius Pondi.
Rep. Johnson proposed an amendment to incorporate the portion of Apapa port in Lagos state that needs to be dredged into prayer 1 of the motion.
Rep. Julius Pondi also proposed an amendment to extend the dredging to all other seaports in Delta state suffering from the same setback.
The Deputy Speaker of the House, Rep. Ahmed Wase pleaded with members not to use amendments to water-down substantive motions.
The motion was voted on and adopted as amended.
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CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE) Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase presiding:
13. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the National Health Insurance Scheme Act, Cap. N42, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the National Health Insurance Authority Bill, 2021; and for Related Matters; and for Related Matters (HB. 1117) – Committee of the Whole: 17/2/2022.
Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Peter Akpatason stated that the Bill seeks to repeal the former Act and enact the new one to expand the authority of the Health Insurance Scheme to ensure its effectiveness. It seeks to also treat corrections that were noticed in the former Act.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 20, 24, 25
14. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Psychiatric Hospitals Management Board Act, Cap. P 34, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Establish Federal Psychiatric Hospital, Budo-Egba, Kwara State, Provide Legal Framework for Establishment of Psychiatric Hospital to facilitate the Training of Specialist Personnel at all levels; and for Related Matters (HB. 1593) (Senate) (Leader) – Committee of the Whole: 6/10/2021.
Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Peter Akpatason stated that the Bill seeks to amend the Psychiatric Hospitals’ Management Act to establish the Psychiatric Hospital in Egba, Kwara state. He urged members to approve the clauses.
Some fundamental errors were noticed which led to the stepping down of further consideration of the report for more legislative input.
15. A Bill for an Act to Establish Chartered Institute of Entrepreneurship Education; and for Related Matters (HB.305) (Leader) – Committee of the Whole: 14/7/2020.
Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Peter Akpatason stated that the Bill seeks to establish the entrepreneurship chartered institute to give the much-needed legal framework for the regulation of the activities of members and it will be beneficial to entrepreneurs. As is the nature of entrepreneurship, Rep. Akpatason clarified that the Bill will not have a financial burden on the government. He craved the indulgence of members to approve the clauses.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1, 3-12, 15-24
Clauses amended and approved: 2, 13, 14
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HOUSE IN PLENARY
The House reverted to plenary and adopted the report of the Committee of the Whole following a motion by the Deputy Leader of the House, Rep. Peter Akpatason and seconded by Rep. Abubakar Fulata.
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Adjournment:
The House at 14:04 adjourned plenary till Wednesday, February 23rd, 2022 by 11:00 following a motion for adjournment moved by the Deputy Leader of the House, Rep. Peter Akpatason and seconded by the Chief Whip, Rep. Mohammed Monguno.
Courtesy:
Media Unit, Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives.
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