The Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila presiding.
After leading the opening prayer and the National Pledge, the Speaker examined and approved the votes and proceedings for Wednesday, July 1st, 2021
________________________________________________________________________________________
ANNOUNCEMENT
1. Communication from the speaker of the Ghanian parliament of his intention to visit the House of Representatives on Wednesday, July 7th at 1:00 Pm to brief the House as a continuation of the collaboration between the Nigerian and Ghanian parliament aimed at ensuring citizens inter-residing in both countries live in continuous harmony as regards their socio-economic wellbeing. After the address by the Ghanian speaker, the Nigeria-Ghana parliamentary friendship group will be inaugurated and it will be chaired by Rep. Abiola Makinde.
2.The Speaker announced the membership of the Nigerian Parliamentary Friendship Group for some countries that included Nigeria-Ghana, Nigeria-Cameroun, Nigeria-Mexico, Nigeria-Israel, Nigeria-Canada, Nigerian-Spain, Nigeria-United Kingdom, Nigeria-United States, Nigeria-Germany among others
3. The membership of the Harmonization Committee for the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) was also announced with Rep. Muhammad Monguno as Chairman.
4. Reps. Bello Shinkafi (Shinkafi/Zurmi Federal Constituency), Ahmed Bakura (Bakura/Maradun Federal Constituency), Ahmed Shehu (Bungudu/Maru Federal Constituency) and Suleiman Gummi (Gummi/Bukkuyu Federal Constituency) defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). All cited the crisis within the party as the reason for their action.
5. The Southwest caucus of the All Peoples Congress meets today, July 6, 2021, at 7 pm
________________________________________________________________________________________
PETITION
Rep. Sylvester Ogbaga laid a petition on behalf of a complaining community about continuous civil unrest, they are calling on the House to intervene for lasting peace to return.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Point of Order
Rep. Ugonna Ozurigbo raised a Point of Order over speculations making round in his constituency about secret amended Section 50(2) of the Electoral Act Bill by the members of the National Assembly. He said his constituents have intimidated him with queries over the news, which was very disturbing to him. He urged the House to address the issue.
Speaker Gbajabiamila said such stories dies not require responses because they were baseless. He however said for the sensitivity of the issue, he clarified that the report that has not been submitted to the House for consideration by the Committee saddled with the responsibility of working on it.
“The committee that was given assignment will submit it’s report and the House will deliberate and consider it.
“I don’t believe such thing exist, there is no alteration and it is only the authentic report that will be submitted. I asked the Chairman about it because I also heard of it and said nothing of such”.
MOTIONS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
Rep. Yakubu Bade moved a motion on the abduction and killing in Wali-Chikun Local government of Kaduna state and it was seconded by Rep. Ndudi Elumelu. The kidnapping he stated has become a reoccurring menace and has caused permanent panic in the usually peaceful community. He expressed concern that the armed bandits carry out these attacks unchallenged and no one has been apprehended, giving the bandits more courage to continue their nefarious activities. Rep. Bade urged the Federal government to increase security presence in the area and that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) should come to the aid of the community.
________________________________________________________________________________________
PRESENTATION OF BILLS
1. Public Assets Reform Bill, 2021 (HB. 1470) (Rep. Ibrahim Makama Misau and 27 others) – First Reading.
2. Federal University of Agriculture, Ogoja, Cross River State (Establishment Etc.) Bill, 2021(HB. 1475) (Rep. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe) – First Reading.
3. Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1476) (Rep. Lynda Chuba Ikpeazu) – First Reading.
4. Unclaimed Financial Assets Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1477) (Rep. Ademorin A. Kuye) – First Reading.
5. Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan Bill, 2021 (HB. 1478) (Rep. Ademorin A. Kuye) – First Reading
Not taken.
6. Orthopaedic Hospitals Management Board Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021(HB. 1479) (Rep. Ademorin A. Kuye) – First Reading.
7. National Emergency Management Agency Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1480) (Rep. Kwamoti Bitrus Laori) – First Reading.
8. Criminal Code Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021(HB. 1481) (Rep. Chinedu Emeka Martins) – First Reading.
9. Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Ahiazu/Mbaise/Ezinihitte (Establishment) Bill, (HB. 1482) (Rep. Chinedu Emeka Martins) – First Reading.
10. University of Aerospace and Aeronautics, Oka-Akoko (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1483) (Senate) – First Reading.
11. Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta, Ogun (Establishment) Bill, 2021(HB. 1484) (Senate) – First Reading.
12. Federal College of Education, Gwoza, Borno State (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1485) (Senate) – First Reading.
13. National University of Health and Medical Sciences, Suleja (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1486) (Senate) – First Reading.
14. Auctioneers Registration Council of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1489) (Rep. Mohammed Tahir Monguno) – First Reading.
15. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2021(HB. 1490) (Rep. Amos Gwamna Magaji) – First Reading.
16. Chartered Institute of Computer Forensics of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1491) (Rep. John Dyegh) – First Reading.
17. National Business and Technical Examinations Board Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021(HB. 1492) (Rep. Julius O. Ihonvbere) – First Reading.
18. Federal School of Nursing and Midwifery, Sobo, Edo State (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1493) (Rep. Julius O. Ihonvbere) – First Reading.
________________________________________________________________________________________
PRESENTATION OF REPORTS
1. Committee on Appropriations:
Rep. Muktar Betara:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Appropriations on a Bill for an Act to Authorise the issue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation the total sum of N982,729,695,343 (Nine Hundred and Eighty–Two Billion, Seven Hundred and Twenty–Nine Million, Six Hundred and Ninety–Five Thousand, Three Hundred and Forty–Three Naira) only, of which N 182,945,506,664 (One Hundred and Eighty–Two Billion, Nine Hundred and Forty–Five Million, Five Hundred and Six Thousand, Six Hundred and Sixty–Four Naira) only is for Recurrent (Non–Debt) Expenditure while the sum of N 799,784,188,679 (Seven Hundred and Ninety-Nine Billion, Seven Hundred and Eighty–Four Million, One Hundred and Eighty–Eight Thousand, Six Hundred and Seventy–Nine Naira) only is for contribution to the Development Fund for Capital Expenditure for the year ending 31 December, 2021 (HB. 1469) (Referred: 30/6/2021).
The report was laid following a motion moved by Rep. Muktar Betara and seconded by Rep. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.
2. Special Committee on Security Matters:
Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Special Committee on Security Matters to proffer Solution to Issues Relating to Insecurity” (Referred: 17/3/2021).
3. Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions:
Rep. Munir Bubba Dan Agundi:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University of Agriculture, Akoko Edo to make Comprehensive Provisions for its Due Management and Administration; and for Related Matters (HB. 1371) (Referred: 19/3/2021).
The report was laid following a motion moved by Rep. Munir Baba Dan Agundi and seconded by Abubakar Nalaraba
4. Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions:
Rep. Munir Bubba Dan Agundi:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Tuomo, Delta State charged with Responsibility to Provide Full–Time Courses in Fisheries, Aqua–cultural Studies; and for Related matters (HB. 557) (Referred:19/3/2020).
The report was laid following a motion moved by Rep. Munir Baba Dan Agundi and seconded by Abubakar Nalaraba
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 Akanu Ibiam Federal University of Technology, Unwana, to Provide Training and Teaching Instruction in every aspect of Education and such other fields of Applied Learning Relevant to the needs of the Development of Education in Nigeria, Matters of Administration and Discipline of Students; and for Related Matters, (HB 744) (Referred: 2/7/2020).
The report was laid following a motion moved by Rep. Aminu Suleiman and seconded by Rep. Lawan Shettima Ali
6. 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 Gboko, Benue State to Provide Full-Time Courses, Teaching, Instruction and Training in Technology, Applied Science and Social Sciences and to Provide for the Appointment of the Rector and other Officers of the Polytechnic to Carry Out the Administration and the Discipline of Students of the Polytechnic; and for Related Matters (HB. 400) (Referred:20/12/20).
The report was laid following a motion moved by Rep. Aminu Suleiman and seconded by Rep. Lawan Shettima Ali
7. 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 Gbongan, Osun State, to Provide Full-Time Courses, Teaching, Instruction and Training in Technology, Applied Science, Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities and Management; and to Provide for the Appointment of the Provost and other Officers of the College to Carry out the Administration and the Discipline of Students of the College; and for Related Matters: (HB 363) (Referred:21/11/2019).
The report was laid following a motion moved by Rep. Aminu Suleiman and seconded by Rep. Lawan Shettima Ali
8. 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 Provide for the Establishment Federal University of Education, Pankshin, Plateau State for the Promotion and Development of Teacher Education in Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB. 686) (Referred:16/2/2021).
The report was laid following a motion moved by Rep. Aminu Suleiman and seconded by Rep. Lawan Shettima Ali
9. 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 Provide for the Establishment of the Federal University of Technology, Okija, Anambra State, for the Promotion and Development of Technical Education in Nigeria and make Comprehensive Provisions for its Due Management and Administration; and for Related Matters (HB. 1043) (Referred:16/12/2020).
The report was laid following a motion moved by Rep. Aminu Suleiman and seconded by Rep. Lawan Shettima Ali
10. 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 for the Establishment of the Federal Polytechnic, Garko, Kano State that Shall Provide Full-Time Courses in Technology, Social Sciences, Applied Science, Management and Other Fields of Studies and to Make Provisions for the General Administration of the Polytechnic; and for Related Matters (HB. 820) (Referred:23/7/2020).
The report was laid following a motion moved by Rep. Aminu Suleiman and seconded by Rep. Lawan Shettima Ali
11. 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 the Federal Polytechnic Wailo, Ganjuwa, Bauchi State to Provide Full-Time Courses in Technology, Applied Science, Management and Other Fields of Studies and to Make Provisions for the General Administration of Such Polytechnics; and for Related Matters (HB 508) (Referred:17/12/2019).
The report was laid following a motion moved by Rep. Aminu Suleiman and seconded by Rep. Lawan Shettima Ali
12. 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 Provide for the Establishment of the Federal College of Education, Ila Orangun, Osun State; and for Related Matters (HB 493) (Referred:26/11/2019).
The report was laid following a motion moved by Rep. Aminu Suleiman and seconded by Rep. Lawan Shettima Ali
13. Committee on Public Petitions:
Petitions by Tertiary Education Fund – (TETFund) sponsored Stranded Scholars:
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the petition by TETFUND Sponsored Stranded Scholars against TETFund on the Appeal to Reconsider Reimbursing the Remaining 2013/2014 TETFund-Sponsored Scholars” (Referred: 18/2/2020).
The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso and seconded by Rep. Gaza Gbwefi.
12.Committee on Public Petitions:
Petitions by Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria:
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the petition by Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria against the Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage FCT, Abuja” (Referred: 3/3/2020).
The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso and seconded by Rep. Gaza Gbwefi.
13.Committee on Public Petitions:
Petitions by Mr. Enwerem Lambert Ahamefule:
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the petition by Mr. Enwerem Lambert Ahamefule against the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi Lagos on the Victimization, Impunity and Abuse of office by the Board and Management of the Institute” (Referred: 16/12/2020).
The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso and seconded by Rep. Gaza Gbwefi.
14.Committee on Public Petitions:
Petitions by Anangbashim Julius and Association:
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the petition by Anangbashim Julius and Association on behalf of Dr. Francis Sabastine Dekaa against the Director General/CEO of the Nigeria Meteorology Agency (NIMET) on the Wrongful Termination of his Appointment” (Referred: 3/3/2020).
The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso and seconded by Rep. Gaza Gbwefi.
________________________________________________________________________________________
ORDERS OF THE DAY
BILLS
1. A Bill for an Act to Provide Legal, Governance, Regulatory and Fiscal Framework for the Nigerian Petroleum Industry, the Development of Host Communities; and for Related Matters, 2021 (HB. 1061) – 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 voted on, approved for third reading, the Clerk read the long title and it was passed.
2. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Lunacy Act, Cap. L524, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Establish a Mental Health Department to Promote and Protect the Rights of Persons with Intellectual, Psychosocial or Cognitive Disabilities, and to Provide for Enhancement and Regulation of Mental Health Services in Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB.1208) – 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 voted on, approved for third reading, the Clerk read the long title and it was passed.
3. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University of Agriculture, Sabon Gida, Langtang South to make Comprehensive Provisions for its Due Management and Administration; and for Related Matters (HB. 291) – 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 voted on, approved for third reading, the Clerk read the long title and it was passed.
4. A Bill for an Act to Provide the Legal Framework to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Igboora, Oyo State; and for Related Matters (HB. 347) – 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 voted on, approved for third reading, the Clerk read the long title and it was passed.
5. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Igboho, Oyo State; and for Related Matters (HB. 733) – 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 voted on, approved for third reading, the Clerk read the long title and it was passed.
6. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Mubi, Adamawa State; and for other Related Matters (HB. 679) – 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 voted on, approved for third reading, the Clerk read the long title and it was passed.
7. A Bill for an Act to Repeal Treaties (Making Procedure, Etc.) Act, Cap. T20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact Treaties (making Procedure) Bill; and for Related Matters (HB. 1012) – 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 voted on, approved for third reading, the Clerk read the long title and it was passed.
8. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Act, 2007 to Strengthen the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko; and for Related Matters (HB. 1471) (Rep. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu and 27 others) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Ndudi Elumelu moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Julius Pondi.
The Bill was voted, approved for second reading, the Clerk read the long title and it was referred to the House Committee on Maritime Safety Education and Administration.
9. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Agriculture, Bukkuyum to Provide Full–Time Courses of Instruction and Training in Agricultural Sciences and other Allied Areas and to make Provisions for the Appointment of a Provost and Officials of the College to Carry Out the Administration of the Provisions of the Bill and the Discipline of Students of the College; and for Related Matters (HB. 1206) (Rep. Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Suleiman Abubakar moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Joseph Asuku.
The Bill was voted, approved for second reading, the Clerk read the long title and it was referred to the House Committee on Agricultural College and Institutions.
10. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of National Centre for Stroke Management; and for Related Matters (HB. 1302)(Rep. Abass A. Adigun) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Abbas Adigun moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded Rep. Babajimi Benson.
The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading, the Clerk read the long title and it was referred to the House Committee on Health Institutions.
11. A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to Establish the Code of Conduct Tribunal as a Superior Court of Record to Try Offences under the Code of Conduct and Tribunal Act; and for Related Matters (HB. 961)(Rep. Solomon T. Bob) – Second Reading.
Bill stepped down by leave of the House
12. A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Identity Management Commission Act, Cap. N154, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Expand the Scope of Transactions requiring the Mandatory use of the National Identification Number; and for Related Matters (HB.1258) (Rep. Sergius Ogun) – Second Reading.
Bill stepped down by leave of the House
13. A Bill for an Act to Establish National Institute of Oil and Gas Technology and Entrepreneurial Studies, Egbema, Imo State and to make Comprehensive Provisions for its Due Management and Administration, Provide for Detailed Identification of Areas in Oil and Gas Technology and Skills Acquisition, Entrepreneurial Studies; and for Related Matters (HB.1212) (Rep. Uju Kingsley Chima) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Kingsley Chima moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. James Faleke.
The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading, the Clerk read the long title and it was referred to the House Committee on Science and Technology.
14. A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Provide for Sate Police and other State Government Security Services to enhance Security and Preservation of Lives and Properties in Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB.805) (Rep. Onofiok Luke) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Onofiok Luke moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Igariwey Enwo.
Rep. Onofiok, leading the debate said the Bill seeks to beef up the security in Nigeria to curtail the high rate of insecurity that seems to have overwhelmed the overstretched federal police personnel. The Bill also seeks to remove police from the exclusive list and place it on the concurrent list so that State governments can establish State police.
Rep. Toby Okechukwu in his contribution noted that the concept of State policing is long overdue and states need to be given the chance to support the police in providing security for the citizens. According to him, giving excuses for insecurity is no longer tenable and it was time to proffer solutions, adding that the Bill is a good example of a solution provider.
The Bill was voted, approved for second reading, the Clerk read the long title and it was referred to the Special Ad-Hoc Committee on the Review of the Constitution.
________________________________________________________________________________________
MOTIONS
15. Need to Curb Online Crimes and Child Exploitation in Nigeria:
Rep. Bamidele Salam:
The House:
Notes that Nigeria had about 99.05 million internet users in 2020 and is projected to grow to 131.7 million in 2023 as Nigeria remains the only country with the highest number of smartphones penetration in the world;
Also notes that in 2020, internet penetration in Nigeria amounted to 46.6 percent of the population and set to reach 65.2 percent in 2025;
Aware that crimes, anti-social and harmful acts like killings, kidnappings, internet scams, cyberbullying, grooming, luring and sexual exploitation are being committed daily via mobile devices as part of the accompanied threats of digital/technological innovation in Nigeria;
Also aware that online child grooming has become a growing source for concern as minors are lured into various illicit businesses such as child trafficking, child prostitution and production of child pornography through online grooming;
Disturbed that in 2016, the Internet Watch Foundation identified 57,000 Uniform Resource Locators (URLs), the web addresses containing child sexual abuse materials;
Observes that the closure of schools and other COVID–19 related restrictions have increased the number of time children spend online for educational and social purposes which have invariably increased the vulnerability of children falling victims to sexual exploitation;
Also disturbed that no decisive steps have been taken to curb the prevalence of online crimes despite reported cases, which include the case of Cynthia Udoka Osokogu who was lured from her residence in Abuja via Facebook chat and killed in a hotel in Lagos, in 2012, Favour Oladele, a 300–level undergraduate of the Department of Theatre Art, Lagos State University was gruesomely murdered on 8 December 2019 at Ikoyi–IIe in Osun State, among others;
Concerned that there are several unreported cases of missing persons, rape and other related crimes through mobile devices connectivity and social media platforms;
Cognizant that the online crimes and child exploitations are largely preventable through the creation of an application/solution by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) which allows parents and guardians to track online activities, location, calls, SMS, WhatsApp, and other internet activities of their children and wards;
Believes that only MTN Operator out of all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in Nigeria has an application/solution (MTN impulse powered by Kaspersky) which, upon payment of a monthly subscription of N250.00, allows parents to track and monitor the activities of their children online;
Resolves to:
(i) urge the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure that all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in Nigeria have an application/solution which allows parents to track online activities of their children whenever they are online at no cost;
(ii) also urge the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure that all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in Nigeria engage in sensitization of children and parents on online child exploitation and the accompanying dangers, as a form of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR);
(iii) further urge the Ministry of Women Affairs to develop a policy framework to promote education advocacy on online crimes and child exploitations in Nigeria;
(iv) mandate the Committees on Telecommunications and Women Affairs to ensure compliance.
Debate
Rep. Bamidele Salam moved the motion on the need to curb online crimes and child exploitation in Nigeria and it was seconded by Rep. Ajibola.
The motion was voted and adopted.
16. Call to Prevent Further Attacks on the Offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission Nationwide:
Rep. Dachung M. Bagos:
The House:
Notes the increased attacks on the offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission across the country and the most affected States includes Akwa Ibom, Abia, Anambra, Imo, Borno, Ebonyi, Jigawa, Kano, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers and the Federal Capital Territory with about eleven of the offices burnt down by hoodlums;
Worried that in the past 24 months, at least nineteen INEC offices have been gutted by fire with a ratio of one INEC office per month;
Concerned that if nothing is done to forestall future occurrences, there will not be adequate INEC offices to coordinate the 2023 and off-season elections in Nigeria;
Also concerned that no one has been arrested and prosecuted for the criminal acts.
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Government to provide adequate security in all offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) across the country;
(ii) mandate Committees on Electoral Matters and Interior to ascertain the level of compliance to fire safety regulations of INEC offices nationwide and investigate the root causes of destruction and fire outbreaks in INEC offices across the country and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
Debate
Rep. Bagos moved the motion on a call to prevent further attacks on the offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nationwide and it was seconded by Rep. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga.
Rep. Olajide Stanley rose to propose an amendment that the House Committee on Electoral Matters should ask INEC to submit a detailed contingency plan for future and unhindered electoral activities.
The motion was voted and adopted as amended.
17. Need to Dredge River Benue to Avert Flood Disaster:
Rep. Benjamin Mzondu
The House:
Notes that the River Benue takes its source from the Adamawa Plateau and forms part of 3,000km of navigable watercourses that provide access routes for agricultural produce to the Coast and South–South;
Also notes that the river is surrounded by communities whose major occupation is fishing and farming at both commercial and subsistence levels and is joined by River Gongola at Numan, Adamawa State alongside two other main tributaries in Taraba State (Rivers Donga and Tella) and River Kastina – Ala in Benue State before converging with River Niger at Lokoja in Kogi State;
Concerned that the continuous shrinking of the River Benue has devastating effects on agricultural activities, especially dry season farming and irrigation farming;
Also concerned that due to shrinkage, the riverbanks have recently been overflowing, resulting in floods that have ravaged several communities in the area;
Aware that apart from boosting the agro-economic situation in the area, and averting flooding, dredging the River Benue will reduce the burden on the River Niger, help to develop all year navigability and reduce congestion at Lagos and Port Harcourt ports;
Also aware that in realization of the significance of the River Benue to the Nigerian economy at large, the Federal Government had commenced arrangements to dredge the River during the Administration of Late President Yar Adua’a;
Further aware that during the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, the government approved N25bn for the dredging of the River and in 2017, the current Minister of Transportation had also disclosed to Members of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport that the Federal Government had awarded contract for the dredging of critical parts of River Benue as part of its efforts to maximize the use of the resources of 12 major rivers in the country;
Worried that while communities in Benue State and Nigeria at large are being hit by the devastating effects of the shrinking of the River Benue, more than 3 years after the current administration announced the award of the contract for the dredging of the River, no action has matched the pronouncement;
Also worried that this year’s rainy season, the devastating effects from the shrinking River Benue will only get worse if urgent steps are not taken to mitigate the situation;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Government to expedite action towards dredging the River Benue, given the overwhelming benefits associated with such action;
(ii) mandate the Committee on Ports and Harbours, and Waterways to investigate the reason(s) for the delay in the execution of the River Benue dredging project since 2017, with a view to ensuring that the river is dredged.
Debate
Rep. Mzondu moved the motion on the need to dredge the River Benue to avoid flood disaster and it was seconded by Rep. Muktar Chawai.
As an infrastructure-related motion, it was voted and adopted.
18. Construction of a Bridge on the Gayankpa–Gupa Ebagi–Abaji River:
Rep. Abdullahi Mamudu:
The House:
Notes that Gayankpa–Gupa Community and its adjoining villages in Lapai Local Government Area of Niger state are agrarian communities bordering communities in Ebagi–Abaji Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT);
Also notes that these communities are predominantly farmers and suppliers of agricultural produce to the major food markets in Abaji, Kwali and Gwagwalada Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory;
Aware that the border communities are separated by the Gurara River and the negative impact of this river, in terms of transportation and socio-economic lives of the people has brought untold hardship leading to the loss of economic activities due to lack of a bridge;
Also aware of the difficulties experienced by members of the communities as they have to swim across against the tide because of the dilapidated nature of the roads that leads to major food markets in Abaji and Kwali Area Councils;
Worried that a trip which shouldn’t have lasted for more than 20 minutes if there is a bridge, is forcing members of the community to travel through Muye to Gegu on the Abuja–Lokoja expressway route adding extra 70 kilometres due to the lack of a bridge to link the communities;
Concerned that the lack of a bridge for easy movement across the river has exposed the citizens to avoidable risks like paddling on rickety boats and that has led to many boat mishaps over the years, consequently loss of lives and properties;
Also concerned that the persistent cries of the people of both communities calling for urgent action by the government to bring succour to their years of untold hardships have, over the years, remained without any visible action by the government;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Capital Territory Administration to ensure that the construction of the bridge is treated as a matter of priority;
(ii) mandate the Committee on Federal Capital Territory to collaborate with the Federal Capital Territory Administration, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP) Programme to facilitate the construction of Gayankpa–Gupa Ebagi–Abaji River Bridge.
Debate
Rep. Mamudu moved the motion on the construction of a bridge over Gayankpa-Gupa Ebagi-Abaji River and it was seconded by Rep. Adeniyi Olajide.
As an infrastructure-related motion, it was voted and adopted.
19. Need to Site Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Centres in the South–South Geo–Political Zone:
Rep. Preye Influence Goodluck Oseke.
The House:
Notes that the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), a specialized parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Trade and Industry, was established in 1971 with the core mandate to develop training programmes as well as generate a corps of skilled indigenous manpower for the country;
Also notes that considering youths’ restiveness on account of mass unemployment, the role of the Industrial Training Fund as a leading skills training organization has become even more imperative not just to the teeming youths but to Nigeria as a corporate entity;
Further notes that contributions that accrue to the ITF from oil and gas multinationals operating in the South–South geopolitical zone constitute the largest chunk receivable from any single sector within the Nigerian economy;
Aware that as part of its efforts to enhance wider coverage for Nigerians across the country, the Industrial Training Fund sited Centres in Jos (Plateau), Ikeja (Lagos), Kano (Kano), Lokoja (Kogi) and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja);
Concerned that out of the five (5) ITF Centres spread across the six geo-political zones, only one is situated in the South and none in the six states that make up the South-South zone;
Also concerned that the long and continued omission of the South–South Zone from enjoying the services of the training centres is not only discriminatory but amounts to a clear breach of Sections 14 (3) and (4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) on the application of the federal character principle;
Cognizant that Section 318(1) defines federal character as the distinctive desire of the people of Nigeria to promote national unity, foster national loyalty and give every citizen of Nigeria a sense of belonging as provided in Section 14 (3) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution;
Worried that the absence of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Centres in the South-South has deprived the people of the zone the dividends that otherwise would have accrued to them on account of the distance between them and the centres;
Also worried that the seeming marginalization and discrimination is a potential cause for disaffection among the teeming unemployed youths in the region who desire productive ventures to channel their energies;
Further worried that despite the huge contributions made by companies operating within the South –South Geopolitical Zone to the ITF, the zone is deliberately deprived of the services rendered by the agency;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to initiate the process of sitting ITF Training Centres in the South-South geo-political zone;
(ii) mandate the Committees on Industry, Federal Character and Public Service Matters to investigate the marginalization of an entire geo-political zone in the siting of ITF Training Centres and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
Debate
Rep. Preye moved the motion on the need to site an Industrial Training Fund (ITF) center in the South-South geopolitical zone and it was seconded by Rep. Kabir Idris.
Rep. Uju Kingsley proposed an amendment that an ITF center should also be sited in the South-East.
The motion was voted and adopted as amended. ________________________________________________________________________________________
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE) Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase chairing:
20.A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Mainstreaming of Climate Change Actions, Establish the National Council of Climate Change; and for Related Matters (HB. 357) (Rep. Sam Onuigbo) (Committee of the Whole: 5/11/2019).
Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Abubakar Fulata stated that the Bill seeks to raise more climate change awareness and preparedness. It also seeks for the right coordination of plans and actions aimed at ensuring the proper application of climate change policies. This he said is through the establishment of the National Council of Climate Change.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and carried: 1-36
21.Committee on Tertiary Education and Services:
Rep. Aminu Suleiman:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Tertiary Education and Services on a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University of Technology, Ipokia, Ogun State to Provide the Federal Government Local Content Policy in Science and Technology; and for Related Matters (HB. 512) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid:1/6/2021).
Consideration of report stepped down by leave of the House.
________________________________________________________________________________________
HOUSE IN PLENARY
The House reverted to the plenary and adopted the report of the Committee of the Whole following a motion by the Leader of the House, Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa and seconded by Rep. Bitrus Laori.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Adjournment:
The House at 14:05 adjourned plenary till Wednesday, July 7th, 2021 by 11:00 following a motion for adjournment moved by the Leader of the House, Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa and seconded by the Deputy Leader of the House, Rep. Peter Akpatason.
Courtesy:
Media Unit, Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives.
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
