Plenary proceedings of the House of Representatives for Tuesday, March 22nd, 2022

The Deputy Speaker of the House, Rep. Ahmed Wase presiding.

After leading the opening prayer and recitation of the national pledge, the Deputy Speaker approved the votes and proceedings for Thursday, March 17th, 2022
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ANNOUNCEMENT
1. Senator Bukola Saraki seeks audience with PDP caucus members of the House of Representatives today, Tuesday, March 22nd, 2022 by 5:00 Pm at Wuse 2

2. Sani Musa who is an aspirant of the APC seeks audience with APC caucus members of the House of Representatives today, Tuesday, March 22nd, 2022 by 3:00 p.m. at Conference Room 028, in the New building, House of Representatives

3. Abdulazeez Yari who is an aspirant of the APC seeks audience with APC caucus members of the House of Representatives today, Tuesday, March 22nd, 2022 by 7:00 p.m. at Conference Room 028, in the New building, House of Representatives.
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PRESENTATION OF BILLS

1. Federal Institute for Diving Technology, Sokebolou (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB.1906) (Rep. Julius G. Pondi) – First Reading.

2. Nigeria Rural Health Care Trust Fund (Establishment) Bill, 2022(HB.1907) (Rep. Shehu Ladan) – First Reading.

3. Federal College of Education (Special) Dukku, Gombe State (Establishment) Bill, 2022(HB.1908) (Rep. Aishatu Dukku) – First Reading.

4. Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2022 (HB.1909) (Rep. Abbas Tajudeen) – First Reading.

5. Food and Drugs Act (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (HB.1910) (Rep. Rotimi Agunsoye) – First Reading.

6. Slaughter House of Animals and Livestock (Regulations) Bill, 2022 (HB.1911) (Rep. Rotimi Agunsoye) – First Reading.

7. National Institute of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Okota, Isolo, Lagos State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB.1912) (Rep. Ganiyu Abiodun Johnson) – First Reading.

8. Federal Medical Centre, Ejigbo, Lagos State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB.1913) (Rep. Ganiyu Abiodun Johnson) – First Reading.

9. Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (HB.1914) (Rep. Steve Azaiki) – First Reading.

10. National Estate Housing Management Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB.1915) (Rep. Mallam Bukar Gana) – First Reading.
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PRESENTATION OF REPORTS

1. Committee on Public Petitions:
Report on the Petition by Dr Patrick Ogbonnaya:
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the petition by Dr Patrick Ogbonnaya against the Federal Medical Centre, Nguru, Yobe State on his wrongful termination of appointment by the Federal Medical Centre”(Referred:18/12/2019).

The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso and seconded by Rep. Ndudi Elumelu

2. Committee on Public Petitions:
Report on the Petition by Ex. PC Ojo Aiyeetan:
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the petition by Ex PC Ojo Aiyeetan against the Nigeria Police Force on his unlawful dismissal from service” (Referred:16/2/2021).

The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso and seconded by Rep. Ndudi Elumelu

3. Committee on Public Petitions:
Report on the Petition by Mr Stephen Alao:
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the petition by Mr Stephen Alao against the National Youth Service Corps and the Independent National Electoral Commission for claims of the sum of N20 Million to cover his medical expenses incurred as a result of a ghastly motor accident while on duty, during the 2019 General Elections” (Referred: 21/4/2021).

The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso and seconded by Rep. Ndudi Elumelu

4. Committee on Public Petitions:
Report on the Petition by Gbenga Ajisafe &Co. Legal Practitioners on behalf of Berekete Marketing Limited:
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the petition by Gbenga Ajisafe & Co. Legal Practitioners on behalf of Berekete Marketing Limited against the Nigeria Customs Service over Illegal Exploration of Wood in Contravention of Extant Laws”(Referred:18/5/2021).

The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso and seconded by Rep. Ndudi Elumelu

5. Committee on Public Petitions:
Report on the Petition by Nasiru Hassan:
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the petition by Nasiru Hassan against the Nigeria Police Force, an Appeal for a Review of his improper dismissal from the service of the Nigeria Police Force” (Referred:5/11/2019).

The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso and seconded by Rep. Ndudi Elumelu
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ORDERS OF THE DAY

BILLS

1. A Bill for an Act to Establish Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State; and for Related Matters (HB. 1325) – Third Reading.

Debate
Rep. Mohammed Monguno moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Victor Mela. The Bill was read the third time and passed.

2. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal Medical Centre, Amagu Ikwo, Ebonyi State; and for Related Matters (HB. 1326) –Third Reading.

Debate
Rep. Mohammed Monguno moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Chris Azubogu. The Bill was read the third time and passed.

 

3. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Bonny, Rivers State; and for Related Matters (HB. 963) – Third Reading.

Debate
Rep. Mohammed Monguno moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Julius Pondi. The Bill was read the third time and passed.

4. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Health and Management Sciences, Amaigbo, Imo State to provide Full-Time Courses, Teaching Instructions and Training in Health, Management Sciences, Applied Sciences and for Related Matters (HB. 1420) – Third Reading.

Debate
Rep. Mohammed Monguno moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Idem Unyime. The Bill was read the third time and passed.

5. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Obafemi Awolowo University (Transitional Provision) Act, Cap. O2, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Specify the Minimum Qualification of the Chairman of the Governing Council, Ownership of Intellectual Property and to Provide for Pre-action Notice to the University Authority; and for Related Matters (HB. 922) – Third Reading.

Debate
Rep. Mohammed Monguno moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Dele. The Bill was read the third time and passed.

6. A Bill for an Act to Amend the University of Ibadan Act, Cap. U6, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Specify the Minimum Qualification of the Chairman of the Governing Council, Ownership of Intellectual Property and to Provide for Pre-action Notice to the University Authority; and for Related Matters (HB. 923) – Third Reading.

Debate
Rep. Mohammed Monguno moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Ademorin Kuye. The Bill was read the third time and passed.

7. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of the Federal College of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Sciences, Isiala-Mbano, Imo State; and for Related Matters (HB. 1642) – Third Reading.

Debate
Rep. Mohammed Monguno moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Haruna Mshelia. The Bill was read the third time and passed.

8. A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Creation and Development of an Enabling Environment for Technology-Enabled Startup in Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB.1886) (Leader) – Second Reading.

Debate
Rep. Mohammed Monguno moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Olododo Abdulganiyu. Rep. Monguno in leading the debate stated that the Bill is an Executive Bill seeking for the adoption and regulation of technological startups and its continuous practice in Nigeria. He stated that huge amounts of funds have been invested in the bid for technological input into the ways of operations as well as ease of doing business in the country and a meaningful legal framework for its implementation, as well as the regulation of the due applications of such funds for the specific sectors to thrive.

Rep. Nkem Abonta while agreeing with the spirit of the Bill, wondered if the application of the Bill will not adversely affect the cost of governance and implementation of the running national budget. He called on the ministry of Science and Technology to identify areas for periodic implementation. He also stressed the need to ensure Nigerian universities have such technological input so that the research they carry out can help national development.

Rep. Toby Okechukwu called on the federal government to ensure the enabling environment thrives for the adoption of this national technological revolution. He called for a marshal plan for the funding of already-established technological institutions. Rep. Okechukwu further called for the development of such parameters as steady power supply, uninterrupted tertiary education, safe and quality highways etc. which will help in creating the necessary enabling environment for the national technology drive to thrive.

The Deputy Speaker, Rep. Ahmed Idris appreciated the criticism of members from Honorable members of the opposition which he stated will only spur government to do more to the glory of Nigeria. He reminded members that the Bill seeks to provide for what is highly needed by, and beneficial to Nigerians. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House committee on Information, Technology and that on Commerce.

 

9. A Bill for an Act to Amend the North–East Development Commission Act, 2017 to make Provisions for Enhanced Efficiency in the Operations of the North–East Development Commission and Deepen the Impact of the Commission on the Lives of Residents of Member States through Strategic Capital Development Projects and Enhance the critical sources of Revenues due to the Commission; and for Related Matters (HBs. 1152 and 1341) (Rep. Mansur Manu Soro and Rep. Khadija Bukar A. Ibrahim and 4 Others) –Second Reading.

Debate
Rep. Mansur Soro moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Zannah Usman. Rep. Soro in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks to coordinate funds and aids for the benefit of those in the Northeastern region of Nigeria who are continuous victims of insurgency and its devastating effects. It seeks to save 15% of the commission’s revenue for emergency mobilization of resources to make for efficiency of the Commission. It also seeks to ensure the establishment of a Development Trust Fund for the benefit of Nigerians in the member states.

Rep. Ahmed Jaha in contributing to the debate appreciated the Bill and what it seeks to accomplish. He commended the National Assembly for passing the North East Development Commission to take care of the poverty ridden Northeast region which is as a direct result of the devastation of insecurity and insurgency.

Rep. Victor Mela called for the proper application of what the North East Development Commission was established to achieve for the benefit of residents of the region. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House committee on North East Development Commission.

10. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Zaki Biam, Ukum, Benue State; and for Related Matters (HB.1843) (Rep. Richard Gbande) – Second Reading.

Debate
Rep. Richard Gbande moved for the second reading of the Bill. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House committee on Health Institutions.
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MOTIONS

11. Need to Investigate the Perimeter Fencing of the Abuja-Kaduna Rail Lines:
Rep. Zakaria Dauda Nyampa:

The House:

Notes that Railway is one of the oldest and most efficient means for transporting passengers and cargoes across the world;

Also notes that the Railways in Nigeria have, for many decades, suffered severe neglect, but the rail projects recently embarked upon by the Federal Government will contribute significantly to easing the movement of persons and goods across the country;

Aware that the Abuja-Kaduna Railway is a standard gauge that runs through nine Stations from Idu Station to Kuchibon, Asham, Jere, Gidan, Rijana, Dutse, Kakau and terminates at Rigasa in Kaduna;

Also aware of the need to provide perimeter fencing to avoid accidents that could arise from human beings or animals crossing rail tracks and install a digital security system to enable the operators to know when there is an impact on the rail, and consequently get the needed help;

Concerned that the operators have been having a running battle with communities surrounding the rail lines, particularly herdsmen, some of whose cattle that strayed into the rail tracks were crushed by a moving train;

Also concerned that an inexperienced train driver could easily be frightened and confused in such situations, and in the process of trying to avoid the cattle may derail, which could be extremely disastrous;

Recalls that the rail line, which is the first commercial standard gauge train service in Nigeria, was built by China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) from a $500 million concessionary loan from China Exim Bank scheduled to finance 85 percent of the project while the remaining 15 percent was a counterpart funding of Nigeria;

Regrets that despite the inclusion of a perimeter fencing in the scope of work, the dominant challenge on the service is vandalization of equipment and facilities, thus constituting security and safety threats;

Cognizant that if the Perimeter Fencing project is completed, it will not only improve efficiency and effectiveness in the transportation system but also reduce pressure on the nation’s roads and curtail fatal accidents;

Resolves to:

(i) Urge the Federal Government to increase the number of security personnel stationed along the Abuja-Kaduna Railway as well as increase surveillance and intelligence gathering in the surrounding areas;

(ii) mandate the Committee on Land Transport to investigate the extent to which the variation to accommodate the perimeter fencing of the rail lines was carried out and the level of implementation and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Debate
Rep. Zakaria Nyampa moved the motion on the need to investigate the perimeter fencing of the Abuja-Kaduna rail lines and it was seconded by Rep. Dachung Bagos. Rep. Sada Soli in contributing to the debate stated that there is an urgent need to investigate the $30 million foreign content which was provided for the fencing of the rail gauge at intersection points in the original contract. The need for the investigation he stated is for the dual reason of safety of human/animal lives, and for accountability of the appropriated funds in the original contract. The motion was voted on and adopted.

12. Need to Relocate Customs Land Border Road Check Point, Idiroko to an Accurate 20 Kilometers Away:
Rep. Kolawole Lawal:
The House:
Notes that on November 6, 2019, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service issued a directive banning the discharge of petroleum products in any filling station within 20 kilometers to any land border in Nigeria;

Also notes that since the directive, all the land borders in the country have complied with the directive, including Idiroko land border in Ogun State;

Aware that the 20 kilometers from the land border, in the case of Idiroko land border area in Ogun state, erroneously terminates at Ajilete Community in Ipokia Local Government Area;

Cognizant that the accurate distance of 20 kilometers from the Idiroko land border terminates at Ihunbo community, thus the checkpoint should be stationed accordingly;

Concerned that the closure of the land border at Idiroko has caused untold hardships for the people as they are unable to freely conduct their regular businesses at the border to earn a living;

Worried that the personnel of the Border Drill Unit who are charged with the responsibility to enforce the directive, in violation of the circular which is specific about petroleum products, are preventing the residents from transporting other commodities like biscuits, cement, soft drinks and other consumables beyond Ajilete checkpoint;

Resolves to:

(i) Urge the Nigeria Customs Service to adhere to the accurately measured 20 kilometers from Idiroko border at Ihunbo Community, Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State;

(ii) also urge the Nigeria Customs Service to allow non-petroleum commodities like biscuits, cement, soft drinks, and other consumables to go beyond 20 kilometers from the border so that the people can conduct their legitimate businesses with ease;

(iii) further urge the Federal Government to provide palliatives to the border communities in Ogun State and other border communities across the country to ameliorate the sufferings caused by the continued closure of the land borders;

(iv) mandate the Committees on Customs and Excise and Special Duties to ensure compliance.

Debate
Rep. Kolawole Lawal moved the motion on the need to relocate Customs land border check point, Idiroko to an accurate 20 Kilometers away and it was seconded by Rep. Ademorin Adekuye. Rep. Ajibola Muraina proposed an amendment to prayer 1 of the motion to include all other affected communities in the nation. The motion was voted on and adopted as amended.

13. Call to Encourage the Importation and Use of Low Energy Consuming Appliances:
Rep. Rotimi Agunsoye:
The House:
Notes that energy-efficient appliances help prevent greenhouse emissions and protect the environment as most households use appliances such as televisions, refrigerators, sound systems, computers, ovens, bulbs, air conditioners, and washing machines;

Also notes that countries across the world are using energy-efficient appliances, which is critical to economic development as well as environmental sustainability;

Concerned that households in Nigeria still use incandescent bulbs with high voltage, which are very expensive and generate too much heat;

Aware that in some households the incandescent bulbs have been replaced with light-emitting diodes (LED) bulbs, which are up to ninety percent more efficient than incandescent bulbs;

Observes that the crisis in the country’s power sector will persist if a decisive approach is not employed at controlling domestic, commercial and industrial usage through adopting more efficient means to reduce energy consumption;

Cognizant that using energy-efficient appliances and equipment minimizes the exploitation of natural resources such as natural gas, coal, water, diesel, petrol, etc., and serves to enhance the conservation of these resources as a way of achieving sustainable development;

Disturbed that as other countries have stopped the use of high consuming appliances and equipment, Nigeria has become a dumping ground for such items which come at a considerably cheap price;

Cognizant that the continued importation of non-energy efficient products will impact negatively on the economic stability of the country;

Resolves to:

(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Power and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to immediately establish a sustainable policy aimed at phasing out non-energy efficient appliances or equipment for domestic, commercial and industrial usage;

(ii) mandate the Committees on Power and Industry to ensure compliance and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Motion stepped down by leave of the House

14. Call on the Central Bank of Nigeria to Reinforce the Use of Coins as a Legal Tender in Nigeria:
Rep. Muda Lawal Umar:

The House:
Notes that on February 28, 2007, as part of the economic reforms under the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, N50, N20, N10 and N5 banknotes were reissued with new designs as well as the coining of N1 and 50 kobo, while a new N2 coin was introduced;

Also notes that despite the huge budgetary sum that was expended by the Federal Government in the production of coins as part of the legal tender, the said coins seem to be extinct at the moment;

Observes that the day to day business transactions of ordinary Nigerians have been significantly affected as the lack of coins and other lower denominations have resulted in prices being summed up to the nearest Naira equivalent, a situation that can best be described as inflation in economic terms;

Worried that while other countries make use of coins for their daily financial transactions, the Nigerian coins comprising 50kobo, N1 and N2 have not been fully utilized in that regard;

Believes that injecting low denominations and coins into the economy will go a long way in curbing price inflation and stabilizing the economy;

Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Central Bank of Nigeria to reinforce the use of coins as a legal tender and ensure that Banks comply with the use of coins to the fullest;

(ii) mandate the Committee on Banking and Currency to ensure compliance.

Debate
Rep. Muda Umar moved the motion on the call on the Central Bank of Nigeria to reinforce the use of coins as a legal tender in Nigeria and it was seconded by Rep. Ajibola Muraina. The motion was voted on and adopted.
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CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE) Rep. Ahmed Wase presiding:

15. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Orthopaedic Hospitals Management Board Act, Cap. O10, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Establish the Orthopaedic Hospital, Dekina, Kogi State; and for Related Matters (HB. 1463) (Senate) (Leader) – Committee of the Whole: 3/3/2022.

Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa stated that the Bill which is an establishment Bill seeks to provide quality healthcare for Nigerians in Kogi state and its environs. He called on members to support the Bill in the spirit of the bi-cameral relationship between the House of Representatives and the Nigerian Senate, and for national development.

Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-4

16. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Capital Territory Satellite Towns Development Agency; and for Related Matters (HB. 43) – Committee of the Whole: 24/2/2022.

Consideration of report stepped down by leave of the House

17. Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream)
Rep. Abdullahi Mahmud Gaya:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) on the Need to Investigate the Importation and Distribution of Adulterated Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) into Nigeria and approve the recommendations therein” (HR.47/02/2022) (Laid: 16/3/2022).

(i) that due to the sudden withdrawal of the Methanol-Blended PMS from distribution under the quarantine measures emplaced by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and the subsequent supply gap and distribution challenges created, NNPC should be fast in restoring the stability of PMS supply and distribution across the country;

(ii) that the ongoing effort towards restoring Premium Motor Spirit supply and distribution, the Committee certified PMS stock which is about 2.3 billion liters safe for use in vehicles and other machines. This exercise should be fast and everything should be completed before the end of February 2022;

(iii) that NNPC in conjunction with Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) should undertake the recertification and revalidation of in-country volumes for immediate releases to market;

(iv) that to accelerate distribution, NNPC must commence 24-Hours operation at its Depots and retail outlets;

(v) that Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Deport Owners Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) should commence 24 Hours wading and dispensing activities in some of their designated outlets;

(vi) that the Nigerian National Petroleum Limited (NNPC) Monitoring team in collaboration with Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and security agencies should ensure smooth distribution of PMS nationwide.

Consideration of report stepped down by leave of the House
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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 Leader of the House, Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa and seconded by Rep. Ahmed Jaha.
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Adjournment:
The House at 13:13 Pm adjourned plenary till Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022 by 11:00 A.M following a motion for adjournment moved by the Leader of the House, Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa and seconded by Rep. Ademorin Kuye.

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