The Deputy Speaker of the House, Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase presiding.
After leading the opening prayer and the national pledge, the Deputy Speaker approved the second votes and proceedings for Thursday, November 18th, 2021
______________________________
ANNOUNCEMENT
The House Committee on Appropriation announced that the collection of harmonized (Senate/House) Committee budget defense reports will end today Tuesday, November 24th by 5:00 Pm. All chairmen of Committees yet to submit should endeavour to meet the deadline
______________________________
PETITION
1. Rep. Haruna Dederi laid a petition on behalf of a shipping company against the Nigeria customs service on the unlawful shutting down of 4 of their shipping houses, they seek the intervention of the House in resolving the issue.
The petition was referred to the House Committee on Public Petitions.
______________________________
MATTER OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
1. Rep. Chris Azubogu moved a motion on the increasing cases of unresolved kidnappings in Anambra state and it was seconded by Rep. Lynda Ikpeazu. Rep. Azubogu in leading the debate expressed worry at the rising cases of missing people in Anambra state without such cases being resolved. He urged the relevant security agencies to as a matter of urgency resolve the lingering issues. He also called on the relevant committees of the House to ensure the prayers of the motion are adhered to.
Rep. Dachung Bagos proposed an amendment to ensure the security agencies look into all such unresolved kidnappings nationwide. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the relevant committees of the House.
______________________________
PRESENTATION OF BILLS
1. Fiscal Responsibility Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021(HB. 1712) (Rep. Lawal Muhammadu Idirisu) – First Reading.
2. Fiscal Responsibility Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1713) (Rep. Sergius Oseasochie Ogun) – First Reading.
3. Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1714) (Rep. Sergius Oseasochie Ogun) – First Reading.
4. Price Control Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1715) (Rep. Sergius Oseasochie Ogun)
5. Federal University, Gusau (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1717) (Rep. Mohamed Tahir Monguno)
6. Federal University, Wukari (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1719) (Rep. Mohamed Tahir Monguno) – First Reading.
7. National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1720) (Rep. Mohamed Tahir Monguno) – First Reading.
8. Federal Medical Centre Surulere II, Lagos (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1721) (Rep. Shoyinka Olatunji Abiola) – First Reading
9. Nigerian Correctional Service Trust Fund (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1722) (Rep. Anayo Edwin, Hon. Ossai Nicholas Ossai and 40 others) – First Reading.
10. Federal College of Agriculture, Tureta, Sokoto (Establishment) (HB. 1723) (Rep. Balarabe Shehu Kakale) – First Reading.
______________________________
PRESENTATION OF REPORTS
1. Committee on Health Institutions:
Rep. Paschal Obi:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Orthopaedic Hospitals Management Board act, Cap. 010, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Provide for Establishment of Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare, Bono State; and for Related Matters (HB. 1322) (Referred: 10/6/2021).
Presentation of report stepped down by leave of the House
2. Committee on Public Petitions:
Report on the Petition by Navy Captain Obi Felix O. (RTD):
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Navy Captain Obi Felix O. (Rtd.) against the Nigeria Police Force on the Threat to Life, Armed Robbery, Kidnapping, Hostage Taking and Obtaining Ransom against Inspector Onyechere, Silver Ubah and Two others of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force of Delta State Command” (Referred: 26/11/2020).
The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Haruna Dederi and seconded by Rep. Taiwo Oluga
3. Committee on Public Petitions:
Report on the Petition by Andy Egbe and 8 others:
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Andy Egbe and 8 Others against the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) Calabar, Cross River State on the Unlawful Suspension from Duty” (Referred: 4/5/2021).
The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Haruna Dederi and seconded by Rep. Taiwo Oluga
4. Committee on Public Petitions:
Report on the Petition by Andul Legal Consultants:
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Andul Legal Consultants against SARS in Anambra State on the Sudden Disappearance of her Husband (Mr Emmanuel Ogbogu) in Awbuzu SARS” (Referred:11/11/2020).
The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Haruna Dederi and seconded by Rep. Taiwo Oluga
5. Committee on Public Petitions:
Report on the Petition by Olubamiji Adeosun & Co. (Legal Practitioners):
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Olubamiji Adeosun & Co. (Legal Practitioners) against the Federal Ministry of Power for Installation/Erection of High-Tension Power line on the Oyero Family Land Situated at Obada-Oko/Isewo Village Road Obada-Oko Via Abeokuta Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State” (Referred 23/2/2021).
The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Haruna Dederi and seconded by Rep. Taiwo Oluga
______________________________
ORDERS OF THE DAY
BILLS
1. A Bill for an Act to Abolish and Prohibit Dichotomy and Discrimination between First Degree and Higher National Diploma (HND) in the same Profession/Field for the Purpose of Employment; and for Related Matters (HBs. 1466 and 579) – Third Reading.
Debate
Rep. Peter Akpatason moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Aishatu Dukku.
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 Provide for Establishment of School of Mines and Geological Studies, Akoko-Edo, Edo State; and for Related Matters (HB. 441) – Third Reading.
Debate
Rep. Peter Akpatason moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Julius Ihonvbere.
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 for Certain Rights and Privileges for Older Persons, to Provide Health, Economic Reliefs and to Protect their Social and Civil Rights; and for Related Matters (HB. 1263) (Senate) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Peter Akpatason moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.
The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the Committee of the Whole.
4. A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Regulation and Conduct of the Practice of Broadcasting Profession in Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB.1150) (Rep. Olaifa Jimoh Aremu) – Second Reading.
Bill stepped down by leave of the House
5. A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Business and Technical Examinations Board Act, Cap. N12, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Improve the Scope of the Board, to Undertake Contemporary Business and Technical Examinations in Line with the National Policy on Education, Provide the General Purpose of the Results, Certificate and Awards Issued by the Board; and for Related Matters (HB.1492) (Rep. Julius Ihonvbere) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Julius Ihonvbere moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Aishatu Dukku.
Rep. Ihonvbere in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks to amend the Act establishing the board in order for the rejection of qualified students by employers to cease. The Bill also seeks to ensure the development of technical and vocational education schemes in Nigeria.
Rep. Abubakar Yunusa praised the spirit of the Bill as it seeks to correct the victimization of vocational students. He urged the House to speedily pass this Bill so that their certificates can be duly recognized which would, in turn, ease the burden of unemployment, as well as enhance entrepreneurship.
Rep. Abdulrazak Namdas also praised the spirit of the Bill and called for more national seriousness in applying the skills of technical and vocational training in the society, as this is the quickest path to job creation. He called for the expedient passage of the Bill to save the future of teeming Nigerian youth.
The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Basic Education and Services.
6. A Bill for an Act to Establish the National Assembly Hospital, Abuja to take over the Functions of the National Assembly Clinic and Provide Full Scale Hospital Services to the National Assembly Community and Render Emergency Healthcare to Neigbhouring Populations; and for Related Matters (HB.1350) (Rep. Robert A. Tyough and Rep. Danladi Baido) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Robert Tyough moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Baba Shettima Ali.
Rep. Tyough in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks to provide the legal framework for the provision of the much-needed healthcare services within the National Assembly clinic. He stated that the provision would expand the scale of healthcare delivery as the current scale the clinic provides is skeletal. The teaming individuals around the National Assembly would immensely benefit, especially given the exposure the covid-19 pandemic has revealed in healthcare delivery worldwide.
Rep. Henry Archibong stated that the services rendered by the National Assembly is too skeletal and a full-scale hospital would ensure the lives of individuals lost before they get proper treatment outside the National Assembly premises would be saved.
Rep. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha praised the spirit of the Bill as it seeks to save lives and impact value to individuals around the National Assembly. She decried the archaic level of equipment and lack of relevant drugs in the clinic as it is. The effects of the Bill would go a long way in reducing medical tourism of Nigerians, especially to neighbouring African countries, she stated.
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 Provide Legal Framework to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Ila Orangun; and for Related Matters (HB. 1080) (Rep. Olufemi Fakeye) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Olufemi Fakeye moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Babajimi Benson.
Rep. Fakeye in leading the debate stated that the proposed medical center would cater to the ever-increasing population in IIa-Orangun and its environs. He urged the passage of the Bill as the existing healthcare services are indeed overstretched. The medical center, Rep. Fakeye stressed will save the lives of pregnant women and infants especially.
The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Health Institutions.
8. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Agriculture, Oku Iboku, Itu; and for Related Matters (HB. 485) (Rep. Henry O. Archibong) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Henry Archibong moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Abdullahi Ibrahim.
Rep. Archibong in leading the debate stated that the Bill is long overdue as the need for agricultural colleges cannot be overemphasized duly in large to the ever-growing need to diversify the economy through agriculture, this need he stated continues to beg for serious attention and commitment. Rep. Archibong reminded members that during the covid-19 pandemic; agriculture was one of the only sectors that sustained nations worldwide. He stated that the whole of the South-South region has only one rubber research center and the proposed agricultural college would aid Nigerians in the region gain the required knowledge and certification in agricultural research and development.
Rep. Mohammed Monguno reminded Rep. Archibong that the South-South has two such institutions.
Rep. Peter Akpatason clarified the fact that the institution in Edo state is not truly functional due to the lack of financial support for it. He called for support of the Bill.
The Deputy Speaker of the House, Rep. Ahmed Wase called for the strengthening of the existing institutions instead of creating new ones that are not sure to be financially supported, which may make them non-functional as well.
The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions.
______________________________
MOTIONS
9. Need to Reconstruct the Dilapidated Kishi- Kaiama Road:
Rep. Mohammed Omar Bio:
The House:
Notes that Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State is a strategic Local Government which connects northern parts of Nigeria to Niger, Oyo, Osun, Ogun and Lagos States;
Also notes that the importance of Kishi-Kaiama Road connecting major agricultural and socio-economic activities within the area, its neighbouring states and the nation at large cannot be overemphasized;
Aware that the road is now completely divided into two, hence preventing free movement of people and transporting goods and services from Kwara to other States like Oyo, Osun, Ogun and Lagos;
Worried that despite repeated requests to construct the road and the provision of 105 Million naira in the 2021 Appropriation Act under ERGP12154549, page 841, volume two to construct the road, virtually nothing has been done thus leaving people to suffer and live as internally displaced persons;
Concerned that the dilapidated state of the 65 kilometers road will continue to pose threat and danger to the lives of commuters and hamper agricultural and economic activities in the area and the nation at large;
Worried that if nothing is done to urgently reconstruct the road, it will continue to ostracize people in that area and allow them to live with its attendant negative effect on agricultural and economic activities;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to make provision for construction of Kishi-Kaiama road in the 2022 budget estimates and ensure implementation of budgetary provisions for the construction of the road in the 2021 Appropriation Act to alleviate the suffering of the people and ensure free flow of agricultural and economic activities;
(ii) mandate the Committee on Works to ensure compliance.
Debate
Rep. Mohammed Bio moved the motion on the need to reconstruct the dilapidated Kishi- Kaiama road and it was seconded by Rep. Olododo Abdulganiyu.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
10. Need to Address the Incidence of Kidnappings and Other Security Challenges Around the Waterways of Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State:
Rep. Alex Egbona:
The House:
Notes the increased criminal activities by syndicates who specialize in kidnapping and other forms of militancy around the waterways in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State;
Also notes that those criminals have forced law-abiding residents of those coastal and riverine communities to flee their homes for fear of being abducted or killed;
Informed that Hon. Ubi Itam Ettah, a former Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Area, was kidnapped in Ugep on 9 August 2021, where the adductors escaped with him through the Ediba waterway-which runs from Cameroon through Etung – Ikom- Obubra – Yakurr – Abi – Biase – Akamkpa and Odukpani waterways to the Atlantic Ocean;
Worried that the incessant abductions and other forms of criminality typify the height of insecurity that has forced prominent indigenes to seek refuge in neighbouring states of Abia, Benue, Ebonyi and Enugu;
Alarmed that the rate of crime in the area have assumed a disturbing dimension with the wanton raid on business outfits and cold-blooded murder of prominent industrialists and economic actors as well as Policemen and other Security Operatives;
Observe that the activities of the criminals have brought untold hardship to the people of the affected communities in Cross River State especially in Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Inspector General of Police to deploy troops and beef up security to put an end to criminal activities in Abi/Yakurr constituency in order to forestall further loss of lives and properties;
(ii) mandate the Committee on Police Affairs to ensure compliance.
Debate
Rep. Egbona moved the motion on the need to address the incidence of kidnappings and other security challenges around the waterways of Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River state and it was seconded by Rep. Adeogun.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
11. Need to Honour Frontline Health Workers in the Treatment of COVID-19 Patients:
Rep. Kolawole Taiwo Musibau:
The House:
Notes that the outbreak of the contagious coronavirus and its ravaging effect has infected millions and killed thousands of people across the world and including Nigeria;
Aware of the protocols prescribed by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control to curtail the spread of the virus, which are washing of hands and often, self–isolate if unwell, maintaining social distance, and avoiding crowded places, wearing of office mask, etc.;
Cognizant that frontline health workers like Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists, Scientist paramedics are responsible for treating those infected by the deadly virus;
Worried that most of those frontline workers are daily at risk of contracting the dreadful virus as many of them have died in the course of treating COVID-19 patients;
Concerned that the despite the contagious nature of the virus and death of some health workers, most of them are still dedicated to treating COVID –19 patients with low income and fringe benefits and as a result, many of them have also become patients of COVID-19 Pandemic;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Government to honour all frontline health workers in the treatment of COVID–19 patients all over the country;
(ii) mandate the Committee on Healthcare Services to ensure implementation.
Motion stepped down by leave of the House for further legislative deliberation.
12. Need to Construct Iwaraja–Ilesha/Ile Ife Federal Highway:
Rep. Lawrence Babatunde Ayeni:
The House:
Notes that on Wednesday, 25 September 2019 the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the sum of N109.4 billion for the construction of Ibadan-Ilesha-Ife and Kano-Katsina (Phase two) dual carriageways;
Also notes that out of the total amount approved, the sum of N79.8 billion which covers a distance of 112 kilometres was approved for the Ibadan-Ilesha-Ife dual carriageway;
Aware that the Minister of Works and Housing affirmed that the Ibadan-Ilesha-Ife highway is one of the busiest roads in the country in terms of traffic volume;
Worried that 13 months after the FEC approval, no visible construction has been carried out on the 112-kilometre Ibadan-Ilesha-Ife road which was awarded to Kopek Construction Company with a three-year completion period;
Also aware that the high rate of road accidents on the said road is a result of its dilapidated state, particularly at the Iwaraja junction axis and the criminal along the Ibadan road, especially at Iwaraja junction have taken advantage of the deplorable state of the road to carry out their criminal activities;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to, as a matter of urgency, commence rehabilitation of Ibadan-Ife-Ilesha road to Iwaraja junction;
(ii) mandate the Committees on Appropriations, Finance and Works to include the reconstruction of Iloko Ijesha to Ibadan-Ife-Illesha highway in the 2022 budget estimates;
(iii) also mandate the Committees on Police Affairs and Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) to liaise with relevant security and regulatory agencies to ensure the safety of commuters on the Ibadan-Ife-Illesha federal highway and report back within 4 weeks for further legislative action.
Debate
Rep. Lawrence Ayeni moved the motion on the need to construct the Iwaraja–Ilesha/Ile Ife Federal highway and it was seconded by Rep. Abdulganiyu Johnson.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
______________________________
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE) Rep. Ahmed Wase presiding:
13. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria Act, Cap. I.12, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Provide for the Role of Chemists, the Regulation of Practicing Fees by Members of the Institute; and for Related Matters (HB. 180) (Leader) (Committee of the Whole: 5/11/2019) – (Adjourned Consideration 10/6/2021).
Synopsis of the report:
The concerns with the numbering of the report had been worked on and remedied.
Summary of the resumption of voting:
Clauses voted on and carried: 10-14
The Committee of the Whole voted to incorporate the missing, but previously approved portions in the original report in the final copy following a motion by Rep. Herman Hembe and seconded by Rep. Chukwuka Onyema.
14. Committee on Health Institutions:
Rep. Paschal Obi:
“That the House do consider Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Ogoja, Cross Rivers State; and for Related Matters (HB. 276) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid:13/10/2021).
Consideration of report stepped down by leave of the House
______________________________
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 the Chief Whip, Rep. Mohammed Monguno
______________________________
Adjournment:
The House at 13:11 adjourned plenary till Wednesday, November 24th 2021 by 11:00 A.M 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
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!
