Plenary proceedings of the House of Representatives for Tuesday, November 30th, 2021

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, November 25th, 2021
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PETITIONS
1. Rep. Muktar Ahmed laid 5 petitions from different complainants calling for the intervention of the House in resolving different issues.

All the petitions were referred to the House Committee on Public Petition
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MOTIONS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

1. Rep. Dachung Bagos moved a motion on the emergence of the new Covid-19 strain (omicron) and it was seconded by Rep. Kpam Sopko.

Rep. Bagos in leading the debate stressed the need for Nigeria to take the new strain that emanated from South Africa very seriously, as evidence shows that its impact and ease of spreading is highly deadly. He expressed concern about the global spread within such a short time when compared to other variants. He asked the House to mandate the Committee on Health and that on Covid-19 to ensure the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) sets up adequate mechanisms to ensure travel monitoring given the high mobility of Nigerians.

Rep. Henry Nwawuba in his contribution expressed the need for Nigerians to raise their consciousness to contain the effect of the omicron strain. He reminded the House that; had Nigerians supported the House’s infectious disease Bill, the country would have been better prepared to deal with the new strain. He commended the House for increasing the budgetary provision for the health sector. Rep. Nwawuba expressed sadness at the way Nigerians are relaxing social safety measures.

The motion was voted on and adopted.

2. Rep. Ben Igbakpa moved a motion on the urgent need to restore power supply to communities in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta state and it was seconded by Rep. Ikenna Onyechere.

Rep. Igbakpa blamed the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) for being negligent of its duties in the affected areas when its transformers have issues. He stated that despite the efforts of the Delta State government; the company seems not to take the socioeconomic importance of power supply to the people in the region seriously. Rep. Igbakpa stated that youth in the area have begun laying siege on the homes of the community leaders protesting the long periods spent in darkness and pressing home their resolve not to spend the end of the year without power supply. He called on the House to direct the House Committee on Power to invite the distribution company to ensure they live up to their responsibilities.

The motion was voted on and adopted.
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PRESENTATION OF BILLS

1. Federal College of Health Sciences and Technology, Gumi (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 694) (Rep. Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi) – First Reading.

2. Criminal Code Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1480) (Rep. Chinedu Emeka Martins) – First Reading.

3. Legal Aid Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1742) (Rep. Sergius Oseasochie Ogun) – First Reading.

4. Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1743) (Rep. Sergius Oseasochie Ogun) – First Reading.

5. Federal Establishments (Decentralization) Bill, 2021(HB. 1744) (Rep. Nsikak Ekong) – First Reading.

6. Nigerian Garment Promotion Bill, 2021 (HB. 1745) (Rep. Nsikak Ekong) – First Reading.

7. Federal Medical Centre, Gwoza (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1746) (Rep. Ahmadu Usman Jaha) – First Reading.

8. Federal College of Nursing, Mid–Wifery and Health Sciences, Chibok, Borno State (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1747) (Rep. Ahmadu Usman Jaha) – First Reading.

9. Federal University of Agricultural Technology, Damboa, Borno State (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1748) (Rep. Ahmadu Usman Jaha) – First Reading.

10. Standards Organisation of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1749) (Rep. Sergius Oseasochie Ogun) – First Reading.

11. Federal College of Animal Husbandry, Koaje, Kebbi, Kebbi State Bill, 2021 (HB. 1750) (Rep. Bello A. Kaoje) – First Reading.

12. Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Kebbi, Kebbi State (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1751) (Rep. Bello A. Kaoje) – First Reading.

13. Nigerian International Financial Centre (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1752) (Rep. Victor Nwokolo) – First Reading.

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PRESENTATION OF REPORT

Committee on Health Institutions:
Rep. Paschal Obi:
“That the House do receive 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, Borno State; and for Related Matters (HB. 1322) (Referred: 10/6/2021).

Presentation of report stepped down by leave of the House.
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ORDERS OF THE DAY

BILLS
1. A Bill for an Act to Establish Institute of Professional Secretarial Staff of Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB.350) – Third Reading.

Debate
Rep. Peter Akpatason moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Galadima.
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 National Institute for Border Studies, Imeko, Ogun State, to Provide for Teaching, Research, Instruction and Training of Students in Border Management; and for Related Matters (HB.1467) (Senate) – Second Reading.

Debate
Rep. Peter Akpatason moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Rotimi Agunsonye.

The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the Committee of the Whole.

3. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Customs and Excise Management Act, Cap.C45, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the Nigeria Customs Service (Establishment) Bill; and for Related Matters (HB.1729) (Rep. Leke Joseph Abejide) – Second Reading.

Debate
Rep. Leke Abejide moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Abubakar Yalleman.

The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Customs and Excise.

4. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria Act, Cap. T3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Provide for stiffer Penalties and Punishment for Unregistered and Unqualified Teachers; and for Related Matters (HB.550) (Rep. Jude Ise–Idehen) – Second Reading.

Debate
Rep. Jude Ise-Idehen moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Victor Mela.

The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Basic Education and Services.

5. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Joseph Sawuan Tarka University, Makurdi; and for Related Matters (HB.1661) (Rep. John Dyegh) – Second Reading.

Debate
Rep. John Dyegh moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Ibrahim Halims.

The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Tertiary Education and Services.

6. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University, Omoku and to make Comprehensive Provisions for its Due Management and Administration; and for Related Matters (HB.77) (Rep. Uchechuku G. Nnam–Obi) – Second Reading.

Debate
Rep. Uchechuku Nnam-Obi informed the House that the Bill had passed the level of second reading and it was at the Committee level. Its appearance on the Order Paper must have been a mistake, he stated while urging the speaker of the House to remind the Committee to expedite action on the Bill.

This was duly noted by the House.

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MOTIONS

7. Urgent Need for the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to Restore Electricity Supply to Enuani Clan in Delta State:
Rep. Ndudi Elumelu

The House:

Notes that Enuani is a clan in Delta state comprising of Olodu, Olloh, Ewulu, Isheagu, Isikiti, Ukwu–Oba, Umute, Aba–Unor and Adonte communities;

Also notes that as a result of the dilapidation of a 33KVA line, the electricity supply was cut off in Enuani clan and other communities nearby, thereby leaving the entire community in perpetual darkness for almost two decades;

Aware that the lack of electricity for almost 20 years has led to untold hardships on the residents in the affected communities, thus inhibiting development;

Also aware that appeals made by the people to the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) and the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) to restore electricity to the area by including the 2.5MVA line that has a substation at Ewulu fell on deaf ears;

Concerned that the Benin Electricity Distribution Company had encouraged stakeholders living in the affected communities to rehabilitate the 11KVA line attached to the area to fast track fixing of the 33KVA line, which the community stakeholders complied with and spent 4 million naira to rehabilitate the line, only for the BEDC to renege on their part of the deal;

Worried that the continuous disconnection of electricity supply to the Communities has not only caused untold hardships to indigenes but will also bring set back and give neighbouring communities developmental edge, hence the need for urgent intervention;

Resolves to:

Mandate the Committee on Power to interface with the Management of Benin Electricity Distribution Company and Rural Electrification Agency on possible ways of restoring electricity supply to Olodo, Olloh, Ewulu, Isheagu, Isikiti, Ukwu–Obama, Umute, Aba–Unor and Adonte Communities in the Enuani clan.

Debate
Rep. Ndudi Elumelu moved the motion on the urgent need for the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to restore electricity supply to Enuani clan in Delta state and it was seconded by Rep. Muraina Ajibola.

The motion was voted on and adopted.

8. Need to Address Incessant Banditry Attacks at Agwara/Borgu Federal Constituency of Niger State:
Rep. Jafaru Muhammad:

The House:

Notes the frequent banditry attacks on Communities within Agwara/Borgu Federal Constituency of Niger State;

Also notes that Communities in Babanna and Malale Wards, some parts of Wawa, Shagunu and Pissa/Kabe Wards in Borgu Local Government Areas as well as Mago town in Agwara Local Government were massively attacked by bandits and destructed houses and valuable properties on weekly basis;

Worried that during the attacks, many people, including the District Head of Wawa and the aged mother of a serving Member of the Niger State House of Assembly were abducted while others, including the District Head of Dekare and many guards at Kainji National Park, were killed;

Further worried that Nigeria’s Super Tucano Fighter Jets, which are being kept at the 407 Air Weapon Training School, New Bussa are exposed to the risk of getting destroyed, given its proximity to the location of bandits at the Kainji National Park in the Borgu Game reserve;

Concerned that the Correctional Centre which was situates in 221 and 101 battalions and has some insurgents incarcerated therein poses great risk to public safety, lives and properties in the areas within the Constituency;

Resolves to:

(i) Urge the Federal Government to deploy sufficient Military Personnel to 221 and 101 battalions in Wawa and 407 Air Weapon Training School New Bussa to protect lives and national assets;

(ii) also urge the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to convert a greater part of the Kainji National Park for agriculture and commercial investment to eliminate hideouts for bandits;

(iii) further urge the Federal Government to provide training and equipment to the National Park Rangers to aid in securing the area; and

(iv) call on the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials to the victims of banditry attacks within Agwara/Borgu Federal Constituency;

(v) mandate the Committees on Emergency and Disaster Management and Defence to ensure compliance.

Debate
Rep. Jafaru Muhammad moved the motion on the need to address incessant banditry attacks at Agwara/Borgu federal constituency of Niger state and it was seconded by Rep. Abubakar Nalaraba.

The motion was voted on and adopted.

9. Call for Reconstruction of Jama’are and Itas/Gadau Divisional Police Stations in Bauchi State:
Rep. Bashir Uba Mashema:

The House:

Notes that on 18 April 2011 and 12 November 2012, the Jama’are and Itas/Gadau Divisional Police Stations were respectively attacked by insurgents;

Also notes that the Insurgents who were armed with sophisticated weapons and explosives engaged in a gun battle with men of the Nigeria Police Force, which led to the death of one police officer at Itas Gadau and another policeman sustained gunshot wounds;

Worried that the explosives used by the insurgents destroyed significant structures in the two Divisional Police Stations thus leaving the constituents vulnerable to further attacks as they live in constant fear due to the absence of security personnel;

Also worried that since the incident, cases of violence, armed robbery and other crimes, which have been on the rise, are being handled under trees due to lack of facility structures for Police personnel;

Cognizant that protection of lives and property is the primary purpose of government and the immediate intervention of the Federal Government will go a long way in alleviating the plight of the people in Jama’are and Itas/Gadau Federal Constituency;

Resolves to:

(i) Urge the Nigeria Police Force to carry out an on–the–spot assessment of the Divisional Police Stations at Jama’are and Itas/Gadau Local Government Areas to ascertain the extent of the damage with a view to commencing immediate reconstruction of damaged structures;

(ii) mandate the Committee on Police Affairs to ensure compliance.

Debate
Rep. Bashir Mashema moved the motion on the call for the reconstruction of Jama’are and Itas/Gadau divisional police stations in Bauchi state and it was seconded by Rep. Abdulraheem Olajide.

The motion was voted on and adopted.

10. Need to Build A132/33KV Electricity Substation in Yewa, Egbado South/Ipokia Federal Constituency of Ogun State:
Rep. Kolawole Lawal:

The House:

Notes that the importance of Electricity to the socio-economic development of every area cannot be overemphasized;

Aware that the 1500 megawatts power supply from the transformer in Agbara 30 MVA substation is grossly insufficient to cater for the electricity needs of the people in the area;

Concerned that the lack of electricity supply due to a non–functional substation in Yewa Local Government Area has adversely affected socio-economic activities in the area;

Also concerned that many communities, especially Owode–Yewa, Ajilete, Oke–Odan, Idiroko, Agosasa, Ijofin, Ajegunle, Ilaro and Ipokia have barely electricity in the last ten years, thus causing disruptions in economic activities in the area;

Further concerned that the continuous erratic power supply in the area has paralyzed many businesses and rendered business owners jobless, while hospitals have been rendered inoperable, thus denying the people access to adequate health care;

Disturbed that even with the almost non–existent power supply, the people are inundated with exorbitant estimated bills monthly;

Cognizant of the need for a 132/33kv substation in Yewa land as the area, which covers over 250 kilometers is currently fed on just a single 33kv line;

Informed that as a temporary measure, the existing single 33kv line can be converted by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to a double circuit from Papalan to substation to provide some relief to the people before installation of the 132/33kv substation is completed;

Also cognizant of the urgent need for installation of a 100 MVA Sub–Station at Obasanjo Transmission Station, Ota to ease the burden on Agbara 30MVA Substation and improve power supply to Owode–Yewa, Ajilete, Oke– Odan, Idiroko, Agosasa, Ijofin, Ajegunle Ilaro in the short term;

Resolves to:

(i) Urge the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) to expedite action on their efforts at improving power supply to Owode–Yewa, Ajilete, Oke–Odan, Idiroko, Agosasa, Ijofin, Ajegunle Ilaro and Ipokia in Ogun State;

(ii) also urge the Federal Ministry of Power to install a 100 MVA Substation at Obasanjo Transmission, Ota in the immediate term and ensure the installation of a 132/33 KV Substation at a central location in Yewa land;

(iii) further urge the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to, as a matter of urgency, convert the existing single 33KV line from Papalan to Substation to a double circuit line;

(iv) mandate the Committee on Power to ensure implementation.

Debate
Rep. Kolawole Lawal moved the motion on the need to build a 132/33KV electricity substation in Yewa, Egbado South/Ipokia Federal Constituency of Ogun State and it was seconded by Rep. Akin Alabi.

The motion was voted on and adopted.

11. Need to Extend the Lagos–Kano Standard Gauge Railway to Sanusi Railway Station Close to Igboora in Ibarapa Area of Oyo State:
Rep. Ajibola S. Muraina:

The House:

Notes that in 2006, the Federal Government awarded an 8.3 billion US Dollar contract to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) to construct a standard gauge railway from Lagos to Kano;

Also notes that due to the inability to secure funding for the whole project, the Federal Government decided to build the standard gauge line in segments, and rehabilitate the narrow–gauge line in the meantime;

Aware that the project commenced with the construction of 187km segment from Abuja to Kaduna on February 20, 2011, and was completed and inaugurated on 26 July 2016;

Also aware that in 2012 the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), which was awarded 1.53 billion dollars for the construction of 156km Lagos–Ibadan segment of the standard gauge railway, commenced work on March 7, 2017, and the railway was officially inaugurated on 10 June 2021;

Further aware that in May 2018, the Minister of Transport signed a 6.68–billion–dollar contract with the CCECC to complete the remaining segments of the Lagos–Kano standard gauge railway, which is expected to be completed in 3 years in the following places:

⦁ Ibadan–Osogbo–lIorin (200km);
⦁ Osogbo–Ado Ekiti;
⦁ Ilorin–Minna (270km);
⦁ Minna–Abuja;
⦁ Kaduna–Kano (30Skm);

Recalls that in October 2019, the government signed a 3.9–billion–dollar contract with the China Railway Construction Corporation Limited to extend the railway from Warri to Abuja, connecting it to the Lagos–Kano standard gauge railway;

Convinced that modernization of the railway network in Nigeria, which should link all rail networks and stations, is not only overdue but is capable of unlocking huge economic potentials for the country;

Concerned that the Federal Government failed or refused to rehabilitate the old railway lines or extend the new standard gauge railway lines to some key existing railway stations;

Also concerned that the Sanusi Railway Station which is 12km to Igboora in the Ibarapa axis of Oyo State has been serving as a major transportation route for the people of Igboora and its environs to Abeokuta, Lagos and other parts of the country by rail since the 1960s appears to have been abandoned and rendered useless;

Cognizant that the Sanusi Railway Station in Oyo State, which serves as a gateway between the Northwest and Southwest of Nigeria, holds enormous agricultural potentials for the country and should thus be connected to the new standard gauge railway network from Lagos to Kano;

Resolves to:

(i) Commend the Federal Government for its efforts and determination to modernise the Nigerian Railway system;

(ii) Urge the Federal Government to extend the standard gauge railway line to the Sanusi Railway Station near Igboora in the Ibarapa axis of Oyo state and make it functional;

(iii) Mandate the Committee on Land Transport to ensure compliance.

Debate
Rep. Ajibola Muraina moved the motion on the need to extend the Lagos–Kano standard gauge railway to Sanusi railway station close to Igboora in Ibarapa area of Oyo state and it was seconded by Rep. Samuel Adejarin.

The motion was voted on and adopted.

12. Need to Establish Mixed Boarding Air Force Comprehensive Secondary School in Ilorin, Kwara State:
Rep. Abdulganiyu Cook Olododo;

The House:

Notes that the Nigerian Air Force Directorate of Education (DOEDN) is responsible for the initiation of policies governing the provision and administration of NAF education services;

Also notes that presently the Directorate has control over NAF established 13 Secondary Schools and 20 NAF primary schools across the country;

Aware that the principal aim of establishing the schools by the Nigerian Air Force is to address the problems faced by their personnel, who are frequently posted to different NAF formations in different parts of the country, to secure admission for their children and wards to Primary and Secondary schools;

Also aware that over the years, admission opportunities into these schools have been extended to children and wards of civilians as well;

Further aware that among the NAF formations in the country that have NAF primary schools without secondary school is NAF formation in Ilorin, a situation that has made many NAF personnel in Ilorin and other willing civilians who want their children and wards trained in the NAF schools, to send their children and wards to other States where NAF secondary schools are established;

Informed that establishing a mixed boarding Air Force Comprehensive Secondary School in Ilorin, Kwara State will not only alleviate the suffering of the NAF personnel in getting their children and wards trained in NAF schools but will also create job opportunities and infrastructural development in Kwara State;

Cognizant that among the Fundamental Objectives and State Policies of Nigerian Government as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution is to provide affordable and qualitative education to her citizens;

Further cognizant that Kwara State also known as the State of Harmony is a peaceful State and suitable for the establishment of a boarding NAF Secondary School;

Resolves to:

(i) Urge the Nigerian Air Force through her Directorate of Education to establish a mixed boarding Air Force Comprehensive Secondary School in Ilorin, Kwara State;

(ii) ​mandate the Committee on Air Force and Appropriations to include provision for establishment of a mixed boarding Air Force Comprehensive Secondary School, Ilorin in the 2022 budget.

Debate
Rep. Abdulganiyu Olododo Cook moved the motion on the need to establish the mixed boarding Air Force Comprehensive Secondary School in Ilorin, Kwara state and it was seconded by Rep. Ashiru Mani.

The motion was voted on and adopted.
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The House suspended its relevant rules to enable the Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila preside over the Committee of the Whole following a motion moved by Rep. Abubakar Fulata and seconded by Rep. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.
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CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE) Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila presiding:

13. 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) – Committee of the Whole: 23/11/2021.

Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Peter Akpatason stated that the Bill seeks to protect elderly Nigerians and make provisions for their healthcare as well as ensure financial security for them after serving the country. It seeks to ensure adequate social safety nets for retirees and the elderly, considering the economic realities of the current times.

Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and carried: 1-41

14. Committee on Human Rights:
Rep. John Dyegh:
“That the House do resume Consideration of the Report of the Committee on Human Right on a Bill for an Act to Repeal the National Human Rights Commission Act, Cap. N46, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (as amended) and Enact the National Human Rights Commission Bill to strengthen the Commission to conduct Investigations and Sustain Activities in Nigeria; and for Related Matters and approve the recommendations therein” (HB. 1072) (Adjourned Consideration: 18/11/2021).

Synopsis of the report:
Rep. John Dyegh stated that only two clauses needed to be considered since the previous clauses had already been considered in the Committee of the Whole.

Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and carried: 26 & 27

15. Committee on Telecommunications:
Rep. Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi:
“That the House do resume Consideration of the Report of the Committee on Telecommunications on a Bill for an Act to Repeal the Nigerian Postal Service Act, Cap. N127, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and Establish the Nigeria Postal Commission to make Comprehensive Provisions for the Development and Regulation of Postal Services; and for Related Matters (HB.1337) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 15/7/2021).

Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Akeem Adeyemi stated that the Committee of the Whole had begun consideration and stopped at clause 65 before some challenges were spotted. He stated that the Committee had resolved the challenges.

Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and carried: 66-75
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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 the Deputy Minority Leader, Rep. Toby Okechukwu.
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Adjournment:
The House at 13:30 adjourned plenary till Wednesday, December 1st, 2021 by 11:00 following a motion for adjournment moved by the Deputy Minority Leader of the House, Rep. Toby Okechukwu and seconded by Rep. Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba.

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