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 Thursday, September 23rd, 2021
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
The membership of the Harmonization Committee on the Electoral Act was announced and will be led by Rep. Adeyemi
DEFECTION
Rep. Samuel Godday Odagboyi (Benue state) from Labor Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC)
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PETITIONS
1. Rep. Nam Obi Uchechuku laid a petition from an association of landlords who are calling for the intervention of the House over an issue of abuse and breach of understanding by NNPC and its sub-contractor.
The petition was referred to the House Committee on Host Committees.
2. Rep. Mukhtar Ahmed laid a petition from the Association of Caterers of Nigeria against the Ministry of Industry for what they termed unwholesome practices and policies. They craved the intervention of the House in resolving the issue.
3. Rep. Preye Oseke laid a petition from a complaint against the Nigeria AGIP company for damages arising from its operations since 2015. He craved the intervention of the House in assisting his bid to get Justice.
Petitions 2 and 3 were referred to the House Committee on Public Petitions
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MOTION OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
1. Rep. Ibrahim Isiaka moved a motion on the urgent need to rehabilitate the horrible conditions of federal roads and bridges in Nigeria and it was seconded by Rep. Olanrewaju Oladapo.
Rep. Isiaka in leading the debate expressed serious concern over the threat to human life and activities due to the effect of the horrible state of roads and connecting bridges which have been eroded, thereby cutting off communities from each other. He called on the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to, as a matter of high urgency, fix the failed portions of these federal roads. He also called on the House Committee on Works and Housing to ensure compliance with the prayer of the motion.
The motion was voted and adopted.
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PRESENTATION OF BILLS
1. Federal University of Medical and Environmental Sciences, Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1585) (Senate) – First Reading.
2. University Teaching Hospital, Lafia (Establishment) Bill, 2021(HB. 1607) (Senate) – First Reading.
3. University Teaching Hospitals (Reconstitution of Boards, Etc.) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021(HB. 1608) (Senate) – First Reading.
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ORDERS OF THE DAY
BILLS
1. A Bill for an Act to Establish Nigerian Maritime Security Trust Fund for the Purpose of Training, Provision of Security Equipment, and Related Facilities, enhance the Skills of the Personnel of the Nigerian Navy; and for Related Matters (HB. 1243) – Third Reading.
Debate
Rep. Peter Akpatason moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Yusuf Gagdi.
The Bill was voted, approved for third reading, the Clerk read the long title and it was passed.
2. A Bill for an Act to Establish Nigerian Council for Social Work Practitioners and to Regulate the Practice of Professional Social Work; and for Related Matters, (HB. 655) – Third Reading.
Debate
Rep. Peter Akpatason moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Anayo Nwonu.
The Bill was voted, approved for third reading, the Clerk read the long title and it was passed.
3. A Bill for an Act to Establish Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria to Provide Professional Training to Directors and Promote Effective Governance, Public Accountability, Professional Efficiency; and for Related Matters (HB. 1571) (Senate) (Leader) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Peter Akpatason moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Mohammed Monguno.
The Bill was voted, approved for second reading and referred to the Committee of the Whole.
4. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Aboh; and for Related Matters (HB.1590) (Senate) (Leader) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Peter Akpatason moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Mohammed Monguno.
The Minority Leader of the House, Rep. Ndudi Elumelu rose to remind the House that there are so many House Bills awaiting concurrence in the Senate and it seems the Senate is not attaching the recommended amount of seriousness with dealing with House Bills.
Rep. Ossai Nicholas pleaded for patience with members not to stop the process of passing Senate Bills, and instead to continue working with the Senate through the principal officers of the House.
The Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila reminded members that it is frustrating that the time and efforts spent on Bill processes seem wasted when those Bills don’t receive concurrent action from the Senate. He stated that the spirit of reciprocity should continue between both chambers. Rep. Gbajabiamila stated categorically that there is no problem between the House and Senate. He then directed the Clerk of the House to work with his Senate counterpart on the matter. Meanwhile, further concurrence Bills from the Senate should be put on hold until the issue is resolved.
The Bill was voted, approved for second reading and referred to the Committee of the Whole.
5. A Bill for an Act to Establish Nigeria Police College of Information Technology, Abeokuta to Provide Academic and Professional Training in Information Technology; and for Related Matters. (HB.842) (Rep. Isiaka Ibrahim) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Isiaka Ibrahim moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Yusuf Ahmed.
In leading the debate, Rep. Ibrahim stated that the College is already in existence, it just seeks a legal framework of the establishment.
The Bill was voted, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Police Affairs as well as Information Technology.
6. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Public Enterprises (Privatization and Commercialization) Act, Cap. P38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the Public Assets Reform Bill, 2021 for Improved Efficiency and Management of Public Assets in Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB. 1470) (Rep. Ibrahim Makama Misau and 27 others) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Ibrahim Misau moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Kolade Akinjo.
The Bill was voted, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Privatization and Commercialization.
7. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal University of Education, Katsina-Ala and for Related Matters (HB.539) Rep. Richard Gbande) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Gbande moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Idris. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Tertiary Education.
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MOTIONS
8. Need to Investigate the Alleged Insertion of the Advice for Payment of Ransom into the National
Youth Service Corps Pamphlets Containing Security Tips:
Rep. Ndudi Elumelu:
The House:
Notes that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was created on 22 May 1973 as an avenue for reconciliation, reconstruction and rebuilding of the nation after the civil war;
Also notes that the programme was set up, primarily for Nigerian graduates below the age of 30 who intend to work in Nigeria to be at the forefront of national developmental efforts as well as a means to impart values of nationalism, patriotism, loyalty and accountable leadership in Nigerian youths;
Aware that the programme requires that participants be posted to States other than their States of origin where they are expected to mix with people from other ethnic groups, social and family backgrounds and learn the culture of the indigenes they are posted to, to bring about unity in the country regardless of cultural diversity;
Also aware that the security challenges in the country affect Corps Members as some of them, on their way to respective places of posting, have fallen victim to kidnap-for-ransom, some have lost their lives to insurgents and other mishaps;
Concerned that in the last few days, reports have surfaced with picture evidence of an embarrassing provision under section 65(e) of the NYSC security tips pamphlet, advising Corps Members to tell their families to make ransoms available in case they are kidnapped on the road;
Also concerned that the inclusion of the said section shows a complete collapse in the architectural system of the country’s security forces and a major worry for friends and family as to why their children should be allowed to participate in this compulsory exercise;
Further concerned that the provision shows a lack of concern for the safety of Corps members as against the provisions of Section 19 of the Public Officers Protection Act which places the welfare and security of Corp members on the Federal Government;
Disturbed that the insertion of such a clause by the NYSC in its security tips manual portrays the inability of the government to provide security on the highways as well as a surrender by the government to kidnappers and bandits;
Resolves to:
Mandate the Committee on Youth Development to investigate the insertion of item 65(e) in the NYSC Security Awareness and Education Handbook to ensure that adequate measures are put in place to provide safety of Corps Members across the country.
Debate
Rep. Ndudi Elumelu moved the motion on the need to investigate the alleged insertion of the advice for payment of ransom into national youth service corps pamphlets containing security tips and it was seconded by Rep. Leke Abejide.
Even though the NYSC denied the claim; it was visible in their pamphlet, which Rep. Elumelu read from.
The Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila expressed worry if this pamphlet emanated from NYSC and called for the authenticity of the origin of the insertion during the investigation by the relevant Committee of the House.
The motion was voted and adopted.
9. Breach of International Laws by the Indonesian Immigration Officials Against a Nigerian
Diplomat:
Rep. Rotimi Agunsoye:
The House:
Notes the sad incident of 7 August 2021 when officers and men of the Immigration Department in Indonesia arrested a Nigerian Diplomat in front of his quarters, manhandled and nearly choked him to breathlessness against every known Diplomatic and International Laws and Conventions;
Also notes that such a dastardly act of impunity represents an infraction to the hitherto cordial diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and Indonesia;
Aware of several reports of ill-treatment meted on Nigerian citizens in foreign countries and the poor response of the Federal Government to the plight of Nigerians in the diaspora;
Acknowledges the need to ensure that all Nigerians in the diaspora are treated with respect, in line with the tenets of Diplomatic and International Laws and Conventions;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission to ensure that all Nigerian Embassies and Foreign Missions respond promptly to infringements and violations of the rights and privileges of Nigerians across the globe;
(ii) also urge the Government of Indonesia to offer a public apology to the Nigerian Government and in particular, the diplomat assaulted and compensate him appropriately;
(iii) mandate the Committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora to investigate the level of compliance and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
Debate
Rep. Agunsonye moved the motion on the breach of international laws by Indonesian immigration officials against a Nigerian diplomat and it was seconded by Rep. Aminu Suleiman.
Rep. Yusuf Buba Yakub who is the Chairman, House Committee on Foreign Affairs stated that the Joint Committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives on Foreign Affairs have met with the Foreign Affairs Minister who in unison summoned the Indonesian ambassador to Nigeria. Rep. Yakub confirmed that the erring officers have been arrested and the Nigerian diplomat treated, and there is a demand for compensation that is being processed.
The Chairman, House Committee on Foreign Affairs was then asked to ensure that, moving forward, mechanisms to address such infractions are put in place.
The motion was then stepped down as a result of the revelation by Rep. Yakub.
10. Urgent Need to Proffer Solution to the Persistent Congestion at Nigeria Ports:
Rep. Mukhtar Ahmed:
The House:
Notes that out of the six (6) Ports in Nigeria, the Apapa and Tin Can Ports jointly handle about 80% of the country’s total imports;
Also notes that the other Ports have been operating far below capacity as they jointly handle only 20% of the total cargo volume;
Concerned that the two Lagos Ports have been bedevilled by excruciating congestions which are adversely impacting on the ease of doing business, thus leading to loss of revenues to the country;
Also concerned that obsolete clearing methods, abandonment of containers by importers, lack of automation of clearing, high terminal charges, exorbitant demurrage charges, absence of call-up system, cumbersome and multiple clearing procedures, corrupt and other sharp practices have not helped the present congestions which have so far defied all solutions;
Worried that Apapa Port, Tin Can Island Port, Onne Port and other Ports are presently harbouring nothing less than 8,000 containers which have remained uncleared, including those at Customs Warehouses which are not auctioned;
Also worried that the statutory process of decongestion through auction sales has not helped much due to the slow pace of Nigeria’s administration of justice in condemning the seizures presented by the Nigeria Customs Service;
Further worried that the above scenario has caused the diversion of cargoes from Nigeria to her coastal neighbours like the Benin Republic and Togo, thereby leading to loss of huge businesses and revenues running into hundreds of billions of dollars;
Cognizant that unless drastic action is taken to address the situation, the problem may soon become intractable;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Nigeria Customs Service to develop a speedy process of auctioning containers that are over 45 days at the Port to make the Ports more competitive with the Ports of neighbouring countries;
(ii) mandate the Committee on Customs and Excise to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the causes of the persistent congestions in Nigeria’s Ports to find short-term, medium-term, and long-term solutions and report back within three (3) weeks for further legislative action.
Debate
Rep. Mukhtar moved the motion on the urgent need to proffer a solution to the persistent congestion at Nigeria ports and it was seconded by Rep. Obinna Chidoka.
Rep. Ganiyu Johnson proposed an amendment to add to the prayers of the motion to urge the Federal Ministry of Works to complete the linking roads to the Apapa, Tin-Can – wharf roads. He stated that if these roads are not fixed; the congestion outside will continue, even if the ports are decongested from within.
Rep. Ademorin Kuye also proposed an amendment to prayer 2 of the motion mandating both the House Committees on customs exercise and Ports to ensure compliance.
The motion was voted and adopted as amended.
11. Urgent Need to Rehabilitate the Collapsed Bridge and other Components of the Road linking
Umuchima–Obiohia in Ideato South of Imo-State and Uga–Ekwulobia–Nnewi–Awaka in Anambra State:
Rep. Pascal Obi:
The House
Notes that Owerri-Orlu-ldeato-Uga-Ekwulobia-Nnewi-Awka Federal Road is a major link between lmo and Anambra States;
Also notes that the previous Administration in Imo State undertook major engineering and construction works on the road, and for which the current administration in the State has renewed through its Ministry of Works;
Concerned that excessive rainfalls in 2021 have created flooding, leading to the collapse of certain sections of the Federal Road from the boundary of the Orlu Local Government Council in Imo State to the Umuchima–Obiohia and other ldeato South sections of the road;
Worried that the damage which resulted from excessive flooding has severed access from the Owerri–Orlu section into the Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency, and from the Nnewi/Awka–Ekwulobia–Uga Section through Ideato–into the Owerri–Orlu sections, as well as the Umuchima – Obioha axis in Ideato North/ldeato South Federal Constituency of Imo State;
Also worried that the situation has caused a displacement of houses and villages, thus resulting in a humanitarian crisis in Ideato North /Ideato South Federal Constituency of Imo State;
Further worried that floods have caused further deterioration of the erosion in Ideato North/ldeato South Federal Constituency, and caused untold hardship for the inhabitants well as commuters;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to undertake urgent rehabilitations and/or reconstructions of the Road, especially the Umuchima–Ideato–Orlu axis;
(ii) mandate the Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to ensure compliance.
Debate
Rep. Pascal Obi moved the motion on the urgent need to rehabilitate the collapsed bridge and other components of the road linking Umuchima-Obiohia in Ideato south of Imo state and Uga-Ekwulobia- Nnewi-Awaka in Anambra state and it was seconded by Rep. Dachung Bagos.
The motion was voted and adopted.
12. Call to Address the Flood Disaster Ravaging Sheyen Community in Baruten Local Government
Area of Kwara State:
Rep. Mohammed Omar Bio:
The House:
Notes that Sheyen community is one of the Border Communities in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State;
Also notes the heavy rainfall which occurred on the 8 – 10 September 2021 resulted in a flood that ravaged the entire Community, destroyed properties, farmlands and rendered the people homeless thereby having to seek refuge in neighbouring communities;
Cognizant that the effects of the flood disaster in Sheyen Community cannot be remedied unless urgent intervention of the Government and its agencies are obtained by the community;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to urgently provide relief materials to victims of the flood disaster in Sheyen Community, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State;
(ii) also urge the Ecological Fund Office to take measures towards finding lasting solutions to forestall future flood occurrence in the Community;
(iii) mandate the Committees on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness and Internally Displaced Persons and Refugees to ensure compliance.
Debate
Rep. Mohammed Bio moved the motion on a call to address the flood disaster ravaging Sheyen community in Baruten local government area of Kwara state and it was seconded by Rep. Francis.
Rep. Emeka Chinedu proposed an amendment to the prayer of the motion to incorporate affected communities in his constituency to be beneficiaries of the actions to be taken.
The motion was voted and adopted as amended.
13. Urgent Need to Investigate the Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOS) in Nigeria for
Overbilling Customers without Adequate Electricity Supply:
Rep. Bello Mohammed Shamsudeen:
The House:
Notes that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), on several occasions, ordered that refunds be made to overbilled customers of Electricity Distribution Companies through energy credit of excess charges to the affected individuals and businesses;
Also notes that the Commission further ordered ailing Electricity Distribution Companies to, within five days notify the affected customers of the overbilling in writing in line with Regulation 9 (7) of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s Meter Reading, Billing, Cash Collection and Credit Management for Electricity Suppliers Regulation 2007;
Concerned that the World Bank, in the latest survey, insisted that 78 per cent of power consumers in Nigeria got less than 12 hours of daily supply of electricity which were oftentimes epileptic;
Worried that the increase in tariff does not reflect the number of hours of power supply, yet Nigerians are forced to pay for the power they did not consume;
Resolves to:
Set up an Ad-hoc Committee to investigate the allegations of overbilling, illegal tariff increase and non-compliance to the directives of the Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) by Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) with a view to ensuring that consumers rights are protected, and report back within 3 (three) weeks for further legislative action.
Debate
Rep. Shamsudeen moved the motion on the urgent need to investigate the Electricity Distribution Companies in Nigeria for over-billing customers without adequate electricity supply and it was seconded by Rep. Jato Awal.
Rep. Ndudi Elumelu rose to inform the House that the motion was supposed to be referred to the House Committee on Power and not set up an Ad-Hoc Committee.
The motion was voted, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Power.
14. Need to Investigate the Concession of Some Airports in Nigeria:
Rep. Kolade Victor Akinjo:
The House:
Notes that the Federal Government embarked on Privatization and Commercialization of Public Enterprises to introduce Private Sector Resources and discipline, create jobs, reduce the burden of funding of the Public Enterprise on the national treasury in line with global best practices;
Also notes that the National Council on Privatization (NCP), in the exercise of the powers conferred on it pursuant to Section 2 and 3 of the Public Enterprises (Privatization and Commercialization) 1999 Act, approved that the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos, Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport Kano and Port Harcourt International Airport be commercialized by concession;
Further notes that the NCP succeeded in the concession of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to a core investor in January 2007 but the process was aborted for security reasons and the matter is pending in Court;
Aware that the Federal Ministry of Aviation has commenced the process to concession the aforementioned Airports but without the involvement of NPC and BPE which is in violation of the Public Enterprises (Privatization and Commercialization), 1999 Act;
Concerned that Federal Government may not be able to realize the objectives and aims of the concession to attract credible investors because of potential litigations as a result of the breach of the provisions of the BPE Act and other relevant Acts;
Resolves to:
Mandate the Committee on Privatization and Commercialization to investigate the concession of Nigeria Airports by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
Debate
Rep. Kolade Akinjo moved the motion on the need to investigate the concession of some airports in Nigeria and it was seconded by Rep. Adejoro Adeogun.
Rep. Chinyere Igwe in speaking against the motion stated that the relevant government authorities are still in the process of planning the concession of the airports, hence the prayers of the motion are preemptive/speculative.
Rep. Ademorin Kuye who is the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business stated that the same motion had earlier been brought to the floor of the House and referred to the House Committee on Aviation. The Chairman of the Aviation Committee set up a sub-Committee led by Rep. Lynda Ikpeazu, and the matter is being investigated as the Minister of Aviation, as well as other relevant stakeholders had already been invited and who have already made their submissions.
Rep. Akinjo who is the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Privatization and Commercialization stated that the Committee is not in the know of the recent exercise, as it is known that the process of concession has begun. It is on this ground he brought the motion to save public assets and safeguard the rule of law.
Rep. Ben Mzondu proposed an amendment to mandate the House Committee on Privatization and Commercialization to join the House Committee of Aviation in addressing the issue.
Rep. Toby Okechukwu proposed an amendment to also incorporate the House Committee Oversighting the ICRC into the investigation.
The motion was voted and adopted as amended.
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Rep. Ademorin Kuye, Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business rose to move a motion to suspend the relevant rules of the House to enable the Speaker of the House to preside over the Committee of the Whole in place of the Deputy Speaker and it was seconded by Rep. Mohammed Monguno.
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CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE) Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila presiding:
15. A Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal University of Agriculture, Jalingo, to make Comprehensive Provisions for Management and Administration of the University; and for Related Matters (HB. 750) (Rep. Abubakar Hassan Fulata) – Committee of the Whole: 23/9/2021.
Consideration of report stepped down by leave of the House
16. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Polytechnics Act; and for Related Matters (HB.711) (Rep. Aminu Suleiman) – Committee of the Whole: 27/2/2020
Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Aminu Suleiman stated that the Bill is a product of the 8th Assembly, but it could not go for concurrence after its passage, before the winding up of the 8th Assembly. He pleaded with the House to pass the single pending clause and transmit it to the Senate for concurrence
Summary of voting:
Clause voted and carried: 2
Portions amended: schedule and long title.
17. A Bill for an Act to Establish Chartered Institute of Risk Management of Nigeria to Provide for the Control of its Membership and Promote the Practice of Risk Management in Nigeria; and for Related Matter (139) (Rep. Sylvester Ogbaga) – Committee of the Whole:29/11/2019.
Consideration of report stepped down by leave of the House.
18. Committee on Navy:
Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Navy on a Bill for an Act to Establish National Hydrographic Agency to carry out Hydrographic and Oceanographic Surveys, including Ocean Meteorology for National Defence and Civil Requirements; and for Related Matters (HB. 1021) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid:22/9/2021).
Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Yusuf Gagdi stated that the Bill seeks to ensure the funds released for the agency should be adequately applied for the reasons of the release. He called for the discontinuation of the multiplication of functions in water-related agencies and the Nigerian Navy.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted and carried: 1-24
19. Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions:
Rep. Munir Baba Dan Agundi:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship, Saki, Oyo State; and for Related Matters (HB. 548) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 15/7/2021).
Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Dan-Agundi stated that the establishment of the university is timely because of the need to fill the entrepreneurial, technical and research gaps in the agricultural sector of the nation.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and carried: 1-27
20. 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 Provide for Establishment of Federal College of Education (Technical), Yauri, Kebbi State to Provide Full-Time Courses, Teaching, Instructions and Training in Technology, Applied Science, Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities and Management to carry out Research in the Development and Adaptation of Technologies; and for Related Matters (HB.629) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid:1/7/2021).
Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Aminu Suleiman stated that the Bill seeks to establish the institution and has passed through all the required steps and checks. He then called on members to support the passage of all the 25 clauses.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted and carried: 1-25
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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 Rep. Peter Akpatason and seconded by Rep. Nicholas Ossai
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CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY) Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila presiding:
21. Committee on Finance: Rep. James Abiodun Faleke: “That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Finance on the 2022–2024 Medium Term Expenditure Frame Work and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid:22/9/2021)- Committee on Supply.
. (i) That the daily crude oil production of 1.88mbpd, 2.23mbpd, and 2.22mbpd for 2022, 2023 and 2024 respectively, be approved, in view of the average 1.93mbpd over the past 3 years and the fact that a very conservative oil output benchmark has been adopted for the medium term in order to ensure greater budget realism;
* (ii) that the proposed Benchmark oil price of USD$57per barrel for 2022 and USD$55 for 2023 and 2024 be approved based on oil forecast by the World Bank and Consultation with the NNPC;
* (iii) that the Exchange Rate of N410.15/US$ proposed by the Executive for the 2022-2024 be approved; (iv) that the projected GDP growth rate of 4.20% be approved;
* (v) that the projected Inflation rate of 13.00% be also approved;
* (vi) that the Fiscal deficit estimate of N5.62 trillion (including GOEs) also be sustained due to the Federal Government’s conservative approach to target setting and its determination to improve the collection efficiency of major revenue-generating agencies while it continues to enforce the implementation of the Performance Management Framework for GOEs by ensuring that they operate in a more fiscally responsible manner whilst reviewing their operational efficiencies, and costs-to-income ratios, as declared;
* (vii) that the projected New Borrowings of N4.89 trillion (including Foreign and Domestic Borrowing) be approved, subject to the provision of details of the borrowing plan to the National Assembly;
that the following sundry parameters in the 2022-2024 MTEF/FSP Document be also approved:
* (a) Federal Government of Nigeria retained revenue of N8.36 trillion; total Federal Government of Nigeria proposed expenditure of N13.98 trillion;
* (b) Fiscal deficit of N5.62 trillion (including GOEs);
* (c) New Borrowings of N4.89 trillion (including Foreign and domestic Borrowing), subject that the provision of the details of the borrowing plan be brought for approval by the National Assembly;
* (d) Statutory transfers, totalling, N613.4 billion;
* (e) Debt Service estimate of N3.12 trillion;
* (f) Sinking Fund to the tune of N292 billion;
* (g) Pension, Gratuities & Retirees Benefits of N567 billion; and
* (h) Aggregate FGN Expenditure of N13.98 trillion; made up of Total Recurrent (Non-debt) of N6.21 trillion; Personnel Costs (MDAs) of N3.47 trillion; of Capital expenditure (exclusive of Transfers) N3.26 trillion; Special Intervention (Recurrent) amounting to N350 billion; and Special intervention (Capital) of N10billion;
* (i) that the Salaries and Wages Commission should review the salary structure of all the Ministries Department Agencies, in other to come up with a new salary structure for the Ministries Department Agencies that will reflect the true financial position of the Agencies;
* (j) that there should be a continuous review of the Fiscal Responsibility Act to ensure that all revenues are remitted to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) as at when due, in order to curtail frivolous deductions and diversion of funds by the Ministries Department Agencies;
* (k) that all laws relating to mining businesses should be reviewed as a matter of urgency to ensure upward review of rates applied to royalties, ground rent and licenses renewal of all mining companies operating in Nigeria to ensure transparency in the collection of revenue by the relevant agencies of the government and also look into the issues of illegal mining activities by recommending stringent sanctions in the proposed new laws;
* (l) that the Nigeria Customs Service should accelerate the process of installing scanners at all Ports across the country to curb the issue of underpayment of customs duties on imported goods which has resulted in huge loss of revenue to the government and to further improve its activities at all borders across the country in order to curb the issues of smuggling across border areas;
* (m) the Committee recommends urgent implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) recently assented to by the President in order to curtail the problems of smuggling and round-tripping of petroleum products imported into the country to save the under-recovery cost;
* 👎 that the proposed revenue budget of the Government Owned Enterprises (GOEs) should be reviewed upward to show the reflection of their capabilities to generate more revenue as a result of the findings of the Committee;
* (o) that the offices of the Accountant General (AGF), Auditor General of the Federation (AuGF) and Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC)be strengthened in the area of staffing and proper funding of its activities to ensure optimal performance of their duties in order to adequately monitor the remittances of all government revenues;
* (p) thattheActestablishingsomeMDAsbereviewedandamendedasamatterofurgencytoevidence a more nationalistic interest, as these amendments will assist to generate more revenue to the coffers of the government;
(q) that the Federal government budget be reviewed and be purged of some agencies that demonstrated capacity to stand on their own without any recourse to Federal Government of Nigeria Budget for example; National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria (NCAT).
Synopsis of the report:
Rep. James Faleke stated that the report was the result of work done on the request made by Mr. President for the financial years between 2022-2024 with key underlying assumptions for equally key benchmarks of the Nigerian economy, as well as for the macroeconomic stability and development of Nigeria. It is also aimed at the sustainability of the national economic growth by increasing government revenue and blocking financial leakages. Rep. Faleke called for a more proactive system of curbing the wastage of public funds and generate more funds for the government through effective taxes, levies and tolls on federal highways. This, he stated is necessary if Nigeria desires to be financially sustainable. He called on members to approve the recommendations of the report.
The Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila praised the quality of the work done by the House Committee on Finance. He urged the Committee to come up with practical steps through amendment of relevant Laws to block such financial recklessness and leakages.
Rep. Toby Okechukwu reiterated the view of the Speaker of the House on the quality of the job done by the House Committee on Finance and called for the setting up of favourable conditions for the private sector to thrive. Rep. Okechukwu further called for effecting over-sighting of revenue-generating agencies by the Finance Committee of the House. He frowned at the waste culture of public funds in litigation processes, especially with regards to seized assets being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission which always tend to deteriorate before the litigation is over, making them of no financial value to the winning party.
There was also a concern raised by Rep. Beni Lar over the thought of reducing salaries of management officials of government agencies.
Rep. Faleke explained that some government agencies use all their generated revenue to run the agency and pay themselves. He pointed out the extravagant allowances and salary structure of some top officials in some agencies and parastatals constitute some of the financial recklessness being avoided.
Summary of voting:
Recommendations voted on and approved: 1-8, 10-17
Recommendation deleted: 9
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HOUSE IN PLENARY
The House reverted to plenary and adopted the report of the Committee of Supply following a motion by Rep. Ademorin Kuye and seconded by Rep. Mohammed Monguno
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Adjournment:
The House at 15:57 adjourned plenary to Wednesday, September 29th, 2021 by 11:00 following a motion for adjournment moved by Rep. Ademorin Kuye and seconded by Rep. Umar (Bauchi)
Courtesy:
Media Unit, Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives.
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