Plenary proceedings of the House of Representatives for Wednesday, January 26th, 2022

The Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila presiding.

After leading the opening prayer and National Pledge, the Speaker approved the votes and proceedings for Tuesday, January 25th, 2022
________________________________________________________________________________________

Announcement:

Defection:

1. Rep. Yaya Bauchi from Gombe state from APC to PDP
________________________________________________________________________________________

The Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila stated that the House will take a stand on the issue of the proposed fuel subsidy removal by the Federal government. The two main criteria for debate, the Speaker noted will be how much fuel is consumed by Nigerians. The Ad-Hoc Committee to determine that will be chaired by Rep. Abdullahi Ningi. The Committee should not restrict their findings to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) records alone, but liaise with experts in the industry, transport workers and all other stakeholders to determine an independent finding for the benefit of Nigerians.

The second Ad-Hoc Committee is to look into the state of repair or disrepair of Nigerian refineries so that Nigeria can return to the commercially viable refinery of diesel for Nigerians and it will be chaired by Rep. Ganiyu Johnson.

The findings of the two Committees will be critical, vital, and will form the base of the debate for the House on the matter.
________________________________________________________________________________________

MATTER OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

1. Rep. Julius Ihonvbere moved the motion on the need to address the creeping resurgence of military coups in the West African subregion and it was seconded by Rep. Zanna Usman.

Rep. Ihonvbere in leading the debate stated that the resurgence of the coup culture in Western Africa is a dangerous trend that sees to bring back the military junta which the whole world has termed illegal, as it seeks to take over power from democratically elected governments. He stated that Nigeria which is a power block in the region has since resisted sentiments of a military takeover. He however expressed fears that if the trend continues in the region; the illegal sentiments can spread. Rep. Ihonvbere called on the nations in the region as well as the Nigerian House of Representatives to condemn the trend with the strongest possible terms, in order to correct the instances where it has so far occurred, as well as to ensure the ugly trend does not expand to other nations in the West African subregion. Military coup he stated; clearly goes against global trends in respect to constitutions of all democratic nations. He stressed the importance of the adoption of the motion so that the ugly trend does not continue to spread within the region. This he stated is so that parliaments can continue to function to uphold the rights and desires of the African people, constitutions can continue to function and development continues in the interest of citizens of the region and the world over.

Rep. Herman Hembe called on the international community to strongly condemn the notion of using military coups to settle national disputes, no matter how compelling. He called for more democratic means in settling national disenfranchisement. Rep. Hembe called on politicians to be more sincere in upholding the trust of the people who elected them, in order to avert the violent usurpation of government.

Rep. Yusuf Buba Yakub also in strong terms condemned the coups taking place in nations within the West African subregion and called on guardians of both democracy and governance to ensure they remain awake to their duties, especially the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to ensure they use the powers disposed to them to ensure democracy is maintained.

Rep. Mohammed Monguno stated that the worst form of democracy is far better than the best form of dictatorship, so people should jealously guard the democracy they have, as that is the only form of government where the people truly have a voice. He condemned in strong terms the subversion of the will of the people by a forceful military takeover. Rep. Monguno called on ECOWAS to act fast and return all affected nations to the normalcy of democracy.

Rep. Abbas Adeogun called on ECOWAS to stand strong in the interest of affected nations in the West African subregion to return such to democracy as speedily as possible.

Rep. Ndudi Elumelu in his submission condemned in strong terms all military coups in the West African subregion. He called on all leaders to provide good leadership in the African continent so that the masses cannot even phantom to accommodate the military as an option of governance. Rep. Elumelu called on leaders of all Arms of government in Africa to emulate other developing nations of the world that have made them socioeconomic hubs worldwide, such as Dubai. This he stated will have the twin effect of bringing investment/ development to the nations, as well as wealth to the citizenry.

Rep. Onofiok Luke stated that since Africa has seen the benefit of democracy globally; it is right to rise and condemn any action truncating democracy in the continent. He applauded the role Nigeria continues to play in the conservation and stabilization of African democracy. Rep. Luke also commended former President Goodluck Jonathan with the support of President Muhammadu Buhari in ensuring democratic stability in the West African subregion. He stated that since Nigeria is in the leadership of the West African subregion; the country should use that power to continue to ensure democratic stability within the region and resist any such military or forceful disruptions, as this increases indices of economic sanctions and world distrust in business spheres for African countries, leading to further impoverishment of the people.

Motion was voted on and adopted.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

PRESENTATION OF REPORTS

1. Committee on Science and Technology:
Rep. Beni Lar:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Science and Technology on a Bill for an Act to Establish National Institute of Oil and Gas Technology and Entrepreneurial Studies, Egbema, Imo State and to make Comprehensive Provisions for Its Due Management and Administration, provide for Detailed Identification of Areas in Oil and Gas Technology and Skills Acquisition, Entrepreneurial Studies; and for Related Matters (HB.1212) (Referred: 6/7/2021).

The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Beni Lar and seconded by Rep. Leke Abejide

2. Committee on Science and Technology:
Rep. Beni Lar:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Science and Technology on a Bill for an Act to Establish Chartered Institute of Computer Forensics of Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB.1491) (Referred: 22/9/2021).

The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Beni Lar and seconded by Rep. Leke Abejide

3. Committee on Customs and Excise:
Rep. Leke Abejide:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Customs and Excise on the Investigative Hearing on the unrest in Iseyin Local Government Area of Oyo State due to the Killing of Indigenes by the Men of the Nigerian Customs Service” (HR. 117/05/2021) (Referred: 18/5/2021).

The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Leke Abejide and seconded by Rep. Beni Lar

4. Committee on Customs and Excise:
Rep. Leke Abejide:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Customs and Excise on the Investigative Hearing on the Murder of Innocent People in Jibia by men of the Nigerian Customs Service on the 9 August 2021 Pursuant to Order Twenty Rules28(2)(a) of the Standing Order of the House of Representatives.

The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Leke Abejide and seconded by Rep. Beni Lar

5. Committee on Customs and Excise:
Rep. Leke Abejide:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Customs and Excise on the Investigative Hearing on the Brutal Murder at Igangan, Igboora, Ayete, Tapa in Ibarapa Area of Oyo State by men the Nigerian Customs Services” (HR. 54/09/2021) (Referred: 15/9/2021).

The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Leke Abejide and seconded by Rep. Beni Lar.
________________________________________________________________________________________________

ORDERS OF THE DAY

BILLS

1. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal College of Nursing, Maiha, Adamawa State; and for Related Matters (HB. 1368) (Rep. Abubakar Magaji Ja’afar) – Second Reading.

Debate
Rep. Abubakar Magaji moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Kabiru Idris.

Rep. Magaji stated that the establishment of the institution is a strong area of concern as it seeks to strengthen the quality level of healthcare services for Nigerians in the region. He urged members to support the passage of the Bill in order to bring the establishment of the college to fruition, ultimately for the good of the health sector in Nigeria.

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

2. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Road Safety Commission Academy as a Degree–Awarding Institution to provide Academic and Professional Training; and for Related Matters (HB. 1622) (Rep. Akinfolarin Mayowa Samuel) – Second Reading.

Debate
Rep. Mayowa Samuel moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Emeka Chinedu.

The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Federal Road Safety Commission.

3. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Rabah, Sokoto State to Provide Full–Time Courses, Teaching, Instruction and Training in Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Technology, Natural Sciences, Agronomy and Extension; and for Related Matters (HB.427) (Rep. Ibrahim Almustapha Aliyu) – Second Reading.

Second reading of the Bill stepped down by leave of the House

4. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Rogo, Kano State; and for Related Matters (HB. 1606) (Rep. Haruna Isa Dederi) – Second Reading.

Debate
Rep. Haruna Isa Dederi moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Musa Umar.

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

5. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University of Agriculture, Kaiama, Kwara State to make Comprehensive Provisions for Its Due Management and Administration; and for Related Matters (HB. 1419) (Rep. Mohammed Omar Bio) – Second Reading.

Debate
Rep. Mohammed Bio moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Aminu Suleiman.

The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

MOTIONS
6. Need to Investigate Unclaimed Funds in Nigerian Commercial Banks and the Infractions by the Central Bank of Nigeria:
Rep. Dachung Bagos:

The House:

Notes that the Bank Verification Number (BVN) was introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2014 to the Nigerian banking system as a way of checking and combating money laundering, illicit financing and duplicitous ownership of bank accounts used for fraud.

Also notes that about seven years after the introduction of the BVN into Nigeria banking system, about 45.85 million bank accounts across Nigeria are yet to be linked to BVNs as data released by the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement Systems (NIBSS) on June 23, 2021, disclosed that the total number of bank accounts in Nigeria as of May 2019 is pegged at 122.071 million and the active accounts as of May, 2020 stood at 72.936 million.

Further notes that the financial experts have held the position that there exist suspicious bank deposits detected after Nigeria adopts the Bank Verification Number running into Trillions of Naira left unclaimed in Nigerian banks because their owners had failed to register a BVN or link to existing ones where appropriate.

Aware that the commercial banks in Nigeria have adamantly disobeyed and continue to hold on to the monies out of failed transactions more than necessary, against the directives of the Central Bank of Nigeria and to the detriment of Nigerians.

Worried that despite the introduction by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) of the Bank Verification Number (BVN) to curb the menace in the financial sectors, about 71 million customers still use their accounts without the compulsory identification, per data from the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement Systems (NIBSS).

Concerned that the lack of legal regulatory framework and political will to deal with the unclaimed assets especially funds abandoned and trapped in commercial banks will continue to put Nigeria behind so many countries in the world that have developed the legal framework to deal with these assets.

Also worried that the recent disclosure about the funds collected by Commercial Banks on behalf of some key Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government to the tune of N1.2 trillion, in revenues they generated but failed to remit to the Federation’s account since 2016, as required by law;

Also concerned that some commercial banks have refused to remit to the Government, fees and levies collected on behalf of Government agencies and Departments in the last 10 years.

Disturbed that although the Central Bank of Nigeria has the statutory responsibility of regulating commercial banks in the country, they have failed in their responsibilities to carry out the necessary oversight on the commercial banks.

Also disturbed that the Central Bank of Nigeria has not been transparent in the implementation of its intervention programs and projects, and has shown an almost zero level of accountability and transparency before the National Assembly in respect of funds generated both locally and internationally.

Resolves to:

(i) Set up an Ad–hoc Committee to investigate the suspicious and unclaimed funds sitting with Commercial banks;

(ii) mandate the Committee to also investigate the unremitted funds collected on behalf of Agencies and Departments of the Federal Government by Commercial Banks;

(iii) also mandate the Committee to look into the several infractions by the Central Bank of Nigeria against the provisions of the enabling Act and Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the good people of Nigeria especially in the area of intervention projects and programs and report back within eight (8) weeks for further legislative action.

Debate
Rep. Bagos moved the motion on the Need to investigate unclaimed funds in commercial banks and the infractions by the Central Bank of Nigeria: and it was seconded by Rep. Chudi Momma.

Rep. Dauda Zakari proposed an amendment that the prayer adds the investigation of funds trapped in banks, especially mobilization for contracts that were later abandoned or the contracts revoked and there was no clear line of accountability.

The motion was voted on and adopted as amended.

The membership of the Ad-Hoc committee to investigate the unclaimed funds and infractions by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was announced and it is to be chaired by Rep. Unyime Idem.

7. Need to Increase Funding for Innovation and Technology in Tertiary Education in Nigeria:
Rep. Babajimi Benson:

The House:

Notes that the Faculty of Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) recently unveiled its first five-seater electric car, Christened Lion Ozumba 551;

Also notes that the car, which is said to be part of the drive to accord innovation and technology attention in the institution was made with 80 percent locally–sourced materials and can cover a 30–kilometer distance when fully charged;
Aware that in 2014, an undergraduate of the Faculty of Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Segun Oyeyiola converted a Volkswagen Beetle into the wind and solar-powered car;

Cognizant that given the wanton environmental pollution and renewed campaign for a greener source of energy and transportation, any vehicle that is environmentally friendly and doesn’t emit toxic gasses should be encouraged;

Also cognizant that tertiary institutions are essential for the discovery, proper dissemination and application of knowledge and countries that prioritize research are usually more equipped to deal with new challenges and technological advances;

Appreciates the tenacity of tertiary institutions in Nigeria and high flying students who have, against all odds, continued to push the limits to ensure Nigeria competes favourably with other developed economies;

Believes that research is essential to economic and sustainable development and if tertiary institutions in the country are adequately funded, it could result in an industrial revolution for the country;

Resolves to:

(i) Urge the Federal Government to adequately fund Institutions involved in research in the production of electric and solar cars;

(ii) also urge the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) to design a workable plan on how to produce electric cars in commercial quantities in Nigeria, using homegrown human capital;

(iii) mandate the Committees on Tertiary Education and Services, Land Transport, Environment and Science and Technology to engage stakeholders to design a 10–Year Action Plan to improve the research capabilities of Nigeria’s tertiary institutions with the intent to improve the automobile industry.

Debate
Rep. Babajimi Benson moved the motion on the Need to increase funding for innovation and technology in tertiary education in Nigeria and it was seconded by Rep. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.

The motion was voted on and adopted.

8. Urgent Need to Combat Unemployment and Social Vices through Establishment of Industries Across the Federation:
Rep. Chinedu Emeka Martins:

The House:

Notes that the unprecedented rate of unemployment is the root of the social vices currently experienced in the country and 33.3% unemployment and the 28% youth unemployment rates amounting to over 11 million unemployed youths, verify the lack of cottage industries in the country, which should have played a critical role in engaging youthful energy positively in the production of raw materials as well as semi-finished products, thus distract young people from taking up social vices as the only alternative for survival and social mobility;

Cognizant of the need for a comprehensive industrial revolution, intervention at this point in the history of our nation, given the recent developments in the political, social and economic spheres of the country which–emphasize the fact that youths are important stakeholders in the Nigerian project;

Aware that the predominance of industrial clusters in South East Asian countries has motivated industrial growth in the form of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and massive decline in unemployment, making way for stability in the economy, political leadership and lower crime rates as a result of their remarkable success in industrialization;

Also aware that a similar strategy of building cottage industries has worked agreeably in some African countries like Rwanda, Mozambique, Ghana and South Africa, an indication that grassroots industrialization produces an array of positive economic and social impacts;

Worried that Nigeria is yet to positively harness the human capital resources accruing from its youthful population through the creation of industrial clusters to engage the youths;

Believes that it has become imperative for government to re-strategize by establishing industries in the 360 federal constituencies, which would play a critical role in curbing the unemployment problems and boost the country’s Gross Domestic Products;

Also believes that such an Industrial Revolution Scheme, if implemented and sustained will entrench the culture of hard work and regrow moral values lost in the wake of cybercrime, human trafficking, kidnapping and drug consumption;

Further believes that the siting Industries in the 360 Federal Constituencies will facilitate Federal presence at the grassroots and positively impact lives of rural dwellers through employment, infrastructural development;

Envisages a comprehensive industrialization scheme targeting both extractive and manufacturing stages as well as the processing of agricultural produce into semi-finished products for internal consumption and possible export, while establishing cottage industries based on needs assessment and viability in the 360 Federal Constituencies of the Federation to combat unemployment and drive grassroots industrial growth;

Resolves to:

(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to urgently develop a comprehensive template for the establishment of Industries across the Federation;

(ii) mandate the Committees on Industry and Commerce to ensure compliance

Debate
Rep. Chinedu Martins moved the motion on the urgent need to combat unemployment and social vices through the establishment of industries across the federation and it was seconded by Rep. Taofeek Abimbola Ajilesoro.

Rep. Nicholas Ossai in supporting the motion stated that such a motion is a legal tool for catalyzing the much-needed industrial revolution vital in kickstarting the industrial revolution needed in Nigeria. He wondered why the Senate has not concurred with critical resolutions of the House of Representatives in response to the industrial need of Nigerians.

The motion was voted on and adopted as amended.

9. Need to Ensure Safety in the Electricity Distribution Network:
Rep. Sani Bala:

The House:

Notes that Section 6 paragraph (a) and (f) of the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency Act, No. 6, 2015 mandates the Agency to carry out electrical inspectorate services for the Nigerian electricity supply industry and enforce compliance with safety requirements for construction, operation and maintenance of electrical power plants, transmission system, distribution networks and electric installations

Also notes that in the last quarter of 2018, a report by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) indicated that there were 136,393 complaints from customers about the negligence of the Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) which had jumped to 151,938 in the first quarter of 2019;

Concerned that negligence of electricity safety is increasingly claiming lives and causing injuries to both electricity sector workers and others with reports by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission alleging that approximately two persons died of electrocution every fortnight during the fourth quarter of 2019, as compared to the third quarter where roughly three persons died of electrocution fortnightly;

Also concerned that the death rates arising from the electricity safety negligence in Nigeria are gradually equating the recurring newspaper headlines of death rates from insurgency, banditry and communal clashes;

Further concerned that there are numerous tragedies caused by disregard for municipal laws regarding the siting of residences and recreational centres around electric installations or under high tension wires or near electric poles or transformers, thereby exposing residents to danger;

Disturbed that apart from dangling high tension cables and vast evidence of unprotected transformers and electricity infrastructure in communities, there are also allegations of expiration of the life span of the infrastructure being major causes of surges and eventual explosions;

Worried that despite launching the Nigerian Electrical Installations and Construction Guideline Manual (NEICGM) to guide contractors and power sector operators on the installation and construction of electricity infrastructure in the country, more than one year later, the Nigeria Electricity Services Management Agency has not matched words with action in a bid to enshrining electricity safety as accidents, deaths and injuries have persisted under the sector;

Resolves to:

Mandate the Committee on Power to investigate:
(i) incidences of deaths and accidents caused by the negligence of electrical safety in the distribution network around the country viz–a–viz safety measures including the existence and role of Safety Departments of DISCOs;

(ii) the capacity of the Nigeria Electricity Management Services Agency to adequately carry out its mandate of policing electricity safety in the distribution network as well as the overall effectiveness of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, given the vast investment in the power sector;

(iii) also mandate the Committee on Legislative compliance to ensure implementation.

Debate
Rep. Sani Bala moved the motion on the need to ensure safety in the electricity distribution network and it was seconded by Rep. Abubakar Yalleman.

Rep. Abiante proposed an amendment to include a third prayer to the motion, which is to include all other relevant agencies to be investigated by the House committee on power.

The motion was voted on and adopted as amended.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Adjournment:
The House at 13:28 adjourned plenary till Thursday, January 27th, 2022 by 11:00 following a motion for adjournment moved by Rep. Abubakar Hassan Fulata and seconded by Rep. Ahmed Jaha.

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