Plenary proceedings of the House of Representatives for Wednesday, March 16th, 2022

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

After leading the opening prayer and the National Pledge, the Speaker approved the votes and proceedings for Tuesday, March 15th, 2022
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Speaker reminded members about the meeting of the caucus of the All progressives Congress (APC) caucus with the National Leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at 4 pm today in Room 028, while the meeting with Sen. Tanko Almakura would hold on Thursday, 17 March 2022.

PETITIONS
Petitions from two lawmakers were laid and referred to House Committee on Public Petitions

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MOTIONS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

1. Rep. Sada Soli moved a motion of urgent public importance on the need to reinstate the combined security personnel in Jibia, Kaduna State and it was seconded by Rep. John Dyegh
Debate
Rep. Soli noted that on March 10, 2022, the combined security personnel of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police and the Nigerian Civil and Security Defense Corps (NSCDC) were ordered out of the town which has left the over 10,000 inhabitants of the two helpless and exposed to insecurity, hunger and exhaustion and deaths.
According to him, the withdrawal that was carried out without consultation has led to people fleeing their homes for neighbouring communities while the socio-economic life of the people has been grounded.
He urged the Army, Police and NSCDC to restore their personnel while urging the Humanitarian Ministry and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide relief material for the people.
Rep. Soli also urged relevant Committees of the House to ensure compliance.

The motion was voted on and adopted as amended.

2. Rep. Mzondu Benjamin Bem moved a motion of urgent national importance on the need to save the job of medical officers at the Garki General Hospital due to the impending termination of a concession contract by April 1, 2022.
The lawmaker was however informed that the matter was not urgent and he should present by way of motion on notice.

Speaker Gbajabiamila ruled that the motion should be listed on the Order paper at the earliest legislative day.

The motion was stepped down.

PRESENTATION OF BILLS

1. Federal University of Agriculture, Mpu, Enugu State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1898) (Senate) – First Reading.
2. Federal Polytechnic, Sabon Birni Gobir, Sokoto State (Establishment) Bill, 2022(HB. 1899) (Hon. Mohammed Saidu Bargaja) – First Reading.
3. Federal Medical Centre, Isa, Sokoto State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1990) (Hon. Mohammed Saidu Bargaja) – First Reading.
4. Federal College of Education (Technical) Kwal, Plateau State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1991) (Hon. Musa Agah Avia) – First Reading.
5. Federal Medical Centre, Kissaloi, Plateau State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1902) (Hon. Musa Agah Avia) – First Reading.
6. Joint Admission and Matriculation Board Act (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1903) (Hon. Toluope Akande Sadipe) – First Reading.
7. Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1904) (Hon. Olusola Steve Fatoba) – First Reading.
8. National Rice Production, Processing and Research Institute, Igbemo, Ekiti State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1905) (Hon. Olusola Steve Fatoba) – First Reading.

PRESENTATION OF REPORTS

1. Committee on Health Institutions:
Hon. Paschal Obi:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Establish National Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State and to Provide for the Composition, Administration and Functions of the Management Board; and for Related Matters (HB. 1010)” (Referred: 5/5/2021).

Report not laid.

2. Committee on Health Institutions:
Hon. Paschal Obi:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Ondo, Ondo State for Training and Research in the field of Medical and Health Sciences in Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB. 1770)” (Referred: 9/2/2022).

Report not laid.

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

Report stepped down

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

Report laid.

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

Report laid.

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

Report laid.

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

Report laid.

6. Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream)
Hon. Abdullahi Mahmud Gaya:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) on the Need to Investigate the Importation and Distribution of Adulterated Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) into Nigeria”
(HR.47/02/2021) (Referred: 10/2/2022).

Report laid.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

BILLS

1. Consolidation of Bills
(a) A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University, Wukari and to make Comprehensive Provisions for Its Due Management and Administration; and for Related Matters (HB. 1719) (Hon. Mohamed Tahir Monguno); and (b) A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University, Wukari and to make comprehensive Provisions for Its Due Management and Administration; and for Related Matters (HB. 1845) (Senate).

Bills voted on and approved for consolidation.

2. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Orthopaedic Hospitals Management Board Act, Cap. O10, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Provide for Establishment of Federal Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare, Borno State; and for Related Matters (HB.1322) – Third Reading.

Bill was read for the third time and passed.

3. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Forestry, Burra, Ningi, Bauchi State; and for Related Matters (HB.1496) (Hon. Abdulkadir Sa’ad Abdullahi) – Second Reading.

Bill voted on, passed for second reading and referred to House Committee on Environment.

4. A Bill for an Act to Establish Nigerian Rural Infrastructure Development Commission to be saddled with the responsibilities to facilitate the Provisions of Infrastructure for the Rural Areas; and for Related Matters (HB.1777) (Hon. Kolade V. Akinjo) – Second Reading.

Bill voted on, passed for second reading and referred to House Committee on Health Institutions.

5. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Statutory Regulations of Peace Keeping Operations by Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigerian Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Other Security Organizations; and for Related Matters (HB.321) (Hon. Oluwole Oke) – Second Reading.

Debate-
Rep. Wole Oke noted that the objectives of this Bill is to set out a regulatory framework and to provide for statutory regulation of peacekeeping operations by members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigerian Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security organizations.
He added that the Bill would address issues of budget, training as well as composition, appointments, discipline and compensation of Peacekeeping missions and operations, among others.

Majority Leader, Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa pointed out that the government has provisions for Peacekeeping missions which may be itemized in different forms in the budget.

Rep. Abdulrazak Namdas in his contribution also noted that it might not be so captured in the Money Act but provisions are available for Nigeria’s participation in peacekeeping missions abroad.

The Bill was voted on, passed and referred to House Committee on Defence and all Security agencies.

MOTIONS

6. Rescission of a motion calling on the Federal Government to save Nigerians from the Recurring Hardship of Petroleum Products Scarcity pursuant to Order Nine, Rule1(6) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives:
Hon. Abubakar Hassan Fulata:
The House:
Notes that on Tuesday 15 March 2022, a motion on a Call to save Nigerians from the recurring hardship of Petroleum Products scarcity was passed and adopted;
Recalls that on Wednesday, 26 January 2022, the House set up an Ad-hoc Committee to determine the state of Refineries in the country;
Aware that the Ad-hoc Committee is currently meeting with relevant stakeholders in the Petroleum Industry and conducting an investigation to find a lasting solution to the reoccurring Petroleum scarcity in Nigeria;
Cognizant of the need to allow the Ad-hoc Committee continue its assignment;
Resolves to:
Rescind its decisions on the motion calling on the Federal Government to save Nigerian from recurring hardship of Petroleum Products scarcity.

Motion voted on and adopted.

Rep. Abudlganiyu Johnson in a point of order moved for the rescission of an earlier resolution of his ad hoc Committee over the time for the submission of its report.

He asked for an additional 8 weeks extension while noting that the five weeks spent on the job were not enough.

The motion was voted on and adopted

7. Need to Investigate the Imposition of Excessive charges on Bank Transactions on Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria:
Hon. Sergius Ose Ogun:
The House:
Notes that Section 88 (1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) empowers the National Assembly to conduct investigations into the activities of any authority executing or administering laws made by the National Assembly;
Aware that most of the Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria impose excessive and non-statutory charges on varying bank transactions carried out by customers;
Also aware that in January 2020, in the bid to, among other things, stop the indiscriminate imposition of charges by Deposit Money Banks, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) issued a Guide to Charges by Banks, other Financial Institutions and Non-Bank Financial Institutions, stating the approved bank charges to be imposed by Deposit Money Banks;
Concerned that despite the Guide issued by the CBN, some Banks still deduct outrageous amounts of money from their customers in the guise of bank charges with different descriptions;
Worried that in most cases, the deductions are already covered by the CBN approved monthly Account Maintenance Fee (AMF), thus amounting to double deduction;
Resolves to:
Mandate the Committee on Banking and Currency to investigate the excessive charges on bank transactions by Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

Debate
Rep. Sada Soli commended the motion while noting that the Central Bank of Nigeria’s policy on financial inclusiveness led to money deposit banks charging customers for both deposits and withdrawals, including other changes which were burdensome on bank customers.

Motion was adopted as amended.

8. Need to Grant Automatic Employment to First Class Graduates:
Hon. Chinedu Emeka Martins:
The House:
Notes that at the end of every academic year, Nigerian Universities both Government and Private owned produce hundreds of First-Class graduates, where a huge percentage find it difficult to secure jobs or establish a place to give back to the society or make commensurate input to nation-building;
Also notes that graduating in First-Class in any Institution of learning is an indication of a ” Grade A – brain”, as the journey to such feat is not only characterized by the smartness or intellect of the graduating student but riddled with challenges such as superlative effort, resilient hard work, determination, and irrepressible stress, with a strong will that showcases the inability to accept failure in all circumstances;
Regrets the growing rate at which employable First-Class graduates of Universities in the Country are going jobless or leaving the country in droves, after their National Youth Service, while the lower grades whose relations are connected, get the option of first refusal irrespective of the growing national concern to get the nation’s best brains aboard leadership and other positions;
Aware that the lack of job opportunities for First-class graduates is not just a result of none preparedness of graduates, since some lucky ones do get privileges for postgraduate scholarship awards; skip Master’s Degree to Ph.d, or get instant job opportunities, as some Universities are magnanimous to award their first-class graduands with automatic employment to become assistant lecturers, student lecturers and so on, in their specific fields of learning;
Cognizant of Presidential Scholarship Award, and Nigerian Federal Government First-class Scholarship award, that are aimed at reducing the financial burden on students by assisting the scholar in the payment of institution charges, fees, and personal maintenance in fields such as Medicine and Surgery, Education, Environmental Science, Entrepreneurial Studies, and Agriculture;
Also aware that as recently as a year ago, the University of Lagos offered employment to no fewer than 100 graduates of the University, who made First- Class in various fields of study in the University; while it is undeniable that there are some firms in the country with define quality and excellent policies that consider applicants with First-class honours before other categories of graduates, which is in line with global best practice;
Concerned that same job opportunities are not obtainable for First-class graduates in the Ministries Department and Agencies and parastatals, who are by their position as government agencies, saddled with the responsibilities of driving the country’s economic and Infrastructural development;
Also concerned that Nigeria’s inability to leave the status of a “developing nation”, may not be unconnected with the insensitivity and lack of political will of the ruling class and policymakers to introduce a reward system in a way that the best brains will automatically occupy important positions according to their area of competence;
Further concerned that according to research, Nigeria has continued to unwittingly give away her best brains and intellectuals to other countries who by their robust policies on a value system, reward diligence and excellence, as evidenced in the way and manner that Nigeria has continued to export her highly-rated professionals such as Medical Doctors and Nurses, who were unable to get jobs within the Country after graduation;
Further notes a recent report by higher education data experts, (QS) that the single biggest factor that students consider in Countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, France, Australia, China, Canada, when choosing a University, is their chance of landing a good job the Country offers when they complete their course;
Believes that First-class graduates are mostly needed in all fields of human endeavour, especially in Nigeria, where they can contribute in their areas of competence such as economic planning, manufacturing; small and medium scale enterprise, engineering and Infrastructure, etc.;
Also believes that such automatic offer of a job for first-class graduates, will not only be a source of motivation for students in all fields to work harder, but maximize their potential in preparation for different economic roles, future leadership positions and ultimately reduce unemployment while helping to achieve development targets;
Worried that irrespective of her ability to produce First-class brains at the end of every academic year, Nigeria may not only continue to unwittingly export her best brains to more purposeful Countries, but witness a high rate of unemployment, and stagnate in her status of a “developing nation” if nothing is done urgently to establish a reward system for diligence and excellence;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Education to liaise with relevant Government Agencies to ensure employment of first-class graduates of Nigerian Institutions;
(ii) mandate the Committees on Tertiary Education and Services, and Employment, Labour and Productivity to ensure compliance.

Debate
Rep. Abudlrazak Namdas said this will encourage desperation on the part of the students and lecturers while adding that automatic employment for first class graduates should not be made compulsory.

Rep. Ibrahim Babangida pointed out that automatic employment for first class graduates has always been a Federal government policy but the private sector should not be compelled to follow suit. He also opined that such a policy would encourage corruption in the schools of higher learning.

Rep. Henry Nwawuba, though agreed that it will encourage excellence among the students but that since it is an existing policy, there is a need investigated further before the final decision is made on the motion.

Deputy Speaker Ahmed Idris Wase urged caution and a need to thoroughly consider all areas before the adoption of the motion.
Rep. Jimoh Olajide aligned with the position of the Deputy Speaker.

Speaker Gbajabiamila pointed out that if the best brains are needed, what could be responsible for the inability of the best brains not to get the right jobs. While he wondered who suffers the syndrome at the end of the day, the Speaker felt that a Bill would have addressed the issue holistically.

Rep. Johnson Oghuma said to obtain a first class degree in any discipline is a feat, irrespective of the field while adding that automatic employment will encourage the students to aspire for excellence

The motion was voted on and adopted

9. Need to Increase the Capacity of the Twenty-Two Industrial Development Centres in Nigeria:
Hon. Olubukola Oyewo:

The House:
Notes that Small and Medium-scale Firms are recognized for promoting industrialization all over the world, they play crucial roles in the socio-economic development of countries, employ more workers than their Large-scale counterparts and serve as platforms for developing skills such as ceramic production, food and chemicals, metal, wood-work, textiles, leathers etc, for industrial workers;
Also notes that to actualize the vision above, the Federal Government established twenty-two Industrial Development Centres (IDCs) across the country, with the first one established in Owerri, Imo State in 1965. Others established later are in Osun, Ogun, Bauchi, Lagos, Sokoto, Niger, Edo, Ondo, Kano, Abuja, Katsina, Enugu, Akwa-Ibom, Adamawa, Cross-River, Plateau, Rivers, Kwara, Kaduna, Borno, and Benue;
Further notes that the Industrial Development Centres were established to promote small and medium enterprises, essentially, to provide extension services to the SMEs in such areas as project appraisal for the loan application, training of entrepreneurs, managerial assistance, product development, production planning, and control as well as other extension services;
Informed that due to ineffectiveness of the Centres, in December 2009, the IDCs were assigned under the control of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) for management to pave way for the laid down strategies for the re-positioning of the IDCs towards enhancing entrepreneurship development in Nigeria;
Concerned that years after the Centres were assigned to SMEDAN, their mandates have not been realized as most IDCs are on a large landmass, particularly that of Osogbo in Osun State and has currently become habitats for wild animals and heavily stocked with machines and equipment that have not been in use for years;
Cognizant that with the rate of unemployment among the youths in the nation, the IDCs would serve as centres to train youths on different entrepreneurial skills that will make them productive and contribute meaningfully to the economic development of the country;
Resolves to:
(i) Mandate the Committee on Industry to:
(a) investigate the problems confronting the 22 Industrial Development Centres and critically access the situation;
(b) liaise with the Federal Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investments and other relevant agencies like the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Bank of Agriculture (BOA), and Bank of Industry (BOI), Small and
Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to come up with a roadmap towards making the IDCs economically viable.

Motion voted on and adopted.

CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE) Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase chaired:

10. Committee on Health Institutions:
Hon. Paschal Obi:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Establish Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State; and for Related Matters (HB. 1325) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 1/2/2022).

Summary
Clause 1 and 2 approved, clause 3 amended, Clauses 19 and 20 expunged, Clauses 21-28 approved.

11. Committee on Health Institutions:
Hon. Paschal Obi:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal Medical Centre, Amagu Ikwo, Ebonyi State; and for Related Matters (HB. 1326) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 1/2/2022).

Summary
Clause 1 and 2 approved, clause 3 amended, Clauses 19 and 20 expunged, Clauses 21-28 approved.

12. Committee on Health Institutions:
Hon. Paschal Obi:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Bonny, Rivers State; and for Related Matters (HB. 963) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 1/2/2022).

Summary
Clause 1 and 2 approved, clause 3 amended, Clauses 19 and 20 expunged, Clauses 21-28 approved.

13. Committee on Health Institutions:
Hon. Paschal Obi:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Health and Management Sciences, Amaigbo, Imo State to provide Full-Time Courses, Teaching Instructions and Training in Health, Management Sciences, Applied Sciences and for Related Matters (HB. 1420) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 2/2/2022).

Summary
Clause 1 a[proved, 2C expunged, Clause 11 amended, clauses 12-24 approved

HOUSE IN PLENARY
The House reverted to plenary and adopted the report of the Committee of the Whole following a motion by the Chief Whip, Rep Mohammed Monguno and seconded by Rep. Sada Soli.
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Adjournment:
The House at 3.12 pm adjourned plenary till Thursday, March 17th, 2022 by 11:00 am following a motion for adjournment moved by the Chief Whip, Rep. Mohammed Monguno.

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