The Deputy Speaker of the House, Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase presided.
The Deputy Speaker led the opening prayer and the National Pledge.
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PETITIONS
1. Rep. Ugonna Ozurigbo laid 2 petitions. The first was from the staff of the University of Calabar that are yet to be pay-rolled after a long time of engagement. The second was on the unlawful dismissal from work of the complainant from another agency.
2. Rep. Haruna Dederi laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against Sterling Global limited over unlawful dismissal from employment and craved the indulgence of the House in resolving the issue.
Both petitions were referred to the House Committee on Public Petitions.
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MOTION OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
1. Rep. Ben Igbakpa moved a motion on the insecurity and abduction of innocent citizens of Nigerians in Anambra State and it was seconded by Rep. Ferdinand Ezewankwo.
Rep. Igbakpa in leading the debate called for the security agencies to ensure the spate of kidnappings in Nigeria is stemmed as it has taken a national scope. He stated that the victims kidnapped in Anambra State are industrious indigenes of Delta State and all endeavours to get in touch with them or their abductors have proven abortive. He expressed further worry that kidnap victims recently have turned up dead even when the ransom is paid. Rep. Igbakpa stressed that Delta State cannot afford to lose such industrious sons of the State and called on all stakeholders to wake up to their collective responsibilities in tackling the danger at hand. He called on the Inspector General of Police and the heads of the Nigerian Army and Air Force to ensure the release of all such kidnap victims, and that the relevant Committees of the House should ensure compliance within 2 weeks for further legislative action.
Rep. Obinna Chidoka from Anambra State bemoaned the state of insecurity in Anambra State and called for the armed forces to continue to raid the hideouts of the kidnappers till they are wiped out.
Rep. Ndudi Elumelu called for a strong stance from the government and communities against the insecurity in Anambra State. He bemoaned the level of insecurity and lack of a coordinated security network that has led to the high level of restlessness and insecurity nationwide. Rep. Elumelu called on all tiers of government to ensure the socio-economic empowerment of citizens so that Nigerians do not have to resort to illegality for their means of livelihood.
The Deputy Speaker, Rep. Ahmed Wase called for a dispassionate debate devoid of political sentiments especially when debating issues of critical nature such as insecurity and loss of lives. He reminded members from all political divides that challenges abound despite the political party in power, and if truth is to be told; the endeavours of the Muhammadu Buhari-led government cannot be overlooked based on sentiments, as the dividends abound for all to see. Rep. Ahmed Wase reminded members that even though the election period is approaching, it should not shift the focus of such matters from the security of lives of Nigerians to political maneuvers.
Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa also called on members to contribute to critical issues and be mindful of the fact that the business of security should be the business of government at both Federal and State levels. He called on all State governors to also man up to the responsibility of providing safety for their people.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
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PRESENTATION OF BILLS
1. Civil Defence Corps, Correctional, Federal Fire and Immigration Services Board Bill, 2022 (HB. 1859) (Executive) – First Reading.
2. Federal University of Education (Technical) Gombe, Gombe State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1880) (Rep. Abubakar Yunusa Ahmad) – First Reading.
3. National HIV Trust Fund (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1881) (Rep. Ibrahim Makama Misau) – First Reading.
4. Tertiary Education Trust Fund Act (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1882) (Rep. Beni Lar) – First Reading.
5. Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1883) (Rep. Ganiyu Abiodun Johnson) – First Reading.
6. Standards Organization of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1884) (Rep. Ganiyu Abiodun Johnson) – First Reading.
7. Federal University of Environmental Sciences, Bekwarra, Cross River State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1885) (Rep. Legor Idagbo) – First Reading.
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ORDERS OF THE DAY
BILLS
1. A Bill for an Act to Establish Maritime University, Okerenkoko; and for Related Matters (HB. 1133) (Senate) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Peter Akpatason.
The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the Committee of the Whole
2. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Examination Malpractices Act, Cap. E15, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the Examination Malpractices Bill to Expand Offences Relating to Examination Malpractices and Prescribe Adequate Punishment; and for Related Matters (HB. 1735) (Rep. Olarewaju Ibrahim Kunle) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Ibrahim Olanrewaju moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Jimoh Olajide.
The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Basic Education and Services.
3. A Bill for an Act to Amend the University Teaching Hospitals (Reconstitution of Boards Etc.) Act, Cap. U15, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Restructure the Composition of the Governing Board, Review the Nomenclature of the Heads of the Hospitals, Redefine the Qualifications of the Heads of the Hospitals, Provide a Definite Tenure of Office of the Heads of the Hospitals, including Students of Health Sciences in the Training Programmes of the Hospitals and include Hospitals Established Post–Enactment of the Extant Legal Framework in the Schedule; and for Related Matters (HB. 1221) (Rep. Bamidele Salam) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Bamidele Salam moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Abdullahi Halims.
The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Health Institutions.
4. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Nigerian Military Academy, Umuoma (Okpo), Igbo-Eze North, Enugu State to be a Military Institution with Power to Award Degrees in accordance with the Academic Standards prescribed by the National Universities Commission; and for Related Matters (HB.1573) (Rep. Simon Chukwuemeka Atigwe) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Chukwuemeka Atigwe moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Toby Okechukwu.
The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to House Committee on Defense.
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MOTIONS
5. Need to Investigate the Duplication of Functions of Agencies of the Federal Government:
Rep. Tahir Mohammed Monguno:
The House:
Notes that Section 153(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) established certain Federal Executive Bodies and Section 4(2) of the 1999 Constitution empowers the National Assembly to repeal obsolete laws and enact new ones for the good governance of the Federation;
Aware that Nigeria has been gaining on the world index of Ease of Doing Business (EDB) rising from the 145th position in 2019 to 131st in 2020, hence there is a need to consolidate on this improvement;
Worried that with the existence of about 1,484 Agencies, Departments, Boards, Parastatals and Corporations in the country with the attendant duplication of functions and clash of interests, there is a likelihood of the latest World Bank annual ratings to slide considerably;
Believes in the need for stock-taking and review the functions of all government Agencies:
Resolves to:
Set up an Ad-hoc Committee to:
(i) investigate duplication of duties, overlapping functions and counter-productivity of established Agencies, Departments, Boards, Parastatals and Corporations in the country;
(ii) ascertain root cause analysis of the regular bickering among some established Agencies, Departments, Boards, Parastatals and Corporations in the country;
(iii) establish areas of mergers, synergies and justification of the existence of some established Agencies, Departments, Boards, Parastatals and Corporations, which are no longer needed in the country and report back within six (6) weeks for further legislative action.
Debate
Rep. Mohammed Monguno moved the motion on the need to investigate the duplication of functions of agencies of the federal government and it was seconded by Rep. Leke Abejide.
Rep. Monguno in leading the debate stated that one of the fundamental means of the practical sustainability of government’s endeavours is in counting the cost of governance. He bemoaned the duplicity of agencies and their functions which constitute a high drain on the functions, cost and responsibility of government, which in turn has a derogatory effect on the effect of good governance.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
6. Call for Investigation to Ascertain the Status of Returned Artifacts in Nigeria:
Rep. Ibrahim A. Isiaka:
The House:
Notes that after several years, most countries are gradually returning artifacts and artworks looted from Nigeria during the colonial era, which have been on display in museums across the world;
Recalls the role of the National Assembly through a Motion on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 calling for an investigation of Nigeria’s lost artifacts for which an Ad-hoc Committee was constituted to ensure the return of those artifacts;
Believes that with the gradual return of the masterpieces, there is a need to acknowledge the role played by the House of Representatives on the historical outcome of their efforts;
Resolves to:
Reconstitute the Ad-hoc Committee on Stolen Artefacts from the country to liaise with relevant stakeholders to ascertain the current status of stolen Nigerian Artefacts and report back within Twelve (12) weeks for further legislative action.
Debate
Rep. Ibrahim Isiaka moved the motion on the call for the investigation to ascertain the status of returned artifacts in Nigeria and it was seconded by Rep. Haruna Mshelia.
Rep. Isiaka stated that the Ad-Hoc Committee earlier saddled with ascertaining the status of the recovered artifacts in the previous House could not complete the assignment before the expiration of its tenure. He however stated that the 9th House of Representatives seeks to ensure the level of the work done, true status and location of the artifacts are ascertained.
The Deputy Speaker, Rep. Ahmed Wase advised Rep. Isiaka to call for the constitution of a new Ad-Hoc Committee of the present House to handle the investigation as it would be difficult to incorporate the precise work of the Committee constituted in the previous House to the resolution of the present motion.
Rep. Ahmed Jaha then proposed an amendment to constitute an Ad-Hoc Committee to ensure the work is done in the period of the present House.
The motion was voted on and adopted as amended.
7. Urgent Need to Provide Emergency Clinics along Federal Highways Across the Federation:
Rep. Mallam Bukar Gana:
The House:
Notes that Road traffic accidents have become a global public health concern but not enough attention is given to it in terms of public health enlightenment and strategic policies by the government to achieve sustainable control;
Also notes that although some accidents are inevitable, a lot can be done to minimize fatalities through the establishment of functional road traffic clinics across the States of the federation;
Aware that the Federal Government is constitutionally bound to protect lives and properties of its citizens by providing security and essential amenities amongst others, and Section 10(3)(q) of the Federal Road Safety Commission Act empowers the Federal Road Safety Commission to provide roadside and mobile clinics for the free treatment of road accident victims within the nation;
Also aware that the Federal Road Safety Commission was established to, amongst other things, rescue road accident victims from the crash site, administer first aid treatment, and operate road accident clinics to treat minor accident cases and stabilize critical victims before transferring them to the nearest hospitals;
Concerned that there are only forty-seven traffic accident clinics across Nigeria, fifteen of which are furnished but non-functional, fourteen (14) are not furnished and non-functional, while only 18 are furnished and functional;
Also concerned that according to the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS), 11,363 accidents were recorded in 2016 with a total number of 30,105 injured victims out of which 28,250 were adults, 1,855 were children, while 5,053 people lost their lives;
Worried that the deplorable state of major highways and reckless driving occasioned by over speeding, drunkenness, and total disregard of traffic rules by commuters have contributed to incessant road accidents, and the country requires functional clinics to prevent needless deaths;
Also worried that the available roadside clinics are grossly insufficient to cater for the medical needs of commuters as the functional ones are poorly managed, and commuters will continue to die needlessly for lack of immediate medical attention;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Government to establish and adequately equip more Emergency Clinics for Road Accident Victims on Federal highways across the Federation;
(ii) also urge the Federal Road Safety Commission to liaise with the Federal Ministry of works and Housing, and States Emergency Management Authorities to ensure that accident victims receive quick medical attention;
(iii) mandate the Committee on Federal Road Safety Commission to ensure compliance.
Debate
Rep. Bukar Gana moved the motion on the urgent need to provide emergency clinics along federal highways across the federation and it was seconded by Rep. Abdulkadir Rahis.
Rep. Jimoh Olajide proposed an amendment to prayer 1 to change the term “emergency clinics” to “mobile clinics” for more efficiency.
The motion was voted on and adopted as amended.
8. Need to Construct Rail Tracks to Dangote Refinery, Lagos:
Rep. Akinola Moshood Kayode:
The House:
Notes that the Dangote Group is constructing a refinery in the Lekki Free Zone in Lagos-State, which is projected to be a 650,000 barrels per day, integrated refinery and petrochemical facility, and is expected to be Africa’s biggest oil refinery as well as the world’s biggest single-train facility upon completion;
Also notes that the refinery is expected to process a variety of light and medium grades crude oil to produce Euro-V quality clean fuels including gasoline and diesel as well as jet fuel and polypropylene;
Further notes that the refinery, upon completion, will double Nigeria’s refinery capacity as well as provide job opportunities for thousands of Nigerians;
Aware that the refinery has access roads, pipeline systems, tank storage facilities, crude oil, and product handling facilities, thus high traffic is expected on that axis;
Concerned that considering the usual heavy traffic situation on the Lekki axis of Lagos State, the influx of activities that the Dangote refinery will bring would result in serious traffic congestion, hence an alternative means of transportation needs to be provided to prevent unending gridlocks;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Government to construct a rail track to the Dangote Refinery to mitigate the traffic gridlocks that may arise with the use of only road transportation by constructing Rail Tracks to Dangote Refinery, Lagos;
(ii) mandate the Committees on Works and Land Transport to ensure compliance.
Debate
Rep. Kayode Moshood moved the motion on the need to construct rail tracks to Dangote refinery, Lagos and it was seconded by Rep. Adebayo Balogun.
Rep. Adebayo Balogun proposed an amendment to prayer 1 of the motion to urge the Federal government to construct the rail tracks to the whole free trade zone in Lagos State and not just the Dangote refinery alone.
The motion was voted on and adopted as amended.
9. Need to Complete the Hajj Terminal of the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, Sokoto:
Rep. Balarebe Shehu Kakale Rep. Maishinko Mani
Rep p. Balarabe Abdullahi Salame Rep. Mohammed Saidu Bargaja
Rep. Kokani Bala Rep. Jega Muhammed Umar
Rep. Yakubu Muhammad Bello Rep. Ibrahim Tukura Kabir
Rep. Yusuf Tanko Sununu Rep. Hassan Bello Shinkafi
Rep. Kabiru Yahaya Rep. Ahmed Muhammad Bakura
Rep. Ahmed Shehu Rep. Abubakar Sulaiman Gumi
Rep. Kabiru Yahaya Rep. Sani Umar Dan-Galadima:
The House:
Notes that the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, Sokoto is the third busiest airport in the North and a major International passenger feeder to Abuja and Kano with its strategic location in the Northwestern aerospace of Nigeria, and plays a strategic role in growth and economic development of the Nation;
Also notes that the Airport has the largest Hajj Terminal serving three States with additional aviation auxiliary functions to Abuja, Kano, Kaduna and Kebbi Airports and handling over 10,000 International Hajj and Umrah passengers annually;
Aware that considering the strategic importance of the Airport, contracts were awarded in 2013 to upgrade and build a standard Hajj terminal as required by National and International Aviation Regulations;
Concerned that nine years after the award, the Hajj Terminal is still under construction with dire need of necessary facilities such as access roads, parking spaces, lightings, fence, offices, and other public conveniences;
Also concerned that the acute shortage of operational and security staff and personnel, the non-functioning approach Lighting System for night movements, lack of perimeter fencing and other Aviation safety and security infrastructure at the Airport will hamper operations, especially considering the fast-approaching 2022 Hajj;
Cognizant that the single lane Airport Access Road needs to be dualized, with street lights as well as security gadgets including patrol vehicles, and other passenger safety measures ought to be installed especially as regards COVID-19 protocols;
Commend Gugari, Amanawa, Fatakori, Bagarawa, Kolalo, Dan Dogo, Ruggar kura, Tuntube, Tsehe, Gangarau, Girgiri, Shuni, Ruggar Busau, Madorawa and Gidan Boiyya communities for their continued support and vigilance in terms of security at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, Sokoto State;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Government to intensify efforts to complete the International Hajj Terminal, adequately equip and repair all faulty Aviation Navigation and safety instruments at the Sultan Abubakar Internal Airport, Sokoto State before the commencement of the 2022 Hajj;
(ii) mandate the Committees on Aviation and Pilgrimage Affairs to ensure compliance.
Debate
Rep. Balarabe Kakale moved the motion on the need to complete the Hajj terminal of the Sultan Abubakar III International airport, Sokoto and it was seconded by Rep. Shehu Balarabe.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
10. Urgent Need to Replace the Power Sub-Station (Power Plant) at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH):
Rep. Dachung Musa Bagos:
The House:
Notes that Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) is a health institution providing medical services and training of medical students, it also experienced an influx of patients and receives a large number of patients based on referrals from other hospitals that are not equipped or certified to handle some certain ailments;
Also notes that Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) was established in 1975 as a Federal Government general hospital and currently has eight faculties with an average yearly student intake of 3,500;
Aware that on 21 February 2022 a fire outbreak occurred at the Jos University Teaching Hospital powerhouse due to power surge and protection failure which led to the destruction of power plants;
Also aware that the fire outbreak destroyed equipment worth hundreds of millions of naira while some of the staff are currently receiving medical treatment;
Also concerned that one of the staff of the works department on night duty inhaled too much carbon monoxide gas, has been unconscious and presently in ICU receiving treatment;
Concerned that at the moment there is a total power blackout which is already affecting the efficacy of work thereby slowing necessary treatments which ought to be given to patients both on admission and outdoor patients;
Also concerned that some key activities will be paralyzed if swift action in ensuring the immediate restoration of power is not restored within the shortage possible time;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Health to immediately replace the burnt down equipment through special intervention;
(ii) also urge the Federal Ministry of Power to urgently install new power plants and restore power supply to the teaching hospitals;
(iii) mandate Committees on Health Institutions to investigate the cause of the fire outbreak and the extent of damage and report back within two (2) weeks;
(iv) also mandate Committees on Health Institutions and Power to ensure compliance.
Debate
Rep. Dachung Bagos moved the motion on the urgent need to replace the power sub-station (power plant) at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and it was seconded by Rep. Benjamin Kalu.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
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CONSIDERATION OF REPORT (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE) Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase Chared:
11. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of National Child Protection and Enforcement Agency; and for Related Matters (HB. 288) Committee of the Whole: 29/10/2019.
Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Peter Akpatason stated that the Bill seeks to establish the National Child Protection and Enforcement Agency that was passed by the previous House, but not concurred to by the Senate. The Bill he stated was recommitted for speedy consideration and passage. He urged members to approve its consideration so it can be speedily re-transmitted to the Senate to ensure the establishment of the all-important agency for the good and protection of the Nigerian child.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-22
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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 House Leader, Rep. Peter Akpatason and seconded by Rep. Beni Lar.
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Adjournment:
The House at 13:13 adjourned plenary till Thursday, March 3rd, 2022 by 11:00 following a motion for adjournment moved by the Deputy House Leader, Rep. Peter Akpatason and seconded by the Minority Whip. Rep. Gideon Gwani
Courtesy:
Media Unit, Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives.
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