Plenary proceedings of the House of Representatives for Wednesday, October 6th, 2021

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 Tuesday, October 5th, 2021
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ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT:loo
Presentation of 2022 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday, October 7th, 2021 by 12:00 Pm

2. Announcement of the Membership of the Nigeria- Italy parliamentary friendship group (joint with the Senate) to be chaired by Rep. Dauda Zakaria (on the part of the House). It consists of 6 members from the Senate and 6 members from the House of Representatives.

3. Announcement of the Membership of the Nigeria-Jordan parliamentary friendship group to be chaired by Rep. James Owolabi
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PUBLIC PETITIONS

1. Rep. Taiwo Oluga laid a petition from a complainant who was unlawfully disengaged from the Nigeria police. He sought the intervention of the House to either get his reinstatement or get his retirement benefits.

2. Rep. Haruna Isa Dederi laid 2 petitions on behalf of 2 law firms, one is against the Nigeria customs service and the other is against the Presidential Amnesty Program coordination.
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MOTION OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

1. Rep. Musa Sarki Adar moved a motion on the urgent need to address the worsening security situation in Sokoto state at the moment and it was seconded by Rep. Mohammed Tahir Monguno.

Rep. Musa Adar decried the worsening security situation in Sokoto state which is a fallout of fleeing bandits from neighbouring Zamfara and Katsina states. The situation has become so bad that no week goes by without sporadic attacks on different communities in Sokoto state where the fleeing bandits have found a haven for carrying out their nefarious activities. Rep. Sarki Adar stated that up to three different Nigerian IDP camps exist in neighbouring Niger Republic. The confidence of the bandits has become so brazen that they now carry out their activities in broad daylight and in large numbers with total disregard for the presence of the personnel of the deployed special security/military task team. The consequence of this, Rep. Sarki Adar stated is the loss of confidence in the government security structure by residents of the region. He called on all security agencies to deploy all available resources and personnel they can spare to quell the insecurity in the region. He further called on the House Committee on Refugees and Displaced Persons to ensure the return of displaced Nigerians in Niger Republic. Rep. Sarki Adar further called on the Ministers of Defence and Police Affairs to appear before the House and brief it on mechanisms being employed to tackle the menace. He then called on the House to set up an Ad-Hoc Committee to visit flash spots and commiserate with the victims.

The motion was voted on and adopted.
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Admittance into the Chamber:
Rep. Garba Alhassan Ado:
“That the House, pursuant to Order Twenty-One, Rule 8 (1) and (2) of the Standing Orders, do admit the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and his entourage to address a Joint Sitting of the National Assembly on Thursday 7 October, 2021 at 12:00 Noon, for the purpose of presenting the 2022 Budget Estimates”.

Debate
Rep. Mohammed Wudil acting on behalf of of the House leader moved the motion for admittance into the Green Chamber of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and his entourage to address a Joint Sitting of the National Assembly on Thursday 7 October 2021 at Noon, to present the 2022 Budget Estimates and it was seconded by Rep. Abubakar Hassan Fulata.

The motion was voted on and adopted.
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PRESENTATION OF BILLS

1. Federal Road Safety Commission Road Marshal Assistants Training School (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1619) (Rep. Akinfolarin Mayowa Samuel) – First Reading.

2. Federal Road Safety Commission Command and Staff College (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1620) (Rep. Akinfolarin Mayowa Samuel) – First Reading.

3. Federal Road Safety Commission Inspectorate Training School (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1621) (Rep. Akinfolarin Mayowa Samuel) – First Reading.

4. Federal Road Safety Commission Academy (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1622) (Rep. Akinfolarin Mayowa Samuel) – First Reading.

5. Passengers Rights Bill, 2021 (HB. 1623) (Rep. Raheem Tunji Olawuyi) – First Reading.

6. Food Processing and Preservation Centres (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1624) (Rep. Raheem Tunji Olawuyi) – First Reading.

7. Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Ayedun, Kwara State (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB.1625) (Rep. Raheem Tunji Olawuyi) – First Reading.

8. Public Accounts Tribunal (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1626) (Rep. Oluwale Oke) – First Reading.

9. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1627) (Rep. Alex Egbona) – First Reading.

10. National Assembly Service Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021(HB. 1628) (Rep. Alex Egbona) – First Reading.

11. Federal College Agriculture, Abi, Cross Rivers State (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1629) (Rep. Alex Egbona) – First Reading.

12. Federal Polytechnic, Akugbene (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1630) (Rep. Mutu Nicholas Ebomo) – First Reading.

13. Petitions to the National Assembly (Procedure) Bill, 2021(HB. 1631) (Rep. Nkem Uzoma-Abonta) – First Reading.

14. Federal Medical Centre, Illeh Ekpoma, Edo State (Establishment) (HB. 1389) (Rep. Joseph Eghoghon Edionwele) – First Reading.

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PRESENTATION OF REPORTS

1. Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions:
Rep. Munir Baba Dan Agundi:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions on a Bill for an act to Establish Federal Universities of Agriculture and Technology, Kwale and Damaturu to make Comprehensive Provisions for their Due Management and Administration; and for Related Matters (HB. 1290) (Referred: 10/6/2021).

The report was laid following a motion moved by Rep. Munir Dan-Agundi and seconded by Rep. Mustapha Aliyu.

 

2. Committee on Public Petitions:
Report of the Petition by Ex PC Ojo Aiyeetan:
Rep. 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 the unlawful dismissal from the Force” (Referred: 16/2/2021).

 

The report was laid following a motion moved by Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso and seconded by Rep. Henry Nwawuba

3. Committee on Public Petitions:
Report of the Petition by Salama Chambers on behalf of Aliyu Sahabi Yar’abba:
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Aliyu Sahabi Yar’abba on the Compliant to Investigate Conspiracy and Banking Fraud by Salama Chambers on behalf of Aliyu Sahabi Yar’abba against Diamond Bank” (Referred: 4/2/2020).

 

The report was laid following a motion moved by Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso and seconded by Rep. Henry Nwawuba

 

4. Committee on Public Petitions:
Report of the Petition by Martins Akinlawon Ayodele and John Olumide Awoseyi:
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Martins Akinlawon Ayodele and John Olumide Awoseyi against the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NPHDC) on Non-regularization of Employment and Non-payment of Salaries and Emolument for Station Staff of NPHDC, Sapele Power Station, Delta State” (Referred: 12/12/2019).

 

The report was laid following a motion moved by Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso and seconded by Rep. Henry Nwawuba

 

5. Committee on Public Petitions:
Report of the Petition by Tyowanye Community:
Hon. Jerry Alagbaoso:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Tyowanye Community to Facilitate the Diversion of High Voltage Transmission Corridor of Mambilla Hydro-Power Projects away from Tyowanye Township/Market in Shorov Council Ward” (Referred:23/3/2021).

 

The report was laid following a motion moved by Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso and seconded by Rep. Henry Nwawuba

 

6. Committee on Public Petitions:
Report of the Petition by National Directorate for Employment (NDE) 2017 Batch A:
Hon. Jerry Alagbaoso:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by National Directorate for Employment (NDE) 2017 Batch A against the Management of NDE, Gombe State, a Letter for Compliant and Request of Payment for State Beneficiary Trainees” (Referred: 17/3/2021).

The report was laid following a motion moved by Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso and seconded by Rep. Henry Nwawuba

 

7. Committee on Finance:
Hon. James Abiodun Faleke:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Finance on the
0Revised Federal Government of Nigeria 2022–2024 Medium Term Expenditure Frame Work (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP)” (Laid:5/10/2021)- Committee on Supply.

 

The report was laid following a motion moved by Rep. James Faleke and seconded by Rep. Magaji Da’u Aliyu.
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ORDERS OF THE DAY

BILLS
1. A Bill for an Act to Establish the National Agricultural Development Fund to Provide Funds for Agricultural Development; and for Related Matters (HB.1319) (Senate)(Leader) – Second Reading.

 

Debate
Rep. Mohammed Wudil moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Abubakar Fulata.

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

 

 

2. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Psychiatric Hospital, Budo-Egba, Kwara State; and for Related​Matters (HB. 1593) (Senate)(Leader) – Second Reading.

 

Debate
Rep. Mohammed Wudil moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Abubakar Fulata.

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

 

 

3. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Airports Authority Act, Cap. F5, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Empower the Authority to Recognize the Environmental Challenges facing all the Communities Around Nigerian Airports and therefore Engage and Involve the Communities in their Development Plans; and for Related Matters (HB. 1500) (Rep. Ganiyu Abiodun Johnson) – Second Reading.

 

Debate
Rep. Ganiyu Johnson moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Dan Asuquo.

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

 

 

4. A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to Incorporate the National Human Rights Commission as one of the Federal Executive Bodies; and for Related Matters (HB. 1498) (Rep. John Dyegh) – Second Reading.

 

Debate
Rep. John Dyegh moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Mohammed Umar Jega.

The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the Special Ad-Hoc Committee on the Review of the Constitution.

 

5. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Industrial Training Fund Act, Cap. I,9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 for the Purpose of Empowering the Fund to Design, setup and Operate Guidelines for the Training, Certification, Nationwide at States, Local Government Areas and Ward Levels and to Establish Area Registries for Maintaining Up-to-date Registers of Certified Artisans and Technicians in all Fields and in all Parts of the Federation; and for Related Matters (HB. 1447) (Rep. Patrick Nathan Ifon) – Second Reading.

 

Bill stepped down by leave of the House due to the absence of its sponsor.

 

 

6. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Motor Vehicle (Third Party Insurance) Act, Cap. M22, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Proffer Stiffer Penalties to conform with Contemporary Realities; and for Related Matters (HB. 994) (Rep. Francis Charles Uduyok) – Second Reading.

Debate
Rep. Francis Uduyok moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Gideon Gwani.

The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Insurance and Actuarial Matters.
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MOTIONS

7. Rescission of Clauses 10, 27, 28 and 29 of the Federal University of Education, Kontagora (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (HB.1136) Pursuant to Order Nine, Rule 1(6) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives:
Rep. Abubakar Hassan Fulata:

The House:

Notes that Federal University of Education, Kontagora (Establishment) Bill, 2020 was passed by the House on 25 March 2021 and same passed by the Senate on 18 December 2019;

Also notes that Clause 10 which is a transitional provision, carried the marginal notes “Transfer of Property” and was placed in Part II with the heading “General Fund, Transfer of Property Etc. to the University and Condition of Service of Employees;

Observes that the Bill as passed has no Savings and Transition Provisions, as the University is established to upgrade the existing Federal College of Education, Kontagora;

Aware that the Bill was sent to the Directorate of Legal Services for cleaning and in the course of cleaning same observed the absence of key Provisions that will strengthen the Institution, if established;

Cognizant of the need for a Saving Provision to preserve the rights, obligations and other liabilities of the Institution that the Bill seeks to transit;

Desirous of the need to addressed the observations by the Legal Services Directorate and make necessary amendments;

Resolves to:

Rescind its decision on Clauses 10, 27, 28 and 29 of Federal University of Education, Kontagora (Establishment) Bill, 2020 as passed and commit same to the Committee of the Whole for Reconsideration.

 

 

Motion stepped down by leave of the House to allow for further procedural clarification.

 

 

8. Illegal Arrest, Detention and Brutalization of Peaceful Protesters:
Rep. Ndudi Elumelu:

The House:

Notes that Chapter Four of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) guaranteed the Fundamental Human Rights of Nigerian citizens;

Also notes that Section 34(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 states that “no person shall be subjected to torture or inhuman or degrading treatment”, while 34(b) provides that no person shall be held in slavery or servitude;

Aware that on 1 October 2021 some Nigerian youths assembled peacefully as guaranteed by section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, at Dantata Bridge, Airport Road, Abuja to demand good governance, transparency and end the menace of insecurity in the country;

Also aware that peaceful protests represent a policy feedback mechanism by which citizens express their discontent with governments inhuman or degrading policies that subtract from their rights as national stakeholders.

Worried that a detachment of armed anti-riot policemen led by ASP Altine Daniel arrived at Dantata Bridge and violently opened fire on the peaceful protesters to disperse them.

Concerned that some of the protesters were arrested by the officers of the Nigerian Police Force and beaten to stupor while others chased into the bush in violation of section 34(a) of the Constitution;

Also worried that four of the protesters were arrested and allegedly taken to Galadimawa Police Station, later moved to the FCT police command and to date denied access to either their families or their Lawyers;

Further worried that such illegal detention of citizens held incommunicado brought to mind the draconian Military Decrees and speaks of barbaric conducts of past years under the current democracy;

Disturbed that the Nigerian policemen who are supposed to be protecting the lives and properties of innocent Nigerians as well as enforcing the laws of the land as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic are now in the habit of violating the rights and privileges of citizens;

Also disturbed that there have been series of allegations of human rights violation, extrajudicial killings, intimidation and harassment of Nigerians by the Police Force, some of these allegations triggered the End SARS Protest;

Cognizant that if these excesses of the Police are not curtailed and erring Officers called to order, it could lead to a mass rebellion by the people against the government, hence the need for an urgent investigation;

Resolves to:

(i) Condemns the deprivation of the fundamental rights and illegal detention of citizens without access to legal representation;

(ii) mandate the Committee on Police Affairs to investigate the allegations and interface with the Leadership of the Nigerian Police Force for the immediate release of the four arrested innocent Nigerians and report back within four (4) weeks.

 

Debate
Rep. Ndudi Elumelu moved the motion on illegal arrest, detention and brutalization of peaceful protesters and it was seconded by Rep. Gideon Gwani.

Rep. Elumelu called for the House Committee on Police Affairs to duly investigate the case and report back to the House.

The Deputy Speaker of the House, Rep. Ahmed Wase in speaking against the motion, stated that due to the heightened insecurity in the nation; the police were trying to ensure the breakdown of law and order is not perpetrated. He clarified that the gathering was not a peaceful protest but it prevented peaceful Nigerians from going about their lawful businesses. Rep. Wase also stated that the incident is being used as a tool to make the police look bad while carrying out their legitimate duties of keeping law-abiding citizens safe. Rep. Ahmed Wase stated that any peaceful protesting group with placards and conducting themselves in an orderly fashion usually get the protection of the police.

Rep. Toby Okechukwu reminded members that it is an investigation that calls for the guarantee of the rights of Nigerians as enshrined by law. He stated that any activity that breaks the law should be subjected to due process. The investigation, he stated aims to ensure there is no violation of human rights on fair trial/hearing. Protracted and undue detention, Rep. Okechukwu stated also promotes more anger and anarchy from the populace, which the country does not need at the moment.

The Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila sought clarification on whether people were killed as a result of direct gunshots from the police or the shots were fired in the air? He stated that parliamentarians need to be careful to avoid unwitting support for violent uprising in the name of protesters.

The motion was voted on but negatived.

 

 

9. Need to Ascertain the Position of Nigeria’s Submission to the United Nation’s Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS):
Rep. Legor Idagbo:

The House:

Notes that Article 76 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) allows the Coastal States to make additional claims from 200 nautical miles to a maximum of 350 nautical miles beyond the State’s Continental Shelf;

Also notes that on 7 May, 2009 Nigeria submitted a proposal for extension of her continental shelf to the United Nation’s Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS);

Aware that when a state proves, through scientific information backed by data and argument, that the sea bed and the subsoil of the marine area of its territorial waters extend beyond 200 nautical miles exclusive economic zone, the United Nations Convention allows such additional claim to a maximum of 350 nautical miles;

Also aware that the Federal Government of Nigeria had constituted an Inter-Ministerial Technical Committee coordinated by the National Boundary Commission to work out the modalities for achieving the continental shelf extension;

Appreciates that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria had on 5 November 2015, set up a Presidential Committee to ensure that Nigeria’s proposal at the UN receives a favourable consideration;

Recognizes that Continental Shelf, when extended beyond the 200 nautical miles of the Exclusive Economic Zone, would extend Nigeria’s sovereignty and give her exploration and exploitation rights over the coastal marine resources and will help boost her revenues;

Also recognizes that the Continental Shelf extension will extend Nigeria’s naval activities, national security on the sea, the sea bed and airspace;

Resolves to:

(i) Commend the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for setting up and mandating a high Powered Presidential Committee to pursue the actualization of the Continental Shelf extension;

(ii) invite the High Powered Presidential Committee headed by the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Inter-Ministerial Technical Committee coordinated by the National Boundary Commission and the United Nations Resident team to brief the House on the status of the Continental Shelf Project;

(iii) mandate the Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration to closely follow up the continental shelf extension project and provide a quarterly report to the House.

 

Debate
Rep. Legor Idagbo moved the motion on the need to ascertain the position of Nigeria’s submission to the United Nation’s Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) and it was seconded by Rep. Babajimi Benson.

The motion was voted on and adopted.

 

 

10. Need to Create an Economic Revenue Roadmap for the Future of Nigeria
Rep. Dennis Idahosa:

The House:

Notes that the oil and gas sector is Nigeria’s biggest revenue-generating sector, accounting for over 65% of the total revenue of the country with a production capacity of 25 million barrels per day;

Also notes that with rapid technological advancement, the demand for fossil fuel and hydrocarbons is declining as countries like Sweden, China, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and many others have begun taking actions towards utilizing renewable energy;

Concerned that the consequences of a sharp decline in demand for fossil fuel and hydrocarbons on Nigeria will be catastrophic, if careful and intentional precautions are not taken to secure the future of the country;

Aware that the country has come up with futuristic plans in the past like the Vision 20:2020 but the desired result was not fully achieved;

Cognizant that Nigeria has numerous potential sources of revenue, and if attention is not given on them early enough, they will be of no overall benefit to the country;

Also cognizant that experts have stated that the viability of fossil fuels and hydrocarbons is speculated to last for another 20 years, which gives enough time to utilize and redirect the resources gained from oil and gas towards other sectors of the economy for the overall benefit of the nation;

Resolves to:

Mandate the Committee on National Planning and Economic Development, and Finance to liaise with relevant stakeholders with the mandate to provide a 10-year framework for the utilization of current resources towards developing other sectors and report back within 12 weeks for further legislative action.

 

Motion stepped down by leave of the House due to the absence of the mover.

 

 

 

11. Need to Establish Fire Fighting Quick Response Station on Federal Highways Across the Country:
Rep. Taiwo Olukemi Oluga:

The House:

Notes that the Federal Government established the Federal Road Safety Corps with the principal objective of preventing accidents and generally ensure safety on all highways in Nigeria;

Also notes that the Fire Service was established with the overall objective of extinguishing, controlling and prevention fire, saving and protecting lives and property and performing other humanitarian causes;

Observes that despite efforts of the Federal Government, accidents still occur on the highways, some of which lead to fire explosions that result in the loss of lives and properties;

Also observes that when such ghastly accidents which lead to fire explosions occur, there is often no quick response from the firefighting or road safety agency as they mostly do not have firefighting equipment handy on the highways;

Aware that on 22nd June 2021, many vehicles were burnt beyond redemption after a tanker laden with fuel burst into flames on Ogere Axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, leading to loss of lives and properties and resulting in terrible traffic gridlock due to lack of equipment to put out the fire and evacuate the debris from the Federal Highway;

Recalls that on October 26, 2019, the Vanguard Newspapers reported that over 153 Nigerians died as a result of fuel tanker accidents from January 2019 to October 2019;

Resolves to:

(i) Urge the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Federal Fire Service to liaise and establish Fire Fighting Stations on all Federal Highways to ensure prompt rescue during fire accidents on the roads;

(ii) also urge the Federal Road Safety Corps to increase supervision on trucks transporting petroleum products as well as other highly flammable products to avoid overloading and to ensure compliance with safety standards to prevent and reduce accidents that have the potential of resulting in explosions on the highways;

(iii) mandate the Committees on Federal Road Safety Commission and Interior to ensure compliance.

 

Debate
Rep. Taiwo Oluga moved the motion on the need to establish fire fighting quick response stations on Federal highways across the country and it was seconded by Rep. Adeyemi Taofeek.

The motion was voted on and adopted.

 

 

12. Need to Review Remunerations of Judicial Officers and Increase the Statutory Transfer to the Nation’s Judiciary:
Rep. Onofiok Akpan Luke:

The House:

Notes that the salary of judicial officers was last reviewed by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) in 2007 when the official exchange rate was N124 to $1 and the minimum wage was N5,000, and considering inflationary pressure and other economic factors that have depreciated the value of the Naira by over 60 per cent, the salary of judicial officers have become totally at variance with current economic realities;

Also notes that thirteen (13) years after the salary review of judicial officers, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, who is the most senior judicial officer in the country, earns N279,497 monthly, the Justices of the Supreme Court and the President of the Court of Appeal earns N206, 425 monthly; Justices of the Court of Appeal earns N206, 425 monthly, while Judges of the Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, FCT High Court, State High Courts, FCT Sharia Court of Appeal, FCT Customary Court of Appeal, Khadis of State Sharia Courts of Appeal and State Customary Courts of Appeal all earn N1.8 million each as their annual salary;

Further notes that the non-remuneration of judicial officers is partly caused by making the remuneration of judicial officers with political and public office holders in the same law;

Aware that Part I of the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Code of Conduct Tribunal Act restrains Judicial Officers from generally receiving gifts and operating private businesses except farming, and the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers further limits engagements of Judicial Officers by restricting them from maintaining certain social relationships and commenting publicly, all with the aim of insulating judicial officers from any form or semblance of corrupt practices and improper conduct;

Disturbed that it is unfair, unconscionable, unjust and unrealistic that in the face of the several restrictions on the conduct of judicial officers, the judicial officers receive a meagre salary when compared with prevalent economic realities, thereby rendering them vulnerable to corruption;

Also aware that the budget for the judiciary has remained at N110 billion since 2017, while the total budget size has continued to grow, leading to gross underfunding and neglect of the Judiciary over the years, which have affected productivity, increased frustration, and deflated the morale of judicial officers and staff;

Cognizant of the enormous and expanding responsibilities of the Judiciary owing to the country’s increasing population of over 200 million people and the attendant financial implications for building new courts and refurbishing the existing ones aimed at greater access to justice by the people for effective and efficient justice delivery;

Also cognizant that the Judiciary as an independent arm of government, the Executive does not have the constitutional power to reduce or review the budget of the Judiciary but only to submit to the National Assembly the exact budget as proposed by the Judiciary in conformance to the Constitution and constitutional practices of advanced democracies;

Worried that poor remuneration of judicial officers is a serious threat to the judiciary, which is a critical institution of the state and starving them of funds compromises their foundational functions and could present misfortune for our democracy as the Judicial Officers may not maintain impartiality and independence in the discharge of their judicial functions;

Resolves to:

(i) Urge the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to immediately review the remuneration of judicial officers in line with present economic realities;

(ii) also urge the Federal Government to, in line with judicial autonomy, accede to the increase in Statutory transfer to the judiciary in the coming fiscal year;

(iii) mandate the Committee on Judiciary to work towards an amendment of the Certain Political, Public and Judicial Office Holder (Salary and Allowances, Etc.) Act, by removing the remunerations of judicial officers from that of political and public office holders as well as ensure compliance with the aforementioned resolutions and report back within six (6) weeks for further legislative action.

 

Debate
Rep. Onofiok Luke moved the motion on the need to review remunerations of judicial officers and increase the statutory transfer to the nation’s Judiciary and it was seconded by Rep. Tijani Ismail.

The motion was voted on and adopted.

 

 

 

 

13. Urgent Need to Investigate the Award of Contracts for the Refurbishment of Refineries in Nigeria by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC):
Rep. Henry Nwawuba:

The House:

Notes that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is adding value to the nation’s hydrocarbon resources in the drive for socio-economic growth of the country;

Also notes that contracts awarded by the NNPC must comply with Local content laws which mandate foreign companies to show a robust and viable Local content plan to promote and safeguard the development and growth of Nigerian Companies;

Also notes that by the participation of Nigerian contractors in such opportunities, the capacity of such local companies are strengthened especially in terms of capacity development and creating employment opportunities with a positive multiplier effect on the economy;

Further aware that in the contract award for Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipeline which is a 614km-long natural gas pipeline being developed by the NNPC, Local Content laws were fully adhered to as BRENTEX and Oil served as the Nigerian local content counterparts with duly signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOU);

Concerned that NNPC allegedly awarded the contract for the refurbishment of Warri and Kaduna refineries to SAIPEM and Tecnimont respectively without the submission of their local content plan for the contract’s execution and sustainable maintenance;

Also concerned that the NNPC, which is known for appreciable commitment to the rule of law, respect for individuals and local contractors would begin to manifest such indistinct tendencies of economic sabotage, particularly at the highest level of her management by ironically disregarding the Nigerian government’s efforts to ensure local content development;

Further concerned that after refurbishing the refineries, the running maintenance contracts will be handled by SAIPEM and Tecnimont, which means that all the money spent by NNPC in that regard will be transferred abroad, thus leading to capital flight;

Worried that the glaring deliberate abuse of the Nigerian Content Development Act by the NNPC and the contract awarded to foreign companies have caused untold economic hardship to indigenous contractors who employ Nigerian citizens;

Cognizant that if urgent action is not taken to call NNPC to order, the situation may degenerate to both legal and civil actions capable of undermining the relative peace currently subsisting between the corporation and Nigerian contractors;

Resolves to:

Mandate the Committee on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring to investigate the matter report back within two (2) weeks for further legislative action.

 

Debate
Rep. Henry Nwawuba moved the motion on the urgent need to investigate the non-compliance to local content laws in the award of contracts for the refurbishment of refineries in Nigeria by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and it was seconded by Rep. Nkeiruka Onyeajeocha.

Rep. Ahmed Wase proposed and an amendment to urge the House Committee on Petroleum UpstrL am and Local Content to investigate the issue. He specifically called on the House Committee on Local Content to step up its activities and do diligent work as prescribed by the mandate given it from the House of Representatives, so that such issues are not caught when it’s already late. He stated that had this been done; the issue would have been adequately addressed by the committee and would not have to be brought on the floor of the House.

Rep. Legor Idagbo stated that NNPC did not adequately take into cognizance the local content plan of SAIPEM before the award of the contract which goes to disenfranchise Nigerians.

Rep. Toby Okechukwu called on the Local Content Committee of the House to still investigate the terms and conditions of the contract, even though the contract has been awarded. The terms should then be queried if found culpable of the local content laws.

The motion was voted on and adopted as amended

14. Need to Complete the Abandoned National Primary Healthcare Centre in Igbogbo, Ikorodu Federal Constituency:
Rep. Babajimi Benson:

The House:

Notes that as part of efforts to improve on health service delivery to the people Ikorodu Federal Constituency in Lagos State, a National Primary Healthcare Centre was to be established in 2006 in Igbogbo;

Aware that the groundbreaking of the National Primary Healthcare Centre (NPHC), Igbogbo took place in 2006 during the administration of the then President Olusegun Obasanjo but was abandoned 75 percent to its completion;

Also worried that the uncompleted building is now dilapidated, without serving its purpose and the drugs supplied ahead of the completion of the NPHC have expired;

Cognizant that if the Federal Government do not take urgent steps to complete the National Primary Healthcare Centre, Igbogbo and put it to use, all the previous allocations and human resources deployed to the facility would be wasted;

Resolves to:

(i) Urge the National Primary Health Care Development Agency to include the funding for completion of the National Primary Healthcare Centre, Igbogbo, in the 2022 budget estimate;

(ii) also urge the Committee on Appropriations to make available funding for the completion of the centre;

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

 

Debate
Rep. Babajimi Benson moved the motion on the need to complete the abandoned National Primary Healthcare center in Igbogbo, Ikorodu Federal Constituency and it was seconded by Rep. Christopher Okwodili.

Rep. Babangida Ibrahim proposed an amendment to delete prayer 1 and amend prayer 2 to add the term ‘where necessary’ to make provision for more funding.

The motion was voted on and adopted as amended.
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CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY) Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila presiding:

15. Committee on Finance:
Hon. James Abiodun Faleke:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Finance on the Revised Federal Government of Nigeria 2022–2024 Medium Term Expenditure Frame Work (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid:5/9/2021)- Committee on Supply.

(i) that the aggregate expenditure of N16. 39 trillion be approved;

(ii) that the retained revenue of N10.3 trillion be approved;

(iii) that the Fiscal Deficit of N635.4 billion be approved;

(iv) that the Budget Office of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning be commended for insisting that Ministries Department and Agencies (MDAs) submit their revenue profile as a premise for being captured in the 2022 budget proposal.

Synopsis of the report:
Rep. James Faleke stated that the amendments were received from the presidency and referred to the House Committee on Finance and the Committee made the necessary recommendations on the amendments.

Summary of voting:
Recommendations voted on and approved: 1-4
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HOUSE IN PLENARY
The House reverted to plenary and adopted the recommendations of the report of the committee of supply following a motion by Rep. Mohammed Wudil and seconded by Rep. Babangida Ibrahim.
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CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE) Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase presiding:

16. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal University of Environmental Technology, Saapenwa Ogoni; and for Related Matters (HB. 1219) (Senate) (Leader) – (Committee of the Whole: 25/3/2019).

Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and carried: 1-28

 

 

17. A Bill for an Act to Establish 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.

Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Abubakar Fulata stated that the Bill was passed by the last Assembly but did not receive Presidential assent. The concern from the presidency which borders on the provision of funds has been corrected and he urged members to approve the amendments

Summary of voting:
Clause voted on and carried: 27

 

18. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi Act, Cap. A 1, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004; and for Related Matters (HB.924) (Rep. Abubakar Hassan Fulata) – Committee of the Whole: 23/9/2021.

Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Abubakar Fulata stated that the Bill needed amendments on some issues such as the assurance of property rights as well as to combat the menace of intellectual theft and plagiarism, this he state has been corrected and hence urged members to approve the amendments.

Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and carried: Amendments 1,5,11

 

19. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Usman Dan Fodio University Sokoto Act, Cap. U 14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (HB.925) (Rep. Abubakar Hassan Fulata) – Committee of the Whole: 23/9/2021.

Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Abubakar Fulata stated that the Bill needed amendments on some issues and this has been taken care of. He urged members to approve the amendments.

Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and carried:1-6

 

20. A Bill for an Act to Amend the University of Maiduguri Act, Cap. U 10, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004; and for Related Matters (HB.926) (Rep. Abubakar Hassan Fulata) – Committee of the Whole: 23/9/2021.

Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Abubakar Fulata stated that the Bill needed amendments on some issues and this has been taken care of. He urged members to approve the amendments.

Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and carried 1-6

 

21. Committee on Justice:
Rep. Ozurigbo Ugonna:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Justice on a Bill for an Act to Establish South–West Development Commission charged with Responsibility, among others, to Receive and Manage Funds from Allocation of the Federation Account, including Donations and Gifts, the Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of Roads, Houses and other Infrastructural Damages Suffered by the Region and the Need to Tackle the Ecological Problems and any other Related Environmental or Developmental Challenges in the South West States; and for Related Matters (HB.597) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid:25/3/2021).

Consideration of report stepped down by leave of the House.

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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. Mohammed Wudil and seconded by Rep. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.
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Rep. Abubakar Fulata moved for the suspension of the relevant rules of the House to allow it to adopt the votes and proceedings of the day and it was seconded by Rep. Gideon Gwani.

The motion was voted on and adopted.

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Adjournment:
The House at 15:40 adjourned plenary till Thursday, October 7th, 2021 by 11:00 following a motion for adjournment moved by Rep. Mohammed Wudil and seconded by Rep. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.

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