The Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila presiding.
After leading the opening prayer and the National Pledge, the Speaker went on to examine and approve the votes and proceedings for Tuesday, September 28th, 2021
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PUBLIC PETITIONS
1. Rep. Haruna Dederi laid three petitions from a law firm on behalf of three constituents who complained wrongfully dismissed from service; recovery of N180 million debt; and the unjust treatment of a constituent during his academic pursuits.
The three petitioners craved the intervention of the House for justice.
The petitions were referred to the House Committee on Public Petitions.
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MOTION OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
1. Rep. Ibrahim Isiaka moved a motion on the urgent need to investigate the skyrocketing prices of commodities and services in response to the outcry of Nigerians and it was seconded by Rep. Abubakar Bichi.
Rep. Isiaka in leading the debate expressed worry at the continuing growth of inflation indexes, sometimes reaching up to 100% increase on prices of commodities. He called on the leadership of the House to set up a special Committee comprising of the leadership of the House and selected members of the House to launch an investigative hearing with all key stakeholders in the country, in a bid to finding out the root cause of the problem. He also asked the leadership to use the findings of the proposed investigative hearing to engage with the stakeholders and the Federal government in a bid to come up with policies and strategies to ensure that a drastic reduction in prices of goods and services is achieved. He also called on the House Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.
Rep. Ndudi Elumelu proposed an amendment to the prayers of the motion, pointing out that as an investigative motion; the prayer should be to set up the Committee and investigate the root cause analysis. The other two prayers on policies and strategies should be encompassed as the scope of the investigative hearing.
Rep. Toby Okechukwu called for a more narrow and more specific scope to the motion in order to achieve the aim of the motion.
Rep. Ben Igbakpa stated that the effects of skyrocketing prices are a failure of price control policies of the government. He called for the internal production of goods and services, instead of being a consumer nation alone.
Rep. Leke Abejide clarified that the aim of the investigative hearing will be to expose the root causes of the high inflation rates and hopefully correct them once and for all, a view also shared by Rep. Munir Dan-Agundi.
The motion was voted on and adopted as amended.
The membership of the Special Committee was announced and it is to be chaired by the Deputy Leader of the House, Rep. Peter Akpatason
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PRESENTATION OF REPORT
1. Ad-hoc Committee Investigating the Governing Lease of Federal Government Owned Assets
Rep. Daniel Asuquo:
“That the House do receive the Interim Report of the Ad-hoc Committee Investigating the Governing Lease of Federal Government Owned Assets (Referred: 21/12/2020).
The report was laid following a motion moved by Rep. Daniel Asuquo and seconded by Rep. John Dyegh.
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ORDERS OF THE DAY
BILLS
1. Consolidation of Bills:
(a) A Bill for an Act to Establish Entrepreneurship Development Bank of Nigeria and to charge it with the Responsibility, among other things to provide Medium and Long Term Finance for Indigenous Small Businesses; and for Related Matters (HB.188) (Rep. Benjamin O. Kalu); and
(b) A Bill for an Act to Establish Nigerian Entrepreneurship Development Bank to Provide for Establishment of Nigerian Entrepreneurship Development, Encourage Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Small Scale Enterprises in Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB.1386) (Rep. Olalekan Rasheed Afolabi).
Debate
Rep. Ademorin Kuye moved for the consolidation of the two Bills and it was seconded by Rep. Jimoh Olajide.
The Bill was voted, approved for consolidation and the House Committee on Rules and Business was asked to schedule a date for the commencement of the debate on the Bill.
2. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Education, Omuo, Ekiti State; and for Related Matters (HB. 1559) (Senate) – Second Reading.
Bill stepped down by leave of the House
3. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Psychiatric Hospital, Budo-Egba, Kwara State; and for Related Matters (HB. 1593) (Senate)(Leader) – Second Reading.
Bill stepped down by leave of the House
4. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, Cap. M8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004; and Enact the Medical and Dental Practitioners Bill; and for Related Matters (HB. 1468) (Senate) (Leader) – Second Reading.
Bill stepped down by leave of the House
5. A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Third Alteration) Act, 2011 to provide for Establishment of the Code of Conduct Tribunal as part of the Judicature under the Constitution in order to Ensure its Independence; and for Related Matters (HBs. 961 and 999) (Rep. Solomon T. Bob and Rep. Olajide Olatunbosun) – Second Reading.
Bill stepped down by leave of the House
6. A Bill for an Act to Establish Chartered Institute of Islamic Finance Professionals to Regulate the Activities of Members of the Profession; and for Related Matters (HB. 457) (Rep. Jimoh Abdulraheem Olajide) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Jimoh Olajide moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Ali Adeyemi.
Rep. Olajide in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks to establish the legal framework for the administration of the institute and ensure potential members have the right capacity to function and to make for proper administration.
The Bill was voted, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Tertiary Education and Services.
7. A Bill for an Act to Provide a Legal Framework for Establishment of National Roots and Tubers Production, Processing and Research Institute, Zing, Taraba State; and for Related Matters (HB. 1513) (Rep. Kasimu Bello Maigari) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Maigari moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Paschal Obi.
The Bill was voted, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions.
8. A Bill for an Act to Establish Decontamination Centre Within Each of the Thirty – Six (36) States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria charged with Responsibility of Cleaning, Disinfecting and Sterilization of Medical Devices and Instruments prior to Re-use with a view to Preventing Transmission of Iatrogenic Infection also called Hospital Acquired Infection; and for Related Matters (HB. 581) – (Rep. Ajilesoro Taofeek Abimbola) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Taofeek Abimbola moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Lawrence Ayeni.
The Bill was voted, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Health Services.
9. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Notaries Public Act, Cap. N141, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to review upward the penalty imposed for Malfeasance and other Offences under the Act; and for Related Matters (HB. 1259) (Rep. Sergius Ose Ogun) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Sergius Ogun moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Babajimi Benson.
Rep. Ogun in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks to amend sections 15 and 16 of the Act to make application of convictions (to increase fines and prison time) more in tandem with current realities.
The Bill was voted, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Justice.
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MOTIONS
10. Need to Investigate Alleged Extortions and Sundry Charges on Airfreighting and Agro-Export Businesses in Nigeria:
Rep. Toby Okechukwu:
The House:
Notes the Federal Government’s interest in economic diversification and promotion of non-oil exports;
Also notes that Nigeria is a signatory to various regional, continental and global trade arrangements such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA);
Further notes the investigative report in the September 23, 2021 edition of the Guardian Newspaper which alleged that foreign cargo airlines were departing Nigeria empty due to extortion and multiple charges;
Cognizant of Nigeria’s huge agro-export potential, with 22 non-oil products worth over $150 billion in export value yearly already penciled in the new export promotion programme of the Federal Government;
Aware that export is supposed to be free in Nigeria under extant laws and regulations, except for the airline’s charges and payments to ground handlers;
Worried by recent reports that 11 out of 16 sundry charges lined up against air cargo are illegal and that official bottlenecks, extortion, exorbitant and multiple charges are discouraging cargo airlines from operating in Nigeria as they prefer cargos from other African countries which offer them more favourable conditions;
Concerned about Nigeria’s import-to-export airfreight ratio imbalance, which is estimated at 87:13 and also that Nigeria’s agro-allied market potential worth over $250 billion is wasting away, while local exporters are fast abandoning the multi-billion dollars’ worth agro-export business;
Resolves to:
(i) Condemn all charges and actions that are debilitating air cargo exports in Nigeria;
(ii) mandate the Committees on Finance, Aviation, and Agricultural Production and Services to investigate the issues adversely affecting air cargo freighting in Nigeria and report back within two (2) weeks for further legislative action.
Debate
Rep. Toby Okechukwu moved the motion on the need to investigate the alleged extortions and sundry charges on airfreighting and Argo-export business in Nigeria.
Rep. Ndudi Elumelu proposed an amendment to delete prayer 1 of the motion and leave prayer 2 as a stand-alone prayer.
Rep. Leke Abejide proposed an amendment to the prayer to mandate the House Committee on Customs and Excise to be the lead Committee on the investigation. He also called for the incorporation of all relevant government agencies to be called up.
The motion was voted and adopted as amended.
11. Need to Enforce Compulsory Teaching of Moral Lessons and Orientation Subjects/Courses in Nigeria’s Educational Curricula:
Rep. Uju Kingsley Chima:
The House:
Notes that good morals and proper orientation are indisputable basic components of child upbringing and training, thus a lack of it, especially in young people, would result in societal decay;
Recalls that Moral Instructions was a compulsory subject in Nigeria Schools curricula in the past;
Worried that due to the removal of Moral Instructions from the school system, the current generation of youths lack the benefits of such lessons, and may end up as nuisances in the society;
Cognizant that with the increasing rate of violence and various forms of immorality in recent times, the need for reintroduction and enforcement of the teaching of Moral Lessons and Orientation Subjects/Courses in Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Institutions cannot be overemphasized;
Also cognizant that the reintroduction of moral lessons and proper orientation will keep rebuilding good morality in the younger generation and provide proper orientation for future generations;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Ministries of Education, Youth and Sports Development, the National Orientation Agency and other relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies to collaborate with a view to reintroducing Moral Instructions as a compulsory subject in the school curricula as well as develop effective orientation for the school system;
(ii) mandate the Committees on Basic Education and Services, Tertiary Education and Services, and Youth Development to ensure compliance.
Debate
Rep. Uju Chima moved the motion on the need to enforce compulsory teaching of moral lessons and orientation subjects/courses in Nigeria’s educational curricula and it was seconded by Rep. Oluyemi Taiwo.
The motion was voted and adopted.
12. Need to Look into the Debt Crisis in the Aviation Industry:
Rep. Alli Adeyemi Taofeek:
The House:
Notes that the Aviation Industry plays a pivotal role in providing a rapid worldwide transportation network, which makes it essential for global activities;
Also notes that the Industry generates economic growth, creates employment and facilitates international trade and tourism and other essential services, like defence;
Also aware that the Nigerian Government has invested massively in the aviation sector thereby heightening the expectations of stakeholders;
Informed that the Hon. Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika had raised concerns over billions of naira debt owed agencies, like the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) by Airlines;
Disturbed that the debt claims and counterclaims are misleading, unprofessional, unethical and strongly deviate from the tenets of transparency and accountability;
Cognizant of the need to investigate the debt crisis in the Aviation Industry and other related matters to straighten the records and proffer lasting solutions to the debt crisis in the Industry;
Resolves to:
Mandate the Committee on Aviation to investigate the claims and counterclaims regarding the issues of debts within six (6) and report back for further legislative action.
Debate
Rep. Alli Taofeek moved the motion on the need to look into the debt crisis in the aviation industry.
The motion was voted and adopted.
13. Need to Curb Illegal Mining in Ijeshaland, Osun State:
Rep. Lawrence Babatunde Ayeni:
The House:
Notes that the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act was passed into law on March 16, 2007 to regulate the exploration and exploitation of solid minerals in Nigeria;
Also notes that the Act vests the control of all properties and minerals in Nigeria in the State and prohibits unauthorized exploration or exploitation of minerals;
Observes that under the Land Use Act, all lands in which minerals have been found in commercial quantities are acquired by the Federal Government and that any property with mineral resources shall pass from the Government to the person by whom the mineral resources are lawfully won, upon their recovery;
Concerned about reported cases of illegal mining activities going on in Ijesha South Federal Constituency of Osun State;
Aware that llesa, which is part of Ijeshaland, is known to have large deposits of gold in commercial quantities and other minerals in considerable proportions;
Worried that over the past few years, certain individuals and unverified companies have embarked on exploration activities across Ijeshaland, and their activities have caused untold hardship to the villagers who have been forcefully displaced and dispossessed of their lands by the miners;
Also worried that the excavation of the area may expose the people to environmental hazards/natural disaster such as landslide, earthquakes, erosion, formation of sinkholes, loss of biodiversity and contamination of soil, groundwater and surface water by chemicals released during the mining processes;
Disturbed that if necessary measures are not put in place to check illegal mining, it may result in the breakdown of law and order as the original inhabitants of Ijeshaland who are being deprived access to their heritages may embark on self-help to recover their lands;
Resolves to:
Mandate the Committee on Solid Minerals Development to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development to ascertain the authorized and licensed miners within Ijesha South Federal Constituency and report back within six (6) weeks for further legislative action.
Debate
Rep. Lawrence Ayeni moved the motion on the need to curb illegal mining in Ijeshaland, Osun state and it was seconded by Rep. Abimbola Taofeek.
The motion was voted and adopted.
14. Need to Fund the Completion of the Federal Medical Center, Makurdi Benue State:
Rep. Mzondu Benjamin Bem:
The House:
Notes that the Federal Medical Center, Makurdi, Benue State was established in 1995 in line with the Federal Government’s policy to provide at least one tertiary health care in each state of the federation that does not have a Federal University Teaching Hospital;
Aware that there are over twenty-two (22) Federal Medical Centers all over the country and as a general policy, most of the Centres are situated in the state capital, especially where the apex secondary health institution being run by the state does not adequately meet the demands for specialist healthcare for the citizenry;
Also aware that the Federal Medical Center, Makurdi is the only Federal Government-owned tertiary health facility in the state that renders medical services to neighbouring states and is currently being housed in five different locations across Makurdi, the state capital as a result of inadequate funding to complete the permanent site, a development that makes its operation very difficult, cumbersome and expensive;
Further aware that Makurdi is a transit capital that links the Northern and Southern parts of Nigeria, and therefore handles enormous cases of accidents resulting from traffic volumes, hence the need to relocate the hospital to its permanent site to effectively enhance its proper management and operational activities;
Worried that medical facilities in Benue state are already overstretched as a result of the recurring clashes, hence the need for the Federal Government to release funds to enable the Federal Medical Centre relocate to its permanent site;
Cognizant that operating the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi is becoming a huge challenge to effective delivery of health care services to Nigerians from five different sites across the State Capital;
Also cognizant that unless the Federal Government takes urgent steps by releasing funds for the completion of the permanent site, more lives will continue to be lost as a result;
Observes that the current facilities and buildings housing the Center, especially the one at Atiku Abubakar road, has existed for over seventy (70) years as it was formerly a general hospital building, whose architectural designs were not meant to house a federal medical centre as they are obsolete and dilapidated;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Health to include the funding of the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi in the 2022 budget estimates
(ii) also mandate the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.
Debate
Rep. Ben Mzondu moved the motion on the need to fund the completion of the Federal Medical Center (FMC) Makurdi, Benue State.
Rep. Ndudi Elumelu proposed an amendment to urge the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Health to include the cost of the completion of the FMC in Makurdi in the 2022 budget estimates, and that the House committee on appropriation should ensure compliance.
The speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila asked the Clerk of the House to ensure the letters went out to the respective Ministries as a resolution of the House before the close of work today.
The motion was voted and adopted as amended.
15. Need to Investigate the Deteriorating Conditions of Nigerian Police Training Colleges:
Rep. Zayyad Ibrahim:
The House:
Notes that sequel to the Federal Government’s initiatives and commitment to tackle the shortage of manpower and the prevalent menace of insecurity afflicting the nation, the President, Muhammadu Buhari approved the recruitment of Sixty Thousand (60,000) police personnel across the seven hundred and seventy-four (774) Local Government Areas, translating into ten thousand (10,000) personnel in a year;
Recalls that the Inspector General of Police, on 15 September 2021 revealed that the 2020 recruitment exercise has not been actualized, therefore, twenty thousand (20,000) personnel are expected to be recruited before the end of this year;
Aware that in September 2019, Senate summoned the Hon. Minister of Police Affairs over the deteriorating conditions of the Colleges with most of them dilapidated states and inadequate to conveniently and efficiently accommodate trainees of such magnitude;
Cognizant of the effect on the health, morale, and productivity of trainees, urgent steps need to be taken in accordance with the provisions of Section 9 Sub-section (d, e, and j) of the Nigerian Police Act to renovate facilities at the Police Training Colleges;
Resolves to:
Mandate the Committee on Police Affairs to investigate the matter and report back within two (2) weeks.
Debate
Rep. Zayyad Ibrahim moved the motion on the need to investigate the deteriorating conditions of Nigeria police training colleges and it was seconded by Rep. Obinna Chidoka.
The motion was voted and adopted.
16. Devastating Effect of Floods in Offa, Oro-Ago, Erin-Ile in Ifelodun, Offa, Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State:
Rep. Tijani kayode ismail
The House:
Notes that Oro-Ago and Erin-Ile in Ifelodun, Offa, Oyun Local Government Areas of Kwara State are heavily populated communities who are predominantly farmers and traders;
Also notes that on 22 September 2021, there was a downpour in the communities leading to heavy flooding which destroyed livestock and properties;
Further notes that the flood destroyed farms and thirty-five (35) fish pounds worth over 30 million of naira, a Hotel, Station Road/Paka area, Erin-Ile, Oro -Agon, Oki-Oyo Ifelodun respectively;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to mobilize to the affected areas and provide relief materials to the victims;
(ii) mandate the Committee on Disaster Management and Preparedness to visit the affected areas and quantify the level of destruction to properties and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
Debate
Rep. Tijani Ismail moved the motion on the devastating effects of floods in Offa, Oro-Ago, Erin-Ile in Ifelodun, Offa, Oyun local government area of Kwara state and it was seconded by Rep. Lawrence Ayeni.
The motion was voted and adopted.
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CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE) Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila presiding:
Rep. Ndudi Elumelu observed that honourable members do not have copies of the reports for consideration. As a result of the information, Rep. Ademorin Kuye, Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business applied for items 17 and 18 on the Order Paper (consideration of report) to be stepped down.
17. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of a Specialized National Dermatology Hospital, Garkida, Management Board for the Hospital, provide Dermatological Treatment, Research and Training; and for Related Matters (HB.1382) (Senate) (Leader) – Committee of the Whole:13/7/2021.
Consideration of report stepped down by leave of the House
18. Committee on Tertiary Education and Services:
Rep. Aminu Suleiman:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Tertiary Education and Services on a Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal College of Education (Technical) Ako, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State; and for Related Matters (HB 430) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid:1/7/2021).
Consideration of report stepped down by leave of the House
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The proceedings of the day was examined and adopted by the Speaker to enable the Clerk of the House to dispatch the letters arising from an earlier adopted motion to the Federal Ministry of Finance and Health.
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Adjournment:
The House at 13:40 adjourned plenary to Thursday, September 30th, 2021 by 11:00 following a motion for adjournment moved by Rep. Babangida Ibrahim and seconded by Rep. Obinna Chidoka
Courtesy:
Media Unit, Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives.
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