The Deputy Speaker of the House, Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase presiding.
After leading the opening prayer and the National Pledge, the Deputy Speaker approved the votes and proceedings for Wednesday, December 8th, 2021
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ANNOUNCEMENT
All Honorable members are invited to an important engagement at the International Conference Center, on Monday, November 13th, 2021 by 9:00 Am. The engagement is organized by the Nigeria Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies.
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PETITIONS
1. Rep. Sergius Ogun laid 2 petitions from two complainants. The first is on the non-payment of his benefits upon his reinstatement by the Nigeria police while the second is on the unruly conduct of the zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). They craved the intervention of the House in resolving the issues.
2. Rep. Unyime Idem laid two petitions from two complainants. The first is appealing for reinstatement into the Nigeria Police over wrongful termination of service, and the second is over unpaid salaries and benefits. They craved the intervention of the House in resolving the issues.
All petitions referred to House Committee on Public Petitions
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MOTIONS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
1. Rep. Ndudi Elumelu moved the motion on the urgent need to scrutinize the operations of real estate developers in Nigeria and it was seconded by Rep. Taiwo Oluga.
Rep. Elumelu in leading the debate bemoaned how the developers take advantage of Nigerians seeking to own their own houses by scamming them of their hard-earned funds by either providing substandard housing that does not stand the test of time, or those that collapse, or with fictitious claims that never materialize into buildings at all. Rep. Elumelu called on the already set up Ad-Hoc Committee on real estate developers to ensure thorough scrutiny of the operations of these real estate developers.
Rep. Ibrahim Isiaka proposed an amendment to the motion that the House observes a minute silence for all who have lost their lives in collapsed buildings.
The motion was voted on and adopted as amended.
2. Rep. Mohammed Bargaja moved a motion on the urgent need to arrest the incessant killings in Sokoto state and it was seconded by Rep. Umar Jega.
Rep. Bargaja in leading the debate expressed dismay at the incessant killings and kidnappings of Nigerians in Sokoto state by bandits that have become too frequent. He bemoaned the high rate of insecurity in the region. Rep. Bargaja also urged the House to set up an Ad-Hoc Committee to investigate the remote causes of these unabated acts of banditry in Sokoto state. He further called on the Chief of Army staff to immediately deploy more military personnel to the state to put a lasting end to the menace.
Rep. Kakale proposed an amendment to include the affected Local Governments in Zamfara and Kano states as it is a regional menace going on.
The motion was voted on and adopted as amended.
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PRESENTATION OF BILLS
1. Abuja Environmental Protection Board (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1768) (Rep. Mohammed Tahir Monguno) – First Reading
2. Nigerian Maritime Zones Bill, 2021 (HB. 1779) (Senate) – First Reading.
3. Tertiary Hospitals Development Fund Bill, 2021 (HB.1780) (Senate) – First Reading
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ORDERS OF THE DAY
BILLS
1. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Chartered Institute of Business Educators of Nigeria; and for Related Matters ((HB. 582) (Rep. Henry O. Archibong) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Henry Archibong moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Charles Uduyor.
Rep. Archibong in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks to add quality to the qualification of education in business. It also seeks to regulate the business education sector as is obtainable internationally.
The Deputy Speaker of the House, Rep. Ahmed Wase expressed worry whether the functions of the institution will not duplicate already existing institutions.
Rep. Archibong clarified that the institute will not require funding from the government, but contributory funds from members when they get chartered.
The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Tertiary Education and Services.
2. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Immigration Act, Cap. I1, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Provide for Payment of all Monies Received by the Service into the Federation Account in accordance with Section 162 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), to Establish the Nigerian Immigration Patrol Border Patrol Agent as a specialized Directorate in the Nigeria Immigration Service to Patrol, Maintain Surveillance, Conduct Borderline, Watch and Prevent Persons from Entering or Leaving Nigeria without Permission and to Provide for Deployment of Border Technology to Facilitate the Prevention of Illegal Migrants through Nigeria’s Porous Borders; and for Related Matters (HBs.201, 774 and 1156) (Rep. Dachung Musa Bagos, Rep. Benjamin Bem Mzondu and Rep. Armayau Abdulkadir) – Second Reading.
Second reading of the Bill stepped down by leave of the House.
3. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Upgrade and Conversion of Iron and Steel Company Clinic, Ajaokuta to Federal Teaching Hospital, Ajaokuta to Provide Facility for Healthcare Services and Medical Training for students of Federal University, Lokoja; and for Related Matters (HB.1207) (Rep. Lawal Muhammed Idirisu) – Second Reading.
Second reading of the Bill stepped down by leave of the House for further consideration.
4. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the National War College Act, Cap.N82, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the National Defence College Bill; and for Related Matters (HB. 1143) (Rep. Aminu Ashiru Mani) – Second Reading.
Second reading of the Bill stepped down by leave of the House
5. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Labour Act, Cap. L1, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to make Provision for Establishment of Creches in every Public or Private (Health, Educational, Industrial or Commercial, Etc.) Workplace for employees who are Breast Feeding/Nursing Mothers; and for Related Matters (HB. 1438) (Rep. Sergius Ogun) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Sergius Ogun moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Haruna Mshelia.
Rep. Sergius in leading the debate stated that the establishment of hygienic crèches is advised by international health organizations for working mothers who perform exclusive breastfeeding. He stated that the 4 months of maternity leave in the existing labour laws will not be enough for such willing mothers to perform exclusive breastfeeding.
The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity.
6. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission Act, Cap. N117, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004; and for Related Matters (HB. 868) (Rep. Dozie Ferdinand Nwankwo) – Second Reading.
Second reading of the Bill stepped down by leave of the House
7. A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to make the Vice President and Deputy Governors Act for the President and Governors respectively in official functions; and for Related Matters (HB. 997) (Rep. Olajide Olatubosun) – Second Reading.
Second reading of the Bill stepped down by leave of the House
8. A Bill for an Act to Establish Forensic Science University of Nigeria, Erin– Ile, Kwara State and to make Comprehensive Provisions for its Due Management and Administration; and for Related Matters (HB. 1754) (Rep. Tijani Ismail Kayode) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Tijani Kayode moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Fatoba Steve Olusola.
Rep. Kayode in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks to ensure the institution provides an education that can enhance forensic science and provide a sanitized forensic/audit sector. This he stated is to ensure due transparency and accountability in Nigeria is maintained.
The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Tertiary Education and Services.
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MOTIONS
9. Need to Complete the Rehabilitation of Paki Dam in Ikara Local Government Area of Kaduna State:
Rep. Hamisu Ibrahim:
The House:
Notes that the primary purpose of construction of Dams is for storage and retention of water in a large quantities and subsequently released for irrigation, hydropower, recreation, water supply and flood prevention;
Also notes that it is a policy of the Federal Government of Nigeria to diversify the economy to agriculture to increase food production and improve the food security of the country;
Informed that the Paki Dam rehabilitation was awarded to Water Resources and Engineering Construction Agency (WRECA) in 2003, the rehabilitation commenced and but abandoned without any justifiable reason, equally, on 10 May 2014, the Upper Niger Development Authority paid a visit to the location for assessment of the contract but found out that nothing has been done to date;
Worried that the non–completion of the rehabilitation project affected the dry season farming on which the affected community depended on this has led to a significant shift from higher to lower quantity of production of agricultural products;
Aware that the Paki Dam, if rehabilitated it will meet the demand of the affected community by producing large quantities of farm products like rice, wheat and vegetable as well as an increase in fish farming and provide a range of economic, environmental, and social benefits to the community;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and the Upper Niger Development Authority to take all the necessary actions to complete the project;
(ii) mandate the Committee on Water Resources to ensure compliance.
Debate
Rep. Hamisu Ibrahim moved the motion on the need to complete the rehabilitation of Paki Dam in Ikara local government area of Kaduna state and it was seconded by Rep. Shehu.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
10. Urgent Need to Investigate the Clandestine Operations of the Agencies Responsible for Land Allocation, Administration and Development Control in the Federal Capital Territory:
Rep. James Adisa A. Owolabi:
The House:
Notes that the Federal Capital Territory occupies about 8000 square kilometers of land, out of which Abuja city covers about 250 square kilometers;
Also notes that access to land plays a significant role in influencing the rate of housing supply and the Department of Development Control of the Federal Capital Territory Administration controls and regulates lands and building constructions in the FCT metropolis;
Further notes that in 2003, the Federal Government computerized the master plan of Abuja and all the cadastral maps into the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS), and the agency was vested with the responsibility to control all land registrations and administration in the Federal Capital Territory;
Aware that the policies of AGIS and that of the Department of Development Control are intended to curb multiple allocation and cadastral manipulation that bedevilled the previous land management system in the FCT;
Concerned about difficulties in acquiring land in Abuja, including stiff misapplication of development control laws that clearly hinder affordable housing supply, particularly to the low–income segment of the city’s housing market, and the overall development of Abuja;
Also concerned that indigenes, in collaboration with law enforcement agents and the officials of the Department of Development Control often trespass on plots of land to plant economic trees with the intent of seeking compensation for both land and the economic trees which have already been paid for by the government during the acquisition of the lands;
Disturbed that AGIS has now developed the practice of conspiring with outsiders to forge documents to ease the transfer/release of Certificate of Occupancy of plots of land to people who are not the original owners of such plots;
Worried that the Abuja Geographic Information System and the Department of Development Control are alleged to be involved in forgery, multiple allocations, bribery, fraud, nepotism and other sharp practices;
Also worried that many Nigerians who acquire plots of Land in the FCT may have died while awaiting final approval of the Department of Development Control for the structure/design of their intended buildings for between 2 to 5 years without achieving the desired results;
Resolves to:
Set–up an Ad–hoc Committee to investigate the activities of the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) and the Department of Development Control, with a view to checkmating the clandestine activities of officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
Motion stepped down by leave of the House to enable further consideration.
11. Need to Address the Prolonged Malfunctioning of the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON):
Rep. Ahmed Munir:
The House:
Notes that the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) aids Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) in the radar scope to improve safety in the airspace, without which Air Traffic Controllers are unable to access the image of aircraft and may resort to manual procedures which could be inaccurate, thereby increasing the likelihood of near misses or collisions of aircraft;
Also notes that TRACON became operational in 2010 with five years support service agreement and an unlimited supply of spares with Thales Company, but was discontinued in 2015 by the National Airspace Management Agency (NAMA);
Concerned that since the termination of the contract with Thales in 2015, TRACON has been functioning without an upgrade and their equipment have been degenerating as they have not been undergoing needed maintenance;
Also concerned that presently, the radar system operates without a back–up, and if it breaks down, Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) would resort to manual procedures which put pilots and passengers as well as other unsuspecting persons in grave danger;
Informed that the Director of Electronics and Engineering Services of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), recently raised concerns over the safety of Nigeria’s airspace which he claimed lacked proper maintenance, resulting in degradation of TRACON which plays a significant role in airspace safety;
Cognizant that the President of the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) has cautioned that, owing to poor maintenance and lack of spare parts, TRACON has become flawed in its functionalities thereby endangering flight operations in the country;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Aviation and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to ensure prompt upgrade of the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) equipment;
(ii) mandate the Committee on Aviation to ensure compliance.
Debate
Rep. Ahmed Munir moved the motion on the need to address the prolonged malfunctioning of the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) and it was seconded by Rep. Umar Abdulkadir.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
12. Need to Ascertain the Progress of Poverty Alleviation and Youth Empowerment Programs in the Country:
Rep. Dennis Idahosa:
The House:
Notes that youth empowerment initiatives are aimed at re-engineering youth potentials and energies for peace, stability, reduction of poverty, unemployment, criminality and for the effective implementation of collective security and social development;
Also notes that Nigerian youths have been involved in self–help projects in various Local Government Areas including trade, commerce, agriculture, and war against drug abuse, among others;
Further notes that youth empowerment plays a vital role in the society which include improved social skills, improved behaviour, national security, increased academic achievement and increased self–efficacy;
Concerned that those benefits have not been properly harnessed as a result of unemployment, poverty, civil disorder, large scale violence, and insurgency, all of which are inimical to national and social development;
Also concerned that despite the implementation of various poverty alleviation, youth empowerment programs and projects such as the Accelerated Agriculture Development Scheme, the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund, the Youth Empowerment Development Program by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the National Business Skills Development Initiative by Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), the Youth Entrepreneurship Support, the Youth Ignite Program by the Bank of Industry (BOI), and SURE–P among others, Nigeria’s unemployment rate keeps rising as about 23.2 million Nigerians are currently unemployed;
Alarmed by claims by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development that the Federal Government has expended over $5bn since 2016 to fight poverty in the country;
Worried that despite such huge funding as claimed by the Federal Government, the programs have failed to achieve the purpose for which they were established and the lack of adequate attention, funding, and empowerment of the youth and their various projects denies them an opportunity to learn, improve their skills and utilize those skills for the betterment of the country;
Also worried that if the failure of those programmes are not investigated and a lasting solution provided, it may lead to a total collapse of the national security sector, and could foreshadow a longer term of endangerment to the quality of the country’s labour force and human capital needed to bring about a sustainable economy;
Resolves to:
(i) Set up an Ad–hoc Committee to investigate the failure of existing empowerment initiatives created to ameliorate the unemployment and insecurity challenges among the youth with a view to proffering sustainable solutions to address the challenges and report back to the house within twelve (12) weeks for further legislative action;
(ii) mandate the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.
Motion stepped down by leave of the House
13. Need to Connect Idogo Rail Line in Ogun State to the Lagos–Kano Standard Gauge Railway:
Rep. Kolawole Lawal:
The House:
Notes the Federal Government’s railway modernization initiative in Nigeria project which is aimed at replacing the existing narrow gauge system with a wider standard gauge system while allowing high–speed train operations on the railway network;
Also notes that Idogo in Ogun State is a border town that connects the southwest and Nigeria at large to the neighbouring Republic of Benin;
Concerned that the rail line in Idogo area of Yewa South Local Government, which was a major route for the transportation of agricultural products and other goods and services from Ogun State to other parts of Nigeria and neighbouring countries, has been moribund for years now;
Cognizant that resuscitation of the railway line by including it in the Federal Government’s standard gauge railway modernisation project will boost economic activities in the area, and thus improve the economy of Ogun State and the country as a whole;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Transportation to connect Idogo Rail Line in Ogun State to the Lagos–Kano Standard Gauge Railway;
(ii) mandate the Committee on Land Transport to ensure compliance.
Debate
Rep. Kolawole Lawal moved the motion on the need to connect Idogo rail line in Ogun state to the Lagos–Kano standard gauge railway and it was seconded by Rep. Abdulganiyu Johnson.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
14. Need to Unlock Bank Branches in Jama’are/Itas/Gadau Local Government Areas of Bauchi State:
Rep. Bashir Uba Mashema
The House:
Notes that Jama’are/Itas/Gadau is one of the few places in Nigeria denied access to commercial banking services in any form as there is no presence of even one bank in the whole area;
Aware that about 10 years ago, the United Bank of Africa (UBA) had a branch in Jarna’are Local Government but for some reasons, they relocated their branch to Bauchi the state capital leaving the people stranded;
Also aware that another commercial bank, First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) which was the other banking operating within that radius also abruptly relocated to Azare citing the safety of their staff and general security concern as the reason for their decision;
Worried that the people of Jama’are and Itas/Gadau Local Governments Areas inevitably have to find their way to either Bauchi, the state capital, Azare, another Local Government of about 60 kilometers or travel entirely to Dutse, Jigawa state capital, a distance of about 100 kilometers for financial transactions;
Concerned that the lack of access to banking and other financial services is contrary to the financial inclusion drive of the Federal Government and its cashless policy;
Also concerned that the unavailability of banking institutions and the attendant inability of the Jama’are/Itas/Gadau to transact Banking business has occasioned surplus money in circulation which in turn has caused soaring inflation, risks of robbery attacks in Jama’are/Itas/Gadau constituency as well as affected other business in the area;
Worried that citizens, especially civil servants have to undergo the inconvenience and risk of travelling several kilometers to deposit and withdraw cash for their daily needs which endanger them to attacks by bandits or avoidable accidents;
Resolves to:
(i) Mandate the Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions to liaise with the regulatory agencies to implore banks to open their branches in Jama’are and Itas/Gadau Local Government Areas;
(ii) also mandate the Committee on Defence, Army and Police to strengthen security in Jama’are/Itas/Gadau to create an enabling and conducive environment for banks to operate.
Debate
Rep. Bashir Mashema moved the motion on the need to unlock bank branches in Jama’are/Itas/Gadau local government area of Bauchi state and it was seconded by Rep. Ndudi Elumelu. The motion was voted on and adopted.
15. Need for the Replacement of Health Workers who have Migrated to other Countries in the Wake of the COVID–19 Pandemic:
Rep. Uju Chima Kingsley
The House:
Notes the massive exodus of indigenous health workers to other countries in search of greener pastures, especially since the coronavirus pandemic;
Also notes that the mass departure and widespread apathy of health workers are mostly predicated on the sub-par remuneration structure offered them despite being exposed to great risks;
Concerned that the number of COVID–19 cases may become too overwhelming for the current number of medical personnel, thus exposing the country to even greater risk of the spread of the virus;
Cognizant that a radical approach needs to be taken to fill the gap in the health sector, through massive recruitment and replacement of health workers as well as an upgrade in the remuneration of workers in the health sector;
Also cognizant that an effective stakeholders’ engagement of the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies would serve as a catalyst to effecting the reforms;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Finance, Head of Service, Director–General Budget and the Ministry of Health to urgently grant financial cover, as well as a waiver on incidental costs of replacement of resigned and retrenched health workers to the Federal Medical Colleges, Federal Hospitals as well as Teaching Hospitals and Centres;
(ii) mandate the Committee on Healthcare Services to engage in a periodic and systematic review of the execution of the much–needed reforms.
Debate
Rep. Uju Kingsley moved the motion on the need for the replacement of health workers who have migrated to other countries in the wake of the COVID–19 pandemic and it was seconded by Rep. Emerengwa Boniface.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
16. Unfortunate Boat Mishap at Bagwai and Badau of Shanono/Bagwai Federal Constituency, Kano State:
Rep. Ahmed Yusuf Badau:
The House:
Notes that the recent boat accident which resulted in the death of forty–two (42) passengers ferrying across Watari Dam in Bagwai Local Government Area of Kano State;
Also notes that the people of Bagwai, Badau and other communities bordering the Watari Dam are mostly farmers who transport their produce to other parts of the State through the waters, and thus depend on the Watari Dam for their day to day livelihood;
Informed that on November 30, 2021, a local boat ferrying fifty (50) passengers across the Watari Dam from Badau to Bagwai capsized, resulting in the unfortunate death of forty–two (42) passengers while only eight (
persons survived;
persons survived;Concerned that the Watari Dam is the only viable means of transportation for the people living around the Dam thus a need for intervention by the Federal Government to provide modern boats in the area;
Resolves to,
(i) Observe a minute silence in honour of the deceased persons;
(ii) urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to pay a condolence visit to the families of the deceased and provide modern boats to enable the people to travel safely along the Watari Dam; and
(iii) mandate the Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness to ensure compliance.
Debate
Rep. Ahmed Yusuf Badau moved the motion on the unfortunate boat mishap at Bagwai and Badau of Shanono/Bagwai federal constituency, Kano state and it was seconded by Rep. Aminu Suleiman who also called for the urgent adoption and execution of the prayers of the motion.
Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa proposed an amendment to prayer 2 of the motion asking NEMA and the Nigeria Inland Waterways Agency to pay an official working visit to the region, with a view of providing modern boats for those travelling in the area, as these boat mishaps are a continuous trend in the area.
Rep. Kolade Akinjo proposed an amendment to add that the relevant agencies should enforce minimum safety standards in all waterways in Nigeria to safeguard Nigerians plying the waters daily.
Rep. Obinna Chidoka also proposed an amendment to ask the relevant agencies to conduct safety training for the boat operators to be able to adequately react to emergencies on Nigerian waterways to save lives.
The motion was voted on and adopted as amended.
17. Need to Establish a Unity School in Surulere 11 Federal Constituency of Lagos State:
Rep. Shoyinka Abiola Olatunji:
The House:
Notes that Chapter 11 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, which deals with the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy provides that it shall be the duty and responsibility of all organs of Government, and all authorities and persons, exercising legislative, executive or judicial powers, to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of this Chapter of this Constitution;
Also notes that it is the responsibility of the Federal Government to ensure equal and adequate educational opportunities at all levels, promote science and technology and strive to eradicate illiteracy, and when practicable, provide free, compulsory and universal primary education, secondary education, university education, and adult literacy programmes;
Further notes that Lagos State currently has a metro area population of about 14,862,000 out of which Surulere II with an area of 23 km2 has a population of over 504,409 people;
Aware that Unity Schools in Nigeria were first established in 1966 to guarantee national integration and national building among Nigerian children as well as give them the opportunity, at a very tender age, to live, learn and play together in an ideal education environment;
Also aware that unity schools were formally called Inter-Regional Secondary Schools before they later became known as Federal Government Colleges and currently, there are 104 Unity Schools in Nigeria;
Concerned that out of the 104 Unity Schools in Nigeria, Lagos State, which has the largest population has only 2 Unity Schools, the King’s College and the Queens College, which are grossly inadequate to cater for the educational needs of the people of Lagos State;
Cognizant that Lagos State, with a student population of about 567,704 in 349 junior secondary schools and 322 senior secondary schools across the state, thus putting the student per classroom average at 87 in junior and 68 in senior classes, which is not ideal for learning;
Also cognizant of the urgent need to address the challenges of education by establishing more Unity Schools in Lagos State, particularly in Surulere II Federal Constituency;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Education to establish a Unity Secondary School in Surulere II Federal Constituency of Lagos State;
(ii) mandate the Committee on Tertiary Education and Services to ensure compliance.
Motion stepped down by leave of the House
18. Need to Complete Omoku–Egbeda–Uju–Awara–Obosima–Owerri Road Project.
Rep. Uchechuku Nnam–Obi:
The House:
Notes that sometimes in 2012, the Federal Government awarded the contract for the construction of Omoku–Egbeda–Uju–Awara–Obosima–Owerri to Boliv Nigeria Limited;
Also notes that the road project was abandoned by the contractor in 2012 due to paucity of funds for its continuation and completion;
Concerned that the abandoned road which links Rivers State and Imo State has negatively affected transportation and commercial activities in the area as people find it difficult to transport goods and services;
Observes that if the road project is completed, it would enhance commercial activities not only in Ogba–Egbema–Ndoni Local Government which links Rivers State to Imo State but also in the South-South and South–East Zones of the country;
Convinced that if the road project is completed it will improve the economic activities in the area, help the Local Governments and the State Governments to generate more Internally Generated Revenues (IGRs) which would, in turn, contribute to rise in the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP);
Cognizant of the need for the Federal Government to provide funds for the completion of the road to alleviate the transportation problem faced in the area;
Resolves to:
(i) mandate the Committee on Niger–Delta Development Commission to determine the cause of the contract abandonment and ensure that it is re-awarded to a firm that will speedily execute the project; and
(ii) also mandate the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure implementation.
Motion stepped down by leave of the House
19. Need to Construct Bauchi–Gombe Road and Two Major Bridges at Bara and Tashan Durumi in Bauchi State
Rep. Musa Mohammed Pali
The House:
Notes that the Bauchi–Gombe road is a major and busy road that links Gombe, Adamawa, Taraba, Borno and Yobe States in the North–East;
Also notes that the Bara and Tashan Durumi areas of the road are in dire need of bridges to connect to other towns and communities within the axis;
Worried that despite the importance of the road, it remains in a deplorable state and the constructed bridges require urgent attention to reduce the hardship of road users during the rainy seasons;
Also worried that the road may not be passable by next rainy season if the bridges are not constructed at Bara and Tashan Durumi due to the bad state of the road;
Disturbed that if the bridges are not constructed, bandits and kidnappers would take advantage of the bad state of the road;
Resolves to:
(ii) Urge the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to reconstruct the Bauchi–Gombe road and build the two major bridges at Bara and Tashan Durumi as a matter of urgency before the next rainy season
(iii) Mandate the Committee on Works to ensure the construction of the road and bridges at Bara and Tashan Durumi before the next rains.
Debate
Rep. Musa Pali moved the motion on the need to construct Bauchi–Gombe road and two major bridges at Bara and Tashan Durumi in Bauchi state and it was seconded by Rep. Ahmed Abdullahi.
Rep. Manu Soro proposed an amendment that: due to the relevance of the roads; the Federal Ministry of Finance should capture the road in the subsequent road reconstruction exercise due soon.
Rep. Abdulrazak Namdas proposed an amendment asking the Committee on Appropriations to ensure funds are made available for the required construction.
The motion was voted on and adopted as amended.
20. Urgent Need to Clear the Gridlock by Trailers at Obajana Junction in Kogi State
Rep. Kolade Akinjo
The House
Notes that the Security and Welfare of the people is the primary purpose of government and it behooves on government at all levels to enact legislation and implement policies for the promotion of the welfare of the citizenry;
Observes that the Lokoja–Obajana–Okenne road, as well as the Obajana–Kabba road, has become a nightmare for travellers plying the road, who spend 5–7hours in gridlock or total lockdown daily due to the heavy-duty trucks queuing to load cement from the Dangote Cement Factory;
Concerned that rather than constructing a Loading Bay for efficient loading of cement, the giant cement company has converted the Federal Highway to its loading bay, at the detriment of Nigerian citizens plying the road;
Cognizant that most of the trucks loading cement from the factory and lorries as well as vehicles plying the Federal Highway are usually overloaded, thus increasing the risks of accidents as well as the severity of causality during road accidents contrary to the Federal Road Safety Act, making it imperative for the Federal Road Safety Corps to commence enforcement of restrictions on overloading of trucks, lorries and vehicles in Nigeria;
Aware of the contributions by Dangote Cement Factory to the social-economic development of Kogi State and indeed the Federal Republic of Nigeria cannot be overemphasized, yet the gains must not be lost to the brazen impunity of truck drivers and the feigned ignorance of the giant cement company at Obajana;
Also aware that the Federal Government vide an Import Waiver Agreement with Dangote Cement Factory, concessioned Obajana–Kaba Road to the Company, who constructed the two-lane road to ease free flow of traffic and movement of wares and parts around the factory but the Kabba–Ilorin road, which is a major link between the North and South remains abandoned and almost unmotorable despite a series of awards since 2014, owing to a paucity of funds on the part of the Federal Government;
Worried that If the traffic in Obajana Junction (from Okenne–Obajanna/Kabba–Obajana and Lokoja–Obajana) in Kogi State is not immediately removed, it may increase the risk of accidents, fire disasters, kidnapping and other mishaps on the road and stifle the economic development of the area as people be travelling various parts of the country for Christmas and New Year celebrations despite the poor state of the roads;
Resolves to:
(i) urge the Management of Dangote Cement Factory to as part of its corporate social responsibility, clear the gridlock at Obajana Junction, by making an alternative arrangement and constructing a loading bay to completely clear the traffic lockdown at Obajana Junction;
(ii) also urge the Federal Government to award the Kabba–Ilorin Road to Dangote Cement Factory on a similar import duty waiver arrangement or an infrastructure concession arrangement;
(iii) further urge the Federal Road Safety Corps and other law enforcement agencies to ensure that trucks impeding traffic at Obajana Junction are cleared within the next 48hours to ensure free vehicular movement during the forthcoming Yuletide;
(iv) again urge Federal Road Safety Corps to ensure Vehicles travelling on the Abuja–Lokoja–Obajana Road and all other Federal Roads are not overloaded during this Yuletide and beyond;
(v) mandate the Committee on Federal Road Safety Corps to ensure compliance.
Debate
Rep. Kolade Akinjo moved the motion on the urgent need to clear the gridlock by trailers at Obajana junction in Kogi state and it was seconded by Rep. Ali Taofeek.
Rep. Abdulganiyu Johnson proposed an amendment to prayer 1 and asked for the construction of a weigh-bridge alongside the proposed loading bay to make the decongestion more effective.
The motion was voted on and adopted as amended.
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CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE) Rep. Ahmed Idris presiding:
21. A Bill for an Act to Establish the Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital; and for Related Matters (HB.1399) (Senate) – Committee of the Whole:2/12/2021.
Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Alhassan Ado- Doguwa stated that the Bill seeks to establish the hospital to ensure good health and medical research for people in the region. He urged members to support it in furtherance of the harmonious relationship between the House and the Senate.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-4
22. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine of Nigeria, Abuja (FEDCAM) and to make Comprehensive Provisions for its Due Administration; and for Related Matters (HB.1649) (Senate) – Committee of the Whole: 1/12/2021.
Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Alhassan Ado- Doguwa stated that the College is critical in supporting the advancement of indigenous and alternative medicine to cater to unique strains of illnesses in Nigeria. He urged members to support the Bill in furtherance of the harmonious relationship between the House and the Senate.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-36
23. A Bill for an Act to Establish the Dietitians Council of Nigeria to Regulate the Profession of Dietetics; and for Related Matters (HB.515) (Leader) – Committee of the Whole – 13/2/2020.
Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Alhassan Ado- Doguwa stated that the Bill seeks to provide sanity and ensure safety standards, as well as the legal framework for the dietician profession in Nigeria. He urged members to support the Bill in furtherance of the harmonious relationship between the House and the Senate.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-33
24. Committee on Privatization and Commercialization:
Rep. Ibrahim Makama Misau:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Privatization and Commercialization on a Bill for an Act to Repeal the Public Enterprises (Privatization and Commercialization) Act, Cap. P38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the Public Assets Reform Bill, 2021 for Improved Efficiency and Management of Public Assets in Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB. 1470) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 7/12/2021).
Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Kolade Akinjo stated that the report is a result of painstaking efforts by the committee in diverse interactions with relevant stakeholders. This he stated informed the need to repeal the old Act and enact the proposed Bill in line with what is obtainable in modern thriving economies. This is to strengthen the public enterprise’s sphere in Nigeria and to ensure the maximum drive for the Nigerian economy.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-41
Clause amended and approved: Schedule
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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 Leader of the House, Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa and seconded by the Deputy Leader, Rep. Peter Akpatason.
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Adjournment:
The House at 14:23 adjourned plenary till Tuesday, December 14th, 2021 by 11:00 following a motion for adjournment moved by the Leader of the House, Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa and seconded by the Deputy Leader, Rep. Peter Akpatason.
Courtesy:
Media Unit, Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives.
