Plenary proceedings of the House of Representatives for Thursday, July 2, 2020,
Plenary proceedings of the House of Representatives for Thursday, July 2, 2020, 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, June 30th, 2020
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All State caucus leaders are to get in touch with the House Committee Chairman on Water Resources Rep. Sada Soli today or latest tomorrow.
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PETITIONS
1. Rep. Tajudeen Yusuf laid a petition from a complaint whose son was gruesomely murdered in mysterious circumstances and seeks Justice.
2. Rep. Chinedu Ogah laid a petition from a solicitor over a breach of contract in an MOU that has led to the death of some individuals of the affected community.
Both petitions were referred to the Committee of Public Petitions.
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MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
1. Rep. Kolawole Lawal moved a motion on the urgent need to investigate the alleged opening of a suspicious account opened by the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) in Unity Bank and it was seconded by Rep. Idem Unyime.
In leading the debate Rep. Lawal said the funds kept in the account are in contravention to national financial laws, which was made known by a whistleblower. He, however, stated that since the matter involves public funds, the House should investigate as the approval of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) was not sought before opening the account which is a breach of statutory laws that all such funds should be channelled to the Single Treasury Account (TSA) of the Federal government. Rep. Lawal called on the House Committees of Finance as well as Ports and Harbour to investigate the incident and report back to the House for further legislative action.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
2. Rep. Olododo Cook moved a motion on the urgent need to secure the release of some Nigerians languishing in different detention centers in Libya and it was seconded by Rep. Mohammed Umar.
Rep. Olododo in leading the debate stated that thousands of Nigerians, including a lady from his constituency (Ilorin East/ Ilorin South of Kwara State are being held in various detention facilities in Libya in conditions that do not befit human existence which amounts to a gross deprivation and infringement on their basic human rights. Rep. Olododo also expressed concern that no legal process seems to be on-going to verify the process of any case against them. He called on the Federal government to as a matter of urgency secure the release and possible evacuation of these Nigerians and ensure they are returned to reunite with their families. He called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs to ensure necessary steps are taken to end the detention of these Nigerians in Libya.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
3. Rep. Godwin Elumelu moved a motion on the urgent need to release the wife of a lance corporal who was arrested when she went to plead for the release of her husband and it was seconded by Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso.
In leading the debate Rep. Elumelu stated that the lance corporal had alleged through an on-line video that he has proof to show how Nigerian funds are being wasted in the name of fighting the insurgency in the Northeast which has led to the wanton waste of lives of Nigerians. The officer also stated that the Service Chiefs have failed Nigerians in the discharge of their duties. Rep. Elumelu expressed concern that instead of the allegation to be investigated, the lance corporal was arrested by the military alongside his wife, a civilian, who went to plead for his release. This, Rep. Elumelu said that was a gross violation of the rights of the individuals and misappropriation of power. He called on the House Committee on Army to liaise with the Army to effect the release of the wife of the officer. The committees on Defence and Army should also ensure that the lance corporal should be brought before the Committees and the leadership of the House to investigate the sensitive issue. The motion was voted on and adopted.
4. Rep. Toby Okechukwu moved a motion on the urgent need for the succour of the people of his constituents of Aninri/Awgu/Oji River in Enugu state who have suffered the heinous murder of a promising constituent in his farm and it was seconded by Rep. Obinna Chidoka.
Rep. Okechukwu expressed sadness at the way the victim was hacked by suspected killer herdsmen. This he stated has been a reoccurring pattern that has made many farmers abandon their farms and could lead to a food shortage in the region. Rep. Okechukwu stated that within a short period the killer herdsmen have killed thousands of Nigerians and kidnapped scores of others nationwide. He expressed concern that if the insecurity is not quickly tackled, individuals may become pushed to take laws into their hands to keep themselves safe. He called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to investigate and apprehend the criminal elements and put a stop to these occurrences.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
5. Rep. Oghene Egoh moved a motion on the call for the investigation into the financial budget provisions and approvals for skill acquisition programs by the government and its agencies.
Rep. Egoh stated that the programmes though laudable in the bid to ensure Nigerians gain the skill to be self-sufficient, the modalities for the implementation by the agencies are in serious doubt. If the efforts of the government are well applied, Rep. Egoh stated the Nigerian youth would be duly engaged, wealth will be adequately spread and insecurity will be tremendously reduced in the nation. He called for the setting up of an Ad-Hoc Committee to investigate the dealings of the agencies which give international organizations and individuals a bad perception of the Nigerian government. Rep. Egoh wondered how the huge investments by the Federal government and international agencies seem not to be properly invested.
The Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila announced the membership of the Ad-Hoc committee to carry out the investigation and it is to be chaired by Rep. Victor Kolade Akinjo.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
6. Rep. Ayo Isiaka moved a motion to call for the assessment and investigation into movable and immovable assets of Nigerian agencies for effective management and accountability and it was seconded by Rep. Haruna Mshelia.
Rep. Isiaka stated that a lot of assets of agencies in Nigeria are stranded within and outside the country due to various flimsy reasons that can be attributed to negligence, lack of accountability and disregard for due process. He expressed sadness at the huge sums expended on the assets wasting away in various locations. Rep. Isiaka stated that some of the assets have been forfeited as proceeds of crime and remain unused when some agencies of government still expend huge budgeted funds on renting offices. He called on the House to set up a Committee to evaluate all such assets from 2002 to 2020 and recommend adequate processes with an adequate legislative framework that will ensure the country gets possession of the assets and put them to good use by the nation. The Committee is expected to report back to the House within 9 weeks.
After the motion was voted on and adopted, the Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila announced the membership of the Ad-Hoc Committee to carry out the task and it is to be chaired by Rep. Ade Adeogun.
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PRESENTATION OF BILLS
1. Code of Conduct and Tribunal Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (HB. 859) (Rep. Obina Chidoka) –
First Reading.
2. Federal Road Safety Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (HB. 860) (Rep. Obina Chidoka) –
First Reading.
3. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2020 (HB. 861) (Rep. Obina
Chidoka) – First Reading.
4. Matrimonial Causes Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (HB. 862) (Rep. Obina Chidoka) – First
Reading.
5. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fourth Alteration) (Removal of the word
Force) Bill, 2020 (HB. 864) (Rep. Obina Chidoka) – First Reading.
6. Desertification, Erosion, Food and Ecological Control Agency Bill, 2020 (HB. 865) (Rep. ObinaChidoka) – First Reading.
7. Nigeria Metallurgical Industry Bill, 2020 (HB. 866) (Rep. Obina Chidoka) – First Reading.
8. Public Service Institute of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (HB. 867) (Rep. Dozie Ferdinand Nwankwo) – First Reading.
9. Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission Act, (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (HB. 868) (Rep. . Dozie Ferdinand Nwankwo) – First Reading.
10. National Boundary Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (HB. 869) (Rep. Dozie Ferdinand Nwankwo) – First Reading.
11. Pension Reform Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (HB. 870) (Rep. Garba Datti Muhammed) – First
Reading.
12. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) (Right to Trial) Bill, 2020 (HB.
871) (Rep. Garba Datti Muhammed) – First Reading.
13. National Innovation Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (HB. 872) (Rep. Chris Emeka Azubogu) –First Reading.
14. Federal University of Solid Minerals, Lemu (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (HB. 873) (Rep. Saidu Musa
Abdullahi) – First Reading.
15. Private Person Criminal Prosecution (Authorization) Bill, 2020 (HB. 875) (Rep. Muraina Saubana Ajibola – First Reading.
16. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Constitutional Conference) Bill, 2020 (HB.
876) (Rep. Muraina Saubana Ajibola – First Reading.
17. Naming of Public Infrastructure Bill, 2020 (HB. 877) (Rep. Muraina Saubana Ajibola – First Reading.
18. Social Security Bill, 2020 (HB. 878) (Rep. Muraina Saubana Ajibola) – First Reading.
19. College of Agriculture, Mokwa, Niger State (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (HB. 879) (Rep. Usman Abdullahi) – First Reading.
20. Tertiary Education Trust Fund Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (HB. 880) (Rep. Usman Abdullahi) –
First Reading.
21. Federal Capital Territory Orphanage Regulatory Agency Bill, 2020 (HB. 881) (Rep. Samuel
Adejare) – First Reading.
22. Vocational Studies (Compulsory Inclusion in School Syllabus) Bill, 2020 (HB. 882) (Rep. Joseph Asuku Bello) – First Reading.
23. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2020 (HB. 883) (Rep. Chinyere E. Igwe) – First Reading.
24. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2020 (HB. 884) (Rep. Chinyere E. Igwe) – First Reading.
25. Federal Medical Centre, Wase (Establishment, Etc.) (HB. 885) (Rep. Ahmed Wase) – First Reading.
26. Orthopaedic Hospitals Management Board Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (HB. 886) (Rep. Ahmed Wase) – First Reading.
27. South–East Development Commission (Establishment, Etc.) Bill, 2020 (HB. 887) (Rep. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha and 75 Others) – First Reading.
28. Nigeria Railway Authority Bill, 2020 (HB. 888) (Rep. Gideon Gwani) – First Reading.
29. Nigerian Postal Commission Bill, 2020 (HB. 889) (Rep. Gideon Gwani) – First Reading.
30. Federal Capital Territory Transport Authority (Establishment, Etc.) Bill, 2020 (HB. 890) (Rep. Gideon Gwani) – First Reading.
31. Chartered Institute of Training and Development Bill, 2020 (HB. 891) (Rep. Gideon Gwani) – First Reading.
32. National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (Establishment, Etc.) Bill, 2020 (HB. 892) (Rep. Gideon Gwani) – First Reading.
33. Federal College of Fishery and Agriculture, Tella (Establishment, Etc.) Bill, 2020 (HB. 893) (Rep. Abdulsalem Gambo Mubarak) – First Reading.
34. Maritime Security Operations Co-operation Board Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (HB. 894) (Rep. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi) – First Reading.
35. Federal College of Education, Monguno (Establishment, Etc.) Bill, 2020 (HB. 895) (Rep. Mohammed Tahir Monguno) – First Reading.
36. Fisheries Institute of Nigeria (Establishment, Etc.) Bill, 2020 (HB. 896) (Rep. Mohammed Tahir Monguno) – First Reading.
37. Chartered Institute of Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (Establishment, Etc.) Bill, 2020 (HB. 897) (Rep. Gideon Gwani) – First Reading.
38. Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (HB. 898) (Rep . Abubakar Hassan Fulata and Hon. Miriam Onuoha) – First Reading.
39. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 Act (Alteration) Bill, 2020 (HB. 899) (Rep. Tolulope Akande Sadipe and 14 Others) – First Reading.
40. National Centre for Women Development Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (HB. 900) (Rep. Ogunlola Omowumi Olubunmi) – First Reading.
41. Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (HB. 901) (Rep. Miriam O. Onuoha) – First Reading.
42. Pension Reform Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (HB. 902) (Rep. Ogunlola Omowumi Olubunmi) –
First Reading.
43. Value Added Tax Act (VATA) Amendment Bill, 2020(HB. 903) (Rep. Abiodun James Falake) – First Reading.
44. Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020(HB. 904) (Rep. Abiodun James Faleke) – First Reading.
45. National Agency for Technology Incubation (Establishment, Etc.) Bill, 2020 (HB. 905) (Rep. Abudulganiyu S. Cook Olododo) – First Reading.
46. National Council for Psychologists (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (HB. 906) (Rep. Ari M. Abdullahi) – First Reading.
47. National Social Investments Trust Fund (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (HB.907) (Rep. Mansur Manu Soro) – First Reading.
48. Nigeria Infrastructure Development Bank (Establishment Etc.) Bill, 2020 (HB. 908) (Rep. MansurManu Soro and Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila) – First Reading.
49. Micro-Credit Intervention Tax Fund Bill, 2020 (HB. 909) (Rep. Bamidele Salam and 6 Others) – First Reading.
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50. Nigerian Defence Academy Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (HB. 910) (Rep. Aniekan Umana) – First Reading.
51. Federal College of Aviation Technology Uyo, Akwa Ibom State (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (HB. 911) – (Rep. Aniekan Umana) – First Reading.
52. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 Act (Alteration) (Name of Nigeria) (Bill, 2020 (HB. 912) – (Rep. Ibrahim A. Isiaka) – First Reading.
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PRESENTATION OF REPORTS
1. Committee on Public Petitions:
Report on the Petition by Greater Abak Community Development Initiative (GACDI):
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the petition by Greater Abak Community Development Initiative (GACDI) on the poor state of Reconstruction of Abak Ekparakwa Ette-Ikot Abasi Road Project in Akwa Ibom State by China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) (Referred: 17/9/2019).
2. Committee on Public Petitions:
Report on the Petition by 1, 227 Prospective Graduates of the 2015/2016 Academic Session:
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the petition by 1, 227 Prospective Graduates of the 2015/2016 Academic Session against the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt for withholding the Degree Certificates of the 1, 227 prospective graduates of the 2015/2016 Session, Refusal to mobilize them for National Youth Service, on late payment of their final year fees” (Referred:18/7/2019).
3. Committee on Public Petitions:
Report on the Petition by Golden Hills Academy:
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the petition by Golden Hills Academy against Mr. Sulieman Yakubu Lento of the Happy World Meal Gate for Internet scam to the tune of Ten Million (N10, 000, 000. 00) Naira only” (Referred: 12/12/2019).
4. Committee on Public Petitions:
Report on the Petition by Oyetunji Ayobami Tosin:
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the petition by Oyetunji Ayobami Tosin on behalf of Joint Community Development Association Sidi/Mile 6 Road Abeokuta Ogun State against the Management of the Federal Government Railway Project (China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) on the letter of Compliant and request for Government intervention on the hardship the Communities were subjected due to the activities of CCECC the Contractor handling the Lagos – Ibadan Rail Project” (Referred: 16/7/2019).
5. Committee on Public Petitions:
Report on the Petition by the National Association of Istekiri Graduates (NAIG):
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the petition by the National Association of Istekiri Graduates (NAIG) against the Nigeria Police on the Removal of Madangho Divisional Police Station, Warri Southwest Local Government Area from the jurisdiction of Warri Area Command: An Appeal for a Reversal” (Referred: 6/2/2020).
The reports were laid following a motion moved by Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso and seconded by Rep. Benjamin Kalu.
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BILLS
1. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Currency Conversion (Freezing Orders) Act, Cap. C43, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to give discretionary powers to the Judge of a High Court to Order Forfeiture of Assets of Affected Persons; and for Related Matters (HB. 467) (Rep. Ahmed Idris) – Second Reading.
Debate
The Deputy Speaker of the House, Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Unyime Idem. Rep. Wase in leading the debate stated that the Bill proposes the amendment of the Act to allow federal high courts sitting in any part of the country hear cases and offer jurisdiction to such courts so that the weight on courts could be lessened, Justice can be speedily dispensed/delivered and efficiency will be achieved.
The Bill was voted on, passed for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Justice.
2. A Bill for an Act to Amend National Health Act, No. 8 of 2014 to Define Basic Minimum Package of Health Services, provide more Mechanism for realizing the Objectives of the Principal Act in Providing Free Healthcare Services to all Nigerians without prejudice to the Requirement of Payment of the Contributory Scheme Stipulated in the National Health Insurance Scheme Act; and for Related Matters (HB.668) (Rep. Mohammed Shamsudeen Bello) – Second Reading.
Item stepped down by leave of the House due to the absence of its sponsor.
3. A Bill for an Act to Establish Akanu Ibiam Federal University of Technology, Unwana to Provide Training, Teaching and Instructions in every aspect of Education and such other fields of Applied Learning relevant to the Needs of the Development of Education in Nigeria, Matters of Administration and Discipline of Students; and for Related Matters (HB. 744) (Rep. Igariway Iduma Enowo) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Igariwey moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Toby Okechukwu.
The Bill was voted on, passed for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Tertiary Education and Services
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MOTIONS
4. Discharge of Committees on Referrals on Bills, Pursuant to Order Seventeen, Rule 3(g) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives:
Rep. Abubakar Hassan Fulata
The House:
Notes that the following Bills were read a Second time separately and referred to various Committees of the House for legislative actions, namely:
S/n
Title of Bill
Date
Committee(s)
1.
Federal Capital Territory Abuja Area Courts Bill, 2019, (HB. 67)
11/3/2020
Federal Capital Territory Judiciary
2.
Plant Variety Protection (PVP) Bill, 2019, (HB.68)
10/10/2019
Agricultural Production and Services
3.
Federal College of Agriculture, Kirikasamma (Establishment) Bill, 2019, (HB. 382)
4/12/2019
Tertiary Education and Services
4.
Federal College of Education, Birniwa (Establishment) Bill 2019 (HB. 383)
10/12/2019
Tertiary Education and Services
Aware that the Committees are yet to present Reports on the Bills, contrary to the provisions of Order Seventeen, Rule 3 (g) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives, to wit:
“Any matter referred to any Committee shall be treated within 30 days, otherwise the Committee shall stand discharged after 60 days and the matter Committed to the Committee of the Whole for consideration.”
Resolves to:
Discharge the Committees above mentioned from the Bills referred to them and commit same to the Committee of the Whole for consideration.
Debate
Rep. Hassan Fulata moved the motion on the discharge of committees on referrals on Bills, pursuant to Order Seventeen, Rule 3(g) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives and it was seconded by Rep. Sada Soli. The motion was voted on and adopted.
5. Need for Urgent Intervention in the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Collapsed Bridges along Wase–Langtang Road in Plateau State:
Rep. Ahmed Idris:
The House:
Notes that on the 25 June 2020, Jagawan Audu/Kogin Kasa Bridge one of the connecting bridges of Wase–Langtang road in Plateau State, collapsed, thereby disconnecting linkages between the two towns;
Also notes that in addition to the above, there is another bridge along the same stretch of road (Malmo Bridge) that is currently about to collapse due to prolonged deterioration;
Aware that Bashar–Wase–Langtang road, as a project, has recently assumed high economic status as it connects high-yield economic nerve centres within Plateau State with the huge mining deposits located within that vicinity and the recent Federal Government’s oil exploration activities in Wase, Plateau State;
Also aware that the above road, other than being a linkage to viable economic centres, also connects several communities in bordering States such as Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, and Taraba;
Cognizant that the bridges which were constructed decades ago have not received the necessary maintenance and rehabilitation for many years.
Worried that the collapse of the bridges and the continuous deterioration of Wase–Langtang road has adversely affected the lives and livelihood of several communities connected by the bridges;
Concerned that if urgent action is not taken to ameliorate the suffering of those affected by the collapse of the bridge by providing temporary alternative routes and relief materials, they will be further faced with pains.
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency to carry out emergency maintenance on Wase–Langtang road, reconstruct the collapsed bridge and rehabilitate the dilapidated one;
(ii) Also urge the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to expedite action on the Construction of the undermentioned roads captured in the 2020 Appropriation Act which are directly linked to Wase–Langtang Road due to their strategic linkages with viable economic, mining and oil exploration centres;
(a) Bashar–Wase–Langtang–Wamba road in Plateau State;
(b) Rehabilitation of Tumu–Pindiga–Kashere (Gombe State), Futuk–Yalo (Bauchi State) –Bashar–Wase-Langtang (Plateau State) –Wamba (Nasarawa State)
(iii) Again urge the Nigerian Army Disaster Response Unit to undertake emergency construction and installation of bailey bridges to facilitate the movement of persons cut off by the collapsed Jigawan Audu/Kogin Kasa bridge along Wase–Langtang road;
(iv) Further urge the National Emergency Management Agency to provide necessary relief materials for communities displaced by the collapsed bridge.
(v) Mandate the Committees on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Works, Army, Emergency and Disaster Preparedness (EDP) and Legislative Compliance to monitor the implementation of the resolutions and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
Debate
The Deputy Speaker of the House, Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase moved the motion on the need for urgent intervention in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of collapsed bridges along Wase–Langtang Road in Plateau State and it was seconded by Rep. Mohammed Wudil.
As an infrastructure-related motion, it was voted on and adopted.
6. Need to Rescue the People of Ayetoro in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State from Floods Arising from the Atlantic Ocean Surge:
Rep. Kolade Victor Akinjo.
The House:
Notes that as at 17 March, 2020, Ayetoro, an oil-producing community occupying the Atlantic Coastline of lIaje Local Government Area of Ondo State was completely overrun by a tempestuous oceanic surge, with massive destruction of properties and fortunes washed away into the Atlantic Ocean;
Also notes that the raging Ocean surge that is now on the verge of destroying the entire community can be attributed, inter alia, to the oil exploration and exploitation activities and opening up of canals to the Atlantic Ocean by oil companies;
Worried about global warming, climate change and most importantly, failure on the part of the government to provide shoreline protection or embankment to protect the community from the Ocean surge, leading to the destruction of many houses including public facilities, resultantly rendering almost all the inhabitants of the area homeless and paralyzing socio-economic activities of the people;
Aware that Ayetoro, apart from contributing its quota to the national economy through oil production, is of great historical and tourism importance to the nation as the first community to successfully practise communism in Nigeria;
Recalls that sometime in 2004, persistent cry for rescue by the ecologically devastated people of the oil-rich community caught the attention of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) which awarded a contract for building shoreline protection to Gallet Nig. Ltd for two billion, four hundred thousand naira (2.4 billion naira) and a mobilization fee of six hundred and fifty million naira (N650,000,000) was paid with a completion period of eighteen (18) months but no job was done;
Informed that following the termination of the contract after 4 (four) years on the grounds of non-performance, the NDDC re-awarded same to Dredging Atlantic Limited (DAL) at a cost of six billion, five hundred thousand million naira (6.5 billion naira) with payment of mobilization fee of 2.5 billion naira which is about 40% of the total contract sum, also regrettably, no work was done despite the financial commitment of the Federal Government to the shoreline protection for the community, almost two decades after the initial award;
Concerned that schools, including primary, secondary and technical have been submerged thereby making learning under the circumstance practically impossible;
Also concerned that apart from the resultant socio-economic paralysis of the farming and fishing activities of the people, the situation now also poses serious security, health and extinction threats to the extent that the affected Community are being forced to take refuge on jetties, boats and other structures for survival;
Cognizant that if urgent measures are not taken to address the ocean surge, the entire community, with its rich historical antecedents may soon go into extinction;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Ecological Fund Office, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development and Ministry of Environment to urgently intervene in the plight of Ayetoro community by providing relief materials and temporary abode for the victims of the ocean surge;
(ii) Also urge the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Ecological Fund Office, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development and the Ministry of Environment to provide a permanent solution to the devastating effects of the ocean surge by way construction of shoreline protection;
(iii) Invite the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Gallet Nigeria Limited and Dredging Atlantic Limited (DAL) to appear before the Committee on NDDC to explain the abandonment of the shoreline protection contract;
(iv) Further urge the Federal Government to revisit the abandoned shoreline protection contract and re-award same to a company with proven capacity in the interest of the affected community;
(v) call on the Federal Government to install Early Warning Signal Technology so as to protect all coastline communities in Nigeria from the threat of Atlantic Ocean surges;
(vi) Mandate the Committees on Environment, NDDC, Climate Change, Ecological Fund and Emergency and Disaster Preparedness to liaise with all relevant Agencies with a view to finding a permanent solution to the menacing ocean surge and report back within four weeks for further legislative action;
(vii) Also mandate the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance
Debate
Rep. Victor Akinjo moved the motion on the need to rescue the people of Ayetoro in Ilaje local government area of Ondo State from floods arising from the Atlantic ocean surge and it was seconded by Rep. Lado Suleja.
As a disaster-related motion, it was voted on and adopted.
7. Need to Address the Incidence of Mortality from Cancer in Nigeria:
Rep. Samuel Babatunde Adejare:
The House:
Notes that the World Cancer Day is marked on 4 February every year to remind the world of the scourge of Cancer around the globe and to stimulate Stakeholders to create awareness and step up activities towards stemming the burden and mortality of cancer;
Also notes that there are over 800,000 new cases in Africa, 1/3 of which are Nigerians and 86% of them may die within the first year of diagnosis of the disease 35% of which is caused by preventable infection diseases and conditions;
Also acknowledges that by the World Health Organization (WHO) standards, Nigeria needs 180 radiotherapy machines for the over 180 million people, yet there are only eight (8) functional machines available in Nigeria for both treatment and palliation;
Cognizant that Nigeria has only 5% of the required specialized personnel for cancer care which includes pathologists, radiotherapists, oncologists, gynaecologists and oncology nurses, which is inadequate to care for the nation;
Concerned that going by the current trend, cancer is fast becoming a national epidemic and a serious health emergency with dire consequences if no urgent and effective intervention is instituted.
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Health to commission a national survey to generate reliable data on the prevalence of the several cancers plaguing the Nigerian people, availability of laboratory diagnostic facilities such as immunohistochemistry and molecular pathology technique, radio-diagnostics including nuclear medicine facilities to enable more exact and reliable diagnosis and treatment of cancer, available personnel and gaps;
(ii) Support the training institutions such as the postgraduate medical colleges, post-basic schools of nursing and medical research institutions to produce more specialists for cancer diagnosis and treatment;
(iii) Facilitate the establishment of stand-alone standard comprehensive cancer centres in each of the six geopolitical zones of the country;
(iv) Also urge the Federal Ministry of Health to partner with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and other relevant stakeholders and development partners to harness a multi-sectoral effort to improve cancer care in Nigeria;
(v) Mandate the Committees on Healthcare Services and Health Institution to ensure implementation.
Debate
Rep. Adejare moved the motion on the need to address the incidence of mortality from cancer in Nigeria and it was seconded by Rep. Dennis Idahosa.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
8. Need to make Functional the Federal Technical College, Ikuru Town:
Rep. Awaji-Inombek D. Abiante:
The House:
Notes that the Federal Technical College was established at Ikuru town in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State in 2014 and all necessary housing infrastructure have been fully built;
Also notes that since the completion of the physical housing infrastructure, no other action has been taken to equip and furnish the college for utilization;
Further notes that the purpose of the establishment of the College was to train, develop and provide for Nigeria, technically competent manpower to assist in driving the economy in all sectors and to discourage the importation of those categories of persons from neighbouring West African Countries to engage in providing services, especially in the construction and manufacturing sectors;
Cognizant of the high rate of unemployment in the country with-a possible concern of further deterioration as a result of the global pandemic, thus aggravating the situation;
Also cognizant that if the College is made functional, it will help to train the youths in acquiring relevant skills needed in the various sectors that will help sustain and further develop the Nigerian economy, especially in needed areas such as carpentry and joinery, metal fabrication, refrigeration and cooling, masonry, electronics repairs, electrical installations, ICT maintenance and repairs and several others;
Convinced that the utilization of the college in training the youths will not only help reduce the unemployment scourge and promote economic development, it will also help in reducing the challenge of insecurity in the area;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Ministry of Education and the Universal Basic Education Commission to urgently equip and commence the utilization of the college for the intended purpose;
(ii) Mandate the Committee on Basic Education and Services to ensure implementation and report back within six weeks.
Item stepped down by leave of the House due to the absence of its mover.
9. Call on the Federal Government to Enforce Nationwide Compliance with its Directive on Reduced Petroleum Pump Price of N123.50 Per Litre:
Rep. Unyime Idem:
The House:
Notes that the Federal Government through the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and other relevant regulatory agencies to reduce the Ex–Coastal and Ex–Depot prices of fuel to reflect current market realities;
Also notes that on 19 March, 2020, the Federal Government further directed the reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise called petrol to N123.50 per litre from the old price of N145 per litre. The new petrol retail price follows suit with NNPC’s further reduction of the depot loading price of petrol from N113.28 per litre to NI08.00 per litre representing a 4.8% drop in prices;
Aware that barely some weeks after government’s downward revision of the pump price from N145 to N123.50, following the declining crude oil prices in the international market associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Government again announced a downward review in fuel pump price based on the further reduction in the landing cost of petroleum product into the country;
Cognizant that the Federal Government’s reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit to N123.50 came into effect from Wednesday, April 01, 2020 in line with the Government’s approval of a monthly review of PMS pump price. The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) declared that the new price shall be the guiding price, and shall apply at all retail outlets nationwide for the month of April 2020 and beyond;
Again notes that the PPPRA’s announcement means that all retail stations in Nigeria cannot sell above N123.50 from the month of April 2020. This is consequent upon the slump in the international crude oil price from $60 to $30, causing an economic crisis;
Also aware that the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus and its spread across the world has forced the international oil market to a near standstill, leaving crude oil price to crash from around $60 per barrel to about $29. The drastic fall in the price is the ultimate reason for the expected reduction in the pump price of petrol;
Worried that the Coronavirus pandemic has left many Nigerians, businesses, and every sector incapacitated for businesses especially, it may not be ‘business as usual’ for a very long time. The harsh turn of events has sparked what many would refer to as ‘difficult banter’ proactive yet inevitable measures;
Cognizant that the Nigerian motorists have on discovering that most of the fuel stations across the country have failed to comply with the directive of the Federal Government to reducing retail pump price of petrol from N145 per litre to N123.50. More than a month after the directive was given, most marketers across the country are yet to reflect the new pump price, while a few stations have complied with the directive, others have continued to sell far above the recommended price.
Acknowledges that Nigerians are expected to benefit from the reduction in the price of PMS which is a direct effect of the crash in global crude oil prices. It is believed that this measure will have a salutary effect on the economy, provide relief to Nigerians as well as a framework for a sustainable supply of PMS to our country.
Regrets that the Fuel Marketers in the country may be heading for a showdown with the Federal Government over the new NI23.50 pump price of petroleum.
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Government through its relevant regulatory agencies to commence the monitoring of compliance with the newly approved pump price of PMS across the Nation;
(ii) Mandate the Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) to liaise with relevant Government’s Regulatory Agencies and ensure compliance with the appropriate reduction in the pump price of the PMS nationwide and report back within two (2) weeks for further legislative action.
Item stepped down as its content has been overtaken by recent national events.
10. Need to Complete the Construction of the Federal Health Centres at Okpeze and Enugwu-Umuonyia Communities in Orumba North and South Local Government Areas of Anambra State:
Rep. Okwudili Christopher Ezenwankwo:
The House:
Notes that the Federal Government awarded contracts for the construction and equipment of Federal Health Centres both at Okpeze and Enugwu-Umuonyia communities of Orumba North and Orumba South Local Government Areas of Anambra State;
Also notes that the contractors abandoned the Okpeze building construction project at carcass level, completed the Enugwu–Umuonyia building but left it unequipped and unusable;
Aware that those projects have been abandoned for almost a decade, with the buildings serving as a hideout for hoodlums;
Concerned that the rationale for siting those health centres at the remote communities of Okpeze and Enugwu–Umuonyia was to give these communities access to quality health facilities, especially during the rainy seasons due to the nature of their topography;
Worried that on many occasions sick people from those communities break down and, pregnant women deliver on their way to access healthcare services from other communities;
Cognizant that if those projects are not completed the efforts of the Federal Government to provide healthcare services for those communities would be in vain and the people would continue to suffer in accessing healthcare services;
Resolves to:
Mandate the Committees on Health Institutions, Healthcare Services, and Rural Development to investigate the matter and report back within Four (4) Weeks for further legislative action.
Debate
Rep. Ezenwankwo moved the motion on the need to complete the construction of the Federal Health Centers at Okpeze and Enugwu-Umuonyia communities in Orumba North and South local government areas of Anambra State and it was seconded by Rep. James Owolabi.
As an infrastructure-related motion, it was voted on and adopted.
11. Need to Establish Fruit Juice Processing Factory in Benue State:
Rep. Richard Gbande:
The House:
Notes that Benue State is the largest producer of fruits such as mango, orange, pawpaw, pineapple, cashew and guava among others in Nigeria;
Also notes that so much of those fruits always get rotten every day during harvest and ripening seasons because the rate of production is usually higher than the rate of demand and consumption;
Aware that sometime in 2009, some researchers from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan led by the then manager, Mr. F.O. Adunoye carried out a research on how best Benue and Taraba States soils could be used for an improved variety of the Institute’s Cassava stem and discovered large quantities of wasted fruits in the Gboko axis of Benue State and Baissa in Taraba State and lamented why such was not converted to fruit juice by the Government, as an alternative to crude oil in revenue generation;
Also aware that if the Federal Government explores this opportunity and establishes a fruit juice processing factory in Benue State, the fruits that are wasted daily would be converted to a gold mining venture that would boost the nation’s economy through exportation of fruit juice and concentrates;
Further aware that job opportunities will also be created for the jobless graduates and farmers within the state and its environs will be encouraged to increase plantation farms and fruit production, but at the moment farmers producing the fruits and marketers are both discouraged due to the wastage experienced on daily basis, thus resulting in loss of capital and revenue;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment to initiate the processes for the establishment of a Fruit Juice Processing Factory in Benue State;
(ii) mandate the Committee on Industry to ensure implementation.
Item stepped down by leave of the House due to the absence of its mover.
___________________________
Adjournment:
The House at 14:16 adjourned plenary till Tuesday, July 2nd, 2020 by 11:00 A.M following a motion for adjournment moved by the Leader of the House, Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa and seconded by Rep. Abubakar Hassan Fulata
Courtesy:
Media Unit, Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives.
