Plenary proceedings of the House of Representatives for Tuesday, December 20th, 2022

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The Speaker, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila presided.


After leading the opening prayer and the National Pledge, the Speaker approved the Votes and Proceedings of Thursday, December 15th, 2022

 

ANNOUNCEMENT


1. A Letter dated 19th December 2022 from President Muhammadu Buhari in the transmission of the Finance Bill 2022 for consideration and passage into law in support of the 2023 Budget, hoping that its passage into law will give the necessary fiscal support for the implementation of the 2023 Budget


2. Speaker announced that he will have to step out of the Chambers in a few moments to attend a meeting with Mr. President and the Deputy Speaker would have to take over proceedings of the House from there on.


3. Also, in reporting back to the House over the invitation of the Governor of the Central Bank, Godwin Emefiele to brief the House about the currency withdrawal limit policy following the redesign of the Naira, the Speaker disclosed that the Clerk received a letter from the CBN that the governor would not be able to honour the second invitation again because he had to attend to other prescheduled meeting abroad.


Rep. Yusuf Gagdi in response to the letter and the failure of the CBN governor to honour the invitation of the House on account of being officially engaged said it was an affront to the House and by extension the generality of Nigerians for the governor to have turned down the invitation the second time. He said the House was constitutionally empowered to invite because the issues at stake concerned all Nigerians, besides, it is equally constitutional for the CBN governor to periodically brief the House about the activities of the bank.

The lawmaker said it has not become important to let heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government know that the invitation emanating from the House and the National Assembly is not from the Presiding officers nor individual members but from the institution of the legislature that was constitutionally empowered to do so. He added that it should be known to the CBN governor that his nonappearance in the next meeting would not be tolerated.


While Rep. Femi  Bamishe agreed with the Speaker that a new date is given to the CBN governor to honour the invitation to address the House, Rep Abdulganiy Cook-Olododo expressed skepticism over the new date as the governor might end up giving another reason for his absence How are we sure that he is going to be available on Thursday?


Minority Leader, Godwin Elumelu reiterated that the House had taken a position suspending the implementation of the cash withdrawal limit policy, adding that what the House should look up is whether the resolution, which was also concurred with by the senate would be complied with.


House Leader of the House, Alhassan Ado-Doguwa said the invitation to appear and the implementation of the House resolution is equally important.


Speaker Gbajabiamila said it behooves the CBN Governor, under the law to brief the House periodically and on this issue in particular because of its sensitivity and that should he fail to honour the invitation, the House will demand to know the official assignment that will keep him away for such a long period.

The Speaker ruled that the House resolved to invite the CBN governor to brief the House on Thursday 22nd, 2022 but if he is unavoidably absent, his deputy, who is fully equipped should come to represent him.


The Clerk was mandated to write the CBN Governor and to appear on Thursday, 10 am unfailingly


Speaker Gbajabiamila departed the chambers and Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Idris Wase takes over the proceedings of the House.


ORDERS OF THE DAY


BILLS


1. A Bill for an Act to Establish Chartered Institute of Capital Market Registrars to Ensure

Professionalism in the System; and for Related Matters (HB.304) – Third Reading.


Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the third reading of the Bill and was seconded by Rep. Muhammad Monguno.


Bill voted on and read the third time.


2. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University, Omoku and to make Comprehensive Provisions for

its Due Management and Administration; and for Related Matters (HB. 77) – Third Reading.


Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the third reading of the Bill and was seconded by Rep. Muhammad Monguno.


Bill voted on and read the third time.


3. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal Polytechnic, Kabo, Kano State to Provide

Full-Time Courses in Technology, Applied Sciences, Management, Arts; and for Related Matters (HB.

2127) – Third Reading.


Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the third reading of the Bill and was seconded by Rep. Muhammad Monguno.


Bill voted on and read the third time.


4. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of College of Education, Jama’are, Bauchi State; and

for Related Matters (HB. 2129) – Third Reading.

Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the third reading of the Bill and was seconded by Rep. Muhammad Monguno.


Bill voted on and read the third time.


5. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, Bauchi

State; and for Related Matters (HB. 2128) – Third Reading.


Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the third reading of the Bill and was seconded by Rep. Muhammad Monguno.


Bill voted on and read the third time.


6. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Medical Centres Act to Establish Federal Medical Centre,

Ogoja, Cross Rivers State; and for Related Matters (HB. 276) – Third Reading.


Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the third reading of the Bill and was seconded by Rep. Muhammad Monguno.


Bill voted on and read the third time.


7. A Bill for an Act to Establish National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism for Training, Certification

and Registration of Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Personnel in Nigeria; and for Related Matters

(HB.45) – Third Reading.


Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the third reading of the Bill and was seconded by Rep. Muhammad Monguno.


Bill voted on and read the third time.


8. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal University of Aerospace and Aeronautics,

Oka-Akoko and provide for Administration and Discipline of Students of the University; and for

Related Matters (HB. 1483) – Third Reading.


Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the third reading of the Bill and was seconded by Rep. Muhammad Monguno.


Bill voted on and read the third time.


9. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Infrastructure Rehabilitation Management Agency to be saddled with the Responsibility of Coordinating and Regulating all forms of Federal infrastructural

Rehabilitation of Government Properties, Maintenance, Management of Government destroyed properties by Hoodlums, including Repair, Reconstruction of inevitable affected facilities to sustain the Master Plan and Provision of Comprehensive Database or capturing of all the destroyed Government Properties; and for Related Matters (HB.1682) – Third Reading.


Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the third reading of the Bill and was seconded by Rep. Ndudi Elumelu.


Bill voted on and read the third time.


10. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Education, Lissam, Taraba State; and for Related

Matters (HB. 1299) – Third Reading.


Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the third reading of the Bill and was seconded by Rep. Ndudi Elumelu.


Bill voted on and read the third time.


11. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of the National Agency for Technology Management; and for Related Matters (HB. 2067) – Third Reading.


Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the third reading of the Bill and was seconded by Rep. Ndudi Elumelu.


Bill voted on and read the third time.


12. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University of Agriculture, Oba-Ofemili, Anambra State; and for

Related Matters (HB.812) – Third Reading.


Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the third reading of the Bill and was seconded by Rep. Ndudi Elumelu.


Bill voted on and read the third time.


13. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Agriculture (Technical) Enugwu-Ukwu, Anambra

State, to Provide Full-Time Courses, Teaching Instructions and Training in Agricultural Technology and to carry out its Due Administration and Management; and for Related Matters (HB. 1261) – Third

Reading.


Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the third reading of the Bill and was seconded by Rep. Ndudi Elumelu.


Bill voted on and read the third time.


14. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Dadin–Kowa, Kano State; and for Related

Matters (HB. 1872) – Third Reading.


Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the third reading of the Bill and was seconded by Rep. Ndudi Elumelu.


Bill voted on and read the third time.


15. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery Obuoffia,

Awkunanaw, Enugu State; and for Related Matters (HB. 1157) – Third Reading.


Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the third reading of the Bill and was seconded by Rep. Ndudi Elumelu.


Bill voted on and read the third time.


16. A Bill for an Act to Provide the Legal framework to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Akpugo, Nkanu

West, Enugu State; and for Related Matters (HB. 1098) – Third Reading.


Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the third reading of the Bill and was seconded by Rep. Ndudi Elumelu.


Bill voted on and read the third time.


17. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 and Enact the

Administration of Criminal Justice Bill 2022 to, among other things, provide for Establishment of

Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Council; for effective and efficient Administration of

Justice in Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB. 2137) (Senate) – Second Reading.


Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the second reading of the Bill and was seconded by Rep. Ndudi Elumelu.


Bill voted on and passed, read the second time and referred to the Committee of the Whole.


18. A Bill for an Act to Establish College of Aviation Technology, Akure South, Ondo State to Provide

full-time courses in various specializations in the Aviation Industry and to make Provision for the

general administration of the College; and for Related Matters (HB. 2062) (Hon. Mayokun Lawson

Alade) – Second Reading.


Rep. Mayokun Lawson moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Gboluga Ikengboju


Bill voted on, passed, read the second time and referred to Committee on Aviation.


19. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences,

Soba, Kaduna State; and for Related Matters (HB. 2021) (Hon. Ibrahim Hamza) – Second Reading.


Bill stepped down by the leave of the House


Rep. Mark Gbilah on Point of Order on Personal Explanation regarding Motion 20 that this name is expunged from the list of sponsors.


The Presiding Officer, Deputy Speaker Wase noted that the window of legislative steps to address the issue was not taken by Rep. Gbilah and consequently ruled him out of order.


MOTIONS


20. Rep. Isiaka Ibrahim moved a motion for Alleged Loss of over $2.4 Billion in Revenue from Illegal Sale of 48 Million Barrels of Crude Oil Export in 2015 including Crude Oil Exports from 2014 till date while pleading that the name of Rep. Mark Teerser Gbilla be expunged from the motion’s sponsors. It was seconded by Rep. Jimoh Olajide


Debate

The House.

Aware of allegations by a whistleblower in July 2020 that he had in July 2015 and in response to the

current administration`s whistleblower policy brought to the attention of a committee purportedly set up by the President for the recovery of missing crude oil exports, the existence of 48 million barrels of Nigeria’s Bonny Light crude oil in storage at several ports in China ostensibly under the authorization of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the intention of parties in China and the NNPC to sell this cargo.


Also aware that the whistleblower claimed that the committee, which comprised very high-ranking officials of the administration and NNPC (some of whom he held meetings with) carried out an investigation and confirmed the existence of this cargo, but he discovered in October 2015 that the sale of this cargo had been initiated through unofficial channels and the eventual refusal of the committee to honour their agreement to pay 5% value of the cargo in line with the terms of the whistleblower policy.


Worried by the allegations that the entire cargo of 48 million barrels of Bonny Light Crude was sold without the proceeds being remitted to the coffers of the country, which translated to a loss to the Nigerian State of over $2.4 billion considering the 2015 global average crude oil price of $52 per barrel.


Concerned that more than two years after these allegations came to the fore and the uncertainty surrounding the required insurance of these crude exports, it becomes imperative that the House needs to ascertain the actual details of all previous crude exports from Nigeria from 2014 till date with regards to quantity, sale, insurance, revenue generated, payment into the Federation Account and how these proceeds were utilized.


Resolves to constitute an Ad-hoc committee to:

(i) investigate the whistleblower`s allegations of the illegal sale of 48 million barrels of Nigeria’s Bonny Light crude in China in 2015 and the insurance status of the cargo;

(ii) investigate all crude oil exports and sales by Nigeria from 2014 till date with regards to quantity, insurance, revenue generated, remittances into the federation accounts or other accounts as well as utilization of this revenue for the period under review;

(iii) investigate all proceeds recovered through the Whistleblowers Policy and the Level of compliance by the Policy;

(iv) Committee to report back within 4 weeks, for further Legislative action.


Motion was voted on and adopted.


21. Amendment of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives, 2020 to Upgrade the Ad- hoc Committee on Legislative Agenda to a Standing Committee:

Hon. Henry Nwawuba:


The House:

Notes that the success of every Legislative Assembly depends on the conception of a legislative vision which defines legislative goals, adequate planning and implementation of the goals;


Also notes that the underperformance of the legislature over the years is a result of the absence of a defined goal and a body charged with the responsibility of working around the clock to ensure the implementation of the goals;


Aware that with the introduction of the first Legislative Agenda in the 7th Assembly, the House has continued to work effectively with precision in attaining set out Legislative Agenda;


Also aware that since the constitution of the Ad-hoc Committee on the Legislative Agenda, it has generated the required legislative reforms, hence the need for sustainability;


Worried about the widespread distrust among Nigerians, public institutions and government generally, on the misconception and misperception about the functions and contributions of the legislature to Nigeria’s overall socioeconomic and political development;


Acknowledges that to assert its role in providing leadership in the areas of accountable and transparent government, citizen’s engagement, as well as constituency representation, there is a need to upgrade the Ad-hoc Committee on the Legislative Agenda to a Standing Committee to provide for consistency in subsequent Assemblies;


Cognizant that the Legislative Agenda has come to stay and the constitution of an Ad-hoc Committee on the Legislative Agenda has become recurrent;


Also cognizant of the need to amend the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives to provide stability in subsequent Assemblies;


Resolves to

amend the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives, 2020 to include the Committee on the

Legislative Agenda as a Standing Committee of the House of Representatives, by adding new Order. 20, Rule 111 as follows:

“Order 20, Rule 111: Committee on the Legislative Agenda

(1)   There shall be a Committee to be known as Committee on the Legislative Agenda consisting of

(2)   not more than 40 Members to be constituted at the commencement of the Life of the House.

(2) The Committee’s jurisdiction shall cover:

(a) identification of priority areas for legislative actions;

(b) gathering information on national and international problems within their jurisdiction to draft, consider, and recommend a Legislative Agenda for the House;

(c) conceptualizing and developing a Legislative Agenda for the House;

(d) implementation of the Legislative Agenda of the House; and

(e) reporting to the House annually on the progress, prospects and challenges of the implementation of the Agenda.

(3) the Committee shall in the performance of its duty, consult with the Speaker of the House and other principal officers of the House and shall collaborate with The Committee on Rules and Business to ensure that businesses of the house are in tune with the Agenda.”

(4) that the Committee on Legislative Agenda shall, in addition to the duties imposed on it by the Standing Orders of this House, liaise with the Executive and the Senate to align the Legislative Agenda with the National Development Plan in a manner that the National Development Plan and the collective goal of the nation are achieved.

Motion stepped by the leave of the House.


Rep. Babajide Obanikoro raised a Point of Order on Personal Explanation for a minute silence for the late former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain and former member of the House, Ademola Seriki, whom he said had served Nigeria meritoriously in several capacities.


The House observed a minute silence in honour of the late Seriki.


CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ) Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase Chaired:


CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS


22. Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the consideration of A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal University of Education (Technical) Bichi, Kano State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 2139) (Senate) – Committee of the Whole: 15/12/2022.


Synopsis:

Rep. Muhammad Monguno said the Senate Bill seeks to emphasize the importance of technical education in the development of the Nigerian economy while imploring his colleagues to consider and approve the report.


Summary of voting:

Clauses voted on and approved: 1-33


23. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal University of Agriculture, Danbatta, Kano

State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 2140). It was seconded by Rep. Muhammad Monguno.


Synopsis

Rep Muhammad Monguno said agriculture is critical to the Nigerian economy being responsible for 70 percent of employment of the population as well as 40 percent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). As such, he urged the lawmakers to consider and approve the report.


Summary of voting:

Clauses voted on and approved: 1-33


24. Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the consideration of A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Oaths Act, Cap. O1, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the Oaths Bill to take cognizance of Technological Advancements and make Provisions for Digital and Electronic means of Administering Oaths and Affirmations in Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB.2018). It was seconded by Rep. Muhammad Monguno.


Synopsis

Rep Muhammad Monguno noted that the report seeks to bring the Oath Act in tandem with today’s realities by reflecting the current technological development to enable oaths to be administered through electronic means.


Summary of voting:

Clauses voted on and approved: 1-31


25. Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the consideration of A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal College of Horticulture, Okigwe, Imo State; and for Related Matters (HB. 1456). It was seconded by Rep. Muhammad Monguno.


Synopsis

Rep. Muhammad Monguno that horticulture is important to agriculture which was why the Bill seeks to establish the institution to be specifically devoted to the teaching of horticulture.


Summary of voting:

Clauses voted on and approved: 1-23


26. Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB. 353). It was seconded by Rep. Muhammad Monguno.


Synopsis

Rep. Muhammad Monguno said the Bill seeks to regulate practitioners, determine the standard of qualification and stamp out quackery from the environmental practice.


The Chairman of the Committee of the Whole observed that the Bill appeared similar to another earlier passed by the House and if it would not amount to a duplication of effort.


Rep. Monguno responded that the new Bill was meant to clean up the earlier passed Bill.


Summary of voting:

Clauses voted on and approved: 1-22


27. Rep. Olusegun Odebunmi moved for the consideration of the report of the Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values: “That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values on a Bill for an Act to Provide for the Regulation and Conduct of the Practice of Broadcasting Profession in Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB. 1150) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 27/7/2022). It was seconded by Rep. Abiante.


Synopsis

Rep. Odebunmi said the Bill seeks to provide a legal framework and regulate the practice and qualifications of industry practitioners. He said the Industry stands to gain as well as assist the government if there is a need to address any sector issue.


Summary of voting:

Clauses voted on and approved: 1-24.


HOUSE IN PLENARY

The House reverted to plenary and adopted the report of the Committee of the Whole following a motion by Rep. Muhammad Monguno and seconded by Rep. Toby Okechukwu.


Adjournment:

The House at 13:10 adjourned plenary to Wednesday, December 21st, 2022 by 11:00 following a motion for adjournment moved by the Chief Whip of the House, Rep. Muhammad Monguno and seconded by Rep. Francis Waive.


Courtesy:

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

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