Report of House of Representatives Proceedings (September 26 ‪- September 28, 2017)

By smojeeds House of Representatives Weekly September 28, 2017

Report of House of Representatives Proceedings (September 26 ‪- September 28, 2017)

The following are the summary of activities that happened on the floor of the House of Representatives (September 26 ‪- September 28, 2017) #‎RepsThisWeek

Message From The President
Letter of Resumption of office
Request for the amendment of the fiscal responsibility act by the National Assembly to give effect to the proposed promissory note and bond issuance programme (Acting Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN)

Some Bills considered for first reading
National Film and Video Censors Board Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017
Zonal Development Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2017
National Institute for Nigerian Languages Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017
Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, 2017
University of Abuja Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017
University of Benin (Transitional Provisions) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017
University of Calabar Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017
University of Ilorin Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017
University of Jos Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017
University of Lagos Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017
University of Maiduguri Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017
University of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017
University of Port Harcourt Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017
Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017
Obafemi Awolowo University (Transitional Provisions) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017
Ahmadu Bello University (Transitional Provisions) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017
Bayero University Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017
Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017
Federal Universities of Agriculture Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Act(Amendment) Bill, 2017
Nigerian Dock Labour Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017
Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017
Nigerian Television Authority Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017
Notaries Public Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017
Nigerian Steel Development Authority Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017
Nigerian Bank for Commerce and Industry Act (Repeal) Bill, 2017
Nigerian Press Council Act(Amendment) Bill, 2017
Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017
Nigerian National Heroes Register Act(Amendment) Bill, 2017
Federal Capital Territory (Statutory Appropriation) Bill, 2017
National Research and Innovation Council Bill, 2017 (HB. 1139) (Senate)
National Open University of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017 (HB. 1140) (Senate)
Erosion Prevention and Control Commission Bill, 2017 (HB. 1141) (Senate)
Institute of Chartered Biochemists and Molecular Biologists of Nigeria Bill, 2017 (HB. 1142) (Senate)
Nigerian Financial Intelligence Agency Bill, 2017 (HB. 1143) (Senate)
Whistle Blower Protection Bill, 2017 (HB. 1144) (Senate)
Federal University of Maritime Studies, Oron Bill, 2017 (HB. 1145) (Senate)
Administration of Criminal Justice (Amendment) Bill, 2017
Regional Centre for Oral Health Research and Training Initiatives (Establishment, Etc) Bill 2017
Family Support Trust Fund Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017
Federal Government Staff Housing Board Act (Repeal) Bill, 2017
Federal University, Birnin Kebbi Bill, 2017
Federal University, Gashua Bill, 2017
Federal University, Gusau Bill, 2017
Nigerian College of Aviation Technology Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017

Some Motions considered for the week

Need to strengthen the Unity of Nigeria (Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila)

The House resolved to:

Immediately set up a strong Committee to liaise with all stakeholders across the six geopolitical zones for practical solutions to rebuild the unity of Nigeria and report back within eight weeks for further legislative action and;
Revisit the issue of devolution of powers in the interest of the Unity of Nigeria.

Frightening Influx of small arms and light weapons into the country 9Hon. Obinna Chidoka)

The House resolved to:

Commend the Nigerian Customs Service for the seizure of four shipments of firearms into the country;
Urge the Nigerian Customs Service and Directorate of State Security and the office of the Attorney General of the Federation to speed up investigations on the firearms seizures and commence prosecution of the culprits to serve as deterrents to others;

Call on the Nigerian Customs Service and other regulatory agencies to intensify ports checks to control the influx of small arms and light weapons into the country; and

Invite the Nigerian Customs Service and Director of State Security to brief the House on the comprehensive plan to rid Nigeria of the menace of small arms and light weapons

Need to address the resurgent traffic gridlock in Apapa, Lagos (Hon. Joseph Ayodeji)

The House resolved to:

Urge the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to immediately commence the process of relocating tank farms domiciled in the Apapa axis;
Mandate the Committee on Petroluem Resources (Downstream) to liaise with NNPC so as to ensure only tankers with Authority To Load (ALT) be allowed to go into Apapa;

Also mandate the Committee on Ports, Harbours and Waterways to investigate the cause of the dislocation in port operations that had led to the renewed gridlock and report back within three(3) weeks; and

Also urge the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing and the Nigerian Ports Authority(NPA) to put pressure on the contractor handling the truck park at Tin Can Island that has been abandoned over the years ensuring site completion

Need for Urgent Measures to Permanently Address the Perennial Flood in Benue State (Hon. Emmanuel,Y. Orker-Jev , Hon. Sadiq Ibrahim, Hon. Mark Gbillah and Hon. Obinna Chidoka)

The House resolved to:

(i) call on the Federal Government to urgently commence the dredging of River Benue and construct dams on the River, especially on the Upper Benue at Dasin Hausa in Adamawa State to boost agricultural production and control the flood by conserving the excess water to serve as a buffer to the water being released annually from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon;

(ii) urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to send relief materials to victims of the flood, most of whom are currently in camps and shelters in Makurdi, Benue State;

(iii) also urge the Federal Government to adequately fund or equip NEMA, the Fire Service, and other security agencies to cope with such disasters as they never deploy equipment to evacuate affected citizens; and

(iv) mandate the Committees on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, and Environment and Habitat to ensure that urgent measures are taken to permanently address the perennial flood in Benue State.

Need to Construct Roads to the Nigerian Crude Oil Onshore Terminals (Hon. Awaji-Inombek D. Abiante)

The House resolved to:

(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Power, Works, and Housing to make provisions for road infrastructure to the five major oil terminals of Bonny, Escravos, Forcados, Qua-Iboe and Brass in the 2018 budget; and

(ii) mandate the Committees on Works, and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and report back within eight (8) weeks for further legislative action.

Call to Investigate the 2016/2017 Federal Civil Service Recruitment Exercise with a View to Identifying Anomalies (Hon. Henry Nwawuba)

The House resolved to:

Mandate the Committees on Public Service Matters, and Federal Character to determine whether the 2016/2017 recruitment exercise by the Federal Civil Service Commission was carried out in accordance with laid down principles for such an exercise and report back in six (6) weeks for further legislative action.

Call on the Federal Government to Provide Grants to Indigenous Oil Companies to Enable them Compete Favourably with Multinational Companies (Hon. Benjamin Ikani Okolo)

The House resolved to:

Mandate the Committees on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), and Petroleum Resources (Downstream) to determine the measures that would enable indigenous oil/service companies to receive bailout grants or loans at a single digit interest rate from the Central Bank of Nigeria to enable them compete favourably with foreign oil companies in bidding for big contracts from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and report back in twelve (12) weeks for further legislative action

Need to ensure that Chemicals declared Hazardous in Soap Products and Banned in the United States of America and Europe do not end up in Nigerian Households (Hon. Mayowa Samuel Akinfolarin)

The House resolved to:

(i) urge the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) and the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) to ensure that the 19 Chemicals banned in the United States and Europe are not imported into the country; and

(ii) mandate the Committee on Healthcare Services to ensure compliance.

Some Bills considered for second reading

A Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigerian Law Reform Commission Act, Cap. N118, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to remove the Bottlenecks to the Commission’s Reform Initiatives, Ensure its Autonomy and bring the Act in Conformity with the Provisions of the 1999 Constitution; to, among Others, Empower the Commission to Establish Zonal Offices and Subject Appointments of the Board to the Confirmation of the Senate and to Allow for the Reference of Laws for Amendment by Private Citizens and Non-Governmental Organizations and for Other Related Matters (HBs 460, 655 and 923) (Hon. Evelyn Omavowan Oboro, Hon. Bode Ayorinde and Hon. Sergius Ose Ogun)

A Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal Polytechnic, Shendam, Plateau State and to make Comprehensive Provisions for due its Management and for Related Matters (HB. 1050) (Hon. Johnbull Shekarau)

A Bill for an Act to Amend the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Act, No. 14, 2015 to Empower the Organisation to carry out Inspection of all Goods to be Imported into Nigeria at all the Nigerian Borders, Sea and Air Ports to ensure Quality Control of all Imported Goods and for Related Matters (HB. 980) (Hon. Emmanuel Akpan)

A Bill for an Act to Repeal the National Housing Fund Act, Cap. N45, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Re-enact the National Housing Fund and for Related Matters (HB. 1077) (Hon. Ahmad Babba Kaita and 16 Others)

A Bill for an Act to Enhance Transparency in the Management and Accounting of Tax Incentives by Relevant Authorities so as to check Corruption in the System and for Related Matters (HB. 1040) (Hon. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe)

A Bill for an Act to Amend the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Establishment, etc.) Act, No. 16 of 2011 to Provide for Additional Conditions for Accessing of Fund for Capital Projects by Beneficiary Institutions to embark on their own Capital Projects instead of relying solely on the Fund for Capital Development and for Related Matters (HB. 967) (Hon. Abbas Tajudeen)

Some Bills considered for Third reading
A Bill for an Act to Establish the National Roads Fund for the Purpose of Financing Routine and Periodic Maintenance of National Roads and for Related Matters (HBs 49 and 163)

A Bill for an Act to Regulate the Medical Residency Training Programme in Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB. 982)

A Bill for an Act to Amend the Radiographers (Registration, etc.) Act, Cap. R1, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and for Related Matters (HB. 676)

Committee reports considered for the week

Report on the Petition by Samuel Umeadi Mogekwu:

“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Samuel Umeadi Mogekwu against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on alleged wrongful dismissal from Service and approve the recommendation therein” (Laid: 18/5/2017):

Urge the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to reverse the dismissal of Mr. Samuel Umeadi Mogekwu from service to retirement and pay him all his entitlements, including gratuity and pension, with effect from the date he was dismissed from the service.

Committee on Public Petitions:

Report on the Petition by Ude Abara Chika

“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Ude Abara Chika against the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) on wrongful termination of his appointment, stoppage of salary and unfair hearing and approve the recommendation therein” (Laid: 14/5/2017):

Urge the Federal Road Safety Commission to reinstate Ude Abara Chika.

Committee on Public Petitions:

Report on the Petition by Toki Rainbow Microfinance Bank Ltd:

“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Toki Rainbow Microfinance Bank Ltd against Julius Berger Plc for debt owed for over 20 years and refusal to obey Court Order to pay and approve the recommendation therein” (Laid: 18/5/2017):

Urge Julius Berger Plc to obey the Court Order to pay the debt owed Toki Rainbow Microfinance Bank as at December 2016 in the sum of Four Hundred and Twenty-Two Million, Four Hundred and Fifty-Seven Thousand, Five Hundred and Sixty-Seven Naira (₦422,457, 567) being the proceeds and accrued interest in respect of the contract for over 20 years.

Committee on Public Petitions:

Report on the Petition by Hon. Macaulay I. Obia:

“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Hon. Macaulay I. Obia against the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on its failure to settle his entitlements since his employment in 1992 and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 14/5/2017):

(i) urge the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to compute the salaries of Hon. Macaulay I. Obia from January 1993 when the salary was stopped to December 2008;

(ii) that Hon. Macaulay I. Obia should be retired with effect from 2008 and all his entitlements, gratuity and pension be paid to him.

Committee on Public Petitions:

Report on the petition by Professor Chibuike Uche:

“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the petition by Professor Chibuike Uche against his dismissal from University of Nigeria, Nsukka and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 14/5/2017):

(i) urge the Governing Council of University of Nigeria, Nsukka to reverse the dismissal order as if it never happened;

(ii) allow Professor Chibuike Uche to resign with effect from the date of the purported dismissal.

Committee on Public Petitions:

Report on the Petition by Kisha T. Alabura:

“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Kisha T. Alabura against the National Youth Service Corps for unlawful termination of appointment and approve the recommendation therein” (Laid: 14/5/2017):

That Kisha T. Alabura and the National Youth Service Corps should be commended for the amicable settlement of the matter.

Committee on Public Petitions:

Report on the Petition by Kareem Fatai Olaniran:

“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Kareem Fatai Olaniran against the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) on unlawful termination of his appointment and approve the recommendation therein” (Laid: 14/5/2017):

Urge the Federal Road Safety Commission to reinstate Kareem Fatai Olaniran in line with the FRSC Disciplinary Committee’s (FDC) Report that discharged and acquitted him of the offence of extorting money while on patrol.

Babajimi Benson, MHR