News Post

Know Your Parliament

Plenary Proceedings of The House of Representatives for Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Plenary Proceedings of The House of Representatives for Tuesday, December 5, 2017
After the Speaker led the opening prayer, he went on to examine and adopt plenary votes and proceedings for Thursday, November 30, 2017

Announcement: In Preparation of the 50th Birthday celebration of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, a Charity football match is to be played on Dec. 17, 2017. Announcer: Sen. Philip Aduda for friends of Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara.

PRESENTATION OF BILLS

​Niger Delta Development Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017 (HB. 1252) (Senate) — First Reading.

Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2017 (HB. 1253) (Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji) — First Reading.

Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2017 (HR. 1254) (Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta) — First Reading.

Abuja Broadcasting Corporation (Establishment, etc.) Bill, 2017 (HB. 1255) (Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta) — First Reading.

PRESENTATION OF REPORTS

​Committees on Finance, Appropriations, Aids, Loans and Debt Management, Legislative Budget and Research, and National Planning and Economic Development:

Hon. Babangida Ibrahim:

“That the House do receive the Report of the Committees on Finance, Appropriations, Aids, Loans and Debt Management, Legislative Budget and Research, and National Planning and Economic Development on the 2018-2020 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP)” (Referred: 22/10/2017).

Hon. Ibrahim Babangida moved to present the Report, Hon. Raphael Igbokwe seconded it.

Committee on Sports:

​Hon. Goni Bukar Lawan:

“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Sports on a Bill for an Act to Repeal the Nigerian Football Association Act, Cap. N110, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Re-Enact the Nigeria Football Federation Act to Provide for the Administration of the Game of Football in Nigeria; and for Other Related Matters (HB. 587)” (Referred: 24/5/2017).

Committee on Sports:

​Hon. Goni Bukar Lawan:

“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Sports on a Bill for an Act to Establish the Nigeria Sports Anti-Doping Agency Responsible for Carrying on the Functions of Nigeria Anti-Doping Organization as Enshrined in the World Anti-Doping Code in Accordance with the various International Standards; and for Other Related Matters (HB. 1012)” (Referred: 23/3/2017).

For Reports 2 & 3: Hon. Danburam Nuhu moved to present the Report, Hon. Ismail Gadaka seconded it

Committees on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), and Public Procurement:

Hon. Victor Nwokolo:

“That the House do receive the Report of the Committees on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), and Public Procurement on the Investigation into the $260 Million Contract Awarded by the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) (HR. 53/2016)” (Referred: 24/2/2016).

Item stepped down by leave of the House

ORDERS OF THE DAY

BILL
​
​A Bill for an Act to Authorize the issue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation, the total sum of ₦8,612,236,953,214 (Eight Trillion, Six Hundred and Twelve Billion, Two Hundred and Thirty-Six Million, Nine Hundred and Fifty-Three Thousand, Two Hundred and Fourteen Naira) only, of which ₦456,458,654,074 (Four Hundred and Fifty-Six Billion, Four Hundred and Fifty-Eight Million, Six Hundred and Fifty-Four Thousand, Seventy-Four Naira) only, is for Statutory Transfers, ₦2,233,835,365,699 (Two Trillion, Two Hundred and Thirty-Three Billion, Eight Hundred and Thirty-Five Million, Three Hundred and Sixty-Five Thousand, Six Hundred and Ninety-Nine Naira) only, is for Debt Service, ₦3,494,277,820,219 (Three Trillion, Four Hundred Ninety-Four Billion, Two Hundred and Seventy-Seven Million, Eight Hundred and Twenty-Thousand, Two Hundred and Nineteen Naira) only, is for Recurrent (Non-Debt) Expenditure while the sum of ₦2,427,665,113,222 (Two Trillion, Four Hundred and Twenty-Seven Billion, Six Hundred and Sixty-Five Million, One Hundred and Thirteen Thousand, Two Hundred and Twenty-Two Naira) only, is for contribution to the Development Fund for Capital Expenditure for the year ending 31 December, 2018 (HB. 1207) (Fourth Allotted Day) (House Leader) — Second Reading.

Debate on 2018 Budget

Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila moved for the continuation of the Debate, Hon. Orker Jev seconded it.

Debate

Hon. Sani Zorro commended the Executive for the timely presentation of the budget, but expressed worry about the modeling of the budget, as a former Assistant on Financing and Budgeting, he stated that the assumptions on which the 2018 budget is predicated is not scientific, but merely a repetition of what has transpired from previous years. He asked for a critical look into all sectors of the budget. He also queried the funding of critical projects form estimates of the budget, he stated that that was not standard international practice. He wondered why the Minister of Power, Works and Housing has not brought his experience as former Governor of Lagos State into the Ministry of Works in the area of road construction. He expressed worry at the low percentage of budget implementation coming from the 2017 budget. Hon. Musa Sarkin Ada urged proactivity in treating the budget, he urged for thorough analysis of the items captured therein. He pointed out that if the Legislation was involved in the preparation process, the misgivings that characterize the exercise would not be there. He asked for the introduction of timelines divided into quarters of the year 2018 for implementations of the Appropriated funds, and penalties should be applied for MDAs who default. Hon. Faruk Umar wondered why there wasn’t a continual increase in budget implementation percentage, instead what continues to transpire is reductions. He also stated that the Nigerian economy which is expected to diversify heavily into the line of agriculture is almost totally silent on agricultural development in the putting together of the 2018 budget. Hon. Abiodun Balogun urged patience on the part of Nigerians, stating that it is right to be skeptical, but the indices show optimism and with the right approach, the 2018 budget can be achieved. He advocated however that for the 2018 budget to be achievable, peace in the Niger Delta region should be maintained. He also urged for seriousness in agricultural production and processing systems for food security. Hon. Chidi Frank stated that it is already clear that Nigeria needs to borrow to fund the 2018 budget completely, he advised assurance of peace in the Niger Delta region so that Oil production does not cease, to enhance fund accruing to Government and hence reduce the amounts borrowed. Hon. Jega Muhammed Umar stated that for the budget to succeed, indices such as education, security health and food production need to be ensured so that it can positively impact Nigerians. Hon. Shehu Shagari commended the budget on the allocation to the Judiciary and expressed the hope that the monies should be allocated to sectors that will ensure speedy dispensation of Justice. He urged that the infrastructure section of the economy should be focused on. The question was put for the Bill be read a second time, it was passed for second reading, the Clerk read the Long Title and it was referred to the Committee on Appropriations and other Committees.

MOTIONS

ADMITTANCE INTO THE CHAMBER

Admittance into the Chamber:

​Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila:

“That the House, pursuant to Order Nineteen, Rule 8 (2) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives, do admit into the Chamber Miss Aarinola Olaiya Blessing and Mr Abdulsalam Kamaldeen in recognition of their outstanding academic performance and sheer determination for success”.

Parliamentary Honour for Exceptional Young Nigerians:

Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila:

The House:

Notes that the 8th House of Representatives has demonstrated its commitment to reward excellence and encourage citizens who have elevated the ideals of the Nigerian society amid various challenges confronting the country;

Also notes that the essence of nation building contributions of the House is to invest resources into meaningful activities that will help secure the future of our country and encourage attitudinal change to inspire the Nigerian youth;

Informed that the duo of Miss Aarinola Olaiya Blessing and Mr Abdulsalam Kamaldeen have attained exceptional records in their chosen academic fields and displayed true spirit of resilience, hardwork and persistent courage;

Also informed that Miss Aarinola Olaiya Blessing, 24, who was admitted into Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State to study Medicine and Surgery in 2011, scored an excellent Cumulative Grade Point (CGPA) of 4.74 in her first year and subsequently, in her second through to the sixth year scored: Distinctions in Anatomy, Medical Biochemistry and Physiology (200L); Distinctions in Medical Biochemistry and Pharmacology (300L); Distinctions in Pathology and Pharmacology (400L); Distinctions in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mental Health and Dermatology (500L) and Distinctions in Surgery (600L), (an achievement that had been elusive for a period of 28 years in OAU/Nigerian Medicine and Community Health);

Further informed that Mr Abdulsalam Kamaldeen, 38, lost his two legs to polio at the tender age of 3, lost his mother at the age of 4, started primary school at 8, and resorted to streetbegging to raise money to buy school uniforms, books and to feed; begged for alms from primary through secondary schools and was known on the streets of Lagos as a beggar, slept under Idumota Bridge for several years before saving money gathered from commuters and care givers alike to rent a room;

Equally informed that from street begging, he bought GCE form in 2002, sat and passed the GCE and JAMB examinations and was subsequently admitted to study Political Science at the University of Lagos;

Again informed that as he was preparing to complete his first degree, he sat for the West African School Certificate Examination and Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board Examination, in his determination to become a Lawyer, passed the examinations, studied law and was later admitted to the Nigerian Law School in 2015 and was called to the Nigerian Bar on 30 November, 2016;

Resolves to:

(i)​present and commend Miss Aariola Olaiya Blessing to all Nigerians home and abroad for her exceptional academic feat;

(ii)​also present and commend Mr Abdulsalam Kamaldeen to all Nigerians home and abroad for his strong determination and perseverance despite his lifetime challenges; and

(iii) ​establish by law a Parliamentary Honours/Award System for recognition of extraordinary achievements by Nigerians.

Debate

Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila noted with pride that while the world celebrated the Ronaldos and Messis of this world due to what they can do with their legs, he urged for Nigeria to celebrate Abdulsalam who has achieved his feat without legs despite the odds of losing his legs to polio at the tender age of 3 and losing his mother the very next year. He urged for commendations for him and Blessing Ariola who have broken Barriers in academics and overcoming environmental challenges to excel. Hon. Edward Pwajok joined in praising the achievements of the duo despite the challenging environments within which they excelled. He hoped that their achievements would inspire other young Nigerians to excel in their dreams. Hon. Lasun Yussuf stated that the duo gives him hope in the future of Nigeria that not all are crime and drug laden. He also praised the fact that Nigerian public schools can produce the likes of Blessing and Abdulsalam. He stated that all Nigerians can learn a thing or two from the young champions, he also stated that the respect accorded them in coming into Plenary on the Floor of the House should be a morale booster to them and other aspiring young Nigerians watching them. Hon. Sunday Adepoju commended them and plead with the authorities so that these bright minds are engaged for the good of Nigeria and not snatched by the diaspora as is the common practice. Hon. Oghuma Johnson stated that the Green Chamber in its achitectural design is not disability friendly and it showed clearly when Abdulsalam had to struggle to come into the Hallowed Chambers to be honored, he therefore pleaded for the structure to be modified to be accommodative to all. Hon. Saheed Fijabi on behalf of the Youth in Parliament praised the achievements to Blessing and Abdulsalam and urged all youth to emulate these shining lights. Hon. Yakubu Dogara charged the duo that even though they have shattered the glass ceiling, they have to do more to keep the torch of hope burning. The Motion was voted on and passed.

Rescission of the House Resolution on the Report of the Committee on Local Content on Investigation into the Provision of Indigenous Support Vessel Total Upstream Nigeria Limited, Total Nigeria Plc Tender for Provision of PVC and Terminal Support Ref: NTD 00001632: Pursuant to Order Nine, Rule 1 (6) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives:

Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila:

The House:

Recalls that on Wednesday, 15 March, 2017, the House considered the Report of the Committee on Local Content on the above matter and adopted the recommendation in the Report;

Notes that the Resolution adopted by the House urged that the whole bidding process be cancelled and a fresh bidding process be introduced within six (6) months in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, 2010 and the Public Procurement Act, 2007;

Also notes that emerging facts since the adoption of the Resolution require that the House do rescind its Resolution of 15 March, 2017 on the matter and commit it to the Committee of the Whole for reconsideration;

Resolves to:

(i)​rescind the Resolution of the House on the bidding process for provision of Indigenous Support Vessel Total Upstream Nigeria Limited, Total Nigeria Plc Tender for provision of PVC and Terminal Support Ref: NTD 00001632 which was adopted on Wednesday,15 March, 2017;

(ii)​ commit the recommendation to the Committee of the Whole for reconsideration.

Item stepped down by leave of the House for further clarification on the matter.

Need For Rehabilitation and Upgrade of Alkaleri – Futuk Road in Bauchi State:

Hon. Muhammad Sani Abdu:

The House:

Notes that the Government of Bauchi State had,sometime ago, contracted Sino-Rich-Fields, a Chinese Construction Firm to open up the rich hinterland behind Yankari National Park in Alkaleri local government area by constructing an 83km road that will provide a short link to Adamawa, Gombe and Taraba States;

Also notes that Alkaleri – Futuk road is of paramount importance because Futuk town is by far older in origin than even Bauchi town which is the headquarters of Bauchi Emirate Council and the State capital, as Futuk town occupies a strategic position in the affairs of the four States, being the meeting point;

Further notes that the road provides alternative gateway to Adamawa, Taraba and Borno States and offers easy access to the Federal University, Kashare, ABTI University, Yola, Mambila Hydro Power Project site in Taraba State, the Modibbo Adama University, Jimeta and also transects the Benue Trough/Lake Chad Basin Marginal Oil Fields and passes by the Kalmoni River – One which promises oil wells in commercial quantities, currently being prospected by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Shell-BP and other international oil companies;

Informed that three bridges along the stretch of the road located at Mai Arin Arewa, Border and Babani villages have collapsed due to flooding and gully erosion which impacted on them and there is an imminent threat of two more bridges collapsing, as well as sections of the road that have failed;

Concerned about the high rate of accidents on the road on virtually daily basis because of plethora of potholes and unstable slopes that inundate the road, which add up to the suffering of Nigerians Resolves to:

(i)​urge the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing to take over the road from Bauchi State Government for proper maintenance, especially reconstruction of the collapsed bridges and failed sections of the road due to its importance as the gateway to four out of six North East States and its shortcut role to the Republic of Chad and Cameroon; and

(ii)​ mandate the Committee on Works to ensure implementation and report back in six (6) weeks for further legislative action.

Hon. Muhammad Sani moved the Motion, Hon. Hassan Adamu Seconded it, as an infrastructure related Motion it was voted on and passed.

Need to Investigate the Execution of Constituency Projects by Contractors under the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA):

Hon. Betty Apiafi ​​Hon. Boma Goodhead​ ​Hon. Gogo Bright​

Hon. Ken Chikere​​Hon. Eke Amadi​​Hon. Kingsley Chinda​

Hon. Blessing Nsiegbe​​Hon. Nnam-Obi Uchechuku​Hon. Eke Jerome Amadi

Hon. B. Randolph Oruene​Hon. Awaji-Inombek Dagomie:

The House:

Notes that Constituency Projects are aimed towards providing social amenities, creating an enabling environment and increasing the standard of living of Nigerians living mainly in the rural communities, leading to the economic, social and political growth and development of the communities;

Aware that proper execution of Constituency Projects would serve as a platform for good governance, transparency and accountability;

Also aware that since 2015, there have been numerous complaints from Honourable Members and constituents about poor/non execution of projects by contractors under the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA);

Concerned about the nonchalant attitude of those contractors and the NPHCDA towards execution of Constituency Projects which manifests, for instance in the supply of substandard drugs and medical equipment and construction of primary healthcare centres with low quality materials which has led to severe injuries and loss of lives in some cases;

Resolves to:

Mandate the Committee on Constituency Outreach to investigate the poor/non execution of constituency projects under the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) from 2015 to date and report back within six (6) weeks for further legislative action.

Debate

Hon. Betty Apiafi moved the Motion, Hon. Abiodun Balogun seconded it.

Debate

Hon. Apiafi stated that complaints abound about the substandard nature of projects executed by contractors of the Constituency Projects, in some cases the projects are totally abandoned. She hoped and urged for a thorough Investigation by the relevant Committee of the House.

Non-Implementation of Federal Government Policies on Legal Metrology Services in the Upstream Sector:

​Hon. Raphael Nnanna Igbokwe:

The House:

Notes that the federal government, in 2014, signed an Agreement with Independent Service Providers for the purpose of verification and certification of measurement equipment used for export of crude oil from Nigeria in accordance with international standard of legal metrology;

Aware that the services of those inspectors instilled transparency in the upstream sector and blocked leakages worth over $10 billion per annum as well as exposing error margins and leakages which estimated a loss of about $7.5 billion per annum;

Informed that the work of the inspectors have been stalled since 16 March 2016 for an apparent fear of their making further exposure of inefficiency and fraud in the upstream sector;

Cognizant that if no action is taken to ensure the continuation of legal metrology services in the Upstream sector, Nigeria will continue to suffer huge and collateral losses in crude extraction, sales and export;

Resolves to:

Mandate the Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream) to investigate the matter and report back within three (3) weeks for further legislative action.

Hon. Raphael Igbokwe moved the Motion, Hon. Aminu Maina seconded it.

Debate

Hon. Igbokwe stated that as an Investigative Motion, he would not want to predicate the investigation, he hoped earnestly that the investigation would right the perceived injustice which has economic consequences of the Nigerian economy, the Oil Upstream sector to be precise. He stated that the outcome of the investigation will aid the Legislature during the PIB passage. He stated that the Motion seeks to promote transparency and accountability in the Public Sector. Hon. Sergius Ogun stated that it is time for the leakages in the export terminals of the oil sector to stop so Nigeria does not need to keep borrowing to fund budgets, the Navy has stated how the country loses huge sums to these ills, he urged for the speedy passage and execution of the tenets of the Motion. It was put to a vote and passed.

Need to Urge Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government to Comply with Resolutions of the House of Representatives:

​Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta​​​Hon. Abubakar Hassan Fulata

​Hon. Agunsoye Rotimi​​​​Hon. Aliyu Danladi

​Hon. Chidi Frank Wihioka​​​Hon. Lynda Chuba Ikpeazu

​Hon. Ogbeide- Ihama- Omoregie​​Hon. Fredrick Agbedi

​The House:

Notes that Section 4 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 vests legislative powers on the National Assembly to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the Federation or any part thereof with respect to any matter included in the Exclusive Legislative List set out in Part 1 of the Second Schedule to the Constitution;

Also notes that Section 88 of the Constitution empowers each House of the National Assembly to conduct investigations, through its Committees, into the conduct of affairs of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Executive Arm of Government, and the Committees, in the course of their oversight activities, may raise queries for those MDAs in order to ensure accountability, transparency, responsiveness and sustenance;

Further notes that the House spends funds in conducting oversight activities and investigations and then quality legislative time to consider the Reports and adopt Resolutions which are then forwarded to the MDAs for implementation but most of them refuse, fail or neglect to comply with such Resolutions;

Observes that this flagrant act of refusal, failure or neglect to comply with House Resolutions are more common with Agencies for which the House appropriates funds, including:

(1)​Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC),

(2)​Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON),

(3)​Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR),

(4)​Nigeria Customs Service (NCS),

(5)​Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN),

(6)​Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC),

(7)​University of Lagos,

(8)​Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo,

(9)​Federal Road Safety Commission,

(10)​Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation,

(11)​University of Benin,

(12)​Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),

(13)​Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA),

(14)​Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA);

Aware that the attitude of the MDAs is rendering the Resolutions of the House mere academic exercise and desirous of invoking its Constitutional powers of the purse in ensuring compliance with its Resolutions;

Resolves to:

Mandate all relevant Committees to ensure that Ministries, Departments and Agencies that have persistently disrespected the Resolutions of the House get zero allocations in the 2018 budget/legislative engagements until they comply with the Resolutions as they affect them.

Hon. Nkem Abonta moved the Motion, Hon. Aminu Maina seconded it.

Debate

Hon. Abonta stated that the Motion seeks principally to ensure the check and balances functions of the Legislature through oversight are not seen to be wasted when recommendations of the House Committees and resolutions of the House of Representatives is disregarded by Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government who the Legislature Appropriates funds for in the first place. He wondered how M.D.As of Government who see the Legislature as partners during budget defense turn to foes during oversight aimed at implementation for the good of the Nigerian people. He noted the it is impossibility of a victim to refuse to comply with a Judge’s ruling, which is what is happening in this case. Hon. Rotimi Kayode expressed sadness at the trend of disregarding resolutions of the House of Representatives by the Executive, it means purely the lack of respect for Rule of Law. Hon. Nicolas Ossai stated that the Motion seeks to strengthen Section 88 to give bite, and not just bark to the resolutions of the House. Hon. Fulata Hassan stated that Agencies who continue to flout resolutions of the House of Representatives should be black listed when it comes to appropriating funds for them. Hon. Wayo Benjamin stated that once a Resolution is passed on the Floor of the House of Representatives it represents the wishes of all people the House of Representatives represent, and it is sad that some Heads of Agencies will decide to just jettison those resolutions without blinking. Hon. Orker Jev stood to oppose the Motion on the ground of one of the Prayers that proposes zero allocation to erring M.D.As, he clarified that it was tantamount to shutting down Government as so many M.D.Asare affected. He reminded the Members that Resolutions of the House are opinions in fact and not Law. Hon. Nkem Abonta replied by reminding Hon. Orker Jev that the Prayer says they should get zero allocation UNTIL THEY COMPLY. Hon. Yussuf Lasun stated that the House Committee on Legislative Compliance should be let to take leading action and exhaust all Legislative procedures and not to throw a blanket on zero allocation of budgetary funds. Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara stated that it is possible to withhold funds to M.D.As if they err with Legislative resolutions persistently, but it is not in the spirit of national interest to do so. He urged the Committee on Legislative Compliance to keep doing its work and be unrelenting. The Motion was stepped down until the Chairman, House Committee on Legislative Compliance gives the House an official Report. The Speaker stated that Resolutions are not mare reasons, but are meant to be complied with so that Legislative work is not seen as wasted time.

Impromptu Diversion of Commercial Planes Scheduled to Land on Account of VIP Movement:

​Hon. Bukar Goni Lawan:

​The House:

Notes that commercial airplanes are normally cleared for landing by the Control Tower before the planes land on the runway;

Aware that sometimes, the planes are coming from long distance journeys, such that they require to land without delay but on some occasions, the planes are suddenly prevented from landing on account of VIP movement;

Concerned that such practices result in the planes remaining in the air and could lead to accidents as the planes whose landing had been aborted could run out of fuel or develop mechanical fault mid-air;

​Also notes that this trend has the effect of eroding people’s confidence in the Aviation industry;

​Resolves to:

​​​​​(i)​urge the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to efficiently coordinate communications on any plane taking off or landing in order to ensure maximum safety of passengers;

(ii)​also urge NAMA to ensure that planes take off from their destinations only when they are cleared upon ascertainment that no VIP movement is contemplated and where such exists, the plane should remain on the ground for the period the movement would last; and

(iii)​mandate the Committee on Aviation to ensure implementation.

Item stepped down by leave of the House

Hon. Orker Jev moved to step aside the provisions of Order 12, Rule 3 to take the second and third reading of the Bill of N.D.D.C, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila moved for the Second Reading of the Bill, Hon. Orker Jev seconded it.
Debate

Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila stated that the Bill was a Bill emanating from the Senate for concurrence, it is a one line amendment to specify for percentage remittance from IOCs to N.N.P.C. He urged that this would encourage peace and reduce restiveness in the Niger Delta region. It was put to a vote, passed for Second Reading, the Clerk read the Long Title and it was referred to the Committee of the Whole. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila then moved to lay the Report of the Bill, Hon. Orker Jev seconded it.

CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS

Committees on Finance, Appropriations, Aids,Loans and Debt Management, Legislative Budget and Research and National Planning and Economic Development:

Hon. Babangida Ibrahim:

“That the House do consider the Report of the Committees on Finance, Appropriations, Aids, Loans and Debt Management, Legislative Budget and Research and National Planning and Economic Development on the 2018-2020 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 5/12/2017):

Recommendations:

(i) ​that 2.3 million barrels per day be retained as proposed by the Executive for the 2018 Budget;

(ii)​that $47 per barrel as the benchmark for the fiscal year 2018 be adopted. This is in consideration of the current positive outlook in the global oil market and expectation that OPEC and other allied oil partnership countries will sustain oil production “cuts deep” into 2018;

(iii)​that ₦305/US Dollar as proposed by the executive for the 2018 Budget be adopted. It is also advised that CBN should adopt measures to close the gap between the parallel market and the official exchange rate;

(iv)​that the projected ₦5.279 trillion for non-oil revenue in 2018 be adopted. In addition, revenue generating agencies should intensify efforts on collections and measures that would reduce revenue loss. Specifically, Pioneer status and Tax incentives must be beneficial to the economy;

(v)​that ₦1.699 trillion new borrowing for 2018 as proposed by the Executive be adopted. However, borrowing must be project-tied. In borrowing more, government must remain focused and ensure it is used to fund critical projects that will increase productivity and contribute to financing such debt;

(vi)​that relevant committees of the National Assembly should closely and constantly oversight the MDAs on the implementation of these programs to ensure effective, widespread and representative targeting of beneficiaries;

(vii)​that the National Assembly should amend the relevant Sections of the Fiscal Responsibility Act and other extant laws;

(viii)​that a 3.5% growth rate be adopted, especially with the latest figures indicating a doubling of growth rate to 1.4% in third quarter, 2017.

Hon. Babangida Ibrahim moved for the consideration of the Report, Hon. Dennis Agbo seconded it

HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY:

Hon. Ibrahim Babangida stated that after the necessary inter phasing of the Committee with relevant M.D.As on the subject matters, and after thorough cross checking, the Committee came up with the Report before the House. Hon. Betty Apafi stated that it was promised that monies recovered from looted funds would form most of the funding of the 2018 budget, but the MTEF Report seems to be silent on that. Hon. Ibrahim Babangida stated that it was mentioned for the 2017 budget, not the 2018, in the 2018 budget there was more talk on the use of proceeds of sale of privatized Government Assets.

Recommendations 1-5 were voted on and Carried, Recommendation 6 was deleted and 7 & 8 were Carried.

Hon. Ajayi Adeyinka stated that the Report emanate from a request from the Presidency for the 2017/2018 financial structure of borrowing for States in specifics, starting with Kaduna. The Committee decided to work in that light as it was easier to track and presented its recommendations before the House.

Recommendations 1 & 2 were voted on and Carried.

HOUSE IN PLENARY:

The House in Plenary adopted Proceedings it undertook in the Committee of Supply

Committee on Electoral and Political Party Matters:
​Hon. Aishatu Jibril Dukku:

“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Electoral and Political Party Matters on a Bill for an Act to Further Amend the Electoral Act, No. 6 of 2010; and for Matters Connected Therewith (HBs. 165, 174, 220, 429, 468, 484, 809 and 966) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 13/7/2027)

Committee on Electoral and Political Party Matters:

​Hon. Aishatu Jibril Dukku:

“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Electoral and Political Party Matters on a Bill for an Act to Establish the Electoral Offences Tribunal for the Purpose of trying Electoral Offences and to Establish the Nigerian Electoral Offences Commission charged with the Responsibility of Prohibition and Prosecution of Electoral Offences and for Related Matters (HBs 504 and 546) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 27/7/2017).

HOUSE IN COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE:

The House considered and approved Clauses 1-3 on the N.D.D.C Bill put forward for concurrence by the Leader of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Hon. Orker Jev then moved for its Third Reading, it was voted and passed after the Clerk read the Long Tittle.

It then considered and amended the clauses in the Amendment Bill proposed by Hon. Aishatu Jibril Dukku for the Committee on Electoral and Political Party Matters? It amended clauses 8, 9, 12, 18, 25, 26, 30, 31, 33, 34, 35, 36, 38, 48, 49, 59, 63, 78, 85, 87, 90, 91, 99, 100, 106, 108, 118, 119, 152 & 156.

HOUSE IN PLENARY:

The House in Plenary adopted Proceedings it undertook in the Committee of The Whole

Adjournment

The House adjourned Plenary till Tuesday, December 19 by 11:00 Am
Share this Post: