Plenary proceedings of the House of Representatives for Wednesday, December 12, 2018. The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara presiding.
After leading the opening prayer, the Speaker went on to examine and approve Plenary Votes and Proceedings for Tuesday, December 11, 2018
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PETITION
1. Hon. Francis Ezenwa brought a petition from an Association against the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company for placing a single meter on their transformer and charging the whole community exorbitant rates from this single meter. They argued that there is no way to determine individual energy usage. They stated that this practice is frowned upon and the EEDC should desist from it, hence they are seeking the intervention of the House to enforce this. The Leader of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila also sought for the opportunity to debate this issue of estimated billing during the conference of the Committee of the Whole.
The Petition was referred to the Committee on Public Petitions
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MATTER OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
1. Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha Moved the Motion on the need to call on the National Population Commission to discontinue the births registration charge of =N=4,500 each under the public-private partnership gone into by the Commission. She stated that the births should remain free as was the practice. She queried the abdication of the function of the commission to private partners which may have given rise to the monetization of this critical function. She argued that giving the poverty level prevalent in especially rural communities, the price is exorbitant for these rural people, it is tantamount to saying the people should not register their children. She reminded Members that the Act stated that compulsory birth registration is free and the Act has not been Amended. Hon. Chris Azubogu stated that birth registration is a social responsibility of Government and a right of citizens that should not be hindered by this new levy charged by the National Population Commission. Hon. Edward Pwajok concurred that the relevant section of the Constitution states that the birth registration should be done free as long as the relevant information of birth is provided within 60 days of birth, after which a fine may be imposed. The Leader of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila proposed an Amendment to the Motion that there should be restitution and money illegally collected should be returned and adequate punishments appropriated to the erring parties. The Motion was Voted on and Passed as Amended.
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PRESENTATION OF BILLS
1. National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) (Establishment) Bill, 2018 (HB.1583) (Hon. Edward Gyang Pwajok) – First Reading.
2. Parental Responsibility Bill, 2018 (HB.1584) (Hon. Bode Ayorinde) – First Reading.
3. Legislature and Executive Collaborative Council Bill, 2018 (HB.1585) (Hon. Bode Ayorinde) – First Reading.
4. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2018 (HB.1586) (Hon. Bode Ayorinde) – First Reading.
5. Nigeria Electricity Power University, Koko (Establishment) Bill, 2018 (HB. 1587) (Hon. Daniel Reyenieju) – First Reading
6. Federal Polytechnic, Gwaram (Establishment) Bill, 2018 (HB.1588) (Hon. Yuguda Hassan Kila) – First Reading.
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PRESENTATION OF REPORTS
1.​ Ad-Hoc Committee on the Process that Led to the Termination of the Contract between Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and INTELS Nigeria Limited
Hon. Pally Iriase:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Ad-hoc Committee on the Process that Led to the Termination of the Contract between Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and INTELS Nigeria Limited (HR.113/2017) (Referred: 16/10/2017).
2.​ Committee on Public Petitions:
Petition by Iorchir Denen Pius:
​Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Iorchir Denen Pius against the Police Service Commission on the termination of his appointment†(Referred16/11/2017:).
3.​ Committee on Public Petitions:
Petition by Sule Sale Ibrahim Kazaure:
​Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Sule Sale Ibrahim Kazaure against the Corporate Affairs Commission on unlawful and unjust termination of his appointmentâ€(Referred: 6/3/2017).
4.​ Committee on Public Petitions:
Petition by Theobena Nigeria Limited:
​Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Theobena Nigeria Limited against Happiness International Trading Company Limited on the Sale of Substandard Productsâ€(Referred: 22/11/2017:).
5.​ Committee on Public Petitions:
Petition by Falana and Falana’s Chambers:
​Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Falana and Falana’s Chambers against the Nigerian Police Force over the controversial disappearance of Mr. Clinton Uche Ikea in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja†(Referred:11/7/2017).
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ORDERS OF THE DAY
BILLS
​
1. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation Act, Cap. N137, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority Bill; and for Related Matters (HB. 1212) – Third Reading.
Debate
Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila Moved for the Third Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Mohammed Monguno. It was Voted on, the Clerk Read the long title and it was Passed.
2. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal University of Education, Zaria; and for Related Matters (HB. 1536) – Third Reading.
Debate
Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila Moved for the Third Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Mohammed Monguno. It was Voted on, the Clerk Read the long title and it was Passed.
3. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo; and for Related Matters (HB. 1539) – Third Reading.
Debate
Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila Moved for the Third Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Mohammed Monguno. It was Voted on, the Clerk Read the long title and it was Passed.
4. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri; and for Related Matters (HB. 1537) – Third Reading.
Debate
Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila Moved for the Third Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Mohammed Monguno. It was Voted on, the Clerk Read the long title and it was Passed.
5. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Public Holidays Act, Cap. P40, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to bring the Act in tandem with the current realities and exigencies of the modern times and to declare June, 12 as Democracy Day in Nigeria and for Related Matters (HBs. 918 and 1529) – Third Reading.
Debate
Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila Moved for the Third Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Mohammed Monguno. It was Voted on, the Clerk Read the long title and it was Passed.
6. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Casino Taxation Act, Cap. C3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 by Extending the Operation of the Act beyond Lagos and for Related Matters (HB. 365) – Third Reading.
Debate
Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila Moved for the Third Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Mohammed Monguno. It was Voted on, the Clerk Read the long title and it was Passed.
7. A Bill for an Act to provide for Establishment of the National Centre for Stroke Management; and for Related Matters (HB. 1548) (Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi) – Second Reading.
Bill Stepped down by leave of the House due to the absence of its Sponsor.
8. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015 to Establish Special Trafficking Courts, and a Mandatory Annual codified Training on the subjects of Human Trafficking, Modern-day Slavery and Protection of Victims, Expand the Composition of the Governing Board of the Agency by including a member from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), increase Penalties, Criminalize certain Offences, Patronage of Commercial Sex; and for Related Matters (HB. 1559) (Hon. Samuel Ikon and 2 Others) – Second Reading.
Bill Stepped down by leave of the House for further consultations.
9. A Bill for an Act to Provide a Legal Framework for Establishment of the Natural Resources Regulatory Commission charged with Responsibility for Imposing, Managing and Disbursing the 1.68% Natural Resources Fund from the Federal Government Revenue; and for Related Matters (HB. 1527) (Hon. Aliyu B. Ahman Pategi) – Second Reading.
Bill Stepped down by leave of the House due to the absence of its Sponsor.
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MOTIONS
10. Rescission of Clauses 5, 7 and 20 of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (Establishment) Bill, 2018 Pursuant to Order Nine, Rule 1 (6) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives:
Hon. Edward Gyang-Pwajok:
The House:
Notes that the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (Establishment) Bill, 2018 was passed by both Houses of the National Assembly;
Aware that fundamental issues that are germane, were observed on certain Clauses of the Bill;
Cognizant of the need to address such issues observed on Clauses 5, 7 and 20 of the Bill;
Resolves to:
Rescind its decision on Clauses 5, 7, and 20 and recommit same to the Committee of the Whole for reconsideration.
Debate
Hon. Edward Pwajok Moved the Motion and it was Seconded Hon. Mohammed Monguno. The Motion was Voted on and Passed.
11.​ Urgent Need to Rehabilitate the Lokoja - Okene - Auchi Road:
Hon. Yusuf Ahmed Tijani:
The House:
Notes that the Lokoja-Okene-Auchi Road is the major link between the Northern and Southern parts of Nigeria, connecting seven (7) States in the country, and is also the gateway to the Ajaokuta Steel Company as well as the Itakpe Iron Ore Mining Company of Nigeria;
Aware that the Road has been left to deteriorate for a long time without any form of maintenance or rehabilitation;
Also aware that for over a decade, the road had always been listed among the capital projects in the National Budgets but has never received significant attention from successive governments;
Further aware of instances where Abuja and Lagos bound travellers spent about three days on the Road occasioned by traffic gridlock as all the alternative routes were congested and completely blocked;
Desirous of the need to ensure that the vital link Road is rehabilitated to ease the sufferings of commuters;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing to include the rehabilitation of the Road in the 2019 budget proposal;
(ii) Mandate the Committee on Works to ensure compliance.
Debate
Hon. Tijani Moved the Motion and it was Seconded by Hon. Ayo Omidiran. As an infrastructure related Motion, it was Voted on and Passed.
12.​ Need to Investigate the Planned Privatization of the Afam Power Plc by the Bureau of Public Enterprises as a Dilapidated Asset:
Hon. Ayodele Oladimeji:
The House:
Notes that the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) has resumed the Privatization, as dilapidated asset or a scrap on a fast-track transaction, of Afam Power Generation Company earlier suspended, as one of the means to finance the 2018 budget;
Also notes that the Sapele Power Plc and the Ughelli Power Plc were Privatized by the BPE in 2013 in the same manner as the planned privatization of Afam Power Plc and both are now in dire financial constraints along with other Generating Companies (GENCOS), resulting in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) intervention with N701 billion Payment Assurance Guarantee due to expire in December, 2018;
Aware that the Generating Companies (GENCOS) are still faced with problems of lack of gas and weak infrastructure which cannot take all the generated energy and also serious liquidity crisis;
Concerned that the sale of Afam Power Plc as a dilapidated asset on a fast-track transaction will not yield the result envisaged by the Federal Government in privatizing the Public Enterprise as it would likely join the league of over 37 non-performing Privatized Public Enterprises;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the National Council on Privatization to immediately suspend the process of Privatizing Afam Power Plc on a fast-track transaction basis to allow for completion of the repairs of Phases 4 & 5 machines as well as the construction and rehabilitation of Afam Power Plant road being undertaken by the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to enhance its value;
(ii) Mandate the Committee on Privatization and Commercialization to invite the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) to ascertain the status of the transaction with a view to investigating same and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
Debate
Hon. Oladimeji Moved the Motion and it was Seconded by Hon. Sani Bala. In leading the debate, Hon. Oladimeji portrayed his fear that the Afam power plant to be privatized may suffer the same fate that the previous ones suffered in the privatization process. He called for the repair of the faulty components of the plant so that good money for the value of the plant could be realized and the plant would be functional even after its sale, so it could be useful to Nigerians. The Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Yussuff Lasun in supporting the Motion stated that the privatization process in Nigeria is awkward and skewed towards personal, not national interest. He queried the practice of selling off assets that are in critical sectors such as power, mines and steel, educational or technological development. He also pointed out that most assets privatized have not met up to the aims for which they were privatized. He queried why a nation looking to provide steady power to its citizenry would be selling off its power assets and not ensuring they function better than when they were in government control. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila stated that when the Committee is investigating, they should be cognizant of the budget structure to ascertain which part of the budget would be supposedly financed by the proposed sale of the power plant. He also queried the plan to sell off the plant as scrap. Hon. Mohammed Monguno stated that he had visited the power plant personally, and it would be a waste to sell it as is being proposed. He lamented the fact that the assets previously sold off are not functioning optimally. He called for reinvestment by Government into the sector to boost power supply to Nigerians. Hon. Sergius Ogun stated that the power plant is a critical asset that should not be sold off without due diligence. He stated that as a believer in privatization, proper procedures should be followed before the process is implemented. Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha queried how the spirits of loan-borrowing and that of trading off all critical assets seem to have sipped into governance. She reminded Members that most of these privatization processes lead to loss of Nigerian jobs. The Motion was Voted on and Passed.
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CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE) Rt. Hon. Yussuff Lasun Presiding
13 .​A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal University of Education, Kano; and for Related Matters (HB.1538) (Senate) (Leader) – (Committee of the Whole: 23/10/2018).
Synopsis of the Report:
Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila stated that the Bill is one from the Senate seeking concurrence for the upgrade of the Institution to the level of a university.
Summary of Voting:
Clauses Voted on and Carried: 1-29
14.​ A Bill for an Act to Establish the Chartered Institute for Training and Development of Nigeria, a Body charged with Responsibility to Regulate the Practice and Profession of Training and Development; and for Related Matters (HB. 401) (Hon. Edward Gyang Pwajok) – (Committee of the Whole: 5/12/2018).
Clause Corrected and Carried: 18(2 & 6)
15.​ A Bill for an Act to Establish the National Institute of Credit Administration; and for Related Matters (HB. 425) (Hon. Edward Gyang Pwajok) (Committee of the Whole: 5/12/2018).
Clauses Corrected and Carried: 7 & 8
16.​ A Bill for an Act to Establish the Chartered Institute of Pension Practitioners of Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HBs. 726 and 727) (Hon. Edward Gyang Pwajok) – (Committee of the Whole: 5/12/2018).
Clause Corrected and Carried: 11 and adequate renumbering done.
17.​ A Bill for an Act to provide for the Protection of Human Rights Online, to Protect Internet Users in Nigeria from Infringement of their Fundamental Freedoms and to Guarantee Application of Human Rights for Users of Digital Platforms and or Digital Media; and for Related Matters (HB. 490) – (Hon. Edward Gyang Pwajok) (Committee of the Whole: 5/12/2018).
Clause Corrected, Amended and Approved: 4
18.​ A Bill for an Act to Provide for Protection of Persons who render reasonable Assistance during Emergency situations occurring at places within Federal Jurisdiction and to serve as a model to be adopted by States of the Federation; and for Related Matters (HB.171) (Hon. Babajimi Benson) – (Committee of the Whole:16/6/2016).
Synopsis of the Report:
Hon. Benson stated that the Bill seeks to provide adequate protection to those who provide assistance to those in need as is the case in progressive societies.
Summary of Voting:
Clause Voted on and Carried: 1, 3-5
Clause Amended and Carried: 2
19. ​A Bill for an Act to Establish the Nigeria Institute for Trypanosomiasis and Onchocerciasis Research (NITOR) to be charged with Responsibilities for conducting Research in Onchocerciasis in addition to its current Responsibilities; and for Related Matters (HB. 665) (Hon. Dasuki Abdussamad) (Committee of the Whole: 27/11/2018).
Synopsis of the Report:
Hon. Edward Pwajok standing in for Hon. Dasuki stated that the Bill seeks to give the already existing Institute the much needed legal backing and enforcement to enable it duly carry out its functions.
Summary of Voting:
Clauses Voted on and Carried: 1-24
20. Committee on Public Service Matters
Hon. Gogo Bright Tamuno:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Public Service Matters on Implementation of the New Conditions of Service for Staff of the National Assembly Service and approve the recommendations thereinâ€
Synopsis of the Report:
Hon. Edward Pwajok stated that the Report was for the review of the conditions of service of staff of the National Assembly for enforcement by the National Assembly Commission.
Summary of Voting: Report Passed without consideration of individual Clauses due to the irregular numbering therein.
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HOUSE IN PLENARY
The House in Plenary adopted the Votes and Proceedings of the House in the Committee of the Whole.
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Adjournment:
The House adjourned Plenary till Thursday, December 13, 2018 by 11:00 Am
Courtesy:
Media Unit, Office of the Honourable Speaker, House of Representatives.
Plenary proceedings of the House of Representatives for Wednesday, December 12, 2018. The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara presiding.
After leading the opening prayer, the Speaker went on to examine and approve Plenary Votes and Proceedings for Tuesday, December 11, 2018
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PETITION
1. Hon. Francis Ezenwa brought a petition from an Association against the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company for placing a single meter on their transformer and charging the whole community exorbitant rates from this single meter. They argued that there is no way to determine individual energy usage. They stated that this practice is frowned upon and the EEDC should desist from it, hence they are seeking the intervention of the House to enforce this. The Leader of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila also sought for the opportunity to debate this issue of estimated billing during the conference of the Committee of the Whole.
The Petition was referred to the Committee on Public Petitions
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MATTER OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
1. Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha Moved the Motion on the need to call on the National Population Commission to discontinue the births registration charge of =N=4,500 each under the public-private partnership gone into by the Commission. She stated that the births should remain free as was the practice. She queried the abdication of the function of the commission to private partners which may have given rise to the monetization of this critical function. She argued that giving the poverty level prevalent in especially rural communities, the price is exorbitant for these rural people, it is tantamount to saying the people should not register their children. She reminded Members that the Act stated that compulsory birth registration is free and the Act has not been Amended. Hon. Chris Azubogu stated that birth registration is a social responsibility of Government and a right of citizens that should not be hindered by this new levy charged by the National Population Commission. Hon. Edward Pwajok concurred that the relevant section of the Constitution states that the birth registration should be done free as long as the relevant information of birth is provided within 60 days of birth, after which a fine may be imposed. The Leader of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila proposed an Amendment to the Motion that there should be restitution and money illegally collected should be returned and adequate punishments appropriated to the erring parties. The Motion was Voted on and Passed as Amended.
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PRESENTATION OF BILLS
1. National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) (Establishment) Bill, 2018 (HB.1583) (Hon. Edward Gyang Pwajok) – First Reading.
2. Parental Responsibility Bill, 2018 (HB.1584) (Hon. Bode Ayorinde) – First Reading.
3. Legislature and Executive Collaborative Council Bill, 2018 (HB.1585) (Hon. Bode Ayorinde) – First Reading.
4. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2018 (HB.1586) (Hon. Bode Ayorinde) – First Reading.
5. Nigeria Electricity Power University, Koko (Establishment) Bill, 2018 (HB. 1587) (Hon. Daniel Reyenieju) – First Reading
6. Federal Polytechnic, Gwaram (Establishment) Bill, 2018 (HB.1588) (Hon. Yuguda Hassan Kila) – First Reading.
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PRESENTATION OF REPORTS
1.​ Ad-Hoc Committee on the Process that Led to the Termination of the Contract between Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and INTELS Nigeria Limited
Hon. Pally Iriase:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Ad-hoc Committee on the Process that Led to the Termination of the Contract between Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and INTELS Nigeria Limited (HR.113/2017) (Referred: 16/10/2017).
2.​ Committee on Public Petitions:
Petition by Iorchir Denen Pius:
​Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Iorchir Denen Pius against the Police Service Commission on the termination of his appointment†(Referred16/11/2017:).
3.​ Committee on Public Petitions:
Petition by Sule Sale Ibrahim Kazaure:
​Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Sule Sale Ibrahim Kazaure against the Corporate Affairs Commission on unlawful and unjust termination of his appointmentâ€(Referred: 6/3/2017).
4.​ Committee on Public Petitions:
Petition by Theobena Nigeria Limited:
​Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Theobena Nigeria Limited against Happiness International Trading Company Limited on the Sale of Substandard Productsâ€(Referred: 22/11/2017:).
5.​ Committee on Public Petitions:
Petition by Falana and Falana’s Chambers:
​Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Falana and Falana’s Chambers against the Nigerian Police Force over the controversial disappearance of Mr. Clinton Uche Ikea in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja†(Referred:11/7/2017).
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ORDERS OF THE DAY
BILLS
​
1. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation Act, Cap. N137, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority Bill; and for Related Matters (HB. 1212) – Third Reading.
Debate
Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila Moved for the Third Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Mohammed Monguno. It was Voted on, the Clerk Read the long title and it was Passed.
2. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal University of Education, Zaria; and for Related Matters (HB. 1536) – Third Reading.
Debate
Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila Moved for the Third Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Mohammed Monguno. It was Voted on, the Clerk Read the long title and it was Passed.
3. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo; and for Related Matters (HB. 1539) – Third Reading.
Debate
Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila Moved for the Third Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Mohammed Monguno. It was Voted on, the Clerk Read the long title and it was Passed.
4. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri; and for Related Matters (HB. 1537) – Third Reading.
Debate
Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila Moved for the Third Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Mohammed Monguno. It was Voted on, the Clerk Read the long title and it was Passed.
5. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Public Holidays Act, Cap. P40, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to bring the Act in tandem with the current realities and exigencies of the modern times and to declare June, 12 as Democracy Day in Nigeria and for Related Matters (HBs. 918 and 1529) – Third Reading.
Debate
Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila Moved for the Third Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Mohammed Monguno. It was Voted on, the Clerk Read the long title and it was Passed.
6. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Casino Taxation Act, Cap. C3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 by Extending the Operation of the Act beyond Lagos and for Related Matters (HB. 365) – Third Reading.
Debate
Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila Moved for the Third Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Mohammed Monguno. It was Voted on, the Clerk Read the long title and it was Passed.
7. A Bill for an Act to provide for Establishment of the National Centre for Stroke Management; and for Related Matters (HB. 1548) (Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi) – Second Reading.
Bill Stepped down by leave of the House due to the absence of its Sponsor.
8. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015 to Establish Special Trafficking Courts, and a Mandatory Annual codified Training on the subjects of Human Trafficking, Modern-day Slavery and Protection of Victims, Expand the Composition of the Governing Board of the Agency by including a member from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), increase Penalties, Criminalize certain Offences, Patronage of Commercial Sex; and for Related Matters (HB. 1559) (Hon. Samuel Ikon and 2 Others) – Second Reading.
Bill Stepped down by leave of the House for further consultations.
9. A Bill for an Act to Provide a Legal Framework for Establishment of the Natural Resources Regulatory Commission charged with Responsibility for Imposing, Managing and Disbursing the 1.68% Natural Resources Fund from the Federal Government Revenue; and for Related Matters (HB. 1527) (Hon. Aliyu B. Ahman Pategi) – Second Reading.
Bill Stepped down by leave of the House due to the absence of its Sponsor.
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MOTIONS
10. Rescission of Clauses 5, 7 and 20 of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (Establishment) Bill, 2018 Pursuant to Order Nine, Rule 1 (6) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives:
Hon. Edward Gyang-Pwajok:
The House:
Notes that the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (Establishment) Bill, 2018 was passed by both Houses of the National Assembly;
Aware that fundamental issues that are germane, were observed on certain Clauses of the Bill;
Cognizant of the need to address such issues observed on Clauses 5, 7 and 20 of the Bill;
Resolves to:
Rescind its decision on Clauses 5, 7, and 20 and recommit same to the Committee of the Whole for reconsideration.
Debate
Hon. Edward Pwajok Moved the Motion and it was Seconded Hon. Mohammed Monguno. The Motion was Voted on and Passed.
11.​ Urgent Need to Rehabilitate the Lokoja - Okene - Auchi Road:
Hon. Yusuf Ahmed Tijani:
The House:
Notes that the Lokoja-Okene-Auchi Road is the major link between the Northern and Southern parts of Nigeria, connecting seven (7) States in the country, and is also the gateway to the Ajaokuta Steel Company as well as the Itakpe Iron Ore Mining Company of Nigeria;
Aware that the Road has been left to deteriorate for a long time without any form of maintenance or rehabilitation;
Also aware that for over a decade, the road had always been listed among the capital projects in the National Budgets but has never received significant attention from successive governments;
Further aware of instances where Abuja and Lagos bound travellers spent about three days on the Road occasioned by traffic gridlock as all the alternative routes were congested and completely blocked;
Desirous of the need to ensure that the vital link Road is rehabilitated to ease the sufferings of commuters;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing to include the rehabilitation of the Road in the 2019 budget proposal;
(ii) Mandate the Committee on Works to ensure compliance.
Debate
Hon. Tijani Moved the Motion and it was Seconded by Hon. Ayo Omidiran. As an infrastructure related Motion, it was Voted on and Passed.
12.​ Need to Investigate the Planned Privatization of the Afam Power Plc by the Bureau of Public Enterprises as a Dilapidated Asset:
Hon. Ayodele Oladimeji:
The House:
Notes that the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) has resumed the Privatization, as dilapidated asset or a scrap on a fast-track transaction, of Afam Power Generation Company earlier suspended, as one of the means to finance the 2018 budget;
Also notes that the Sapele Power Plc and the Ughelli Power Plc were Privatized by the BPE in 2013 in the same manner as the planned privatization of Afam Power Plc and both are now in dire financial constraints along with other Generating Companies (GENCOS), resulting in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) intervention with N701 billion Payment Assurance Guarantee due to expire in December, 2018;
Aware that the Generating Companies (GENCOS) are still faced with problems of lack of gas and weak infrastructure which cannot take all the generated energy and also serious liquidity crisis;
Concerned that the sale of Afam Power Plc as a dilapidated asset on a fast-track transaction will not yield the result envisaged by the Federal Government in privatizing the Public Enterprise as it would likely join the league of over 37 non-performing Privatized Public Enterprises;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the National Council on Privatization to immediately suspend the process of Privatizing Afam Power Plc on a fast-track transaction basis to allow for completion of the repairs of Phases 4 & 5 machines as well as the construction and rehabilitation of Afam Power Plant road being undertaken by the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to enhance its value;
(ii) Mandate the Committee on Privatization and Commercialization to invite the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) to ascertain the status of the transaction with a view to investigating same and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
Debate
Hon. Oladimeji Moved the Motion and it was Seconded by Hon. Sani Bala. In leading the debate, Hon. Oladimeji portrayed his fear that the Afam power plant to be privatized may suffer the same fate that the previous ones suffered in the privatization process. He called for the repair of the faulty components of the plant so that good money for the value of the plant could be realized and the plant would be functional even after its sale, so it could be useful to Nigerians. The Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Yussuff Lasun in supporting the Motion stated that the privatization process in Nigeria is awkward and skewed towards personal, not national interest. He queried the practice of selling off assets that are in critical sectors such as power, mines and steel, educational or technological development. He also pointed out that most assets privatized have not met up to the aims for which they were privatized. He queried why a nation looking to provide steady power to its citizenry would be selling off its power assets and not ensuring they function better than when they were in government control. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila stated that when the Committee is investigating, they should be cognizant of the budget structure to ascertain which part of the budget would be supposedly financed by the proposed sale of the power plant. He also queried the plan to sell off the plant as scrap. Hon. Mohammed Monguno stated that he had visited the power plant personally, and it would be a waste to sell it as is being proposed. He lamented the fact that the assets previously sold off are not functioning optimally. He called for reinvestment by Government into the sector to boost power supply to Nigerians. Hon. Sergius Ogun stated that the power plant is a critical asset that should not be sold off without due diligence. He stated that as a believer in privatization, proper procedures should be followed before the process is implemented. Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha queried how the spirits of loan-borrowing and that of trading off all critical assets seem to have sipped into governance. She reminded Members that most of these privatization processes lead to loss of Nigerian jobs. The Motion was Voted on and Passed.
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CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE) Rt. Hon. Yussuff Lasun Presiding
13 .​A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal University of Education, Kano; and for Related Matters (HB.1538) (Senate) (Leader) – (Committee of the Whole: 23/10/2018).
Synopsis of the Report:
Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila stated that the Bill is one from the Senate seeking concurrence for the upgrade of the Institution to the level of a university.
Summary of Voting:
Clauses Voted on and Carried: 1-29
14.​ A Bill for an Act to Establish the Chartered Institute for Training and Development of Nigeria, a Body charged with Responsibility to Regulate the Practice and Profession of Training and Development; and for Related Matters (HB. 401) (Hon. Edward Gyang Pwajok) – (Committee of the Whole: 5/12/2018).
Clause Corrected and Carried: 18(2 & 6)
15.​ A Bill for an Act to Establish the National Institute of Credit Administration; and for Related Matters (HB. 425) (Hon. Edward Gyang Pwajok) (Committee of the Whole: 5/12/2018).
Clauses Corrected and Carried: 7 & 8
16.​ A Bill for an Act to Establish the Chartered Institute of Pension Practitioners of Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HBs. 726 and 727) (Hon. Edward Gyang Pwajok) – (Committee of the Whole: 5/12/2018).
Clause Corrected and Carried: 11 and adequate renumbering done.
17.​ A Bill for an Act to provide for the Protection of Human Rights Online, to Protect Internet Users in Nigeria from Infringement of their Fundamental Freedoms and to Guarantee Application of Human Rights for Users of Digital Platforms and or Digital Media; and for Related Matters (HB. 490) – (Hon. Edward Gyang Pwajok) (Committee of the Whole: 5/12/2018).
Clause Corrected, Amended and Approved: 4
18.​ A Bill for an Act to Provide for Protection of Persons who render reasonable Assistance during Emergency situations occurring at places within Federal Jurisdiction and to serve as a model to be adopted by States of the Federation; and for Related Matters (HB.171) (Hon. Babajimi Benson) – (Committee of the Whole:16/6/2016).
Synopsis of the Report:
Hon. Benson stated that the Bill seeks to provide adequate protection to those who provide assistance to those in need as is the case in progressive societies.
Summary of Voting:
Clause Voted on and Carried: 1, 3-5
Clause Amended and Carried: 2
19. ​A Bill for an Act to Establish the Nigeria Institute for Trypanosomiasis and Onchocerciasis Research (NITOR) to be charged with Responsibilities for conducting Research in Onchocerciasis in addition to its current Responsibilities; and for Related Matters (HB. 665) (Hon. Dasuki Abdussamad) (Committee of the Whole: 27/11/2018).
Synopsis of the Report:
Hon. Edward Pwajok standing in for Hon. Dasuki stated that the Bill seeks to give the already existing Institute the much needed legal backing and enforcement to enable it duly carry out its functions.
Summary of Voting:
Clauses Voted on and Carried: 1-24
20. Committee on Public Service Matters
Hon. Gogo Bright Tamuno:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Public Service Matters on Implementation of the New Conditions of Service for Staff of the National Assembly Service and approve the recommendations thereinâ€
Synopsis of the Report:
Hon. Edward Pwajok stated that the Report was for the review of the conditions of service of staff of the National Assembly for enforcement by the National Assembly Commission.
Summary of Voting: Report Passed without consideration of individual Clauses due to the irregular numbering therein.
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HOUSE IN PLENARY
The House in Plenary adopted the Votes and Proceedings of the House in the Committee of the Whole.
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Adjournment:
The House adjourned Plenary till Thursday, December 13, 2018 by 11:00 Am
Courtesy:
Media Unit, Office of the Honourable Speaker, House of Representatives.