The House of Representatives on Wednesday, focused its session on pivotal issues of national security leadership, the crucial confirmation process for Service Chiefs, and advancing a comprehensive legislative agenda spanning industrialisation, fiscal integrity, and local governance.
I. NATIONAL SECURITY, CONFIRMATION, AND PARLIAMENTARY RECOGNITION
The session began with the House fulfilling its critical constitutional duty regarding defense leadership, followed by a ceremonial acknowledgment of parliamentary service.
Defence Leadership Confirmation
The House received an official Presidential Communication requesting the screening and confirmation of Nominees for the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Service Chiefs, respectively In compliance with Section 18, Sub section 1 of the Armed Forces Act, CAP A20, LFN, 2004. Rep. Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos), Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, was mandated to chair the Special Ad Hoc Committee tasked with conducting the screening process.
Parliamentary Service
The House extended a special honor to the retiring Mace Bearer, Mr. Jethro Akun Isha, recognising over three decades of dedicated service to the Parliament.
II. LEGISLATIVE PROGRESSION: INDUSTRIALIZATION, REFORM, AND FISCAL CLARITY
The day saw significant legislative success, with the passage of eight Bills and the advancement of several crucial reform-oriented pieces of legislation.
Bills Passed for Industrialisation and Education
Eight Bills, presented by the House Majority Leader, Rt. Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, CON, were passed, including those aimed at promoting technology domestication and agriculture:
Education and Technology:
1. Project Development Agency (PRODA) Enugu Bill, aimed at facilitating the domestication and industrialisation of technology.
2. National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (Establishment) Bill.
3. Nigeria Institute of Transport Technology Act (Re-enactment) Bill.
Agriculture and Research:
4. Federal College of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Oluponna, Osun State (Establishment) Bill.
5. National Institute for Organic Agriculture and Food Safety Research, Ulonna North, Isuikwuato, Abia State (Establishment) Bill.
6. National Institute of Rubber Research and Technology, Ilushin, Ogun State (Establishment) Bill.
7. Federal College of Agriculture, Mbatie, Buruku, Benue State (Establishment) Bill.
8. Federal College of Food Technology, Alu, Yagba East, Kogi State (Establishment) Bill.
Key Bills Advance to Committee Stage
Six crucial Bills scaled Second Reading and have been referred to relevant House Committees, addressing key areas of governance:
1. Anti-Corruption: A Bill to amend the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act advanced to the Committee Stage. (Sponsored by Rep. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, APC, Plateau).
2. Environmental Sustainability: The Nigerian Recycling Regulatory Agency (Establishment) Bill scaled its Second Reading. (Sponsored by Rep. Fuad Kayode Laguda, APC, Lagos).
Local Governance and Constitution Alteration:
3. Constitution Alteration Bill seeking to include Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Area Councils as Federating Units advanced to the Committee Stage. (Co-sponsored by Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, and Rep. Adewale Hameed, APC, Lagos).
4. Constitution Alteration Bill seeking the creation of Rigachikun and Rigasa Local Government Areas out of the present Igabi LGAs, Kaduna State. (Sponsored by Rep. Hussani Mohammed Jallo, APC, Kaduna).
Education and Technology:
5. The Federal College of Orthopedic Technology and Therapy, Rumuepirikom, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, (Establishment) Bill (Sponsored by Rep. Blessing Chigeru Amadi, PDP, Rivers).
6. Federal Vocational and Skill Centre, Okurike, Biase, Cross River State (Sponsored by Rep. Emil Inyang, APC, Cross River).
III. REPORTS CONSIDERATION AND OVERSIGHT MANDATES
The House dedicated time to considering critical reports from various committees and initiating new oversight actions to ensure accountability in public spending.
Financial and Health Reports Adopted
1. External Borrowing: The House considered and adopted the Report on the Request to Implement New External Borrowing in the 2025 Appropriations Act, a vital step in concluding the nation’s fiscal plan.
2. Internal Governance: The House also considered and adopted the Report on the further review of the House Standing Orders, ensuring the efficiency of internal legislative procedures.
3. Health Institutions: The House considered and adopted the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on Bills seeking to establish Chartered Institute of Public Health Studies and Administration, as well as multiple Federal Medical Centres (in Gumel, Elelele Alimini, Ukana, and Ajasse Ipo), College of Nursing Sciences in Ikot Mboho, and Federal College of Science and Health Technology in Askira-Uba.
4. Research and Development: The Report on the Raw Materials Research and Development Council Act (Amendment) Bill was considered, aiming to provide for the protection and development of Nigeria’s local manufacturing industries.
5. Film and Media: The House received the Report on the National Institute for Film and Media Technology Ukawu, Ebonyi State (Establishment) Bill. (Presented by Rep. Steve Olusola Fatoba, APC, Ekiti).
Oversight Mandates
Lawmakers initiated motions aimed at improving public service quality and economic growth:
1. TETFund Projects Quality: The House mandated an investigation into the quality of TETFund Projects nationwide, ensuring effective use of educational funds. (Moved by Rep. Aderemi Oseni, APC, Oyo).
2. Economic Stimulus: To stimulate GDP growth, the House tasked the CBN, Bank of Agriculture (BOA), and Bank of Industry (BOI) to facilitate access to short-term loans for farmers. (Moved by Rep. Canice Moore Chukwuugozie Nwachukwu, APC, Imo).
3. Constituency Delineation: The House urged INEC to restore Aujara State Constituency in the Jigawa State House of Assembly. (Moved by Rep. Yusuf Saidu Miga, APC, Jigawa).
IV. PUBLIC PETITIONS AND REDRESS
The Parliament continued its commitment to providing legislative redress to citizens.
Reports on Petitions
The Committee on Public Petitions, led by Rep. Kwamoti Bitrus Laori (PDP, Adamawa), laid five Reports before the Parliament for consideration, reflecting progress on previous citizen complaints across various issues, including: Groups working against the implementation of the CIPPON Act, poor power supply, land grabbing, oil well marginalization, and unlawful dismissal.
Presentation of New Petitions
Additionally, Members presented three new petitions from constituents seeking legislative redress. (Presented by Rep. Paul Kalejaiye, APC, Lagos, and Rep. Patrick Umoh, APC, Akwa Ibom).
