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Tag: House Of Representatives

  • House C’tee on Petroleum Resources explains why PIA must be amended 

    House C’tee on Petroleum Resources explains why PIA must be amended 

    The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources, Upstream, has stated it would quickly amend the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, to increase oil companies’ contributions to Host Community Development Trusts, HCDTs, from 3% to 10%.

    The Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, disclosed this in Port Harcourt during a stakeholder dialogue session.

    Whingan stated that the current 3% contribution is insufficient to address the decades of environmental degradation, poverty, and underdevelopment faced by oil-host communities in the Niger Delta.

    He explained: “In its current form, the 3% contribution by settlors is grossly inadequate to address decades of environmental degradation, poverty, and underdevelopment suffered by host communities. That is why I am leading efforts to amend Section 240 of the PIA. The bill has passed its first reading and is scheduled for second reading upon the House’s resumption.”

    “Increased Funding. The amendment seeks to boost HCDT funds to 10% to address environmental degradation, poverty, and underdevelopment in host communities.

    “Legislative Initiative. The proposed amendment is part of a broader effort to ensure justice and equitable resource distribution to communities affected by oil exploration.”

    Whingan identified core challenges, including environmental degradation, poor infrastructure, high unemployment, and lack of transparency in the host communities, adding that the 3% provision is insufficient.

    He harped on the need for collective effort and inclusive policymaking to build a productive and people-centred petroleum industry. He assured participants that his office remains open for continued dialogue and cooperation.

    “Our duty as lawmakers is to ensure that the wealth from our natural resources translates into tangible prosperity for the host communities. They deserve more than token gestures. They deserve meaningful investment in their future.

    “To fix this, we must strengthen HCDT governance, enhance environmental remediation, boost development funding, and empower host communities to drive the process, “ Whingan said.

    However, Ms Florence Ibok-Abasi, country director of Stakeholder Democracy Network (sdn), highlighted in her address the importance of active government engagement in unlocking the full potential of HCDTs.

    Ibok-Abasi stressed that government involvement must not involve undue interference, preserving these trusts’ independence and community-driven essence.

    She said: “We must acknowledge that unlocking the full potential of the HCDT framework requires the active involvement of government at all levels. The government’s role is not merely supportive, it is essential. But this involvement must not come with undue interference. The independence and community-driven essence of these Trusts must be preserved.”

  • Rep Oke dismisses recall petition as baseless

    Rep Oke dismisses recall petition as baseless

    The lawmaker representing Igboetiti/Uzo Uwani Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dr. Martins Oke, has dismissed a recall petition against him as an “academic exercise”, calling the allegations false and misleading.

    Four constituents—Chizoba Ugwuagbo, Clinton Ogbonna, Amah Sabinus, and Onyekachi Okenwa Stephen—had petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), citing non-performance, lack of constituency engagement, incompetence, and negligence as reasons for their action.

    However, in a statement by his media aide, Solomon Gwiyi, Dr. Oke dismissed the claims, labeling them “a tissue of lies, inaccurate reports, and deliberate misinformation.”

    Gwiyi highlighted Oke’s key legislative and constituency efforts, including: Sponsoring a bill to create Adada State in the Southeast. Pushing for federal intervention in completing the Adada River Dam.

    Addressing insecurity along Ukpata Road in Uzo Uwani. Holding town hall meetings with community members. Distributing three trucks of fertilizers to over 500 farmers in August 2024. Providing 3,000 bags of rice to constituents for the December 2024 festive season. Operating a fully-equipped constituency office in Aku, Igboetiti LGA.

    The media aide urged critics to verify Oke’s constituency projects before spreading false narratives. He reaffirmed the lawmaker’s commitment to effective representation and community development.

  • Reps deny collecting $5,000 to endorse Rivers emergency declaration

    Reps deny collecting $5,000 to endorse Rivers emergency declaration

    The House of Representatives has denied allegations that each member was induced with $5,000 to ratify President Bola Tinubu’s request on the State of Emergency declaration in Rivers State.

    Deputy spokesman of the House, Hon. Philip Agbese (Benue, APC) while responding to the issue in an interview with journalists in Abuja on Saturday, described the allegation as false, malicious and emanating from “the pit of hell.”

    According to Agbese, Thursday’s resolution of the House on the State of Emergency declaration in Rivers was done out of patriotism and in the interest of restoring lasting peace to River State.

    He said, “The allegation that members of the House of Representatives were induced with $5,000 to pass a resolution, is unfair to the Parliament. Very, very unfair to the Parliament. What we did on Thursday was to align ourselves with what I call the wisdom of King Solomon.

    “All insinuations that any individual was given money to give to members is nothing but lies from the pit of hell. The opposition should see the good things that we are doing day and night for the country.

    “At no point did members of the House engage in any financial inducement in relation to the state of emergency declaration. The decision was taken after extensive deliberations on the security and political situation in Rivers State, in line with our constitutional responsibilities to safeguard national stability. Any suggestion that lawmakers were bribed is pure fiction, designed to serve the interests of those who seek to distort facts and create unnecessary tension in the country.

    “The House of Representatives remains an independent institution guided by democratic principles, the rule of law, and the collective will of the Nigerian people. Our duty is to make decisions that align with the national interest, not to succumb to baseless distractions aimed at eroding public trust. The allegations of bribery are a desperate attempt to discredit the House and must be dismissed as the political comedy that it is.

    “What the President did was like what King Solomon did when the two women who were fighting over the propriety of a child came to him. These people in Rivers, are all interested in the progress and development of Rivers State. They love the state, and they are working hard for it. But one way or the other, disagreements arose among the parties which escalated, and Mr. President, in his wisdom, decided to impose a state of emergency for a period of time so as to allow the two parties to come together, in order to further deepen our democracy.”

    He said as members of Parliament interested in the peace and well-being of the people of Rivers State, they approved the State of Emergency declaration in Rivers out of patriotism and not for any pecuniary consideration as being alleged.

    “We have seen some of the developments in River State. The government is not doing badly. But what we are saying is that we don’t want the breakdown of institutions as far as River State is concerned,” said Agbese.

    “We deployed our wisdom as a Parliament, not to pander to sentiments or views expressed by groups outside. Yes, we are a people’s Parliament. We listen to the voices of Nigerians. Of course, some people say the state of emergency by Mr. President is wrong. Some also believe that it was done in the right manner to ensure that there is peace in that state.

    “As a Parliament, our interest is to form a bridge, to ensure that our democracy continues to work. As a Parliament, our interest is to protect our democracy and democratic institutions. We resolved as a Parliament to make certain amendments to the proclamations made by Mr. President.

    He said the Parliament in its wisdom made some key adjustments to Mr President’s emergency proclamation before ratifying it.

    “One is that, the Parliament remains the law-making body as far as the country is concerned. We resolved that the National Assembly would take over the legislative duties of the Rivers Assembly within the time that the state of emergency is enforced.

    “Secondly, we resolved as a Parliament that it must not necessarily be for six months for the parties to come together and resolve. Even if it is within two weeks, that these parties can resolve their differences and show that they are on the same page, Mr. President, in his wisdom, should also reduce the period from 180 days.”

    Agbese said he believes that Tinubu as a true democrat will not work against democratic institutions in the country.

    “We know Mr. President very well. He is a democrat. He has fought for the institutions of our democracy as far as Nigeria is concerned. And he is one man who would always want to protect this democracy. He is a President that we know as a Parliament,” he said.

    “We have been relating with him as the President of the country for the past almost two years now. We have been relating with him as our President. We have seen his concerns. The 10th House of Representatives has seen the genuine concerns and we believe and trust that if these issues are resolved in less than six months, Mr. President is going to put an end to the state of emergency in that state.”

    Agbese said the House, in its wisdom, equally resolved that a tri-partite committee comprising eminent Nigerians, members of the Parliament and members of the Executive Council, on the other hand, be constituted to ensure that the warring groups in Rivers State are brought to a roundtable and an amicable resolution is reached.

    Agbese, while disabusing the minds of Nigerians over the allegations of inducements of members, blamed “fifth columnists” and oppositions, whom he said, are out to tarnish the image of the parliament.

    The Benue lawmaker urged Nigerians to continue to extend the kind of support they have always extended to them, assuring that they will always work in the people’s interest as ‘Peoples’ House’.

    He expressed optimism that at the end of the State of Emergency, both the Rivers State Government and the Rivers Assembly will bounce back stronger for the overall good and progress of the state.

    On the controversy over quorum, Agbese said the House satisfied the requirement of quorum with 243 members in attendance during the exercise.

  • Reps committee to probe estate developers over 500,000 housing units

    Reps committee to probe estate developers over 500,000 housing units

    The House of Representatives has taken preliminary steps to probe renowned estate developers, Family Homes Funds Limited, over the 500,000 units housing scheme funded by the Federal Government.

    This followed the consideration of a motion on Thursday sponsored by Edo lawmaker, Esosa Iyawe.

    Iyawe noted with concern that some of the housing schemes initiated by the Federal Government have been mired in controversy, “the consequence of which is the rapid growth of informal settlements and slums on the edge of Nigeria’s major cities, with obvious drawbacks for economic development, health, safety and security.”

    He said, “In a bid to address the housing deficit in 2018, the Federal Government established the Family Homes Fund Limited with a mandate to utilise the sum of N1.5tn for the construction of at least 500,000 houses for low-income earners across the country,

    “To date, not only has Family Homes Fund Limited failed to live up to expectations, but the few houses built are in obscure locations and unaffordable to the target audience for the scheme.

    “The undelivered project has tied up government funds, potentially leading to deterioration of the houses and further economic loss if not addressed promptly.”

    Following the adoption of the motion, the House mandated its Committee on Public Assets to investigate Family Homes Funds Limited over the 500,000 Units Housing Scheme funded by the Federal Government, ascertain the status of the project, and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

  • Reps advocate independent agency to register, fund political parties

    Reps advocate independent agency to register, fund political parties

    A bill seeking the establishment of an independent authority for the registration, regulation, and funding of political parties in Nigeria passed second reading in the House of Representatives.

    The bill, co-sponsored by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, and Edo lawmaker Marcus Onobun, enjoyed overwhelming support from lawmakers present at Thursday’s plenary.

    Giving a brief synopsis of the bill, Onobun, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, said there was the need to take away the powers of regulation of political parties from the Independent National Electoral Commission.

    “We need an independent authority to regulate and fund political parties,” he said, stressing that when passed into law, INEC would focus solely on the conduct of elections in the country.

    Details later…

  • “Military Base in Zamfara will End Banditry” – House of Reps Tells FG

    “Military Base in Zamfara will End Banditry” – House of Reps Tells FG

    Nigerian legislators on Tuesday have urged the Federal Government to establish a military base in Zamfara State communities severely affected by banditry. This call came after the adoption of a motion introduced by Hassan Shinkafi, the lawmaker representing the Shinkafi/Zurmi Federal Constituency, during a plenary session.

    In his motion, Shinkafi, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in Shinkafi and Zurmi Local Government Areas. He highlighted the increasing incidents of attacks, killings, abductions, and injuries inflicted on innocent residents by bandits.

    Shinkafi acknowledged the efforts of the Zamfara State Government in addressing the crisis, including the creation of a Security Trust Fund, the deployment of Community Protection Guards, improved intelligence-sharing, and logistical support for security agencies. He also noted that the state government has been conducting regular security council meetings and blocking supply routes used by bandits.

    Despite these measures, Shinkafi emphasized that the security challenges persist, severely disrupting the lives of residents in Shinkafi and Zurmi. He pointed out that access to farmlands, markets, and schools has been restricted, and over 40 villages have been deserted due to bandit attacks, forcing residents to flee their homes.

    The lawmaker also raised concerns about the withdrawal of military troops previously deployed to the area. According to him, the soldiers were stationed for only two weeks before being pulled out, which allowed bandit leaders to regroup and resume attacks on the communities.

    To address these issues, Shinkafi called for the establishment of a permanent, well-equipped military base in key areas such as Magarya, Kurya, Kware, Dutsi, Mashema, Gurbin Bore, Boko, and Dole within the Shinkafi and Zurmi Local Government Areas.

    Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged the Federal Government to direct the military to set up a permanent security base in the affected communities. It also called for enhanced collaboration between security agencies and the Zamfara State Government to tackle the ongoing crisis. Additionally, the House mandated the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to provide immediate relief materials to displaced victims in the Shinkafi/Zurmi Federal Constituency.

    In a related development, the Katsina State Police Command has assured the public that efforts are being made to rescue students of the Federal University Dutsinma who were abducted by bandits on Sunday. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Sadiq, four students were kidnapped, but one has already been rescued.

    Sadiq stated, “Yes, four students were abducted, but through the persistent efforts of our personnel, one has been rescued. We are working tirelessly to secure the release of the remaining three.”

    Reports indicate that the armed assailants, equipped with sophisticated weapons, invaded the Paris Quarters residence behind the university at around 2:20 a.m. on Sunday and took the students. Security operatives were mobilized immediately after receiving a distress call, but the bandits had already fled with their captives into the bush.

  • Reps push for special levy to curb finished goods importation

    Reps push for special levy to curb finished goods importation

    The House of Representatives Committee on Power has proposed the introduction of special levies to discourage the importation of finished goods and promote local production.

    The committee chairman and member representing Eka North East/Eka South Federal Constituency of Delta State, Victor Nwokolo, disclosed this on Monday during a facility tour of Metering Solutions and Manufacturing Services in Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

    Nwokolo emphasized the need to boost local manufacturing to conserve foreign exchange, lamenting that Nigeria has become a dumping ground for imported finished products.

    “There are levies which people pay when bringing cars into the country. When you bring in cars, you pay special levies. We will see how to extend this to those importing finished goods so that they pay special levies to the government. This is the only way we can discourage them from bringing in finished goods. Finished goods have made Nigeria a dumping ground,” Nwokolo said.

    He commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, for tackling the country’s power sector challenges, noting that despite not being a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, he is convinced that Tinubu’s administration is committed to improving Nigeria’s electricity supply.

    “Whether we like it or not, the government of President Bola Tinubu is poised to change the lives of Nigerians. I can say that he is paying attention to the power sector. We must give credit to the Minister of Power and the administration of President Bola Tinubu; they have gone to the root of the country’s power sector problems,” he added.

    Nwoko also revealed that banks, which previously avoided lending to the power sector due to poor financial inflows, are now proactively offering loans to Electricity Distribution Companies.

    Earlier, the Managing Director of Metering Solutions and Manufacturing Services, Dr. Tolulope Ogunkolade, lamented that despite the company’s significant investments, the federal government has yet to fully utilise its production capacity.

    He further expressed regret that Chinese firms were awarded contracts to supply 1.3 million meters at the expense of indigenous manufacturers, stressing the need for the government to prioritise local industries.

  • Reps summon Customs boss, others over refusal to retire

    Reps summon Customs boss, others over refusal to retire

    The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has summoned the Comptroller General of Nigerian Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, to appear before it Tuesday next week following a petition before it over the refusal of some top officials of the service to leave the service after their due retirement dates.

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    Obasi-Pherson Help Foundation had petitioned the 10th House alleging that some Assistant Comptrollers and Comptrollers were due for retirement but have blatantly refused to leave the service.

    The Foundation named the affected officers.

    Issuing the summons, Chairman of the Committee on Public Petitions, Mike Etaba, said that the CG has a duty as a public officer to explain to Nigerians what the true position is.

    “Nigerians deserve to know the truth of the matter and it is only the CG that can clarify the situation.

    “We are elected to serve the people and ensuring that all government agencies function effectively is part of that service.

    “In this era when most of our youths are looking for job, it will be wrong for the older ones who are due for retirement to refuse to go.

    “That is not to say we shall take sides. Far from it. We treat each case on merit, ensuring that justice is given at all times to the deserving.”

    Threaten to arrest ID Commission Mgt boss

    In a related development, the Committee has threatened to order the arrest of the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Identity Management Commission, NIMC, if she fails to come in person to answer charges on refusal to pay for state of the art software development project installed and deployed to the commission by a private firm, Truid Limited.

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    Truid Limited is alleging a breach of license agreement by NIMC.

    According to E. R. Opara, counsel to Truid Limited, the agreement is premised on an arrangement whereby the Truid Limited funded, developed and deployed tokenization system without any financial obligation from NIMC.

    Truid was to get returns on her investment through patronage of service providers and the proceeds shared on an agreed ratio. This was to run for an initial period of 10 years from 2021 when the software was deployed.

    According to the petition, things were going on smoothly until the appointment of the new DG of NIMC who has been trying to truncate the agreement.

    Reacting to the submissions of the counsel of both the petitioners and the respondents, Chairman of the Committee, Mike Etaba frowned on the continuous absence of the NIMC Director-General despite several invitations.

    He said: “If she fails to show up at the next hearing of this case, we’ll have no option than to ask the Inspector-General of Police to bring her.

    “How can an official of government treat constituted authority with such levity? We can no longer condone such attitude.”

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  • Reps call for enhanced Nigeria-Taiwan partnership in Science, Technology

    Reps call for enhanced Nigeria-Taiwan partnership in Science, Technology

    The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Science and Engineering, Hon. Inuwa Garba, has called for enhanced collaboration between Nigeria and Taiwan in the fields of science, engineering, and technology.

    Speaking during a courtesy visit by the representative of the Taiwan mission, Andy Yih-Ping Liu, to the National Assembly, Hon. Garba underscored the vital role of technology in shaping modern economies while also emphasizing that such a partnership would accelerate Nigeria’s economic growth and national development.

    He noted that Nigeria, with its vast natural and human resources, stands to gain significantly from Taiwan’s expertise in technological advancement, innovation, and industrialization.

    “We appreciate the long-standing relationship between Taiwan and Nigeria, which has evolved over the years. Taiwan is a significant partner in the socio-economic development of our country. Nigeria remains a land of opportunities, and we believe collaboration with Taiwan will bring mutual benefits,” Garba stated.

    He emphasized that scientific and technological progress is central to modern economic transformation, adding that Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind in this era of rapid innovation.

    The lawmaker pointed out that strategic partnerships in areas such as building technology, technology transfer, and scientific research would help Nigeria overcome some of its development challenges and build a stronger, knowledge-driven economy.

    Garba acknowledged the various economic challenges facing Nigeria, including rising inflation, economic recessions, and infrastructure deficits, but stressed that science and technology could provide solutions to many of these issues.

    “The whole world is facing economic challenges, and technology remains at the forefront of national development. We must leverage technological innovations to overcome our challenges and prosper. As a committee, we are open to partnerships and will work to ensure that such collaborations receive legislative backing,” he added.

    He emphasized that Taiwan’s success story serves as an inspiration, especially considering that Taiwan lacks natural resources yet has built a robust and competitive economy through investment in education, technology, and industrial development.

    He noted that Nigeria, despite its rich deposits of oil, gas, and minerals, still struggles with underdevelopment due to insufficient technological advancement.

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    He further stated that Nigeria’s agriculture, manufacturing, and energy sectors could benefit immensely from Taiwan’s technological expertise.

    With Nigeria’s growing population and the increasing need for job creation, investments in science, technology, and innovation could provide millions of young Nigerians with opportunities in new and emerging industries.

    Hon. Garba assured the Taiwanese delegation that the House of Representatives would play an active role in facilitating policy frameworks, legislative support, and investment agreements that would encourage deeper cooperation between the two countries.

    According to him, a legislative resolution could be proposed to encourage bilateral agreements on knowledge transfer, technology exchange programs, and research collaborations.

    “We will not stop at just this meeting. Our committee will explore ways to institutionalize this partnership. We are committed to ensuring that our collaboration with Taiwan translates into real economic growth for Nigerians,” Garba assured.

    He also suggested that a parliamentary delegation from Nigeria visit Taiwan to study the country’s technological advancements and explore how similar initiatives could be replicated locally.

    He noted that such a visit would help lawmakers make informed recommendations to the Nigerian government on areas where deeper collaboration could be established.

    “This visit marks the beginning of a stronger relationship between this committee and Taiwan. We will follow up with the necessary legislative support to ensure that Nigeria fully benefits from this engagement,” he added.

    In his remarks, Taiwan’s representative, Liu, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Nigeria.

    Liu expressed optimism that Taiwan’s model of economic transformation in the areas of agriculture, energy and mining, could serve as a useful reference for Nigeria.

    He reaffirmed Taiwan’s readiness to support Nigeria in building a stronger, technology-driven economy that will benefit its people.

    He emphasized Taiwan’s long-standing relationship with Nigeria, dating back to the 1990s, and reiterated that Taiwan remains a reliable partner in Nigeria’s quest for economic transformation.

    “Taiwan has no natural resources, yet we have built a strong economy through investment in education, technology, and industrial development. We admire Nigeria’s vast resources and potential, and we believe a partnership between our two countries would be mutually beneficial,” Liu stated.

    Both parties agreed that this visit marked the beginning of a deeper engagement between Taiwan and Nigeria, with follow-up meetings expected in the coming months.

     

  • Reps constitution review committee proposes creation of 31 additional states

    Reps constitution review committee proposes creation of 31 additional states

    The House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee has proposed creating 31 additional states in addition to the country’s 36 existing states.

    The committee contained this in a letter to the House of Representatives, which was read during plenary by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary session in Abuja.

    According to the committee, it is proposing an additional six new states in the North Central, four in the North East, five in the North West, five in the South-South, and seven in the South West.

    The states being considered include Okun State, Okura State, and Confluence State from Kogi; Benue Ala and Apa States from Benue; FCT State; Amana State from Adamawa; Katagum from Bauchi State; Savannah State from Borno; and Muri State from Taraba.

    The states also include New Kaduna State and Gujarat State from Kaduna State; Tiga and Ari from Kano; Kainji from Kebbi State; Etiti and Orashi as the 6th state in the Southeast; Adada from Enugu; and Orlu and Aba from the Southeast.

    Others are Ogoja from Cross River, Warri from Delta, Ori and Obolo from Rivers, Torumbe from Ondo, Ibadan from Oyo, Lagoon from Lagos, Lagoon from Lagos and Ogun, Ijebu from Ogun, and Oke Ogun/Ijesha from Oyo/Ogun/Osun states.

    The letter reads, “As amended, this section outlines specific requirements that must be fulfilled to initiate the process of state creation, which include the following:. New state and boundaries. 1. An act of the National Assembly for the purpose of creating a new state shall only be passed if it requires support by at least the

    third majority of members.

    “The House of Representatives, the House of Assembly in respect of the area, and the Local Government Council in respect of the area is received by the National Assembly. Local government advocates for the creation of additional local government areas are only reminded that Section 8 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, applies to this process.

    “Specifically, in accordance with Section 8.3 of the Constitution, the outcome of the votes of the State Houses of Assembly in the referendum must be forwarded to the National Assembly for fulfilment of state demands.

    “Proposals shall be resubmitted in strict adherence to the stipulations. Submit three hard copies of the full proposal of the memoranda to the Secretariat of the Committee in Room H331, House of Representatives, White House, National Assembly Complex, and Abuja. Sub-copies must also be sent electronically to the Committee’s email address at info.hccr.gov.nj.

    “The committee remains committed to supporting the implementing efforts that align with the constitutional provisions and would only consider proposals that comply with the stipulated guidelines.