HON. NKOLE’S BILL FOR AN ACT TO EXTABLISH CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF AGRO BUSINESS MANAGEMENT OF NIGERIA GETS REPS APPROVAL FOR SECOND READING…

Plenary proceedings of the House of Representatives for Tuesday, November 16th, 2021

The Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila presiding.

After leading the opening prayer and recitation of the national pledge, the Speaker approved the second votes and proceedings for Tuesday, November 9th, 2021

ANNOUNCEMENT

1. Meeting of a joint Senate/ House of Representatives for parliamentarians from the Northeast caucus to hold on Wednesday, 17th November 2021 at Senate room 231

PETITIONS

1. Rep. Aniekan Umanah laid a petition on behalf of a community in Akwa Ibom state on illegal activities on the community by the Nigerian army
2. Rep. Haruna Dederi laid 4 petitions from different complainants on different issues

All the petitions were referred to the House committee on public petitions

MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

1. Rep. Haruna Mshelia moved a motion on the urgent need to mobilize more security personnel to areas bordering the sambisa Forest and Askira-Uba area of Borno state due to the incessant attacks of insurgency in the region and it was seconded by by Rep. Francis Charles. In leading the debate, Rep. Mshelia stated that 4 Askira emirate council members were also recently kidnapped and their whereabouts remain unknown. He expressed worry at the frequent nature of the attacks that go unabated in the region. Rep. Mshelia also stated that other neighboring communities have been notified of impending attacks. He called on the military and the police to send more personnel to aid people in the region. He also called for relief and food materials to be sent to the affected communities. He further called on the relevant committees of the House to ensure compliance.

Rep. Ahmed Jaha expressed sadness at the demise of the slain soldiers during the attack. He called for more practical, precise and permanent solutions to serious issues such as those bordering on the loss of lives and properties as well as general insecurity nationwide. He expressed sadness at the ease at which the insurgents were able to abduct some weapons meant for the Nigerian army and are now using the weapons against the Nigerian state. Rep. Jaha called for a change of strategy to an offensive one as the initial successes recorded is vastly being eroded. The motion was voted on and adopted.

2. Rep. Ndudi Elumelu moved a motion on the need to correct a diplomatic row between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) especially due to the risk of the eviction of Nigerians living in the UAE and it was seconded by Rep. Obinna Chidoka. Rep. Elumelu stated that as a fall out of the disagreement between the Emirates airline and the Nigerian aviation ministry due to the ill treatment of Nigerians on the airline; It is now alleged that the UAE have threatened not to renew the work, business and school permits for over 1000 Nigerians living in the UAE. He called for a quick intervention between the federal government and the government of the UAE in a manner that will not jeopardize the integrity of Nigerians. Rep. Elumelu stated that the rift has caused serious delay in travel time as the UAE is a route to many Asian countries for Nigerians. He called on the relevant committees of the committees to work with the relevant agencies of government in order to ensure compliance and report back to the House within 4 weeks.

Rep. Toby Okechukwu called for the quick resolution of the diplomatic dispute as the UAE remains a long-standing trade partner of Nigeria. He frowned at the manner in which Nigerians are spited and badly treated the world over by countries who should be allies of Nigeria.

The deputy speaker of the House, Rep. Ahmed Idris stressed the need for Nigerians to behave honorably when they travel abroad, which he stated is one of the reasons why many Nigerians are now suffering for the wrong doings of a few. He called on the National Orientation Agency to continue sensitizing Nigerians on the need to be law abiding within and outside Nigeria. He called for the speedy resolution of the diplomatic rift with the UAE.

The speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila proposed the setting up of a special Ad-Hoc committee with membership constituting the chairmen of the relevant committees as well as a few picked members, this he stated is to save parliamentary time, as well as for them to be able to effectively tackle the issue. The motion was voted on and adopted.

3. Rep. Julius Ihonvbere moved a motion on the urgent need for the federal government to do everything necessary to avert the impending strike action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and it was seconded by Rep. Shettima Ali. Rep. Ihonvbere expressed worry at the seeming unserious pose of the federal government in its ability to abide by agreements reached with ASUU. He recognized that incessant strikes disrupt the academic calendar of Nigerian public tertiary institutions and contributes to the poor state of the educational sector, as well as to the declining quality of Nigerian graduates. He called on the federal government to live up to expectations and implement the agreement with the leadership of ASUU since December 2020 to ensure the speedy intervention into the matter for the sake of Nigerian students.

Rep. Nkeiruka Onyeajeocha termed as disheartening the continuous breach in the life of public tertiary education for the sake of Nigerian students who form the constituents who they represent. She called on the federal government to abide by the already reached agreements with the leadership of ASUU.

Rep. Nicholas Ossai stated that a signed agreement is sacrosanct and for the federal government to renegade on the agreement betrays the trust of the government by it’s people. He stated that the need has risen to put tertiary education on the first-line charge. Rep. Ossai stated that schools were shut down for an extended period of time due to the covid-19 pandemic and it will be sad p/disheartening for students to further lose valuable time to another strike. He recalled receiving quality education in his time in the tertiary institution and as representatives; it behoves on them to ensure quality education for their constituents. Rep. Ossai called on the leadership of the National Assembly to ensure the federal government sees the need to ensure the schools remain open so that the students do not find them in vices of society.

Rep. Mohammed Monguno called for better funding for education, particularly tertiary education. He called on the legislature to deploy more funding to accommodate the concerns of ASSU, especially as the National Assembly is currently in the budget process.

Rep. Nkem Abonta stated that private schools in Nigeria thrive due to the fact that they are financially independent and do not have to succumb to the injustice of the federal government. He called on the House to take a bold step to ensure the agreement is adhered to by the federal government.

Rep. Satomi Ahmed decried the terrible state of infrastructure in public tertiary institutions. He called on the House to do all possible to ensure Nigerian students enjoy quality education in healthy environs. He called for the same seriousness that was applied to achieve the signing of the PIB and returning Nigeria to a January-December budget cycle to be applied to ensuring quality education for Nigerians. Rep. Satomi reminded members that Nigerians go abroad to seek quality education simply because it is unavailable in Nigeria.

Rep. Rotimi Agunsonye called on the National Assembly to direct the relevant authorities to implement the federal government’s agreement with ASUU within 3 days.

Rep. Toby Okechukwu proposed an amendment to the prayers of the motion calling on the House committee on tertiary education to confirm the state and level of compliance of the agreement between the federal government and ASUU and report back to the House within one week.

The speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila asked the clerk of House to make a communication to the ministers of finance, the minister of education and the leadership of ASUU to meet in the office of the Speaker of the House on Thursday, November 18th 2021. The motion was voted on and adopted as amended.

PRESENTATION OF BILLS

1. Administration of Criminal Justice Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021(HB. 1650) (Rep. Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro) – First Reading.
2. Wireless Telegraphy Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021(HB. 1651) (Rep. Obinna Chidoka) – First Reading.
3. People’s Bank of Nigeria Act (Repeal) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1652) (Rep. Obinna Chidoka) – First Reading.
4. Federal University of Education, Isiokolo, Delta State (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1653) (Rep. Ben Rollands Igbakpa) – First Reading.
5. Federal Institute of Vocational and Technical Education, Abak, Akwa Ibom State Bill, 2021 (HB. 1654)(Rep. Aniekan Umanah) – First Reading.
6. National Commission for Rehabilitation Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021(HB. 1655) (Rep. Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro) – First Reading.
7. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1659) (Rep. Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro and 3 others) – First Reading.
8. Special Needs Education Bill, 2021(HB. 1656) (Rep. Obinna Chidoka) – First Reading.
9. National Youth Service Corps Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1657) (Rep. Ben Rollands Igbakpa) – First Reading.
10. Federal University of Agriculture Umerum, Anambra State (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1658) (Rep. Vincent Ekene Ofumelu) – First Reading.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

BILLS

1. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Retirement Age of Teachers in Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HBs.1340 & 1381) – Third Reading.

Debate

Rep. Peter Akpatason moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Abdulrazaq Namdas. The Bill was voted on, approved for third reading, the clerk read the long title and it was passed.

2. A Bill for an Act to Establish Chartered Institute of Directors in Nigeria to Provide Professional training to Directors and to Promote Effective Governance, Public Accountability, Professional Efficiency; and for Related Matters (HB. 1571) – Third Reading.

Debate

Rep. Peter Akpatason moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Jimoh. The Bill was voted on, approved for third reading, the clerk read the long title and it was passed.

3. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of University of Aerospace and Aeronautics, Oka-Akoko and Matters of Administration and Discipline of Student; and for Related Matters (HB. 1483) (Senate) – Second Reading.

Debate

Rep. Peter Akpatason moved for the second reading of the Bill. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the committee of the whole.

4. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Tertiary Education Trust Fund Act, 2011 to Expressly Provide that the National Youth Service Corps shall benefit from the Fund, include Licensed Private Polytechnics as Beneficiaries of the Fund, Ensure that Disbursement from the Fund is available to Mono-Technics and other Specialized Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria and to include Federal Institutes and Colleges of Forestry as beneficiaries of the Fund; and for Related Matters (HBs. 863, 1115, 1321, 1323 and 1349) (Rep. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Rep. Gideon Gwani, Rep. Kpam Jimin Sokpo, Rep. Johnson Egwakhide Oghuma and Rep. Tunji Ojo) – Second Reading.

Debate

Rep. Nkeiruka Onyeajeocha moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Gideon Gwani. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House committee on tertiary education and services.

5. A Bill for an Act to an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal College of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Science, Isiala-Mbano, Imo State; and for Related Matters (HB. 1642) (Rep. Miriam Onuoha) – Second Reading.

Debate

Rep. Miriam Onuoha moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Nkeiruka Onyeajeocha. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House committee on health institutions.

6. A Bill for an Act to Provide the Legal Framework to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Ovwian, Delta State; and for Related Matters (HB. 989) (Rep. Francis Ejiroghene Waive) – Second Reading.

Debate

Rep. Francis Waive moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Abubakar Yalleman. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House committee on health institutions.

7. A Bill for an Act to Establish Chartered Institute of Agro Business Management of Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB. 314) (Rep. Nkole U. Ndukwe) – Second Reading.

Debate

Rep. Uko Nkole Ndukwe moved for the second reading of the Bill. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House committee on commerce.

8. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Education, Elebele, Ogbia, Bayelsa State to Provide Full–Time Courses, Teaching, Instruction and Training in Technology, Applied Science, Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities and Management, and to Provide for Appointment of the Provost and other Officers of the College to carry out the Administration and Discipline of Students of the College; and for Related Matters (HB. 1507) (Rep. Fred Azibapu Obua) – Second Reading.

Debate

Rep. Fred Obua moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Boniface. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House committee on tertiary education and services.

MOTIONS

9. Recommital of Bills:

Rep. Abubakar Hassan Fulata:

(i) National Transport Commission Bill, 2020(HB. 1082);

(ii) Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Examiners of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1220);

(iii) National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Bill, 2019(HB.45);

(iiii) Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (Establishment, Etc.) Bill, 2019 (HB. 334);

(v) School of Mines and Geological Studies, Akoko-Edo Bill, 2019 (HB.441);

(vi) Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2019 (HB.353); and

(vii) Chartered Institute of Public Administratuion of Nigeria, (Establishment) Bill, 2019 (HB.329).

The House:

Notes that the Bills above were respectively passed by the House of Representatives, concurred by the Senate and transmitted to the President for assent but the assent was withheld;

Aware that some issues that needed to be addressed were observed in the bills, hence the need for this recommittal;

Resolves to:

Commit the Bills to the Committee of the Whole for reconsideration.

Debate

Rep. Abubakar Fulata moved the motion on the recommital of Bills and it was seconded by Rep. Ndudi Elumelu. The motion was voted on and adopted

10. Rescission of Life span of the Budget of Niger Delta Development Commission, Pursuant to Order 9, Rule 1 (6) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives

Rep. Abubakar Hassan Fulata:

The House:

Recalls that the Budget of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was passed on 17 December 2020 with an expiration date set at 31 March 2021;

Notes that the life span of a budget should be 12 months to enable the Agency achieve substantial implementation of the capital component of the budget, thus, the NDDC budget ought to elapse on 31 December 2021.

Resolves to:

Rescind its decision on the life span of the budget as passed and commit same to the Committee of Supply for reconsideration.

Debate

Rep. Abubakar Fulata moved the motion on the rescission of the life span of the budget of Niger Delta Development Commission, pursuant to Order 9, Rule 1 (6) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives and it was seconded by Rep. Ifeanyi Momma. The motion was voted on and adopted.

11. Need to Rehabilitate the Road from Idumeje Ugboko Road in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State to Ewohimi Road Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State

Rep. Sergius Ogun Rep. Ndudi Elumelu

Rep. Peter Akpatason Rep. Victor Nwokolo

Rep. Joseph Edionwele Rep. Ossai Nicholas Ossai:

The House:

Notes that the road from Idumeje Ugboko in Delta State through Ewohimi in Edo State is a major link road to the South-Eastern part of the country;

Worried that the deplorable state of the road adversely affects the movement of goods and services between the North and the South-Eastern part of the Country and portends negative economic consequences;

Also worried that due to the deplorable state of the road, armed robbers and kidnappers are using taking advantage to carry out their heinous activities, thus endangering commuters plying the route;

Aware that Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended) provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of the Government and believes that quality road infrastructure plays a role in ensuring the security and welfare of the people;

Cognizant of the need for urgent intervention by the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to rehabilitate the road as an immediate intervention to reduce the burden of commuters travelling through the road;

Resolves to:

Mandate the Committee on Appropriations to include the sum of ₦500m in the 2022 Budget estimates to fund the rehabilitation of Idumuje Ugboko-Ewohimi road.

Debate

Rep. Sergius Ogun moved the motion on the need to rehabilitate the road from Idumeje Ugboko road in Aniocha North local government area of Delta state to Ewohimi Road Esan South East local government area of Edo state and it was seconded by Rep. Ndudi Elumelu. The motion was voted on and adopted.

12. Unfair Treatment of Passengers Aboard Virgin Atlantic Airline:

Rep. Rotimi Agunsoye:

The House:

Notes that Virgin Atlantic is one of the International Airline Service Providers operating in Nigeria with a regular schedule from Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos to Heathrow Airport, London;

Aware that on 9 August 2021, the Virgin Atlantic Flight VS0412 conveyed passengers from Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos to Heathrow Airport, London and throughout the flight, no refreshment was served to passengers including children, leaving them famished and weak by the time they arrived at their destination;

Concerned that although the lack of refreshment was partly due to industrial action in Lagos, the management of the Airline neither offered any explanations nor expressed empathy or any form of compensation for the gross inconveniences to the passengers;

Cognizant of the need to ensure that all flight services operating locally and internationally from Nigerian Airports observe international best practices for optimum passenger satisfaction;

Resolves to:

(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Aviation as well as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to ensure that all local and international flight services operating in Nigerian Airports comply with international best practices;

(ii) also urge the Federal Ministry of Aviation as well as the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to interface with Virgin Atlantic to offer compensation to the passengers that were denied refreshment;

(iii) mandate the Committee on Aviation to ensure compliance and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Debate

Rep. Rotimi Agunsonye moved the motion on the unfair treatment of passengers aboard Virgin Atlantic Airline and it was seconded by Rep. Abdulkadir Gobe. The motion was voted on and adopted.

13. Need to Safeguard Critical National Assets through Budgetary Provisions for Insurance Premium by Ministries, Departments and Agencies:

Rep. Ahmadu Usman Jaha:

The House:

Notes that Critical National Assets and Infrastructure are assets, systems and items of value that support efficient public service delivery, economic, political, and social sectors of a nation;

Also notes that adequate budgetary provisions of Insurance Premium to safeguard the existing and ongoing Federal Government massive investments in the development and construction of various infrastructures would reduce avoidable government expenditure, engender value for money and support quick assets recovery, public service efficiency, employment generation and wellbeing of the Nigerian people;

Further notes that the administration, allocation and utilization of the World Bank Special Intervention Funds on the insurance of Federal Government Critical National Assets in Nigeria have been shrouded in secrecy, lack of transparency, misapplication and allegations of misappropriation as well as not being captured in the Appropriation Act;

Aware that the core mandates of the National Insurance Commission under the National Insurance Commission Act, 2004 is to ensure adequate protection of strategic Government assets and other properties; and to approve rates of insurance premiums to be paid in respect of all classes of insurance business;

Also aware that Articles 6.1.5 and 6.1.3 of the 2021 Guidelines for Insurance of Government Assets and Liabilities for Ministries, Department and Agencies mandates all Ministries, Department and Agencies and Government-owned Enterprises (GOEs) to make adequate budgetary provision for their insurance coverage and conduct a proper actuarial valuation of government assets and liabilities for such provisions to the National Assembly for appropriation;

Concerned that some Government-owned Enterprises are alleged to have been allocating huge sums of monies to their presumed insurance cover without proper evaluation of their Insurable Assets, hence they do not submit their budget proposal to the National Assembly appropriation process like the MDAs;

Worried that the apparent MDAs/GOEs’ levity and unwillingness to insure public assets and conduct a proper actuarial valuation to provide for insurance premium in the annual budgets has led to incalculable economic losses which is a flagrant violation of the Insurance Act, 2003 and the Guidelines on the Insurance of Government assets and liabilities;

Also worried that the misapplication and allegation of misappropriation of the World Bank Special Intervention Funds on Insurance of Federal Government Assets violates the operational ethos of Public Service Financial Regulations, the Insurance Act, the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, the Code of Conducts Act and international best practices;

Disturbed that the threats to Nigeria’s Critical National Assets and infrastructure have continued to escalate due to the situation of insecurity in the country, natural disasters, and other unforeseen circumstances;

Cognizant of the need to take necessary measures to address the irregularities ravaging the insurance of Government Assets to cushion the burden that government would have to bear in the events of unforeseen occurrences, fire outbreaks, accidents, building collapse etc., thus saving the government avoidable expenditures which can be channelled towards augmenting other priority needs like agriculture and employment generation;

Also cognizant that proper actuarial valuation and adequate provision of insurance premium helps to ensure that cost-efficient finance is available for speedy assets recovery in the events of losses and quick restoration of public service delivery mechanisms to the citizens;

Resolves to:

(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and all MDAs to ensure proper actuarial valuation and adequate provision for Insurance Premium in the 2022 Budgets and subsequent national Budgets;

(ii) mandate the Committee on Insurance and Actuarial Matters to Investigate the irregularities, misapplication and alleged misappropriation of funds of World Bank Special Intervention Funds for Insurance of Government Assets and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Debate

Rep. Ahmadu Jaha moved the motion on the need to safeguard critical national assets through budgetary provisions for insurance premium by Ministries, Departments and Agencies and it was seconded by Rep. Solomon Mahren. The motion was voted on and adopted.

14. Urgent Need to Curb Incessant Kidnappings in Lagos and Other States Across the Country:

Rep. Mufutau Adewale Egberongbe:

The House:

Notes that almost on a daily basis, Nigerians are faced with news of abduction of persons in different parts of the country;

Also notes that according to reports in the Vanguard Newspaper of September 29, 2021, there is a resurgence of kidnapping in Lagos state as many people were reported to have been kidnapped within a few weeks, with the kidnappers demanding huge ransoms;

Concerned that the kidnappers always escape with their victims through the waters and hide in the creeks as they wait for their ransom

Disturbed that the kidnappings cut across all areas of the country as there have been several reports of the kidnappers blocking highways and attacking unsuspecting commuters;

Worried that when victims are taken into the various hideouts, the female victims are mostly raped while some victims are killed and their corpses abandoned in the bush;

Resolves to:

(i) Urge the Federal Government to deploy special forces in the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Navy on a rescue mission to free the kidnap victims in Lagos and other parts of the country;

(ii) also urge the Federal Government to carry out training of special Forces across the security agencies who will be mandated to patrol waterways, creeks and highways across the country;

(iii) mandate the Committees on Police Affairs, Army and Navy to ensure compliance.

Motion stepped down by leave of the House.

15. Deplorable State of Zangon Kataf-Chawai-Mariri Highway in Kaduna State:

Rep. Mukhtar Zakari Chawai:

The House:

Notes that the Zango Kataf-Chawai-Mariri highway in Kaduna State is about 53 km long and connects the 3 Federal Constituencies of Kauru, Jaba/Zangon Kataf, and Lere;

Concerned that the road is in deplorable condition as large swathes of the road have collapsed mostly due to neglect, thus making it unmotorable;

Also concerned that due to the devastating state of the road farmers have been cut off from their farmlands, children from their schools, families from their communities and link roads to markets have been severed, hence negatively affecting the socio-economic wellbeing of people in the surrounding communities.

Aware that lack of road infrastructure and its attendant consequences continue mitigate against food security in Nigeria and the absence of good roads has resulted in severe food shortages and delays in the agricultural value chain.

Worried that farming communities affected by dilapidated roads are in a precarious position as their sources of livelihood are threatened as a result;

Resolves to:

(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to rehabilitate and, where necessary, reconstruct all failed portions of the Zango Kataf-Chawai-Mariri highway in Kaduna State;

(ii) mandate the Committees on Works and FERMA to ensure compliance.

Debate

Rep. Mukhtar Chawai moved the motion on the deplorable state of Zangon Kataf-Chawai-Mariri highway in Kaduna state and it was seconded by Rep. Isa. The motion was voted on and adopted.

16. Call for Construction of Ibadan–Osogbo–Ilorin Segment of the Lagos–Kano Standard Gauge Railway Line:

Rep. Abdulganiyu S. Cook Olododo:

The House:

Notes that the Lagos-Kano Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) which is about 2,700km was conceived by the Federal Government in 2006 to offer transport connections from Lagos to Kano, near the border with Niger;

Also notes that the Lagos-Kano Standard Gauge Railway project was awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) and segmented into Lagos-Ibadan, Ibadan-Osogbo-Ilorin, Osogbo-Ado Ekiti, Ilorin-Minna, Minna-Abuja, Abuja-Kaduna and Kaduna-Kano segments for ease execution;

Aware that the Abuja-Kaduna and Lagos-Ibadan segments of the project have since been completed and commissioned by the Federal Government leaving the Ibadan-Osogbo-Ilorin, Osogbo-Ado Ekiti, Ilorin-Minna, Minna-Abuja and Kaduna-Kano segments of the project uncompleted;

Concerned that in July 2021, the Kano-Kaduna angle of the Lagos-Kano Standard Gauge Railway project kicked off while works on the Ibadan-Osogbo- Ilorin segment of the project have been put on hold by the Federal Government, thus denying the people of Ilorin and other surrounding towns the benefits associated with construction of the rail line from Ibadan to Ilorin;

Cognizant that if construction of the Osogbo- Ilorin segment of Lagos-Kano Standard Gauge Rail project is achieved, the purpose for which the project was conceived would be greatly beneficial to the people as it would foster commercial activities within the surrounding areas, thus improving their economy and the economy of the country at large;

Resolves to:

(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Transportation to commence construction of the Ibadan-Osogbo-Ilorin segment of the Lagos-Kano Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) without further delay;

(ii) mandate the Committee on Land Transport to ensure compliance.

Debate

Rep. Abdulganiyu Cook moved the motion on the call for the construction of Ibadan–Osogbo–Ilorin segment of the Lagos–Kano standard gauge railway line and it was seconded by Rep. Abdulganiyu Johnson.

Rep. Toby Okechukwu proposed an amendment to accommodate the construction of the Port harcourt-Maiduguri gauge railway line. The motion was voted on and adopted as amended.

The House suspended its relevant rules to enable the Deputy Speaker preside over the committee of supply following a motion moved by Rep. Abubakar Fulata and seconded by Rep. Ben Igbakpa.

CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY) Rep. Ahmed Wase presiding:

17. Committee on Aids, Loans and Debt Management:

Rep. Ahmed Dayyabu Safana:

“that the House do consider the report of the Committee on Aids Loans and Debt Management on Request for a Concurrent Approval of Donor Fund Projects under the Federal Government Proposed 2018-2020 External Borrowing (Rolling) Plan No. 2 and Addendum to the Request for Concurrent Approval of Multilateral Fund Projects under the 2018-2021 Federal Government External Borrowing (Rolling) Plan (Laid:14/10/2021) – Committee of Supply.

(i) approve the under listed ongoing negotiation of external borrowing of $16,230,077,718 (Sixteen Billion and Two Hundred and Thirty Million, Seventy-Seven Thousand, Seven Hundred and Eighteen USD) €1,020,000,000 (One Billion and Twenty Million Euros) and a Grant component of $125,000,000 (One Hundred and Twenty Five Million USD) under the 2018-2020 External Borrowing (Rolling) plan.

FUNDING AGENCY

USD ($)

Euro(€)

A.

World Bank (WB)

3,529,300,000

B.

China EXIM Bank

5,078,441,252

C.

Industrial & Commercial Bank of China

3,902,267,260

D.

China Development Bank

2,893,693,930

E.

Africa Development Bank (AFDB)

698,500,000

F.

French Development Agency (AFD)

345,000,000

G.

European Investment Bank

175,000,000

H.

European ECA/KFW/IPEX/AFC

190,255,276

I.

International Capital Market

500,000,000

J.

Standard Chartered Bank/Sinocure

62,120,000

Grand Total

$16,230,077,718

€1,020,000,000

(AS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN THE ATTACHED SCHEDULE OF APPROVED PROJECTS)

SCHEDULE OF APPROVED PROJECTS 2018-2020

EXTERNAL BORROWING ROLLING PLAN

POWER SECTOR: Ministry of Power and Transmission Company of Nigeria

PROJECT

AMOUNT ($)

AMOUNT (€)

Funding Agency

1. Nigeria Electrification Project – Off Grid

350,000,000

200,000,000

World Bank

AfDB

2. 330 KV DC North Core Interconnection of Nigeria/Niger-Benin/Togo-Burkina Faso

29,300,000

World Bank

3. Nigeria Transmission Expansion Project (NTEP-1)

210,000,000

Africa Development Bank

4. Northern Corridor Transmission Project

245,000,000

French Development Agency (AFD)

TOTAL

789,300,000

245,000,000

DIGITAL ECONOMY: National Identity Management Commission

PROJECT

AMOUNT (€)

Funding Agency

1. National Digital Identity for Development Project

100,000,000

French Development Agency

TOTAL

100,000,000

INDUSTRIAL SECTOR: Bank of Industry

PROJECT

AMOUNT (€)

Funding Agency

1. Sovereign Guarantee for the Issuance of Eurobond as Collateral to enable Bank of Industry to fund its Projects

500,000,000

but no more than

€750,000,000

International Capital Market

TOTAL

500,000,000

EDUCATION SECTOR: Ministry of Education and Universal Basic Education Commission

PROJECT

AMOUNT ($)

Funding Agency

1. Innovation Development & Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project

200,000,000

World Bank

2. Adolescent Initiative Learning and Empowerment Project (AGILE)

500,000,000

World Bank

3. Better Education Service Delivery for All: Global Partnership for Education Grant- Additional Financing

125,000,000

World Bank

(GPE GRANT)

TOTAL

700,000,000

TRANSPORTATION SECTOR: Ministry of Transportation

PROJECT

AMOUNT ($)

Funding Agency

1. Nigerian Coastal Railway Project: Lagos-Benin City Segment

3,141,984,852

China EXIM Bank

2. Nigerian Coastal Railway Project: Benin-Onitsha including Onitsha Railway Bridge (Branch)

1,711,336,400

China Exim Bank

3. Nigerian Coastal Railway Project: Benin City-Warri-Yenegoa-Port Harcourt Segment

2,893,693,930

China Development Bank

4. Central Line Project: Abuja-Baro-Itakpe-Ajaokuta Segment

3,902,267,260

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China

5. Lagos-Ibadan Railway Modernization Project Construction of the Branch Line (Apapa-Tin Can Island Port)

25,120,000

China EXIM Bank

6. Kano-Maradi SGR with Branch to Dutse

190,255,276

European ECA/KWF/IPEX/AFC

TOTAL

12,064,657,718

FINANCIAL AND NATIONAL PLANNING SECTOR: Ministry of Finance, Budget & National Planning

PROJECT

AMOUNT ($)

Funding Agency

1. Nigeria Power Sector Recovery Performance-Based Program

750,000,000

World Bank

2. COVID-19 Response Support Program (C19RSP)

288,500,000

Africa Dev. Bank

TOTAL

1,788,500,000

HEALTH SECTOR: Ministry of Health and National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)

PROJECT

AMOUNT ($)

Funding Agency

1. Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria Project (ANRiN)

225,000,000

World Bank

2. Multi-Phased Programmatic Approach-mmunization Plus and Malaria Progress by accelerating Coverage and Transforming Service (IMPACT) Project Immunization Plus – US$450m

450,000,000

World Bank

3. Nigeria Covid-19 Preparedness and Response Project (COPREP)- Additional Financing

400,000,000

World Bank

TOTAL

1,175,000,000

WOMEN AFFAIRS: Ministry of Women Affairs

PROJECT

AMOUNT ($)

Funding Agency

1. Nigeria for Women Project

100,000,000

World Bank

TOTAL

100,000,000

ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE: Ministry of Environment

PROJECT

AMOUNT ($)

AMOUNT (€)

Funding Agency

1. Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project – Additional Funding

400,000,000

World Bank

2. Climate Adaptation Erosion and Watershed Project

175,000,000

European Investment Bank

TOTAL

400,000,000

175,000,000

GOVERNMENTAL INSTITUTION: National Assembly

PROJECT

AMOUNT ($)

Funding Agency

1. Provision of 17MW Hybrid Solar Power Infrastructure for National Assembly

62,120,000

SINOCURE/Standard Chartered Bank

TOTAL

62,120,000

approved the total sum $16,230,077,718 and €1,020,000,000 Grant of $125,000,000

(ii) approve the request relating to the Bank of Industry for the issuance of €500,000,000 (Five Hundred Million Euros) but no more than €750,000,000 (Seventy Hundred and Fifty Million Euros) Eurobond in the International Capital Market;

(iii) that the terms and conditions of the loan from the funding agencies, be forwarded to the National Assembly prior to the execution of same for concurrence and proper documentation.

Synopsis of the report:

Rep. Ahmed Safana stated that the report was clear and urged members to approve it.

Summary of voting:

Recommendations voted on and approved: recommendations 1-3

CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE) Rep. Ahmed Wase presiding:

18. Committee on Telecommunications:

Rep. Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi:

“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Telecommunications on a Bill for an Act to Repeal the Nigerian Postal Service Act, Cap. N127, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and Establish the Nigeria Postal Commission to make Comprehensive Provisions for the Development and Regulation of Postal Services; and for Related Matters (HB.1337) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 15/7/2021).

Synopsis of the report:

Rep. Akeem Adeyemi stated that the Bill seeks to establish the Nigerian postal commission to be a regulator while the Nigerian postal service will be the operator of the sector, so that their functions will not be intertwined, this is for it to be at per with international best practices.

The consideration of the report was deferred till Thursday, November 18th, 2021 to enable members study the report properly and make informed contributions.

19. Committee on Justice:

Rep. Ozurigbo Ugonna:

“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Justice on a Bill for an Act to Establish South-South Development Commission charged with Responsibility to Receive and Manage Funds from the Federation Account Allocation and other Sources, Donations, Grants and Aids for the Integration, Development, Resolution of Infrastructural Deficit, Militancy, Communal Crisis as well as Tackle Ecological and Environmental Problems; and for Related Matters. (HB.630) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 25/3/2021).

Summary of voting:

Clauses voted on and carried: 1-30

HOUSE IN PLENARY

The House reverted to plenary and adopted the report of the committee of supply and the committee of the whole following a motion by the deputy leader of the House, Rep. Peter Akpatason and seconded by Rep. Babangida Ibrahim.

The House suspended its rules to approve the votes and proceedings of the day following a motion by Rep. Abubakar Fulata and seconded by Rep. Peter Akpatason.

Adjournment:

The House at 15:01 adjourned plenary till Wednesday, November 17th, 2021 by 11:00 A.M following a motion for adjournment moved by the deputy leader, Rep. Peter Akpatason and seconded by Rep. Chinyere Igwe.

Courtesy:

Media Unit, Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives.