Category: House of Representatives

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, is to engage segments of the Nigerian youth groups and organisations at a town hall meeting on Wednesday at the National Assembly.

The town hall is in furtherance of the Legislative Agenda of the 10th House, which prioritises sustained youth engagement and legislative measures to promote youth political participation, representation, and inclusion in governance and decision-making.

Organised in conjunction with the YIAGA Africa and the Konrad Adenuer Stiftung (KAS), the town hall targets youth leaders and representatives from various youth organisations; students from tertiary institutions; young professionals and entrepreneurs; representatives from civil society organisations focused on youth development; members of the House Committees on Youth Affairs; and Youths in Parliament, among others.

It is to serve as a platform for direct dialogue, allowing young Nigerians to voice their concerns, share their ideas, and engage with legislative leaders on matters affecting their lives and futures. It will equally bridge the gap between policymakers and the younger generation, ensuring that the policies and laws enacted are inclusive, relevant, and effective in addressing the specific needs of the youth.

The Legislative Agenda of the 10th House recognises the significant youth bulge in Nigeria, and underscores the importance of harnessing the potential of young people to address the myriad of issues that affect them.

By creating frameworks and policies that encourage active youth involvement in political processes, the House aims to ensure that young voices are heard and considered in formulating laws and policies.

This commitment reflects an understanding that the energy, creativity, and perspectives of the youth are vital to fostering a dynamic and responsive governance system.

Through dedicated efforts to integrate youth into the political landscape, the 10th House of Representatives is poised to empower the next generation, driving forward innovative solutions that reflect the needs and aspirations of Nigeria’s young population.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for signing the North West Development Commission Bill into law.

President Tinubu on Tuesday signed the North West Development Commission and the South East Development Commission Bills into law after their passage and subsequent transmission by the National Assembly.

The Speaker, in a press statement through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, said the President has demonstrated uttermost patriotism by his action.

Speaker noted that President Tinubu has taken all steps to make Nigeria better, noting that the commission would not only bring development closer to the people of the North West geopolitical zone but would also address some of the challenges faced by the people, especially unemployment.

He congratulated the people of the North West and Nigerians as a whole for this historic development.

Speaker Abbas Tajudeen had in the 9th Assembly sponsored the North West Development Commission Bill. But it did not get presidential assent at the time.

By Milcah Tanimu

Nigeria’s National Assembly has passed a significant bill raising the national minimum wage to N70,000 and reducing the review period to three years.

On Tuesday, both the Senate and the House of Representatives approved the new minimum wage bill. Officially titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Minimum Wage Act 2019,” this legislation increases the national minimum wage and reduces the review period from five years to three years. The bill specifically amends Section 3 (4) of the Minimum Wage Act No. 8 of 2019, replacing N30,000 with N70,000 and shortening the review period to three years.

In the Senate, the bill received accelerated consideration, swiftly passing through its first, second, and third readings after the Red Chamber amended its rules. The House also endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s request to amend the 2019 National Minimum Wage Act, aligning with the newly approved national minimum wage.

Lawmakers promptly adopted all the provisions in the bill, officially raising the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000 and reducing the review period from five years to three years.

In related news, the Senate has confirmed the appointment of Dr. Olatunji Bello as the Chief Executive Officer/Executive Vice-Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). This confirmation followed the consideration of a report from the Committee on Trade and Investment, chaired by Senator Sadiq Suleiman (APC, Kwara North).

Additionally, the Senate approved the appointment of Dr. Jobson Eseodion Ewalefoh as the Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).

By Milcah Tanimu

The House of Representatives has advanced the N70,000 minimum wage bill, moving it closer to becoming law. The bill, which was transmitted by President Bola Tinubu, seeks to increase the national minimum wage from its current level.

After passing the Second Reading, the House is set to dissolve into the Committee of the Whole to consider the bill and other related matters. This step signifies significant progress toward improving the wage standards for workers across the country.

By   Milcah   Tanimu

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has exonerated Kaduna State Polytechnic and the Presidential Implementation Committee (PIC) from allegations made by lecturer Jacob S. Zarma. Zarma accused the Polytechnic of trespassing and selling a portion of his property.

During a session led by Chairman Rep. Mike Etaba, the Committee determined that the submitted documents lacked sufficient evidence to support Zarma’s claims.

“The documents submitted do not have merit. Therefore, they are free to continue their normal operations pending the presentation of our report to the House for consideration,” Etaba stated.

The Committee concluded that there was no substantial evidence to support the allegations against Kaduna Polytechnic and the PIC, allowing the institutions to proceed without any legal or procedural hindrances.

The National Assembly played a significant role in urging the Nigerian government to sign the Samoa Agreement, as revealed by documents obtained by Premium Times. These documents show that the legislature not only supported but actively lobbied for the signing of the agreement.

Despite recent efforts by the House to suspend the Samoa Agreement’s implementation, a letter from the National Assembly to the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, highlighted its initial endorsement. The letter, dated May 9, 2024, and signed by Muhammed Argungu on behalf of the Clerk to the National Assembly, Sani Tambawal, explicitly requested the government to finalize the Agreement and settle all pending dues to the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States and European Union, Joint Parliamentary Assembly (OACPS-EU-JPA).

The lobbying by the National Assembly was driven by the potential for a Nigerian lawmaker to secure a position within the parliamentary wing of the OACPS-EU-JPA. The letter stated, “The Leader of the Nigerian Delegation was nominated during the meetings to represent West Africa in the Bureau of the Regional Assembly. Regrettably, her nomination was stepped down because Nigeria had not signed the Samoa Agreement and due to Nigeria’s indebtedness.

“Accordingly, the Honourable Minister is requested to kindly consider the above and put in place machinery for signing the agreement and payment of the accumulated subscriptions to the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States and European Union (OACPS) to avoid the Nigerian delegation to the meetings being subjected to ridicule.”

This content contradicts claims by many lawmakers that they were not involved in negotiating and signing the Agreement.

President Bola Tinubu has sworn in eight new permanent secretaries to address current and upcoming vacancies across various states and geopolitical zones within the Civil Service of the Federation. The ceremony took place on Wednesday, with Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s spokesman, presenting the appointees’ credentials before they took their oaths of office.

The selection process for these appointments involved a comprehensive evaluation, including a written examination, ICT proficiency test, and an interactive session with stakeholders. This rigorous process, led by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, resulted in the appointment of eight directors as permanent secretaries.

Among the newly appointed is Dr. Emanso Umobong from Akwa Ibom State, a Fellow of the Medical College of Pathology (FMCpath). Before joining the Federal Civil Service in 2008, Umobong lectured at the University of Uyo and the University of Abuja. She started as an Assistant Director at the State House and rose to the position of Director.

Dr. Emeka Obi from Anambra State, who joined the Federal Civil Service in 2001 as a Dental Officer, was also sworn in. Obi advanced to become a Director in the State House Medical Centre by 2018.

Fatima Mahmood from Bauchi State, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from Ahmadu Bello University and a Fellow of the Centre for African Leaders in Agriculture (CALA), was another appointee. Mahmood brought valuable experience from the finance sector, where she specialized in agriculture.

Other permanent secretaries sworn in include:
– Mohammed Danjuma from Jigawa State, who started as an Accountant II in 1993 and became a Director in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources in 2021.
– Olubunmi Olusanya from Ondo State, a Fellow of the Waste Management Society of Nigeria and a microbiologist who transitioned to the Federal Ministry of Environment in 1999.
– Maryam Ismaila Keshinro from Zamfara State, who joined the service as an Assistant Director/Consultant Paediatrician in 2011 and became a Director in 2019.
– Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi from Imo State, previously the Director of Epidemiology at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Food Security and a key figure in animal health regulation.
– Christopher Isokpunwu from Edo State, who held several roles in the Federal Ministry of Health, including Director of Health Planning Research and Statistics.

Dr. Folasade Esan, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, reminded the newly appointed permanent secretaries of the significant responsibilities they bear, emphasizing the need for diligence and commitment to national service.

Reflecting on his appointment, Dr. Obi expressed gratitude and acknowledged the critical role of permanent secretaries in supporting government reforms and achieving the president’s mandate. “This is a call to service to support the government and help the president achieve his mandate. It is a great privilege for us to serve our Motherland,” Obi stated.

By   Milcah   Tanimu

The House of Representatives has clarified that it did not ask the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government to suspend the implementation of the Samoa Partnership Agreement. This statement came from House spokesman Hon. Akintunde Rotimi, who addressed recent claims to the contrary.

According to The Nation, Rotimi explained that the House’s actual resolution was to investigate the controversial clauses allegedly contained within the Samoa Partnership Agreement to ensure they align with constitutional provisions, existing laws, and national interests and values.

“The House’s decision followed the adoption of a Motion of Urgent National Importance titled ‘Alleged Controversial Samoa Partnership Agreement by the Federal Government,’ sponsored by House Deputy Minority Leader Rep. Aliyu Sani Madaki (NNPP, Kano) and co-sponsored by 88 lawmakers,” Rotimi stated.

The motion, which aimed to enhance food security and promote inclusive economic development, sparked significant debate in the Green Chamber. Concerns were raised about clauses purportedly mandating support for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community as a condition for financial and other aid from developed nations.

Specific articles within the agreement, including Articles 2.5, 29.5, 36.2, and 88, were highlighted as potentially misaligned with Nigeria’s national interests and values, especially without a reservation clause. Rep. Aliyu Sani Madaki also raised concerns about Article 97, which asserts the supremacy of the agreement over any conflicting treaties involving EU member states or the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), potentially infringing upon Nigeria’s sovereignty.

In response, House Leader Rep. Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo) clarified that the agreement, as officially presented, does not include provisions related to a $150 billion fund or any clauses promoting LGBT rights in Nigeria, contrary to public speculation.

House Minority Leader Rep. Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers) emphasized the importance of parliamentary oversight and transparency in treaty negotiations, citing Section 12 of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates parliamentary involvement in such matters.

Rotimi concluded, “It is important to clarify that the House of Representatives did not resolve to call for the suspension of the agreement nor for the suspension of its implementation, as has been erroneously reported by some media houses.”

Instead, the House resolved to scrutinize the Samoa Partnership Agreement for any contentious clauses through legislative hearings. The House mandated its Committees on Treaties, Protocols and Agreements; Justice; and National Planning and Economic Development to engage with relevant stakeholders to address any ambiguities in the agreement. The Committees are expected to report back to parliament within four weeks.

Reaffirming its commitment to shaping Nigeria’s foreign policy in line with national interests, the House underscored its Legislative Agenda 7 (Influencing and Directing Nigeria’s Foreign Policy) to ensure consistency and transparency in treaty ratification.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, is set to swear in the newly appointed 22 Justices of the Court of Appeal. The ceremony, scheduled for Wednesday at 10:00 am, will take place in the Main Courtroom of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

A statement by Dr. Akande Festus, Director of Information & Public Relations, Supreme Court of Nigeria, indicated that alongside the 22 Justices of the Court of Appeal, 11 new judges for the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory will also be sworn in.

Among those to be sworn in are the wife of the FCT Minister, Nyesome Wike, and Justice Donatus Okorowo of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The newly appointed Justices are:
– Abdullahi Muhammad Liman from Nasarawa State
– Abiodun Azeem Akinyemi from Ogun State
– Olukayode Adegbola Adeniyi from Oyo State
– Zainab Bage Abubakar from Kebbi State
– Isaq Mohammed Sani from Kaduna State
– Lateef Babajide Lawal-Akapo from Lagos State
– Ngozika U. Okaisabor from Imo State
– Ruqayat Oremei Ayoola from Kogi State
– Polycarp Terna Kwahar from Benue State
– Fadawa Umaru from Borno State
– Oyewumi Oyejoju Oyebiola from Oyo State
– Ntong Festus Ntong from Akwa Ibom State
– Nehizena Idemudia Afolabi from Edo State
– Nnamdi Okwy Dimgba from Abia State
– Abdu Dogo from Federal Capital Territory, Abuja
– Abdulazeez M. Anka from Zamfara State
– Owibunkeonye Onwosi from Ebonyi State
– Asma’u Akanbi-Yusuf from Kwara State
– Victoria Toochukwu Nwoye from Anambra State
– Enenche Eleojo from Kogi State

This significant event marks a crucial development in Nigeria’s judicial system as these new appointments aim to enhance the judiciary’s capacity to deliver justice effectively across the nation.

By Sam Akanimo

Two of the three senators representing Akwa Ibom State are currently locked in a feverish battle to endear themselves to their constituents. They are Senators Aniekan Bassey of Uyo Senatorial District, and Ekong Sampson of Eket Senatorial District. The other senator is Godswill Akpabio of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, the Senate President. Akpabio is likely to have a smooth sail back to the Red Chamber of the National Assembly in 2027.

For Bassey and Sampson, anything could happen if they failed to deliver tangible dividend of democracy ahead of the 2027 ballot war. Interestingly, in celebration of Democracy Day, the people of Uruan community, were said to be rejoicing over the manifestation of representative governance.

Senator Bassey is being praised for delivering a 1km farm road in Ekim Enen, a project that has brought hope and excitement to the rural community. Roads are the arteries of a country, transporting people, goods, and services. Building and maintaining them is essential to economic growth and development. For the people of Uruan, this road represents more than just a transportation route – it symbolizes connectivity, progress, and a brighter future.

The road’s high quality and timely delivery have earned Senator Bassey widespread praise from the community. This initiative demonstrates his unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of his constituents and fostering economic growth in the region.

By delivering this project, Bassey is said to have proven his dedication to partnering with Governor Umo Eno  in building internal road networks in rural areas. This collaborative effort aims to make life more meaningful for constituents, connecting them to markets, services, and opportunities.

Building roads is not just about connecting places, it’s about connecting people, creating opportunities, and driving progress. For the farmers in Ekim Enen, this road means increased access to markets, improved livelihoods, and a sense of belonging to a larger community.

The newly constructed farm road in Ekim Enen marks a significant achievement in Senator Bassey’s ongoing efforts to transform the region and improve the livelihoods of its people. His dedication to empowering rural communities and stimulating agricultural development has made a tangible impact on the lives of Uruan residents, setting a high standard for public service.

As the community celebrates this milestone, they acknowledge Bassey’s unwavering support and dedication to their well-being.  This project serves as a testament to the power of effective governance and the impact it can have on the lives of ordinary people. So says Micheal Joseph Okon, a public affairs analyst.

On his part, Sampson has constituted a Constituency Projects Assessment and Implementation Committee with President of Nigerian Society of Engineers, Uyo branch, Uwem Akpan, FNSE, as its Chairman. The committee, according to Sampson, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Samuel Udoma, will ensure follow-up on effective constituency projects delivery for the area.

Other members of the committee include Efefiong Antigha, Innocent Tom, Ann Eyo, a lawyer, Daniel Akpan Essien, Victor Onomo, while Mrs. Ekaette Inyang, an engineer, serves as Secretary. Among other things, the panel will oversee on the spot assessment, quality control, environmental friendliness and timely delivery on projects facilitated to and earmarked for the constituency by Senator Sampson.

The Project Implementation Committee will work closely with members of the state House of Assembly, Local Government Chairmen and other stakeholders in the respective local government areas.

As part of its duties, the committee will visit St Vincent Secondary School, Oti-Oro, Okobo Local Government Area, St Francis Secondary School, Ikot Ataku, Eket and Excellence College, Ikot Unya, where Senator Sampson has facilitated the construction of JAMB/CBT Centres in Akwa Ibom South.

They will also embark on assessment visits to parts of Eket Local Government Area for massive rehabilitation of electricity, Urueffong/Oruko Local Government Area, Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi and other locations in Akwa Ibom South for physical infrastructure.

At the moment, water projects attracted to Mkpat Enin and Ikot Ekpe communities in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area by Senator Sampson are already progressing smoothly. This is as indigenes and stakeholders have hailed Senator Sampson for attracting the projects to their communities.

A prominent community and political leader in Mkpat Enin Urban, Aniedi Ekanem, after inspecting the ongoing projects, commended Sampson for the water project interventions.

According to Ekanem, ‘one thing about Senator Ekong Sampson is that he acts proactively. He doesn’t wait to be told what to do and at what time’, the stalwart said, hailing Sampson’s impressive NEEDS assessment pedigree.

Ekanem highlighted that the two benefiting communities have been facing potable water challenges over years, noting that Sampson’s foresighted gesture will significantly ameliorate the situation for the indigenes of the area.

He relayed the gratitude of the two communities through the acting village head of Mkpat Eteidung E.J. Ekpa and Village head of Ikot Ekpe, Eteidung UdoUdo whom he said, were very appreciative of the senator’s life touching gesture.Senator Sampson marks his eventful first one year in office tomorrow. He has been widely praised for his focused, people-driven representation. In February, Senator Ekong Sampson empowered over 700 of his constituents with education and business support grants.

He has mandated the commencement of framework for the second tranche of the Ekong Sampson Empowerment Programme, with an expanded scope. The Empowerment Committee is headed by Otuekong (Barr.) Ini Ikott, a former member of the state House of Assembly representing Onna State Constituency