…as Reps hold townhall on 2024 budget, welcome inputs from CSOs, other stakeholders
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen Ph.D, has disclosed plans by the 10th House to amend the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007, and make citizens participation a routine in the budgetary process.
Speaker Abbas stated that the 10th House, as the ‘People’s House,’ would work towards making the Federal Government’s budget a “people’s budget.”
The Speaker made this known in Abuja on Monday while declaring open, Citizens’ Townhall on the 2024 Budget and Appropriation Process, organised by the House Committee on Appropriations and the Programme Coordinating Unit (PCU) of the Speaker’s Office.
Several civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, professional bodies, chief executives in the public and private sectors, as well as student unions who were represented at the event expressed their views.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, laid the budget estimates before a joint session of the National Assembly. The House had debated the general principles of the budget during the second reading.
The bill was passed for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Appropriations, chaired by Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi, leading to the engagement with stakeholders at the townhall.
Speaker Abbas noted at the event that the House had taken the lead in facilitating greater citizens’ participation in the budget process, while challenging all ministries, departments and agencies of the government to do the same.
He said, “On our part, the House will review the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 to strengthen existing provisions to improve access to information and public consultation during all phases of the budget cycle. Specifically, we will amend the FRA to require and define public participation explicitly.
“Your participation in this townhall meeting underscores the essence of democracy – the power of the people to engage actively in governance and decision-making processes.
“You are invited to closely examine the 2024 budget proposal as presented to the National Assembly by Mr. President. As representatives of the people, it is our duty to ensure that the annual appropriation reflects the needs and aspirations of every Nigerian citizen.
“I wish to reassure all Nigerians that the President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the National Assembly are committed to addressing these hardships,” he said.
Speaker Abbas noted that the top priorities of the 2024 Appropriation Bill, as stated by the President, were national security, local job creation and poverty reduction, while the proposal was labelled ‘Budget of Renewed Hope.’
He said: “Your contributions must go beyond mere criticisms to constructive and evidence-based suggestions on how we can improve the budget process and make the budget more responsive to the needs of all Nigerians.”
The Speaker recalled that during the budget proposal presentation by the President, he promised that the House would convene a town hall, in line with its Legislative Agenda, to harness public input and opinion. “This event represents the fulfilment of that pledge,” he stated.
He said the townhall “is crucial to enhancing the transparency of government spending,” stressing that it would also allow the public to be more informed about how public funds are to be used and, by so doing, build greater trust in government institutions.
The Speaker said: “More importantly, however, this town-hall will allow the National Assembly to understand citizens’ needs better and explore ways to address them through the budget.
“The relevance of this interface is best understood within the larger context of diminished public trust in government institutions in Nigeria and all over Africa.
“This townhall represents a major step in changing the narrative. As indicated in our Legislative Agenda, we are the People’s House. As such, we firmly commit to strengthening public engagement and seeking inputs into the budget process, starting with the pre-budget statement, executive budget proposal, budget debate through public hearings in the legislature, and implementation, monitoring, and reporting of the budget.”
Going forward, Speaker Abbas said, the House would sustain the initiative, while noting that the lawmakers believed the process should start before the budget is presented to the National Assembly.
“This is critical to ensuring that the budget becomes the people’s budget. We expect that the 2025 budget will be discussed at the constituency level to ensure greater inclusion and engagement with diverse stakeholders at the grassroots level,” he added.
The Speaker commended the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC); the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO); and the Partnership to Engage, Reform and Learn (PERL) for their partnership and supports to the House on the town hall.
The Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, in his goodwill message, said the event was a testament to the House’s commitment to “transparency, accountability, and, most importantly, the active participation of citizens in the legislative process.”
He said: “The budget plays a crucial role in guiding our nation’s journey by determining priorities and allocating resources. Therefore, it is essential that the budgeting process is transparent, inclusive, and reflects the needs and aspirations of our citizens.”
The Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Bichi, in his opening remarks, said the committee would always maintain an open-door policy to “accommodate the interest of stakeholders in making the process more credible, peoples oriented and veritable instrument towards good governance.”
Bichi told the gathering that his committee decided to involve Nigerians at the townhall because the budget “belongs to the people, as such, we have to carry the citizens along.”
He assured that the House Appropriation Committee would “not disappoint Nigerians” in the onerous task of budget process.
In his goodwill message, the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Alhaji Sani Magaji Tambuwal, said when critical stakeholders are not consulted before the national budget and appropriations process is concluded, it is inevitable that government policies, programs, and projects will be replicated.
Tambuwal added: “This is especially true, given that the budget is a document of public policy intended for the general public. That is to say, the budget is owned by the people. Hence, the decision of the 10th House of Representatives to organise this town-hall meeting is not only consistent with democratic principles but with the 6th agenda of the present House to ensure an open and inclusive legislature.”
Signed:
Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
On Sat, Dec 2, 2023, 17:11 Ahmed Musa Baba
Press Statement from the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives
December 2, 2023
Speaker Abbas felicitates Emir of Zazzau on conferment of honorary doctorate degree
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, has congratulated the Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, on the conferment of a Doctorate Degree in Public Affairs (Honoris Causa) on him by the Western Delta University, Oghara, Delta State on Saturday.
Speaker Abbas, who represents Zaria Federal Constituency in Kaduna State at the House, described Emir Bamalli’s honorary degree as well-deserved, saying the monarch has contributed immensely to the affairs of not just Zazzau Emirate and Kaduna State, but also the entire country.
The Speaker, who is a prince in the Zazzau Emirate and holds the traditional title of Iyan Zazzau, said it was not surprising that Emir Bamalli is being honoured by a university in Delta State, noting that the honour further confirms the elder statesmanship status of the Emir.
Speaker Abbas, while commending the Western Delta University for honouring the Emir of Zazzau, said the honour would encourage him to further unite Nigerians across ethnic and religious lines.
The Speaker noted that the honour being bestowed on the Emir signifies reward for patriotism and good leadership as well as pursuit of peace and unity in the country.
The Speaker wished Emir Bamalli well even as he encouraged him to continue playing the fatherly role he has been playing among his people and beyond.
Signed:
Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
On Wed, Nov 29, 2023, 18:54 Ahmed Musa Baba
Press Statement from the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives
November 29, 2023
2024 budget must address needs of long-suffering Nigerians – Speaker Abbas
…proposes Budget Act to strengthen, institutionalise processes
…gets standing ovation from President Tinubu, Reps
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, has stated that the 2024 Appropriation Bill “should not be seen as a mere financial document but a reflection of our collective resolve to address the most critical needs of our long-suffering citizens.”
The Speaker made this known in his vote of thanks after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu laid the 2024 budget estimates before a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday.
President Tinubu presented a proposal of N27.5trillion, and tagged the Appropriation Bill as ‘Budget of Renewed Hope.’
Speaker Abbas, while noting that “it is a well-known fact that millions of our constituents are living through incredibly difficult times,” said it is for this reason that the citizens “also look to the Tinubu-led government to provide quick and sustainable solutions.
This is even as the Speaker got a standing ovation from President Tinubu as he was concluding his speech, in which he noted the president’s antecedents and track record in governance, which he said, “inspire a lot of hope in Nigerians.
“Mr. President, it is for this reason that we cannot afford to fail Nigerians. If anyone can change the rot and chart a new course for Nigeria, IT IS YOU! I have no doubt whatsoever that we can measure up to the expectations of Nigerians through your visionary leadership and the commitment of the National Assembly.”
In order to promote economic growth and development, Speaker Abbas stated that the 2024 budget “should prioritise social welfare programmes to help reduce poverty and inequality.”
He added that job creation and youth empowerment, in view of the large and ever-growing youth population, was equally important.
The Speaker stated: “Failure to do this means failure to invest in our future. This budget must also prioritise investment in education and healthcare, which is critical to human capital development and a more productive workforce. Infrastructure development is another critical area of importance, which is crucial for economic growth.
“The biggest challenge, however, is balancing these priorities within the constraints of available resources.”
The Speaker said due to the related challenge of a high level of public debt, the National Assembly would ensure that the 2024 budget includes “concrete strategies for sustainable debt management, including measures to increase revenue and control expenditure.”
He added: “Specifically, the focus should be on raising more revenue through tax reform, fiscal reform, subsidy reform, foreign exchange convergence, and centralised revenue collection.”
The Speaker recalled that in the recent engagements with Ministries, Departments and Agencies on the Medium Term Expenditure Framework, the lawmakers emphasised the need for revenue-generating agencies to double their targets to meet the N18trn revenue projected in the budget.
Speaker Abbas, however, highlighted some of the perennial problems that he believed had hampered the budget process in Nigeria. “These are well known to Mr. President, who is an experienced ex-legislator,” he said.
Noting that the government budget is an important tool for economic management and promoting growth and development, Speaker Abbas stated that it had generally not met the expectations of improved service delivery and development.
He said: “This has largely been due to challenges relating to budget enactment, budget implementation, and budget oversight. The well-known gaps in the various stages of the budget process underscore the need for budget reforms, including altering relevant sections of the Constitution and existing laws to strengthen the budget process and transform our budget into an authentic tool for development.
Therefore, the Speaker proposed the enactment of a Budget Act to strengthen the budget process and promote development outcomes, saying, “This is a well-established practice in democracies across the world.”
While assuring President Tinubu that the National Assembly would give the bill the utmost priority it deserves and accelerate its consideration, the Speaker stated that the lawmakers would “diligently scrutinise it alongside Nigerians to ensure that when it is passed, it will be a budget that best addresses the most critical needs of our people.”
Speaker Abbas sought the cooperation of all heads of MDAs, especially during budget defence by committees.
Speaker Abbas described President Tinubu’s presence in the hallowed chamber as historic, noting that apart from being the President’s first address to the joint session of the National Assembly as the 16th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it was also “a homecoming” for him as a former member of the Senate.
The Speaker noted that since Tinubu was inaugurated President of Nigeria on May 29, 2023, “all your actions since then have been bold, decisive and purposeful,” adding that, “They indicate your resolve to make decisions that may be hard but necessary to remedy past errors and put Nigeria on the path of economic recovery, security and development.”
As the Speaker concluded his remarks, President Tinubu joined members of the House in applauding the Number 4 Citizen while giving him a standing ovation.
Signed:
Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
On Mon, Nov 27, 2023, 18:40 Ahmed Musa Baba
Press Statement from the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives
November 27, 2023
We’ll give Nigerians avenue to participate in 2024 budget process – Speaker Abbas
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, has disclosed plans by the 10th House to convene a town hall meeting with stakeholders on the 2024 Appropriation Bill about to be laid before a joint session of the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
This, he said, would allow Nigerians to participate in the consideration and passage of the budget.
Speaker Abbas made this known while declaring open a one-day capacity building retreat for chairmen and deputy chairmen of House committees held in Abuja on Monday.
At the event were the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu; Chief of Staff to the President and former Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; a former President of the Senate and ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; many members of the House as well as representatives of Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) and YIAGA Africa, who provided support for the retreat.
The Speaker stated that in line with its mantra, ‘Peoples House,’ the 10th House was committed to greater and more transparent engagement with the public.
Speaker Abbas added that this was necessary for reducing suspicion, building trust and generating support for the work of the National Assembly.
He said: “As we expect to receive the 2024 Appropriation Bill in a few days, I wish to state that the House will convene a Budget Town Hall Meeting to enable citizens to make inputs into the 2024 Appropriation. It is the first time such an engagement is planned at the national level.
“I invite our partners to work with us in preparing for a vigorous and all-inclusive budget process.
“To ensure speedy passage of the 2024 budget, I charge all committees to double their efforts and finalise all considerations in two weeks.
“However, this does not imply haphazard and superficial consideration of the budget. Rather, it is a challenge to you to deploy all resources and make the needed sacrifices to ensure we pass the budget in good time for the good of all Nigerians.”
Speaker Abbas noted that committees play a crucial role in the legislative process, and have been called the ‘engine room’ of the parliament.
He said through committees, members develop subject matter expertise and undertake more detailed review and scrutiny of bills and other government policies.
More critically, committees have contributed in no small measure to improving accountability through its oversight function, the Speaker said.
“It is no exaggeration to say that the National Assembly, especially the House of Representatives, has progressively exercised its powers to ensure that the executive is always answerable to the Nigerian people,” he added.
The Speaker also noted that despite the growing assertiveness of the Nigerian legislature and its centrality in promoting good governance, committees face several challenges that impede their overall effectiveness.
These, he said, include a high turnover rate and its attendant effect on legislative expertise.
“For instance, the 10th House of Representatives has recorded the highest attrition rate since the return to democracy in 1999. As a result, critical knowledge and expertise have been lost in the process,” Speaker Abbas decried.
The Speaker listed other factors militating against committees’ effectiveness to include insufficient resources particularly inadequate funding, staffing and resources, all of which he said limit their ability to conduct thorough analysis and research.
He said: “Despite the widely held belief, the House and its committees are grossly underfunded, making it nearly impossible for them to function optimally.
“Anyone familiar with the inner workings of the legislature knows the quantum of resources required to undertake robust oversight adequately, hire experts and consultants, undertake inspection visits and draft quality legislation.
“Ironically, while Nigerians expect the best representation from the National Assembly and its members, they do not always understand that this is only possible through adequate funding.”
Speaker Abbas, while noting that the theme of the retreat was ‘Improving Legislative Performance through Effective Committee Management,’ said it was deliberately chosen to provide a comprehensive understanding of the tasks ahead, especially for many of those who were taking up these legislative responsibilities for the first time.
He stated: “The legislature is central to our democracy, and a strong House is integral to ensuring that governance is conducted in an open, accountable, and representative manner.
“As chairmen and deputy chairmen of various committees, we must ensure that the House delivers on its Legislative Agenda. All committees should study the relevant sections of the Agenda and incorporate them into their work plans. You are encouraged to rely on the Agenda and generate bills, motions and other legislative interventions. The success of the Agenda hinges on the efficiency, effectiveness, and integrity of our committees.”
In his remarks, Deputy Speaker Kalu stated that at the heart of Nigeria’s parliamentary democracy lies the House of Representatives, “an institution tasked with the solemn responsibility of representing the will of the Nigerian people.”
Hon. Kalu also noted that the committees of the House, as the engines of legislative oversight, play a pivotal role in scrutinising government policies, investigating public misconduct, and ensuring that the executive branch remains accountable to the people.
He said, “As Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen of these committees, you bear immense responsibility. Your leadership, your expertise, and your dedication are essential in steering the legislative agenda, shaping public policy, and upholding the principles of good governance.
“This retreat serves as an invaluable opportunity to reinforce your capacities, enhance your skills, and foster a shared understanding of effective committee management. Through interactive sessions, engaging discussions, and insightful presentations, you will delve into the intricacies of committee leadership, explore best practices for effective oversight, and strategize innovative approaches to enhance legislative performance.”
In his goodwill message, Gbajabiamila said the Federal Government budget would be presented to the National Assembly “in a matter of days.”
The former Speaker of the House urged leaders and members of the standing committees to unite while scrutinising the budgetary proposals during defence sessions.
Gbajabiamila also noted that committees were key to the legislative process, urging the chairmen and their deputies to work harmoniously.
Signed:
Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
On Thu, Nov 23, 2023, 19:57 Ahmed Musa Baba
Press Statement from the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives
November 23, 2023
Be creative for optimal performance, Speaker Abbas tasks NNPCL
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, has said that for Nigeria to avoid more wasteful years of non-performing puplic assets in the oil sector, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) must come up with creative ways for optimal performance.
The Speaker stated this when he received the management of the NNPCL, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja on Thursday.
Speaker Abbas, while commending the NNPCL for taking full advantage of the Petroleum Industry Act to maximise its commercial potentials, decried the state of Nigeria’s refineries such as the one in Kaduna, which he said had been moribund for over 20 years, even though the staff were maintained, paid and promoted.
He described the situation as inefficiency and waste of human resources that needed to be addressed.
“I am from Kaduna, and the Kaduna refinery has been moribund for more than 20 years. I know of people working there who have been idle all these years receiving salaries and promotions. This is inefficiency of a worrisome proportion. The company needs to seek creative ways to repurpose staff strength in such facilities to areas where they can remain productive even in the absence of crude oil at the refineries,” the Speaker said.
Speaker Abbas called for measures to turn around the losses suffered by the economy, owing to the non-productive state of the refineries, by privatising them for better management and productivity.
The Speaker congratulated the company for redirecting gains of subsidy removal to other productive areas of enhancement that are now adding value to the system as shown by the quantum leap being reported in its revenue profile as presented by the Chief Executive.
He said the 10th House, and by extension the National Assembly, would fully be behind the company in its fight against oil theft, disclosing that the House has taken the lead in creating a Special Committee on Oil Theft and Pipeline Vandalism, which was inaugurated on Wednesday.
Speaker Abbas, who received the NNPC management in company of the Minority Whip of the House, Hon. Ali Isa, and the chairmen of relevant committees in the oil and gas sector, assured the company of the willingness of the House to always partner with it in repositioning the nation’s economy.
Earlier, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the NNPC Limited, Mr. Mele Kyari, highlighted the areas of improvement in the company using the instrument of the Petroleum Industry Act.
The company’s chief, who reiterated that the entity has fully gone commercial with the new law, added that it was hitherto operating at a loss, recording a negative of N803 billion in 2018.
Mr Kyari, however, informed the Speaker and the House that the changes that happened in the company after the PIA have led to the realisation of N674 billion profit after tax in 2021, and over N2trillion income in 2022.
Mr Kyari added that the company had a projected revenue to the tune of N4.5 trillion as expected income in 2023, adding that having gone fully commercial, the company controls over 30% of the market share in the downstream sector.
“This company is operating just like any other private company providing dividends to its shareholders. We have over 30% of the market share in the downstream sector, which is why no single player can hold this country to random in terms of making products available to Nigerians.
“So when you see queue, it’s really not as a result of scarcity but internal events arising from the actions of marketers, and people can always go to our stations and be served. They are guaranteed quality and accurate quantity of dispensed products.”
Signed:
Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
On Wed, Nov 22, 2023, 17:45 Ahmed Musa Baba
Press Statement from the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives
November 22, 2023
Oil theft, greatest threat to Nigeria’s economy – Speaker Abbas
…says House’ll raise revenue target for MDAs in 2024
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, on Wednesday inaugurated a Special Ad Hoc Committee on Oil Theft to investigate the growing spate of pipeline vandalisation, illegal petroleum bunkering and theft.
The Speaker noted that oil theft and other oil related criminalities remain the greatest economic sabotage that has left the country with dwindling revenue.
In his address at the inauguration ceremony, the Speaker stated the resolve of the 10th House to “tackle one of the largest threats to Nigeria’s economy.”
Speaker Abbas decried that Nigeria loses over 300,000 barrels of crude oil per day due to theft, vandalism, and other criminal activities.
“Some of the severe consequences of this include revenue loss, environmental disaster, threats to regional peace and security, proliferation of arms, and a poor investment climate,” he warned.
The Speaker also said the nation was reported to have incurred losses of oil revenues estimated at N1.29 trillion annually due to industrial-scale theft.
He stated that the Committee’s primary objective was to determine the proximate and remote causes of oil theft and recommend remedial measures to the House.
Speaker Abbas said: “Nigeria is facing significant financial challenges due to a combination of rising expenditures and falling revenues. You may recall that the proposed revenue and expenditure for 2023 stand at N9.73 trillion and N20.51 trillion, respectively. This means a fiscal deficit of N10.78 trillion, which is about 4.78% of the Gross Domestic Products (GDP). This deficit is the largest in Nigeria’s history, and with a budget more than double the proposed revenue, we are faced with the challenge of borrowing to cover the gap.”
“It is for this reason that the House will significantly raise the targets for all government revenue-generating agencies. I am convinced these agencies can generate much more than they currently do. In our recent engagement with MDAs on the 2024-2026 MTEF, we have made it clear that a lot more will be required of our key revenue-generating agencies in 2024. We expect them to double their total annual revenue profile. However, to achieve this, these agencies must reduce wastage and improve efficiency, especially in collection.”
In addition to this, the Speaker said revenue-generating agencies must ensure transparency in the management of generated revenues. “Let me state clearly that the House will not tolerate low performance by agencies or failure to show evidence of required remittances to the Federation Account. We shall also closely monitor and undertake strict oversight of the activities of all revenue-generating agencies to ensure compliance,” he declared.
Speaker Abbas noted that the House set up the Special Committee to underscore the chamber’s unwavering commitment to protecting the nation’s resources for the good of all citizens and to punish the perpetrators of these dreadful crimes.
He said: “I charge you, therefore, to investigate all dimensions of oil theft, focusing on the actions of all actors, including criminal gangs, militia groups, the local populace, company employees and security agencies.
“I urge the members of this committee to approach your mandate with diligence, objectivity, a sense of urgency and patriotism. The findings and recommendations from your work will serve as a foundation for sustainable solutions rather than ad-hoc measures. I also expect your efforts to contribute significantly to enhancing the integrity of our oil sector and promoting sustainable development.”
The Speaker called on all stakeholders, including government agencies, industry players, security agencies, civil society organisations, and the general public to extend their “full cooperation” to the Special Committee for it to deliver on its mandate. He noted that “by effectively addressing this challenge, we can enhance revenue, investment and overall socio-economic progress for Nigeria.”
Earlier in his opening remarks, Chairman of the House Special Committee on Oil Theft, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, described oil theft as an issue of national importance, while the House had “taken an important and bold step” to check the crime.
“The issues of oil theft and pipeline vandalisation are not new to us, nor are they exclusive to Nigeria as a nation. However, they remain persistent threats to our economy, ecology and national security,” Doguwa stated.
Signed:
Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
On Tue, Nov 14, 2023, 16:25 Ahmed Musa Baba
Press Statement from the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives.
November 14, 2023
We’ll partner Tinubu to set Nigeria on development path – Speaker Abbas
…as Akpabio, Akume, diplomats join Speaker to unveil 10th House Legislative Agenda
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, has said the 10th House under his leadership is committed to partnering with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the successful implementation of the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of the current administration.
Speaker Abbas stated this in Abuja on Tuesday when dignitaries from within and outside the National Assembly as well as the international community joined him to officially unveil the Legislative Agenda of the 10th House to the public.
Gracing the occasion were President of the Senate, Senator Godwill Akpabio; Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; and Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria (Development), Chris Pycroft.
Also at the event were Simon Ridley of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); Governance Adviser, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Dr Mathew Ayibakuro; and Resident Representative, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), Marijan Peran.
Others were Dr. Biobele Davidson of the BudgIt Foundation; Executive Director, Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Dr Clement Nwankwo; and the Head, National Assembly Business Environment Roundtable (NASSBER), Nsikan Essien.
Senator Akpabio, SGF Akume and Pycroft presented their goodwill messages at the ceremony.
The House had considered and adopted the Legislative Agenda last week.
In his address at the ceremony, the Speaker noted that upon the inauguration of the 10th House on June 13, 2023, “we were very mindful of the immense responsibility placed upon us by our constituents across Nigeria.”
Speaker Abbas stated that the agenda being unveiled was “a demonstration of our commitment to deploying every legislative instrument available to us, towards meeting the yearnings and aspirations of the people we serve.”
While saying the Legislative Agenda was aptly titled ‘The People’s House,’ the Speaker stated that the policy document was rooted in the fundamental belief that “our primary role as lawmakers is to serve the best interests of our constituents.”
He said: “We recognise the diverse needs and challenges currently facing our nation.
Despite these, we are optimistic that together with His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, we will proffer long-lasting solutions to set Nigeria on a sure path of development.
“Our agenda encompasses a range of eight critical issues, designed to provide the necessary legislative support to the eight-point Agenda of the executive. These issues include strengthening good governance, economic development, improving national security, law reform, economic growth and development, social sector reform and development, inclusion and open parliament, influencing foreign policy and climate change, and environmental sustainability.
“We are dedicated to fostering an environment that promotes sustainable economic growth, and development. We shall use every legislative tool at our disposal to create jobs for our teeming youths, address the challenge posed by poverty, improve infrastructure, ensure top quality and affordable healthcare and provide security for all Nigerians.”
Speaker Abbas mandated all the standing Committees to integrate the Agenda in their respective work-plans, while Members of the House should also ensure that legislative proposals, including bills, motions, are in line with the provisions of the Agenda.
“The adopted structure indicates short, medium and long-term milestones and key performance indicators to track progress easily. The implementation framework is designed to allow for flexibility in responding to emerging issues or crises.
“We have equally set up a Legislative Agenda Monitoring and Implementation Committee to ensure religious implementation of this agenda. I charge citizens to hold us to task on the articulated issues and even more,” he added.
The Speaker commended the efforts put in by the Ad Hoc Committee on Legislative Agenda chaired by the Leader of the House, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, which drafted the document. He equally appreciated technical partners, notably Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) and Yiaga Africa, for their support.
He said: “Most importantly, we appreciate the contributions of citizens who answered the national call to make inputs into this citizens’ agenda.
“I call upon my esteemed colleagues in the House to join hands in pursuit of our shared vision for a better Nigeria. Let us work tirelessly to fulfil our mandate with integrity, diligence, and a deep sense of patriotism. We shall partner with our colleagues in the Senate to drive and achieve the objective and benchmarks set out in this Agenda.”
Speaking earlier, Senate President Akpabio, while noting that the House was introducing its Legislative Agenda ahead of the Senate, said the Red Chamber would emulate the Green chamber soon.
Senator Akpabio, however, stated that the two chambers of the National Assembly have a shared vision and were working towards achieving same national goals.
Signed:
Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
On Mon, Nov 13, 2023, 14:50 Ahmed Musa Baba
Press Statement from the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives
November 13, 2023
Speaker Abbas seeks CSOs, NGOs support for NASS as UNDP engages consultant on needs assessment
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, has called for more partnerships with civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations and donor agencies towards strengthening the capacity of the National Assembly.
Speaker Abbas stated that the capacity needs assessment of the National Assembly, especially the House, is an essential process that would “enable us to evaluate our strengths and weaknesses as an institution.”
The Speaker added that it would provide the House with valuable insights into “areas where we can improve our legislative processes, oversight mechanisms, and overall effectiveness in representing the interests of the citizens.”
The Speaker made the call at a meeting with development partners, donor agencies, technical partners and civil society organisations (CSOs) on the capacity needs assessment of the House, in Abuja on Monday.
The meeting was organised by the Programmes Coordinating Unit (PCU) under the Office of the Speaker.
The development partners represented at the meeting included the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), KLEEN Foundation, Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), and Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), among others.
Also at the meeting were the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon Akin Rotimi; Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Hon Kafilat Ogbara, and Chairman of the House Committee on Monitoring and Implementation of the Legislative Agenda, Hon Patrick Umoh.
The Speaker, represented by the Majority Leader of the House, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, said through the assessment, the House aimed to identify specific areas where additional support and capacity-building initiatives were required.
“This includes enhancing our research capabilities, strengthening our committee system, improving legislative drafting skills, and fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusivity within the House,” the Speaker stated, describing the meeting as a crucial engagement regarding the partners’ technical support to the House.
He recalled an earlier meeting held on September 18, 2023, where both sides discussed the House’s intention to harness the partners’ expertise, support and goodwill in the drive to enhance the capacities of members and staff.
The Speaker noted that the move was in recognition of the fact that development partners, donor agencies and CSOs play a vital role in supporting democratic institutions like the parliament.
He said: “During that meeting, as I have emphasised on numerous other occasions, I highlighted the unique capacity challenges faced by the 10th House, owing to the significant turnover rate resulting from the general elections. As legislators, we must have the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to fulfil our responsibilities effectively.
“In order to address these challenges effectively, the House in its Legislative Agenda identified capacity development as a key avenue of equipping the legislature to deliver quality services in terms of representation, oversight and law making.”
Speaker Abbas also noted that he established the Programmes Coordinating Unit (PCU) under his office for the purposes of coordination, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of all technical support and capacity development drive of the House.
“I am pleased to observe that some progress has been achieved, following our initial meeting. I am aware that our technical partners and supporters have been collaborating with the PCU to provide various forms of assistance to the House. This demonstrates your dedication to strengthening our democracy.
“The House, as well as the entire nation, appreciates your ongoing support and will continue to seek your cooperation in our efforts to enhance the legislative institution,” he said.
The Speaker said in order to ensure a well-coordinated and impactful collaboration with you, the PCU had recognised the necessity of formulating a comprehensive Parliamentary Development Programme. This, he noted, would serve as a guiding framework for the collective efforts.
To achieve this, Speaker Abbas said it was deemed essential to conduct a capacity needs assessment of the House.
He added that the purpose of the assessment was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the House’s capacity requirements. “By doing so, we can effectively allocate our resources and interventions,” he stressed.
The Speaker said, “On this note, I wish to thank the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for helping us secure the services of one of Nigeria’s leading development expert, Prof. Victor Adetula, to conduct this needs assessment and develop a comprehensive parliamentary development programme.
“The purpose of our meeting today is primarily to reiterate our request for your assistance in this initiative and to engage with the consultant as he identifies the gaps in capacity and requirements of the House. We eagerly anticipate your insights, recommendations, and potential opportunities for collaboration.
“I expect that the results of this assessment will serve as a foundation for your various interventions and support to the House. This does not undermine your ongoing support and identified areas of technical assistance.”
On the other hand, the partners and stakeholders expressed their readiness to study the terms of reference and continue the engagements with the PCU especially towards the implementation of the Legislative Agenda of the 10th House.
The participants also expressed their support for the NEEDS assessment to be conducted on the National Assembly, especially the House of Reps.
The stakeholders also noted the importance of introducing technology, especially Artificial Intelligence, in the operations of the National Assembly.
The partners also emphasised building the confidence of the people in the parliament to reduce the existing trust deficit, while stressing the need to educate the public on the roles and activities of the National Assembly.
Signed:
Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
On Thu, Nov 2, 2023, 18:41 Ahmed Musa Baba
Press Statement from the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives
November 2, 2023
Your welfare is our priority, Speaker Abbas assures NASS workers
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, has assured National Assembly workers of his willingness and readiness to mobilise resources for better welfare for them.
Speaker Abbas told the workers, under the auspices of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), National Assembly chapter, that he would reach out to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to address some issues affecting them.
The Speaker gave the assurance when the Chairman of PASAN, NASS Chapter, Mr Sunday Sabiyi, led other members of the executive of the union on a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja on Thursday.
Speaking on some issues raised by the PASAN leadership, Speaker Abbas stressed the critical roles the workers play in the running of the National Assembly and the need to make life and work comfortable for them.
He said: “I am with you 100 percent on all that you have said. I am somebody who is very passionate about labour matters because I was there (in the civil service) like you, at the very bottom. If somebody taught in a primary school, you don’t need to tell him about the plight of workers. I taught at a time when teaching was the most undesirable work.
“So, I understand your problems. I understand your plights. I want to tell you, I am with you. I share your pains. Not only that, but I know what you are going through.
“I wish to assure you that the 10th National Assembly under our leadership will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that all the problems that we have inherited terminate during this particular time.”
While assuring the workers of payment of salaries and allowances arrears, the Speaker said he would liaise with his Senate counterpart on how to kick-start pension remittances and payments.
Speaker Abbas noted that with the passage of the bill establishing the National Assembly Pension Board, which he described as “a very revolutionary achievement that we have all been waiting for,” he would get in touch with Senator Akpabio on how to constitute membership of the board soon, so that the pension scheme would commence early next year.
The Speaker also said the leadership of the National Assembly would look into how to fuel the buses provided to convey workers.
Speaker Abbas also directed that the National Salaries Incomes And Wages Commission be invited to a meeting with him next week, to discuss how parliamentary workers would benefit from the N35,000 post-subsidy salary bonuses declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Federal Government workers under the Executive arm.
Earlier, Sabiyi lamented the impact of the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, on the workers.
The PASAN chairman also called for a review of the salary structure and the conditions of service, as well as payment of arrears.
“We don’t want strike and picketing,” Sabiyi said, stating that, “The staff want to have a smooth running of their offices.”
He decried that PASAN members in the National Assembly retire without pension and gratuity, except those in management, urging the Speaker to help accelerate commencement of the pension scheme.
Signed:
Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
On Mon, Oct 30, 2023, 16:40 Ahmed Musa Baba
Press Statement from the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives
October 30, 2023
Why FG should regulate AI, other emerging technologies – Speaker Abbas
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, has stressed the need for Nigeria to have a regulatory framework in place for emerging technologies.
Speaker Abbas noted that though new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and robotics have immense benefits, there is the need to check their misuse and abuse.
The Speaker, therefore, disclosed his readiness to sponsor a bill seeking to regulate emerging technologies soon.
Speaker Abbas made this known in Abuja on Monday at the 2022/2023 Convocation Ceremony of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies-University of Benin (NILDS-UNIBEN).
He said: “We are all aware of the challenges facing the education sector in Nigeria, including low enrolment, especially in rural areas. Despite government efforts and huge investment through the Universal Basic Education (UBEC), the challenge remains substantial. Out of 258 million out-of-school children worldwide, an estimated 62 million are in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“Nigeria accounts for a substantial percentage of this number. Other related challenges confronting the sector include low quality, outdated curricula, insufficient infrastructure and gender disparities. These existing problems have been worsened by insecurity and the COVID-19 pandemic. In north-eastern Nigeria, attacks on schools, students, and teachers profoundly disrupted education.”
Cognisant of these and related challenges, the Speaker said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is committed to repositioning and revitalising the education sector to make it more suited to meet contemporary challenges.
He stated: “Of particular interest is the need to reform and update school curricula to ensure relevance in a rapidly changing global landscape. An outdated curriculum has been shown to result in skills mismatch and stagnation in innovation. This is important given that we live in a highly digital and innovations are evolving at the speed of light.”
Speaker Abbas noted that technological and scientific innovations such as in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) are presenting opportunities hitherto thought impossible.
He also noted that AI can create many benefits such as better healthcare, safer and cleaner transport, more efficient manufacturing, and cheaper and more sustainable energy.
He further stressed that integrating AI into education presents a transformative shift in how teaching and learning are conducted.
He added that AI has the potential to customise learning, enhance educational tools, and improve administrative systems, offering several benefits and also posing unique challenges.
However, the Speaker stated: “Despite the opportunities of AI, there are risks involved. Datasets and algorithms can reflect or reinforce gender, racial or ideological biases. More critically, AI can deepen inequalities by automating routine tasks and displacing jobs.
“There is also likely to be a rise in identity theft and fraud, as evidenced by the use of AI to create highly realistic deep fakes. These are intended to misinform, trick and confuse people. Attackers use these maliciously crafted videos, photos and audio to create societal unrest, carry out fraud and damage the reputations of individuals and brands.
“Accordingly and in recognition of the opportunities and threats posed by AI, the 10th House of Representatives will engage stakeholders and experts on this and related issues to leverage their potential and address issues of privacy, accountability, ethics, security and intellectual property. We will work with the Executive to ensure the integration of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, and renewable energy into the curriculum.
“Therefore, in the coming weeks, I will introduce a bill to regulate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ensure better conditions for the development and use of this innovative technology in Nigeria. This will be the first such effort in Africa and one of only a few undertaken by parliaments worldwide.”
Signed:
Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
On Sun, Oct 29, 2023, 18:00 Ahmed Musa Baba
Press Statement from the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives
October 29, 2023
Tinubu will ensure Nigeria’s resources benefit citizens – Speaker Abbas
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, has said that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration would work in collaboration with the 10th National Assembly to ensure that Nigerians reap the benefits of their God-given natural resources.
The Speaker stated this on Sunday while playing host to the Emir of Agwatashi in Nasarawa State, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Apeshi, who paid him a courtesy visit at his official guest house in Abuja.
The Speaker, while thanking the Emir for the visit, said he was aware of the recent discovery of crude oil reserve in Nassarawa State, particularly within the Agwatashi Emirate, following extensive geodetic survey by experts from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) research.
He assured the Emir and his entourage that he was very confident in the commitment of President Tinubu to make Nigeria’s natural resources work for the benefit of the citizens, adding that the 10th National Assembly would work with the Executive to fastrack the process.
Speaker Abbas also expressed his desire to see that his party, the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), becomes the dominant party in the politics of Nassarawa State, just as he decried the perennial intraparty squabbles among members which he said has led to the party relinquishing many legislative seats, both at the state and national levels, to opposition parties.
Earlier, the Emir of Agwatashi Dr. Abubakar Apeshi told the Speaker that the visit was to congratulate the Speaker on his election to the Number 4 Citizen’s office and to express the emirate’s support and prayers for him to succeed in the discharge of his duties.
He said the emirate was thankful to the Speaker for his “magnanimity in appointing one of my illustrious sons, Alhaji Musa Hussaini, as the Special Assistant on Protocol.
“So, we have come on behalf of the community to thank you immensely for this good gesture that you have done to us in Oloso Community of Agwatashi Emirate.”
He prayed the Almighty Allah to grant the Speaker and his colleagues in the House the wisdom to make laws for the upliftment of Nigerians.
The emir was accompanied on the visit by a former senator, Salihu Hussain Egyegbola, who represented Nasarawa South Senatorial District in the 9th Senate.
Signed:
Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
On Sat, Oct 28, 2023, 14:46 Ahmed Musa Baba
Press Statement from the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives
October 28, 2023
Speaker Abbas elated by Senator Akpabio’s election into IPU leadership
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, has congratulated President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on his election into the Executive Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
Senator Akpabio, who led the Nigerian delegation to the 147th IPU General Assembly in Luanda, Angola, was on Friday elected as a member of the Executive Committee, thereby breaking a 59-year-old jinx.
Nigeria was last represented in the Executive Committee of the IPU in 1964.
Speaker Abbas, while describing Senator Akpabio’s election as record-breaking, noted that the glory was not just for the Senate President but also the entire 10th National Assembly and Nigeria as a country.
The Speaker also said despite that Nigeria only returned to democracy in 1999, the National Assembly is taking the country to its rightful position in the comity of nations globally.
Speaker Abbas recalled how Nigeria, through the Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, spearheaded the formation of the Conference of Speakers of African Parliaments (CoSAP).
The Speaker also recalled how the Nigerian Parliament introduced what is now known as legislative diplomacy, which has been successfully deployed to address inter-country disputes.
“I strongly believe that my colleague and brother, the President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, will deploy his wealth of experience in both the Executive and Legislative arms of the Nigerian Government to add immense value to the leadership of the IPU,” the Speaker said.
The IPU, which now has 179 member nations, is the global organisation of national parliaments founded in 1889, and dedicated to promoting peace through parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue.
The IPU also facilitates parliamentary diplomacy and empowers parliaments and parliamentarians to promote peace, democracy and sustainable development around the world.
Signed:
Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
On Fri, Oct 27, 2023, 19:07 Ahmed Musa Baba
Press Statement from the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives
October 27, 2023
Insecurity: Think outside the box, Speaker Abbas tasks Defence College chief
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, has urged the National Defence College (NDC) to think outside the box and come up with ideas with which Nigeria could address the various security challenges facing the country.
Speaker Abbas, while lamenting the loss of lives and property to insecurity in the country, stated that the NDC, as a research-based security institution, should come up with proposals on how best to tackle the challenges.
The Speaker made the call when the Commandant of the college, Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Morakinyo Olotu, led the management of the NDC on a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja on Friday.
Speaker Abbas said: “Commandant, you are aware of where Nigeria is today in terms of security. We are at the lowest ebb. We rely on institutions like yours to come up with policies that will minimise – if not eliminate – all the security challenges that this country is facing.
“I believe one of the reasons why you (the NDC) are in existence; why your institution was established, was to proffer solutions in terms of policies,” Speaker Abbas said, while challenging the Commandant to put on his thinking cap.
“Think outside the box. Come up with advice for the Executive as well as for us in the Legislature on what we need to do to actually bring to an end, this incessant insecurity that is bedevilling this country. You are up to the task, and you will be able to deliver at the end of the day.”
The Speaker further asked the NDC to conduct a research on the link between a cashless economy and insecurity.
“A lot of members have been coming to say ‘let us go and talk to the President and ask him to revisit this issue of cashless policy introduced towards the end of last year,’ because it was found that the introduction of the policy significantly reduced terrorism, kidnappings and banditry,” the Speaker disclosed.
Speaker Abbas, therefore, charged the college with proposing non-kinetic measures against the security challenges in the country.
The Speaker, while congratulating Olotu on his appointment as Commandant of the NDC, expressed confidence in his ability to take the “very important” institution to a higher level.
“Commandant, your institution is one of the most prestigious security related institutions that we have in Africa,” Speaker Abbas stated, adding that the NDC remains one of the few military schools that have risen beyond the African continent to become an international institution.
He said: “This is something of great delight to us. From the feedback we are getting from participants all over the world, they are very proud of the kind of training and engagement they get from that institution. So, a big congratulations to you.”
The Speaker disclosed that the House was aware of the challenges facing the NDC, especially concerning funding and enabling laws.
“I want to assure you that before you called in, we already set the ball rolling to ensure that this time around, under the 10th House of Representatives, your institution will be given legal backing,” he said.
Earlier, Rear Admiral Olotu urged the Speaker to facilitate passage of the bill seeking to change the name of the college.
“One of the assurances we will be seeking later is passage of the bill on renaming of the National War College to National Defence College, because the Act still envisages that it is a National War College whereas the college has become National Defence College since over a decade ago,” he said.
The Commandant disclosed that the NDC had graduated a total of 2,758 participants, out of which the Nigerian Army had 1,051.
Olotu also disclosed that the NDC would organise a stakeholders’ roundtable on October 31, 2023, to look at issues around the forthcoming governorship elections in Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo States.
Signed:
Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
On Thu, Oct 26, 2023, 14:41 Ahmed Musa Baba
Press Statement from the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives
October 26, 2023
President Tinubu’s Supreme Court victory for all Nigerians – Speaker Abbas
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his victory over his presidential election opponents at the Supreme Court on Thursday.
Speaker Abbas stated that the victory was not only for President Tinubu and the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress, but also for all Nigerians.
The Supreme Court had on Thursday dismissed the appeals filed by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party, as well as their candidates, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, respectively.
The Speaker hailed the judiciary for remaining the last hope of the common man, noting that the judgment by the Supreme Court has further strengthened legal jurisprudence in Nigeria.
He said: “I want to congratulate His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the affirmation of the mandate given to him by Nigerians at the Supreme Court. It is indeed a victory for democracy. The entire judicial process further confirms and solidifies the rule of law in our country.
“It is my sincere hope that the opponents, after exercising their constitutional rights to challenge the electoral victory up to the apex court in the land, will consider working with Mr. President to deliver his ‘Renewed Hope Agenda,’ aimed at addressing the pressing socio-economic and security issues affecting Nigerians.
“Let me restate that the House, under my leadership, and the 10th National Assembly by extension, is willing to legislatively assist the President Tinubu-led administration to make life easier, secure lives and property and create an enabling business environment in our dear country.”
Signed:
Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
On Wed, Oct 25, 2023, 18:17 Ahmed Musa Baba
Plenary proceedings of the House of Representatives for Wednesday, October 25th, 2023.
The Speaker of the House Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen presiding.
After leading the opening prayer and recitation of the national pledge, the Speaker approved the votes and proceedings of Tuesday, October 24th, 2023.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
ANNOUNCEMENT:
1. Hon. Ali Isa JC announced that all Honourable Members having issues with their Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIP) should come to Office Suite 4.15.
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Administration of Oath of allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Oath of Office of a Member of the House of Representatives on 2 Members-elect:
1. Hon. Jafar Abubakar Magaji (Adamawa State APC).
2. Hon. Abubakar Baba Zango (Adamawa State APC).
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PETITIONS:
1. Hon. Abdullahi Balarabe laid a petition on behalf of the Parent-Teachers Association of a Model School in his community over alleged unlawful disqualification of students from the benefits of the scholarship program due to them. They asked the House to intervene in granting them justice.
2. Hon. Clement Jumbo laid a petition on behalf of National Identity Management Commission on the alleged exclusion of 2022 retirees from their rightful benefits. They demanded for their due compensation and payment of benefits.
3. Hon. Amos Asawaru laid 4 petitions on behalf of different complainants against:
I. The Minister of Power;
II. Against the Inspector General of Police;
III. The alleged exclusion of a community from the benefits of a host community in the oil producing region of the State;
IV. The alleged infringement of contractual agreement by a company.
All the petitions were referred to the House committee on Public Petitions.
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MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:
1. Hon. Kama Nkemkanma moved a motion on the reversal of the 11 Billion arbitration awarded in favor of Nigeria against P&IB, and it was seconded by Hon. Umar Ajido.
Hon. Kama in leading the debate stated that the judgement made in the United Kingdom is to promote the expected project for building of gas pipeline in Calabar, Cross River State and other benefits. He stated that the entire process of the proposed contract was grossed in shoddiness and praised the British Court and Judge for seeing through it.
He congratulated all Nigerians for the victory and called on the House Committee on Justice and that on Financial Crimes to investigate the content of the deal and report back to the House. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Justice, as well as that on Financial Crimes.
2. Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka moved a motion on the call to declare the flooding of some communities in Ogun State as a national disaster, and it was seconded by Hon. Chinedu Ogah.
Hon. Isiaka in moving the motion bemoaned the precarious situation in the area and called on the Federal government to declare the area a national disaster. He further called on the National Emergency Management Agency to provide relief to the displaced. He then called on the Ministry of Works to rehabilitate the roads in the region to mitigate the flooding effects and hinder future occurrences, and that the Ministry of Environment should ensure that necessary impact assessments is carried out with a view to fully rehabilitating the region.
Hon. Isiaka called on the House Committee on Works, as well as that on Appropriations to ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committees on Works, Appropriations, as well as that on Legislative Compliance.
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PRESENTATION OF BILLS:
1. National Institute for Criminology and Criminal Justice Research (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.740) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere) – First Reading.
2. Anti – Dumping and Countervailing Bill, 2023 (HB.741) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere) – First Reading.
3. Nigerian Marine Coast Guard Corps (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.742) (Hon. Francis Waive and Hon. Aliyu Wakili Boya) – First Reading.
4. Nigerian Civil Defence Academy (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.743) (Hon. Ahmad Sani Muhammad and Nine others) – First Reading.
5. Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Oke- Igbo, Ondo State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.744) (Hon. Adefiranye Ayodele Festus) – First Reading.
6. African Avition and Aerospace University, Abuja (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.745) (Hon. Saidu Musa Abdullahi) – First Reading.
7. Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.746) (Hon. Dabo Ismaila Haruna) – First Reading.
8. Librarians (Registration, etc.) Council of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.747) (Hon. Dennis Idahosa) – First Reading.
9. National Inland Waterways Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.748) (Hon. Dennis Idahosa) – First Reading.
10. Nigerian Airspace Management Agency Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.749) (Hon. Dennis Idahosa) – First Reading.
11. National Water Resources Institute Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.750) (Hon. Dennis Idahosa) – First Reading.
12. Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.751) (Hon. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi) – First Reading.
13. Nigerian Solid Minerals Company (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.752) (Hon. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi) – First Reading.
14. Chartered Institute of Mentoring and Life Coaching of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.753) (Hon. Alex Egbona) – First Reading.
15. Maritime Security Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.754) (Hon. Pascal Agbodike) – First Reading.
16. Immigration Service Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.755) (Hon. Pascal Agbodike) – First Reading.
17. Chartered Institute of Paramedic Studies (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.756) (Hon. Pascal Agbodike) – First Reading.
18. Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.757) (Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong –Udo) – First Reading.
19. Labour Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.758) (Hon. Whingan Sesi Oluwaseun) – First Reading.
20. Pension Reform Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 759) (Hon. Whingan Sesi Oluwaseun) – First Reading.
21. National Water Resources Institute (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.760) (Hon. Sadiq Ango Abdullahi) – First Reading.
22. Standards Organisation of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.761) (Hon. Mohammed Bello E-Rufai) – First Reading.
23. Criminal Code Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.762) (Hon. Mohammed Bello E-Rufai) – First Reading.
24. Centre for Rainforest Agriculture, Ugwogo-Nike, Enugu State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.763) (Hon. Paul Sunday Nnamchi) – First Reading.
25. National Institute for Technical and Vocational Education, Fagge, Kano State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.764) (Hon. Muhammad Bello Shehu) – First Reading.
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PRESENTATION OF REPORT:
Ad-hoc Committee to Conduct a Comprehensive Investigation into the Consistent Failure of the Contractor to fulfil the Contract Obligations:
Hon. Kwamoti B. Laori:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Ad-hoc Committee to Conduct a Comprehensive Investigation into the Consistent failure of the Contractor to fulfil the Contract Obligations Focusing on the Construction and Rehabilitation of the Olomi Olajouro Road referred to as the Ijebu–Igbo Ita, Ibadan Road” (HR. 109/07/2023) (Referred:26/7/2023).
The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Kwamoti Laori and seconded by Hon. Jafaru Magaji.
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ORDERS OF THE DAY:
MOTIONS:
1. Need to Investigate Financial Interventions in the Power Sector Amounting to Trillions of Naira:
Hon. Ademorin A. Kuye:
The House:
Notes that the Federal Government in 2013 unbundled the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, (PHCN), and sold 18 utility firms to private investors resulting in six generation companies (GenCos) and eleven distribution companies (DisCos);
Also notes that the privatisation of Nigeria’s power sector was necessary due to the failure of the defunct Power Holding Company to attract investments, but the industry did not meet Nigerians expectation;
Observes that the Federal Government has spent over seven trillion Naira on direct interventions in the power sector, despite privatizing the industry since November 2013. This includes the Presidential Power Initiative, a strategic approach to address Nigeria’s unreliable and inadequate electricity supply;
Also observes that if not for the interventions by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) of over N1.3 trillion, Nigerian power would have collapsed due to liquidity, poor performance, suppressed tariffs and lack of infrastructure at the transmission and distribution ends, weak regulations and oversight;
Aware that since the privatization, the power sector has undergone various financial interventions, including those from International Donor Agencies:
(i) the World Bank which approved an International Development Association (IDA) credit of the sum of $486 million aimed at upgrading the wheeling capacity of the Nigerian electricity transmission grid, including the rehabilitation and expansion of transmission substations across Nigeria;
(ii) the African Development Bank (AFDB) provide a facility of the sum of $300 million to the TCN for the purpose of expansion and rehabilitation of existing northern corridor transmission lines particularly in the north-west and north-central regions;
(iii) the French Development Agency provided facility of $170 million for Transmission infrastructure expansion around Abuja metropolis and neighbouring States;
(iv) Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) provided a facility of $238 million for Transmission infrastructure expansion within the southwest region of Nigeria;
(v) Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) provided a facility of $13 million for power improvement along Apo and Keffi in Nasarawa State, northcentral Nigeria;
(vi) Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) also again provided a facility of $21 million for the Rehabilitation and upgrade of Apapa road 132KV substation and rehabilitation of Akangba 330KV substation;
(vii) European Union (EU) provided facility of €25 million for electricity transmission infrastructure along the northern corridor, particularly around the north-west and north-central regions of Nigeria etc;
Others include the German government, the UK’s Department for International Development, and Siemens Energy are among the various agencies which have provided financial support for some projects;
Concerned that revenue generation and collection have been the major challenge of the power sector in that the DisCos laments over revenue shortfalls attributed to low electricity tariff or that electricity revenue may be accruing to the wrong accounts;
Also concerned that out of the eleven DisCos in Nigeria, banks have taken over six which are AEDC, KADECO, KEDCO, BEDC, IBEDC and PHEDC due to poor financial performance and management;
Aware that the Aggregate Technical and Commercial Collection (ATC&C) loss is an actual measure of the performance of a power distribution system as it includes both technical losses and commercial losses. It shows the gap between input energy into the system and the units for which the payment is collected;
Informed that improved ATC&C loss reduction would be achieved if Discos adopted a combination of other strategies that would ensure reduction in technical and commercial losses in addition to aggressive deployment of meter assets;
Concerned that the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC)’s performance as an industry regulator is questioned for its ability to move the industry forward and eliminate illiquidity;
Disturbed that the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry faces threat due to the poor performance and transparency of DISCOs and the NERC’s ability to sanction erring stakeholders;
Also worried that the National Power Grid has collapsed over seven times this year, despite the huge investment in the power sector which explains the persistent electricity shortage in the country;
Believes that a reliable electricity supply will significantly enhance living standards by promoting job creation and stimulating other economic sectors like commerce and industries;
Resolves to:
mandate the Committee on Power to investigate all the financial interventions in the power sector since privatisation with a view to determine whether the funds were judiciously utilised and report back within six (6) weeks for further legislative action.
Debate:
Hon. Ademorin Kuye moved the motion on the need to investigate the financial interventions in the power sector amounting to trillions of Naira, and it was seconded by Hon. Bello Ambarura. Hon. Abdul proposed an amendment to incorporate the House Committee on Finance to the prayers of the motion.
Hon. Babajimi Benson also proposed an amendment to incorporate the House Committee on Privatization and Commercialization to the prayers of the motion.
Hon. Abubakar Fulata proposed an amendment calling on the House Committee on Power to further investigate the extent of the violation of the terms of the privatization of the power sector by the GENCOs and DISCOs. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the relevant Committees of the House.
2. Need to Receive the 2021 Oil and Gas Industry Report of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) in line with Section 4(3) of the NEITI Act:
Hon. Ikeagwuonu Onyinye Ugochinyere Hon. Alhassan Doguwa:
The House:
Notes that Section 4(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) empowers the National Assembly to make laws for the peace, order and good governance of the Federation or any part thereof;
Also notes that Order 18 Rule 75(2) (k) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives grants jurisdiction over the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) to the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream);
Aware that Section 4 (3) of the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) Act provides that NEITI shall cause its Report to be presented to the National Assembly for review and debate;
Also aware that the establishment of (NEITI) in 2004 is part of the government’s overall economic and institutional reforms to ensure transparency and accountability in the governance of the abundant natural resources in Nigeria, which forms the mainstay of our economy;
Informed that by the provisions of the Act, NEITI is to provide crucial facts, recommendations, findings, information and data required by the government to promote constructive engagements, public debates, discussions, dialogue, and advocacy to push for oil sector reforms;
Cognizant that the 2021 Oil and Gas Report was publicly unveiled and presented on Monday 18 September, 2023 with far-reaching findings and recommendations that are critical to the development of the oil and gas sector;
Also cognizant of the fact that since the enactment of the NEITI Act in 2004, no session of the House of Representatives has ever received and debated the Report of NEITI, as required by section 4(3) of the NEITI Act;
Acknowledges that this year’s NEITI Oil and Gas Report presentation is coming at a time when the government needs to block all revenue leakages, grow its income generation opportunities and retrieve all debts owed to it by oil companies within the sector;
Displeased that the 2021 Oil and Gas Report disclosed a rise in the number of unremitted revenues to the Federation to the tune of $9.85 billion and a total crude oil and gas revenue of $23.046 billion, signalling a 13 per cent increase from the total of $20.430 billion realized in 2020;
Alarmed that according to the NEITI Report, the unremitted revenues consist of $278.813million earned by the Federation from trial marketing under the First Exploration and Production JV, $7.61million from OML 116 operated
…
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Ahmed Musa Baba
Mon, 4 Dec, 11:49 (14 hours ago)
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Press Statement from the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives
December 4, 2023
Speaker Abbas mourns victims of Kaduna bomb attack
…demands investigation to ascertain cause of incident
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D has expressed grief over the killing of 30 persons at Tudun Biri community in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State by a bomb said to have been inadvertently dropped by personnel of the Nigerian Army.
The incident was said to have occurred on Sunday night, when hundreds of residents of the area gathered for the annual Maulud celebration.
In a statement it released on Monday, the Kaduna State Government said the Nigerian Army had claimed responsibility for dropping the bomb, in what it described as “an unfortunate and unintended attack.”
The Speaker, in a press statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, described the incident as one too many.
Speaker Abbas said he was worried that innocent people who were going about their lawful activities got killed in such circumstances.
The Speaker called for a thorough investigation by the Nigerian Army to ascertain what led to such “a costly mistake.”
He said the Nigerian Army should leave no stone unturned to unravel what happened with a view to forestalling a repeat of such an unfortunate incident.
Speaker Abbas sent his heartfelt condolences to the people and government of Kaduna State, especially the family of those that lost their loved ones in Tudun Biri community.
He prayed Allah to grant them eternal rest and give their families the fortitude to bear the loss.
Signed:
Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
