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Tag: Femi Gbajabiamila

House set for wholesale reform of customs operations, says Gbajabiamila
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has assured of the House determination to implement a wholesale reform of customs and excise operations in Nigeria.
In doing so, Gbajabiamila said, the House needed the support of the relevant stakeholders, whose contributions are critical in the legislative process that would strengthen customs operations.
The speaker said this when he declared open a one-day public hearing on the Nigeria Customs Service (establishment) Bill, 2021, organized by the House Committee on Customs and Excise, chaired by Hon. Leke Abejide.
He said the bill was the product of a coordinated effort by the House, “working with stakeholders in the sector, to implement a wholesale reform of customs and excise operations in Nigeria.
“This effort is long overdue, and much needed to address existing challenges with customs enforcement, ports efficiency, smuggling prevention, efficient collection and remittance of government revenue and the proper implementation of government fiscal measures.
“Whether or not we will succeed in these objectives depends largely on the stakeholders gathered here today and the contributions you make to the legislative process.”
Gbajabiamila said the Covid-19 pandemic has, among other things, led to a significant decline in global demand for fossil fuels, which coupled with other factors unique to Nigeria, depleted Nigeria’s revenue generation from oil and gas.
“This reality is a stark manifestation of the ongoing need to diversify our nation’s economy to improve income from non-oil and gas sources.
“It is also evidence of the need to use the instruments of legislative authority to promote policies and enact mandates to encourage investment, enable commercial activity and promote enterprise in the country.
“Ensuring that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) operates optimally in executing its statutory functions without corruption and malfeasance of any sort is essential to achieve these other objectives. And this is what we hope to achieve with the Bill under consideration.”
He encouraged all the stakeholders to take full advantage of the opportunity provided by the public hearing to express their opinions and make informed contributions that would improve the bill to the benefit of Nigerians.
The committee chairman, Hon. Abejide, had earlier in a welcome address said in today’s competitive world, the Nigeria Customs Act, its regulations and operational guidelines “are archaic, obsolete, and no longer in tandem with modern-day challenges and this has unfortunately reduced measurably the accruing revenue against the volume of trade.”
Thus, he said, the public hearing would provide an opportunity “of transforming the Nigeria Customs Service to being the most potent revenue collecting body in Africa, and to making it the most efficient, streamlined, technologically driven, and people-friendly agency of the Nigerian Government.”
December 14, 2021
Nigeria’s power sector not performing optimally – Gbajabiamila
…says House ready for legislative intervention
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has said that the Nigerian electric power sector is not performing optimally, a development he said must change for the better.
Gbajabiamila said, however, that Nigerians are in agreement that it is “the responsibility of the government to do something about this situation.”
Declaring open a public hearing on the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (Amendment) Bill and three others organized by the House Committee on Power, chaired by Hon. Magaji Da’u Aliyu, on Tuesday at the National Assembly, Gbajabiamila said the House was ready to carry out a long-overdue legislative reform of the sector.
He said: “Every Nigerian understands that the electric power sector in Nigeria is not performing optimally. Most people recognise that a situation where we cannot expect twenty-four-hour electricity in our cities and many rural areas remain wholly disconnected from the benefits of access to electricity is unacceptable.
“We all, for the most part, agree that it is the responsibility of the government to do something about this situation.”
Gbajabiamila said ordinary citizens, power industry operators, regulators and government all have different understandings of why the dysfunction in the power sector exists and persists and that “there are just as many ideas and recommendations for how to fix it.”
He noted that the Electric Power Sector Reform Act, 2005 is a substantial piece of legislation and remains the most significant statutory reform of the power sector in Nigeria for a generation.
“When it was written and passed into law, it was intended that the provisions of the Act would establish a new framework for optimal public-private sector collaboration to accelerate development in the power sector and promote efficiency across the power sector value chain.
“The extent to which these expectations have been met is one of the many issues in contention. Answering the question of what needs to be done to improve the Act so that it serves the best purposes of our country is the reason we have gathered here in this public hearing.”
He said the public hearing was an opportunity for stakeholders, both in government and the private sector, to participate in a structured conversation and contribute views that will help the House “undertake a long-overdue reform of one of the critical legislation governing the operations of the power sector in Nigeria.”
In considering the Bills, he urged the stakeholders to set aside all other considerations except those that are in the best interests of Nigeria and assured them that the House would do everything “within its constitutional authority to consider and safeguard all interests within reason.”
He commended the chairman and members of the House Committee on Power for their hard work on the bills and appreciated the efforts of all who worked to improve the legislative proposal to this advanced stage.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Committee Chairman, Hon. Da’u said the hearing was considered necessary to enable the committee to utilise the outcome of the exercise to address gaps in the existing laws to strengthen the Nigerian power sector for efficient service delivery.
Saying that the committee was overwhelmed by the support of the leadership of the House led by the speaker, Hon. Da’u assured of the committee’s determination to provide a conducive platform to generate information that would enrich the proposals.
He said the committee would discharge its responsibility in line with its legislative mandate.
December 14, 2021
Gbajabiamila congratulates Azeezat Yishawu on emergence as Speaker of Nigerian Youth Parliament
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has congratulated Dr. Azeezat Yishawu on her emergence as the Speaker of the Nigerian Youth Parliament.
She emerged as the speaker of the fifth Nigerian Youth Parliament at an election held at the Senate wing of the National Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday.
Azeezat Yishawu, who hails from Lagos State, emerged as the Speaker of the Nigerian Youth Parliament after the election conducted among all the 109 youth parliamentarians representing the 3 senatorial districts of the 36 states in Nigeria at the National Assembly.
The speaker said the emergence of the young Lagos Medical Doctor was a testament to her capacity to handle such national office.
Dr. Azeezat Yishawu is the first female elected Speaker of the Nigerian Youth Parliament.
Gbajabiamila called on the new Speaker of the Nigerian Youth Parliament to be upright in discharging her duties.
Nigerian Youth Parliament was formally inaugurated in 2008 in line with the United Nations call on member states to establish a platform through which Young people can adequately contribute to decision making processes on issues that concern them as well as inculcate in them democratic principles and leadership qualities.
The Nigerian Youth Parliament holds her periodic parliamentary sessions in the National Assembly complex, Abuja .
December 10, 2021
Gbajabiamila eulogises Lai Mohammed at 70
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has eulogised the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, on his 70th birthday.
Gbajabiamila said Lai has distinguished himself as a patriotic Nigerian whose services to his fatherland are laudable.
The Speaker described Lai as a dependable and diligent politician, who helped in making the ruling APC become what it is today, especially when he served as the National Publicity Secretary of the party as well as the spokesman of the defunct ACN, one of the legacy parties that formed the current ruling party.
As a core progressive, the Speaker said, Lai made sacrifices for the growth and development of progressive politics in Nigeria and has become a role model.
Gbajabiamila said at 70, Lai has paid his dues to the Nigerian project and should be commended for his efforts.
The Speaker wished the minister more fruitful years in good health.
December 8, 2021
Speaker Gbajabiamila commissions 5 roads in Ikorodu, Lagos
…Commends Rep. Jimi Benson for attracting development to Ikorodu
The Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, on Friday commissioned five roads facilitated by the chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Rep. Babajimi Benson in the Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State.
The road projects, which involved the construction of link roads in the Sabo area of Ikorodu, linked Ayangbadejo street, Kaz Avenue, Ajeborigbon Street, Nike Olubodun Street and Ajoke Oduyebo Street.
At the event, which had in attendance traditional rulers led by the paramount ruler of the Ikorodu division, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu Kingdom, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, APC Lagos State Chairman-Elect, party leaders, officials of the Lagos state government and residents, the Speaker congratulated the people for being beneficiaries of the projects and commended Rep. Babajimi Benson for representing his constituents well.
He said: “I am here to support Rep. Babajimi Benson and the people of Ikorodu on the commissioning of these roads. I am happy when my members are doing well and Rep. Benson is doing well. He has proven himself as a good representative, even in Abuja.”
Before the commissioning ceremony, the Speaker visited the palace of the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi on a courtesy visit.
The Oba, who had his chiefs in attendance, thanked the Speaker for the visit. He said even though the Speaker had visited him several times before, this was the Speaker’s first official visit.
Gbajabiamila thanked the traditional ruler for receiving him so warmly. He also thanked the Kabiyesi for always providing constant support and guidance.
Speaker Gbajabiamila also visited the constituency office of Rep. Benson and was shown around the office, including the office of the radio station, Ikorodu FM 106.1, which is located within the grounds of the constituency office. The Speaker was invited to say a few words to radio listeners and he enjoined them to be peaceful, praying that the new year will be a prosperous one for the country.
December 3, 2021
Gbajabiamila reiterates Reps’ determination to promote education in Nigeria
Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila has reiterated the determination of the House of Representatives to support the development of education in Nigeria.
Gbajabiamila, while receiving the Sarkin Kudu of Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State, HRH. Garba Hassan Jbrin, at his office on Thursday, noted that education ranked topmost on the Legislative Agenda of the 9th House of Representatives because it remained the foundation of development in any society.
He said: “We believe in education as the foundation of civilisation and development and that’s why many members try as much as possible to get tertiary institutions to their locality.
“Education remains our priority and we will do everything we need to do to bring this to fruition.”
Earlier in his remarks, the Sarkin Kudu informed the Speaker that the delegation was on an appreciation visit for the roles played by the Speaker in the successful passage into law, the establishment of a Federal College of Education in Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State.
He said the roles played by the Speaker did not go unnoticed to the entire sons and daughters of the town.
The Speaker, however, noted that appreciation should go to the member, Rep. Aliyu Magaji Dau, who sponsored the establishment bill for the efforts he put into it and other members of the House for their support for the eventual signing of the bill into law by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Speaker later presented a gift to the traditional ruler.
December 3, 2021
Gbajabiamila optimistic about Nigerian-South Korean Parliamentary Friendship group
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has expressed optimism about the inherent gains in the Nigerian-South Korean Parliamentary Friendship group.
Gbajabiamila, while receiving the South Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Kim Young-Chae, who led the Korean delegation on a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja, noted that the robust existing bilateral relationship between the two countries was an indication of positive parliamentary gains for both countries.
He said: “That you are here today is encouraging and an indication of great things to come from our Parliamentary Friendship group.
“That was the reason it was established.”
The Speaker also expressed hope that the group would usher in a new vista of opportunities for growth and development for both countries.
Earlier, Amb. Young-Chae informed the Speaker that South Korea was desirous of improving on its existing economic and technological activities in Nigeria.
He added that an impressive number of Nigerians were working and contributing to the South Korean economy.
The Nigerian-South Korean Parliamentary Friendship group had earlier met to discuss issues of mutual benefits to the parliaments of both countries.
December 2, 2021
Info management, others central in overcoming our challenges – Gbajabiamila
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has said that to triumph over the challenges facing Nigeria, citizens should overcome their differences in politics and religion, tribe and ethnicity.
Gbajabiamila said one of the ingredients of overcoming Nigeria’s security challenges is information management.
The Speaker was speaking at the 2-day national conference on information organized by the House Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values chaired by Rep. Odebunmi Dokun.
He said: “As we undertake this crucial assignment today, I would like for us to keep a few things in mind. First is that right now, across the length and breadth of our beloved country, we are besieged by several security challenges that strike at the very heart of our continued nationhood.
“Triumph over these challenges requires overcoming our differences in politics and religion, tribe and ethnicity, and building a national alliance against the forces that threaten us. Information management is central to success in this regard.
“We have to do better at making sure that citizens understand the nature of the problems we face and are kept informed of our wins and losses and the sacrifices made by those who do battle on our behalf.”
Gbajabiamila added that “as technology and new media have democratised public debate to benefit citizens and nations, it has also created the ideal conditions for bad actors to spread misinformation and manipulate people in ways that threaten our societies.”
He said with Nigeria ‘s diverse cultures and religions still working towards achieving a more perfect union, hate speech and other forms of misinformation and disinformation could quickly have a devastating real-world effect.
“Therefore, countering misinformation by whatever proper and legal means are available is not a theoretical question but a responsibility that goes to the heart of our ability to continue to exist as one nation in peace, unity and prosperity.”
He tasked the stakeholders at the conference to be aware that “in trying to prevent the worst consequences of misinformation and hate speech, there is a danger of going too far in ways that smother the marketplace of ideas and deprive citizens of their free speech rights.
“That would be most unfortunate, and as leaders and government policymakers, we must avoid that outcome by all means. To do that, we must focus on building legal systems and protocols that support free expression and robust public debate whilst holding to account those who in service of their narrow interests will seek to subvert our societies and harm our country using choreographed and mischievously curated misinformation.”
He noted that the theme of the conference, ‘Information as a Strategic Tool for National Development,’ was apt and further tasked the stakeholders to look at the depth and breadth of the theme.
Earlier in a welcome remark, the chairman of the committee, Rep. Dokun said “proper information management has not been given its deserved consideration in the Nigerian society, hence it has consistently resulted in unguided environment for promotion of hate speech and fake news that has become the order of the day and accompanied by its negative consequences of setting us against one another.”
He said the theme of the conference is broad, therefore the depth and importance of the discuss could not be exhausted at a forum, noting that the importance of information management to national development could not be overemphasized as its literacy is significant for such in any country.
“Hence, it could be affirmative that through proper dissemination of information, country’s orientation and reorientation policies can be adapted for any planned paradigm shift for developmental purposes.”
December 2, 2021
Gbajabiamila advocates more access to capital for Nigerian Youth
…says capital market critical to economic growth, poverty reduction
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has called for more access to capital to enable young people in the country to get the resources they need to make their dreams become a reality.
The speaker made the call while delivering a goodwill message at the Nigerian capital market conference organized by the Nigerian Exchange Group on Tuesday in Abuja.
Gbajabiamila emphasized the importance of capital to commerce and innovations needed to change the world.
He said, “Capital is the lifeblood of commerce. Without capital, it is impossible to scale trade and services to take full advantage of existing opportunities. Without capital, innovations capable of changing the world, improving lives and creating wealth remain unexplored ideas.
“In ways, both obvious and subtle, our lives, our ability to conduct business and manage the affairs of state in the best interests of all our nation’s people, depends on the free flow of capital and the ability to raise and access resources when they are needed.
“Therefore, governments worldwide, in considering and implementing policies, making laws and building infrastructure, have a special responsibility to ensure the free flow of capital, subject to the necessary regulations for prohibiting illicit transactions that harm us all. This conference provides an opportunity for us to jointly think through the ways we can improve the policy and legislative process in government to make sure that government facilitates rather than inhibits, allows capital to flow.”
Acknowledging the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the international networks of trade, the speaker said recent events offered many warnings and several lessons.
“For us in Nigeria and in Africa, recent events offer many warnings and ought to teach several lessons. In choosing the theme of this event, the organisers of this conference have identified that we need to address the sustainability question in our efforts at socio-economic recovery.
” Let me add that we must also think critically and advance solutions for democratising access to capital so that more of our population, particularly our massive population of young people, can access the resources they need to transform their best dreams into actual achievements for the common good”, he stated.
While congratulating the Nigerian Exchange Group Limited (NGX) for convening the event as a platform for constructive interactions between the public and private sectors, the speaker assured the gathering that the House of Representatives was committed to being a useful partner in promoting policies and legislation that would expand growth in the capital market and the nation’s economy at large.
November 30, 2021
Gbajabiamila mourns Baba Suwe
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has mourned popular Nigerian Actor, Babatunde Omidina, who passed away on Monday.
Gbajabiamila said Omidina, fondly called by his stage name, Baba Suwe, was one thespian that entertained Nigerians and brought joy to many Nigerian homes through his comical talent.
The Speaker implored his children and family to find solace in how Baba Suwe used his God-given talent to influence the lives of others positively, saying he left behind a vacuum too difficult to fill.
Speaker Gbajabiamila sent his condolences to the Omidina family, good people of Ikorodu, Lagos, the Nigerian film industry and Nigerians, especially the many fans of Baba Suwe. He equally prayed for the repose of his soul.
November 23, 2021