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Tag: House of Representatives

  • Reps clarify possession of draft bill for regional govt

    Reps clarify possession of draft bill for regional govt

    The House of Representatives has clarified that the Draft Bill for Regional System of Government has not been tabled before members.

    The house disclosed this in a statement seen by this publication dated 15th June, 2024 .

    The clarification by the spokesman of the green chamber, Akin Rotimi, followed reports concerning the House’s position on the widely reported draft bill seeking a return to a regional system of government for Nigeria.

    The statement reads,  “The House wishes to reiterate its position, educating the public that there are three main routes to proposing constitutional amendments in the House of Representatives:

    “Regarding the specific memo authored by Citizen Dr. Akin Fapohunda, the House maintains that his proposal has not come before the House Committee on Rules and Business for listing as a bill by any member, nor has it been submitted by way of memoranda to the House Committee on Constitution Review.

    “To clarify the misinformation, the House states that contrary to inaccurate reports suggesting that the House ‘disowned the bill’ or ‘rejected the bill,’ the House has neither disowned nor owned the proposal.

    “The position provided earlier was to inform the public that the proposal is not before the House for consideration at this material time.

    “The House of Representatives encourages healthy and progressive debates on any subject and the exchange of ideas on how to improve our country.

    “However, the constitution review process has clearly defined guidelines and limitations, and involves a broad range of stakeholders to ensure that the collective will of the good people of Nigeria is reflected in the constitutional amendments underway.

    “The legislative agenda of the 10th Assembly prioritizes inclusion and engagement. We are committed to facilitating a constitution review process that ensures all voices are heard.

    “The document being circulated is not a bill, as it is not before parliament, and is, at best, a memo or proposal by a citizen.”

  • Reps to set up committee on new minimum wage

    Reps to set up committee on new minimum wage

    The House of Representatives has resolved to set up an ad hoc committee to ensure payment of a living wage to all workers in the country.

    The resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by 35 members, at plenary on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Presenting the motion, Rep. Aliyu Madaki (NNPP-Kano State) said that the rising rate of inflation in the country had made it difficult for an average Nigerian to afford basic needs, such as food, water, housing, education, healthcare, transportation and clothing.

    He said that the rising inflationary rate in the country also had negative effects on the cost of living, with the cost of food, accommodation, education and transportation skyrocketing.

    According to the lawmaker, Nigeria is a signatory to the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

    He quoted Article 23 of the declaration as stating that every individual working had the right to just and favourable remuneration to ensure such a person and his/her family exist in dignity.

    Madaki said that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) had a 2030 achievement deadline, adding that eight out of the 17 SDGs required the payment of a living wage to be achieved.

    The lawmaker said that according to the World Bank report, low purchasing power in the country, occasioned by a high inflationary rate, has led to an increase in poverty across the country.

    Madaki recalled that the Speaker, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, had, at an event, said that only a living wage that could ameliorate the insecurity and corruption pervading the country, was required at this time.

    “Recall when the fuel subsidy was removed in May 2023, the Federal Government offered palliatives to cushion its effects.

    “However, the ameliorative effect of this measure has been overtaken by the continued rise in the cost of goods and services.

    “We are aware that wage award was granted by the president recently, but the purchasing power is low, owing to the continued rise in the cost of living in the country and the fall of the naira.

    “We are also aware that Trade Economics in 2018 reported the living wage for an individual Nigerian and a Nigerian family to be N43,200 per month and N137,600 per month, respectively. This was a pre-subsidy removal report.

    “Further note that presently, no labourer can live in Nigeria with a wage of less than N100,000.00,” he said.

    The lawmaker said that unless immediate and pragmatic steps were taken to improve the income of Nigerians, more citizens would go down the economic line, with the poor population increasing.

    According to him, this, in effect, will lead to desperation and loss of faith in the government.

    In his ruling, the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, said that the outcome of the process would be sent to the Senate for concurrence.

  • Hardship: Be self-reliant, Rep member urges constituents, empowers them with N10m

    Hardship: Be self-reliant, Rep member urges constituents, empowers them with N10m

    A member of House of Representatives, Mohammed Shehu, on Monday, urged his constituents to be self-reliant.

    Shehu, a member of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), representing Fagge Federal Constituency in Kano State, made the call while disbursing over N10 million to women and youths in his constituency at Fagge Model Primary School, Kano.

    He said that the money was meant for them to embark on small scale businesses in order to cushion the effect of the current economic hardship.

    The lawmaker said that 80 people from Fagge ‘C’ ward and Rijiyar Lemo would benefit from the empowerment involving both women and men.

    “As we pledged during our campaign that we would empower women and youths with finance to start up small scale businesses, today we are fulfilling that promise.

    “Some of you will get N200,000, some N150,000 while others will receive N100,000 each,’’ he said.
    Shehu enjoined the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the financial empowerment.

    “I hope that by this time next year, beneficiaries of this gesture will be able to support others.

    “I pray to Allah (SWT) to bless your businesses and bring more goodies to our community, Kano State and the nation at large,’’ he said.

    The lawmaker assured that by the end of March, other wards within the federal constituency would also benefit from the same gesture.

    In her remarks, Kano State NNPP Women Leader, Hajiya Zuwaira Tarauni, urged the beneficiaries to make maximum use of the empowerment.

    “You must ensure that you embark on small scale businesses so that you can help yourself and your family. I urge you not to relent in the pursuit of your dreams,’’ Tarauni said.

  • Suspend ban on alcoholic drinks in sachets, pet bottles – Reps tells NAFDAC

    Suspend ban on alcoholic drinks in sachets, pet bottles – Reps tells NAFDAC

    The House of Representatives Committee on National Agency on Food, Drugs Administration, and Control (NAFDAC),  has ordered  suspension of  ban on sale of spirits and alcoholic drinks in sachets and pet bottles.

    The suspension is pending the outcome of its investigation on the matter.
    Rep. Regina Akume, Chairman, House Committee on NAFDAC  said this in Abuja after a public hearing on  ban of the product on Friday.
    She said there were proper steps to take before the ban, adding that there was need to put Access Control Procedures in place.
    This,  she said,  was to prevent children and youths from consuming the alcoholic contents of the sachet and pet bottles.
    She said the committee was entrusted with the essential responsibility and effectiveness of NAFDAC for the creation of employment and enhancing economic growth.

    She promised to reach a level playing ground between NAFDAC and manufacturers that would not be detrimental to children or public safety.
    Speaking earlier, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director General, NAFDAC, said the ban was imposed to protect the health and welfare of children, youths, and other vulnerable groups.

    “We tried to protect the market, and that was why we agreed to a five-year moratorium for the manufacturers to phase out alcoholic drinks in sachets and pet bottles in December 2018.

    According to her, it is a ministerial directive and not unilaterally made by NAFDAC, and the expiration of that five-year period has come.

    Adeyeye said that, in spite of the agreement on the ban on alcohol in sachet  and pet bottles, it was shocking to NAFDAC that the campaign from manufacturers was mounting.

    She said that a lot of issues could have been solved before now, adding that the agency was not against the production of alcohol drinks but alcohol in sachets and pet bottles, to wade off children from unnecessary access.

    “The World Health Organisation  had a resolution in 2010,  in which Nigeria was a co-signer,  that each country will have alcohol that is less reachable and less accessible to the youth, and nothing has been done about that until now.
    “It is very unfortunate we are where we are now because the children who are used to taking alcohol will also become vulnerable to drug abuse.”

    Adeyeye said that as a result of the alcohol in sachets, about “30 per cent of our children now take alcohol casually.”

    She, however, said  the market that was going to be lost, as expressed by the manufacturer, would be about 30 per cent because such could be easily concealed in the pocket.

    Mr Segun Ajayi kadilimni, Director General, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN),  however, said there was no major basic disagreement between it and  NAFDAC.
    He added that MAN remained  committed to protecting the youth and children from accessing alcohol.

    Kadilimni said  the issue remained how to protect the under aged saying:  “we have realised that there is a process to get there but banning the product will be counterproductive.”

    According to him, this is because you are going to open the market to producers of illicit drugs, and these are people you cannot control.

    “I believe if we work together, we will be able to eradicate underage access. These sachets are not produced for children but for adults, and they have been warned not to consume them.”

  • Gbajabiamila endorses Laguda for house of reps rerun in Surulere

    Gbajabiamila endorses Laguda for house of reps rerun in Surulere

    The  Chief of Staff to President Nola Tinubu, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila has endorsed Mr Fuad Laguda, a former chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Surulere Local Government, to succeed him at the House of Representatives.

    Gbajabiamila, the immediate past speaker of the House of Representatives, endorsed Laguda at an empowerment programme he organised for residents of Surulere 1 Federal Constituency on Wednesday in Lagos.

    According to reports, no fewer than 50 vehicles were distributed to beneficiaries at the programme.

    The Chief of Staff said he was backing Laguda out of all APC aspirants for the forthcoming Surulere 1 Federal Constituency re-run election because he believed the former APC chairman would represent the constituency well if elected.

    “In the next few weeks, the House of Representatives re-run election will hold in this constituency. The people of this great constituency will elect someone to succeed me at the House of Representatives.

    “All the people that have indicated interest to secure the ticket of the party are my brothers: they are all part of my political family.

    “However, the vacant seat can only be occupied by just one person. It is only one person that can represent the constituency and we are going to be choosing that person in the next few weeks.

    “Personally, Fuad Laguda is my choice and I have endorsed him and let me also add that the governor has also endorsed him so have all the elders of the party.

    “In fact, the overall leader of the party, you already know the person I am talking about has endorsed him.

    “I did not just endorse Laguda for nothing. I was in the House of representatives for over 20 years, so I know what it takes to be a legislator and I know what it requires to be there and achieve results.

    “We need someone to carry on with all the great things we achieved for Surulere and I don’t have any doubts in my mind that Fuad Laguda is capable and will do well if elected,” he said.

    He urged residents to vote for APC in the re-run election to continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

    The chief of staff said he organised the empowerment to impact lives in Surulere and to show appreciation to the people for their support over the years.

    He said his current position as the chief of staff would not stop him from connecting with the people at all times.

    Speaking, Mr Cornelius Ojelabi, APC Chairman in Lagos State, thanked Gbajabiamila for organising the empowerment programme.

    He said the programme showed that the chief of staff cared so much about the people of Surulere.

    “So when you are voting in the re-run election, vote the candidate of APC. Remember all the great things Gbajabiamila has done in Surulere and vote for the continuation of democratic dividends,” he said.

  • 2024 Budget: NASS hails Interior Ministry’s N1.2bn expatriate quotas in 10 months + Photos

    2024 Budget: NASS hails Interior Ministry’s N1.2bn expatriate quotas in 10 months + Photos

    Joint session of Committee of Interior of both Senate and House of Representatives, on Wednesday, lauded the Ministry of Interior for surpassing its budgetary target of N600million revenue from issuance of expatriate quotas in the 2023 fiscal year, by raking in the sum of N1.195billion from January to October this year.

    Chairman of the joint committee, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North), made the commendations when the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo led the heads of agencies under the ministry to the National Assembly on budget defence exercise.

    The Minister in his presentation to the joint committee in 2022 and outgoing 2023 fiscal years, said the Ministry surpassed its budgetary revenue projections on expatriate quotas and marriage.

    He specifically submitted that, in 2023, while N600million was targeted as revenue to be generated from issuance of expatriate quotas to deserving foreign firms in the country, N1.195billion had, as at October 31, 2023, been generated from it.

    Oshiomhole, while lauding the ministry, said, “aside the projected revenue from expatriate quotas that had been surpassed by about N600m extra, the N380million projected revenue from marriage, has also been surpassed by over N500million with N892.774 million realised as at October 31, 2023 “.

    Merit and demerits of issuance of the expatriate quotas by the Interior Ministry to deserving foreign companies, also came to the fore during the Wednesday’s session.

    The Lawmakers, however, advised the ministry to regulate issuance of the quotas very well to avoid prisoners from foreign land working in Nigeria as construction workers, saying, there was a rumour to that effect.

    “Honourable Minister, this is a serious issue, prisoners are not expected to work in their countries if the product or whatever they engage in is meant to be exported”, Oshiomhole added.

    The Minister in his response, assured the committee members that the Ministry had already come up with project for job protection for Nigerians.

    The project according to him, “is Expatriate Employee Network ( EEN), primarily aimed at safeguarding jobs meant for Nigerians from been stolen by expatriates and also prevent expatriate workers from evading tax payment in Nigeria.

  • Reps move to upgrade FMC Owo to teaching hospital

    Reps move to upgrade FMC Owo to teaching hospital

    The House of Representatives Committee on Health has announced the likely upgrade of the Federal Medical Centre, Owo to a teaching hospital.

    The Chairman of the Committee, Mr Amos Magaji, disclosed this while on an inspection tour of the facilities at the hospital on Sunday.

    The committee met with the management of the hospital, led by the Chief Medical Director, Liasu Adeagbo, staff and labour unions.

    The team also inspected some facilities in the hospital, including Accident and Emergency section, Research centre, Isolation ward, Molecular laboratory, Radiology department, General Outpatient building under construction among others.

    “We will look at how Federal Medical Centre, Owo can be upgraded to a teaching hospital and ensure that it is done through a due process which cannot be in one day.

    “We will look at the law and we will also look at the policies,” Magaji said.

    He commended the management of FMC Owo for keeping the hospital clean and “making good use of the little resources they have to provide qualitative health services to the people.”

    He also said that the issues of employment and replacement of workers in the health sector must be taken as an emergency.

    “When we get to Abuja, we will see how we can tackle all the issues that were tabled by the relevant agencies of government and find a way of dealing with human resources.

    “There is no sector of the economy that has this japa syndrome like the health sector,” Magaji noted.

    On his part, Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Liasu Adeagbo, said the visit would assist the committee to provide solutions to the challenges facing the hospital.

    He added that the visit would also provide adequate information to the committee on how funds released to the institution had been utilised.

    “The committee has been able to see what we have done with the money released to the hospital and the working environment.

    “It will help us not to talk much when we go for budget defence,” he said.

    The CMD pointed out that the hospital is battling with the funding of patients who cannot afford to pay their bills after treatment.

    “Some of the challenges we have here are common while some are peculiar. When you talk about the funding of the hospital now, it is critical.

    “Medications are very expensive now that many people cannot pay and government has said that nobody should die because they don’t have money,” he stated.

  • Reps to put an end to strikes in universities

    Reps to put an end to strikes in universities

    The House of Representatives Committee on University Education has promised to work toward ending recurring strikes in Nigerian universities.

    Rep. Abubakar Fulata, the Chairman of the committee said this known at a meeting with the Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission (NUC) and Vice-Chancellors of federal Universities in Abuja on Tuesday.

    “This kind of meeting is necessary considering the fact that it is a new government, new assembly, new committee and new committee’s leadership,” he said.

    He said the House leadership had created six committees out of the previous two, for quality oversight.

    Fulata said that the committee was working toward ensuring quality, reliable, easy access and rewarding university education.

    “It is unfortunate that university education today is facing serious challenges spanning form strike actions, cultism, insecurity, drugs pedaling and immoral acts,’’ he said.

    He said the challenges required collective efforts to address including the intervention of the committee and contributions of all well-meaning Nigerians.

    In his response, the acting Executive Secretary, NUC, Prof. Chris Maiyaki said that Nigerian universities were faced with lots of challenges.

    He expressed confidence that with the commitment of National Assembly some of the problems would be addressed.

    Prof Folasade Ogunsola, who spoke on behalf of the Vice-Chancellors, said that Nigerian universities had the potential to emerge the best in Africa.

  • Abbas restates need for education on development administration

    Abbas restates need for education on development administration

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Tajudeen Abbas, has reiterated the need for Nigerians to be educated on development  administration in the country.

    Abbas said this at the inauguration of the governing council, and induction of members of the Chartered Institute of Development Studies of Nigeria (CIDSAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Speaking on the topic, `The Imperatives of Development Administration in a Prismatic Society,’ Abbas said the topic was an area of great concern to him.

    The speaker said the importance of Development Studies and Administration could not be over-emphasised.

    He said the main goals of development administration include creating a better social, political and economic environment relating to socio-economic change and nation-building.

    Abbas said that the practice of development administration was a major condition for the attainment of effective, and efficient development projects in any developing society.

    According to him, development projects play a pivotal role in the growth and progress of nations, serving as catalysts for economic development, social advancement and environmental sustainability.

    “They hold the promise of addressing pressing societal issues from poverty alleviation to infrastructure development and have the potential to improve the lives of millions of people globally.

    “However, the success of these projects is contingent upon meticulous planning, effective implementation, rigorous monitoring and comprehensive evaluation.

    “In today’s global landscape, where resources are limited and the stakes are high, ensuring that development projects achieve their intended objectives has never been more critical,’’ he said.

    Abbas said that development administration focuses on the outcomes of the administrative work as it’s related to the nation’s development.

    He said that it was unfortunate and regrettably that the needed professionals or experts in development administration was lacking in the Nigerian developmental space.

    “It is targeted at understanding and addressing the challenges of development and promotes sustainable growth and improvements in societies.

    “It is rather true that poor management of our development efforts in Nigeria since independence can be traced to other factors.

    “These include a paucity of professionally equipped development experts that can facilitate the nation’s development journey by properly articulating adequate policy formulation.

    “Programmes and projects implementation and interventions in a very structured manner to guarantee the socio-cultural, socio-economic, socio-political transformation of Nigeria in all ramifications,’’ he said.

    He expressed delight in associating with CIDSAN whose activities he said aimed at assuring that there was a great potential in it.

    Mr Elijah Ogbuokiri, the president of CIDSAN, said the institute, which was established by an Act of Parliament in May 2023, was a professional organisation formed by seasoned professionals.

    Ogbuokiri said the members had strong multi-disciplinary backgrounds with the aim of promoting, and advancing the study and practice of Development Management and Development Administration in Nigeria.

    He said that members of the institute were called to serve and be part of building the institute, and render selfless service for the growth and wellbeing of the institute and nation.

    The president called for support and experience to position CIDSAN and the development profession in Nigeria, and beyond for greater relevance in national discourse, public policy and advocacy.

  • HoR hails organised labour over suspension of nationwide strike

    HoR hails organised labour over suspension of nationwide strike

    The House of Representatives has hailed the decision by Organised Labour to suspend its industrial action which had been in force across the country in the last two days.

    The Green Chamber also commends the Office of the National Security Adviser for its efforts in ensuring that the industrial action is suspended for the benefit of all Nigerians.

    Concerned about the industrial action which paralysed economic activities in most parts of the country, the House early Wednesday resolved to intervene in the impasse by engaging relevant parties towards an amicable resolution.

    This resolution of the House during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Honourable Abbas Tajudeen PhD, followed its adoption of a motion by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Honourable Benjamin Kalu, on the need to intervene in the face-off between Organised Labour and the Federal Government.

    The motion was followed by an extensive debate and contributions among Honourable members. The House thereafter voted to cut short legislative business for Wednesday, and mandated the leadership of the House to liaise with their counterparts in the Senate with a view to jointly intervening in the impasse in the shortest possible time.

    Members had noted that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and their affiliate unions commenced a nationwide industrial action on Tuesday, November 14, to protest their grievances over a recent assault on the NLC President amongst other issues.

    The People’s Parliament equally noted the attendant effect of a nationwide strike, at a time like this, on the livelihood of hardworking citizens, the economy, and even the lives of those in public health facilities.

    In line with its Legislative Agenda, the Rt. Honourable Abbas Tajudeen-led ‘People’s House’ is positioned to intervene in national challenges and ensure the welfare of citizens are protected at all times.

    Jointly Signed

    Rep. Adegboyega Adefarati*
    Chairman, House Committee on Labour, Employment, and Productivity

    Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr.
    House Spokesman /
    Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs