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Tag: Reps

  • Rep. Ukodhiko launches five-day empowerment training for constituents

    Rep. Ukodhiko launches five-day empowerment training for constituents

    Member of the House of Representatives, representing Isoko Federal Constituency, Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko, has announced a five-day empowerment programme aimed at equipping 100 constituents with specialised entrepreneurial skills.

    The lawmaker made the announcement via his official Facebook page on Tuesday morning, stating that the initiative is in collaboration with the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI).

    According to Ukodhiko, the training will focus on key vocational areas including car tracking, web design, photography, tailoring, tiling, and POP installation.

    “My cardinal campaign promise is the initiation of empowerment programmes that are capable of making our youths self-reliant,” he wrote.

    “I have relentlessly and vigorously pursued this campaign promise since my inauguration in office.”

    He added that while the main selection process is ongoing, 14 participants will be selected via a social media application process.

    Interested constituents are required to submit their name, phone number, account number, ward, and preferred skill in the comment section of the announcement post.

    Ukodhiko noted that individuals who benefitted from the March 2025 empowerment programme are not eligible for this round.

    The initiative underscores Ukodhiko’s commitment to youth empowerment and self-reliance across his constituency.

  • Reps summon Minister of State for FCT

    Reps summon Minister of State for FCT

    The House of Representatives Committee on FCT Area Councils and Auxiliary Matters has summoned the Minister of State for FCT, Dr Mariya Bunkure to appear before it on Tuesday.

    The Minister of State for FCT was summoned for allegedly failing to honour invitation by the committee session on FCT budget.

    It was said out of the 14 agencies under her supervision , only three honoured the invitation.

    The Committee Chairman, Rep. Fredrick Agbedi handed down the summon in Abuja on Monday.

    Agbedi, who decried the absence of the minister, warned that the parliament would invoke its parliamentary powers against the minister if she failed to appear on Tuesday.

    He recalled that President Tinubu had asked them to expedite action on the budget.

    The lawmaker expressed worry over the negligence of the minister to an all important budget.

    According to him, the minister was duly invited earlier together with the angenci under her jurisdiction.

    Agbedi reminded the minister that the parliament and indeed the committee represented the indigenes and resident of the FCT.

    “As a committee, we touch on the fabrics of the people of FCT because we are directly with the people.

    “This committee is very very important to the people of FCT,” he said.

    The lawmaker, however, called on President Tinubu to ensure that something was done urgently.

    Earlier, Rep. Paul Kalejaye, representing Ajeromi Ifelodun Federal Constituency, Lagos described the minister’s absence as an affront on the parliament.

    Kalejaye reminded the minister that the parliament had constitutional powers to ensure compliance with constitutional provisions.

  • Reps move to probe delayed pension payments to Nigerian retirees

    Reps move to probe delayed pension payments to Nigerian retirees

    The House of Representatives has resolved to establish an ad hoc committee to probe the delayed implementation of the ₦25,000 wage award and ₦32,000 palliative approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Nigerian pensioners nearly two years ago.

    This development came to fore during a plenary session, following a motion moved by Deputy Chief Whip, Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka.

    The motion highlighted the prolonged non-payment of the presidentially approved support packages, which has caused significant hardship and discontent among pensioners. The House expressed concern over the situation and called for urgent action to address it.

    The lawmakers directed the Ministry of Labour and Employment, along with the National Pension Commission (PenCom), to conduct a comprehensive audit of pension payments nationwide. This audit aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the disbursement process, addressing the challenges faced by pensioners.

    The House also urged state governments to prioritize pension payments and welfare programmes for retirees in their respective states, following the Federal Government’s example. This call emphasizes the need for a unified approach to supporting pensioners across the country.

    Furthermore, the House called on the Federal Ministries of Finance, Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as the Accountant General of the Federation, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), and other relevant agencies to implement all approved pension increases without further delay.

    The lawmakers emphasized the importance of releasing all pending palliative measures meant for pensioners and ensuring prompt disbursement to alleviate their hardship. This move aims to provide immediate relief to pensioners who have been struggling due to the delayed payments.

    The House appealed to the Nigerian Pensioners’ Association and other stakeholders to work closely with government agencies. This collaboration would help advocate for and monitor the enforcement of pensioners’ rights and welfare, ensuring that their needs are met.

    Moving the motion, Ayokunle acknowledged the vital contributions made by Nigerian pensioners in nation-building and the development of Nigeria. He expressed concern that despite President Tinubu’s approval of the wage award and pension increase in October 2023, most pensioners are still facing challenges, including non-payment of government pension increments and withholding of essential palliative measures.

    The non-implementation of approved pension increments and withholding of palliative measures have undermined constitutional principles and threatened social stability. The House emphasized the need to address these challenges and uphold the dignity and welfare of Nigerian senior citizens.

    The establishment of the ad hoc committee and the directives issued by the House aim to ensure that pensioners receive the support they deserve. By prioritizing pension payments and welfare programmes, the government can help alleviate the hardship faced by pensioners and promote social stability. ‎

  • Minister, Reps disagree over establishment of new college

    Minister, Reps disagree over establishment of new college

    Minister of Eduction, Dr Olatunji Alausa and members of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education have disagreed over a bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition, Borno.

    The minister registered his disagreement in a memorandum presented at a public hearing on three bills, organised by the committee in Abuja on Thursday.

    The bills are: “A Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition, Hawul Local Government Area, Borno State*, to provide full-time courses, teaching instruction and training in technology, applied sciences, arts, social sciences, humanities and management; and for related matters (HB.1797).

    “A Bill for an Act to Amend Section 3(2)(b), Second Schedule, and Section 31 of the Federal Polytechnics Act, Cap F17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004*; and for related matters (HB.1413).

    “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Polytechnics Act, Cap F17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004*, to review the functions of polytechnics; and for related matters (HB.2114).”

    In his paper, Alausa said that upon careful review, the ministry had made observations intended to enhance the advancement of technical and entrepreneurial education in Nigeria.

    He said that there was a Federal Government policy on siting federal institutions equitably across states.

    According to him, the policy ensures that no state hosts more than one federal polytechnic at a time, while guaranteeing that every state has, at least, one such institution.

    The minister said that all states, except Sokoto and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), were engaged in this initiative.

    “Therefore, the ministry urges the distinguished members of the green chambers to prioritise resource allocation towards the successful take-off of already established institutions rather than initiating new ones.

    “Furthermore, the federal ministry of education has streamlined and expanded avenues for the establishment of private tertiary institutions.

    “States and individuals are encouraged to leverage this opportunity to contribute to national educational development.

    “Given prevailing funding constraints, the ministry recommends suspending further initiation and deliberations on the Bill for an Act to establish the Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition in Hawul Local Government Area, Borno State, at this time,” he said.

    The minister appealed for prudent allocation of resources, prioritising existing institutions over establishing new ones to optimise the nation’s educational development.

    Alausa said that the ministry had no objection to the proposed amendments to the Federal Polytechnic Act except for the proposed amendment of the provision in Section 3(1) of the principal act.

    He said that the act sought to to insert a representative of the the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN)

    “While both organisations serve critical roles, the ministry observes that their functions do not directly align with the responsibilities of the Polytechnic Governing Council.

    “NBTE functions as a regulatory body for technical education, whereas MAN focuses on promoting manufacturers’ interests,” he said.

    However, the sponsor of the establishment bill, Rep. Usman Balami (PDP-Borno) highlighted the insecurity and other negative vices stemming from high unemployment rates and lack of economic opportunities, particularly in Borno.

    According to him, the alarming number of unemployed youth calls for immediate action to address these critical gaps in the community.

    The rep said that the  establishment of a Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition was a vital step toward fostering economic development and creating job opportunities in the region.

    “This institution will provide comprehensive training programmes designed to equip individuals with a diverse range of skills essential for self-employment and economic independence.

    “In our rapidly changing job market, possessing a varied skill set is crucial for success and adaptability.

    “The college will effectively bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring that graduates emerge ready to meet workforce demands.

    “By promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, this college will generate employment opportunities and stimulate local economic growth,” he said.

    Balami said that the college would play a pivotal role in nurturing local talents and instilling a culture of entrepreneurship, contributing to a more vibrant socio-economic environment.

    In his remarks, Chairman of the committee, Rep.  Faud Laguda (APC-Lagos), said that there seemed to be a consensus on the need to acquire skills to curb unemployment.

    Laguda urged all stakeholders to freely make their contributions, saying that the committee would take them into consideration in its report.

    “We can collectively agree that Nigerians can acquire knowledge and skills in social sciences, art, humanities, technology, science, entrepreneurship, vocational and technical education with the passage of these bills.

    “I humbly request your cooperation for purposive and productive deliberations to give lifetime benefits for our dear citizens and the nation at large,” he said.

    The chairman commended the speaker and the leadership of the house for the confidence reposed in the committee and for supporting the hearing.

  • Reps dump bill on rotational presidency among six geopolitical zones

    Reps dump bill on rotational presidency among six geopolitical zones

    Members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday dumped a constitutional amendment bill seeking to rotate the office of the president and vice president among the six geopolitics zones of the country.

    In addition, the House rejected six other constitutional alteration bills listed in the order paper of the House for consideration.

    It, however, resolved to bring back the bills on Wednesday and consider them on their individual merit.

    The House had at the commencement of debate set aside its rules to allow it take the constitutional alteration bills simultaneously, while allowing members to choose any of the seven listed on which they wish to debate on.

    However, most members chose the bill seeking to rotate the office of the President and Vice President among the six geopolitical zones, with many members opposing the idea and warning against setting a dangerous precedent with it.

    Deputy Minority Leader, Aliyu Sani Madaki led the opposition to the bill, saying that issues the bill intend to cure has been addressed by the Federal Character Commission, warning that the issue of rotation should not be included in the constitution, but allowed to remain the way it is.

    Madaki argued that the existing political parties already have mechanism to ensure fair representation in the sharing of offices at every given electoral period.

    Sada Soli (APC, Katsina) described the proposed alteration as ingenuous, but wondered whether it will work against the issue of quality.

    He stressed that adopting the rotation principle will not be in the interest of the country as it will promote regional and ethnic rivalry among the various zones of the country.

    Shina Oyedeji (PDP, Oyo) said if the rotational principle is included in the constitution, every state and tribe in the various zones will begin another round of agitation for fairness and justice.

    He believe that everybody in the country should be given equal opportunity to aspire to the office of the President and Vice President, saying “if you adopt zoning and it’s comes to the South West for example, which state will take the position? Is it Ogun or Oyo.

    Bello Mohammed ElRufai wondered what will happen if the President dies while in office like it happened when former President Umaru Musa Yar’adua died in office, saying will you ask the Vice President to vacate office to pave the way for another President from that zone?

    ElRufai argued that adopting the provision will also infringe on the right of all Nigerians to contest for any office of their choice, adding that even if the rotation principle is allowed, there will always be mistrust among the people.

    He said “whatever you do in Nigeria, there will always be a cry of marginalisation. We should not engage in a dangerous precedent by putting it in the Constitution”.

    Olumide Osoba (APC, Ogun) said even though the amendment might be a unique one, it will be out of place to force the political parties on where to choose their candidates during elections.

    However, Minority Whip, Ali Isa said the six geopolitical zones should be allowed to have a shot at the Presidency and also extended to the state level so that governorship is rotated among the three senatorial zones.

    He argued that all geopolitical zones in the country have well qualified persons who can manage the affairs of the country and even the West African subregion, adding that even the Federal Character principle provides that there should be fairness among all states of the country.

    He commended the Deputy Speaker for acknowledging the fact that there is the need to allow fairness, saying “in 2027, we should allow the Presidency go to the North East for the sake of fairness and allow all zones to produce the President”.

    Clement Jimbo (APC, Akwa Ibom) said the bill seeks to cure the age long injustice metted on the minority groups in the country, adding that a proviso be included in the Constitution that will ensure that after all zones has had a shut at the Presidency, the principal be brought to an end.

    The bills are a bll for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to remove from Independent National Electoral Commission, the Powers of Registration and Regulation of political Parties in Nigeria and Transfer same to the Office of the Registrar General of Political Parties, and a Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Cap. C23, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Provide for the Principle of Rotation of the Offices of the President and the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria among the Six Geopolitical Zones of the Country, Namely: North Central, North East, North West, South East, South South, and South West.

    Others are Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Cap. C23, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to provide for Establishment, Independence, and Functions of the Office of the State Auditors-General for Local Governments and the Federal Capital Territory Area Councils, to Strengthen Fiscal Oversight, Promote Accountability and enhance Good Governance at the Grassroots and a bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Create Ughelli East Local Government Area in Delta State.

    The bills also include a ill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Cap. C23, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to provide for the Number of Judges of the Federal High Court to be not less than one hundred or such other Number as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly, Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Cap. C23, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to expand the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to include Admiralty Jurisdiction, including Shipping and Navigation on the River Niger, River Benue and their effluents, and on such other Inland Waterways as may be designated by an Act of the National Assembly as International Waterways, all Federal Ports, and Carriage by Sea.

    There is also the Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Empower the National Judicial Council to Fix and Review, in conjunction with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, the Salaries, Allowances, and other Emoluments of Judicial Officers and Staff of the Judiciary.

  • Reps angry over failure of FG to pay contractors, invite Edun, Cardoso

    Reps angry over failure of FG to pay contractors, invite Edun, Cardoso

    Apparently disturbed, the House of Representatives on Thursday unveiled plans to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the failure of the Federal Government to pay contractors working with Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) since 2024.

    In the bid to address the concerns, the House resolved to invite Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Abubakar Bagudu; Accountant-General of the Federation, Babatunde Ogun Jimi; Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Yemi Cardoso and Auditor-General of the Federation, Mr. Shaakaa Chira and any other relevant officials.

    They are expected to appear before the House of Representatives on Tuesday, 13th May, 2025 to explain the reasons for the non-payment of contractors and provide a clear timeline for settling all outstanding verified payments:

    The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion under urgent national importance, sponsored by Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, who solicited the House’s intervention.

    In his lead debate, Ezechi observed with grave concern that contractors across all the MDAs “have not received payment for certified work completed since October 2024, despite budgetary provisions for capital projects in the 2024 Appropriation Act.

    They are expected to appear before the House of Representatives on Tuesday, 13th May, 2025 to explain the reasons for the non-payment of contractors and provide a clear timeline for settling all outstanding verified payments:

    The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion under urgent national importance, sponsored by Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, who solicited the House’s intervention.

    In his lead debate, Ezechi observed with grave concern that contractors across all the MDAs “have not received payment for certified work completed since October 2024, despite budgetary provisions for capital projects in the 2024 Appropriation Act.

    The House further notes that budget releases under the 2024 financial year to MDAs remain below 50 per cent, resulting in widespread project abandonment, financial distress among contractors, and an overall negative impact on the economy.

    “The House is aware that the non-payment has severely hindered the implementation of critical constituency projects, undermined public confidence in government delivery, and weakened investor trust in the nation’s infrastructure sector.

    “The House is concerned that the delay in payment to contractors has resulted in job losses, stalling of infrastructure development, and disruptions to community-based projects across the Federation.

    “The House is further concerned that the situation, if left unchecked, could lead to mass protests, legal disputes, and complete paralysis of public projects.”

    On his part, Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka identified the failure of disbursement of funds to contractors as one of the plethora of problems retarding projects completion in the country.

    In the same vein, the House mandated the joint Committees on Public Accounts and the House Committee on Budget and Economic Planning to conduct a joint inquiry into the systemic failure to disburse funds for contractor payments.

    The joint Committees is also expected to investigate accountability lapses at MDAs responsible for processing payments and report back to the House within four weeks with findings and recommendations for remedial legislative action.

    In the bid to remove all encumbrances, the lawmakers urged the Executive to take immediate administrative measures to clear all outstanding debts owed to contractors; institute a transparent payment mechanism for contractor claims to prevent recurrence of delay and ensure that future budgetary releases for capital projects are disbursed promptly to safeguard jobs and restore confidence in government project delivery.

  • Benue governor, Alia rejects Reps committee invitation

    Benue governor, Alia rejects Reps committee invitation

    Gov. Hyacinth Alia will not honour the House of Representatives Committee invitation scheduled for Thursday, May 8.

    His Chief Press Secretary, Mr Tersoo Kula, confirmed this to journalists on Wednesday in Makurdi.

    NAN reports that the House had summoned the Governors of Benue and Zamfara, alongside their Assembly leadership.

    Kula stated that the invitation is unconstitutional and the governor will not comply with it.

    He explained that Alia has filed a case at the Supreme Court challenging the lawmakers’ invitation.

    “Yesterday, the Benue Assembly passed a resolution rejecting the Reps Committee invitation.

    “They believe the invitation is based on ignorance and have decided not to attend. They will also challenge it in court,” he said.

    Kula added that the governor, independently, has approached the Supreme Court to challenge the invitation’s legality.

    He said, “Since the matter is in court, I will not speak further on it.”

    Kula also claimed that the civil society group behind the petition is faceless and unregistered.

    According to him, the address on the group’s letterhead is fake and lacks credibility.

    He said there is a coordinated campaign of misinformation and sponsored protests aimed at destabilising Benue.

    In recent weeks, he noted, there have been protests in Abuja allegedly representing Benue people’s concerns.

    “These protests aim to provoke a state of emergency in Benue by portraying it in a negative light,” he said.

    He claimed the organisers seek to undermine progress and return to a failed political order.

    “Their ultimate goal is to create chaos for selfish political gain,” Kula added.

    He accused the protest sponsors of trying to remove the governor through disruptive means.

    “They will not succeed. Benue people stand firmly with their governor,” he said.

    He assured the public that Benue remains peaceful and the government is functioning effectively.

    “Governor Alia is committed to fulfilling his mandate and addressing the state’s challenges,” he said.

  • HoR Minority Caucus demands immediate release of VDM, strongly condemns his arrest

    HoR Minority Caucus demands immediate release of VDM, strongly condemns his arrest

    The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has condemned in the strongest terms the arrest and continued detention of social campaigner and activist, Martins Otse, popularly known as Very Dark Man (VDM), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    In a statement jointly signed by the HoR caucus leaders, Rep Kingsley Chinda, Leader, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ali. Isa J.C Minority Whip, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Madaki., Deputy Minority Leader,,Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi
    Deputy Minority Whip, the opposition leaders saying:

    “The disturbing trend of security and law enforcement agencies deploying their powers arbitrarily against citizens exercising their rights to free expression poses grave threats to our democracy.

    “We must state clearly that such acts, cloaked in the guise of enforcement, erode public confidence in the rule of law and undermine the principles of accountability and transparency.

    The caucus insisted that: “The arrest of Mr. Otse which reportedly took place without the issuance of a warrant is a direct violation of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) that guarantees the liberty of the citizen except in accordance with the due process of law. Sections 35(1) and 35(3) of the Constitution stipulate the conditions under which a person may be deprived of their liberty and require that any person arrested must be informed promptly of the reasons for their arrest and any charges against them.

    “The EFCC, like every other agency of government, is bound by these constitutional provisions and must not act outside their bounds.

    “Moreover, the continued detention of Mr. Otse beyond the constitutionally permissible period of 24 to 48 hours without being charged to court is not only an abuse of power, it is also a blatant affront to the principles of natural justice and fair hearing.

    “The Constitution, under Section 35(4), provides that a person who is arrested or detained must be brought before a court of law within a reasonable time, which, in the case of an arrest without a warrant, shall not exceed two days.

    “Any deviation from this is a breach of the citizen’s fundamental rights and a descent into lawlessness.

    “As the voice of the opposition in the National Assembly, the Minority Caucus calls on the EFCC to immediately release Mr. Otse or charge him to court in accordance with the law.

    “Arbitrary arrests and prolonged detentions of citizens for expressing dissenting or unpopular views must have no place in a democratic society.

    “The preservation of liberty, due process, and respect for constitutional rights remain the bedrock of our republic. We will not stand idly by while state agencies abuse their powers to suppress voices that challenge the status quo in line with the laws.

  • Twin tanker explosion: Reps Minority Caucus calls for decisive actions to avert re-occurrences

    Twin tanker explosion: Reps Minority Caucus calls for decisive actions to avert re-occurrences

    After the twin tanker fire explosions which occurred last weekend in Ibadan, Oyo state, and Akwanga, Nasarawa state, the Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives expressed shock and sadness over the unfortunate incidents.

    The Reps Minority Caucus made this disclosure in a statement jointly signed by leaders of the caucus: Rep. O.K Chinda
    (Minority Leader) Rt. Hon. Dr. Ali Isa J.C (Minority Whip) Rt. Hon. Aliyu Madaki (Deputy Minority Leader) Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi
    (Deputy Minority Whip) on Monday stating that:

    “Thankfully, no lives were lost at the two avoidable incidents. But it is painful that an unspecified number of vehicles, shops, motorcycles, and other properties worth hundreds of million naira were lost; particularly at the Ibadan incident.

    “It is more worrisome that this is coming at a time that the economic hardship is approaching it’s zenith in Nigeria.

    The Caucus recalls that after the January tanker fire explosion in Niger state, where lives of Nigerians and humongous properties were lost, it called on the Federal Government for necessary actions.

    “Happily, the government resolved to ban fuel tankers with capacities exceeding 60,000 litres of petroleum motor spirit (popularly called petrol) from operating on Nigerian roads with effect from March 1, 2025.

    “However, it is disheartening that, from reports across the country, many fuel tankers are yet to comply with the directive. More ludicrous is that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) responsible for enforcing the regulation is yet to comply with the presidential directive; about six weeks after the kick-off date.

    Apparently disturbed about the frequency of tanker explosions across the country; almost becoming permanent fixtures on challenges bedeviling Nigeria, and the damaging effects on our people, the environment, and national development, the Caucus strongly calls for deliberate and decisive actions to stem the same by the bud.

    ” We call on the federal government for more pro-active measures that will not only avert future occurrences but stop tanker explosions in the country.

    “From reports, the Ibadan incident happened as the driver encountered difficulties navigating deteriorated portions of the Toll Gate end of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

    “Given the deplorable state of this road, and similar others, the Caucus urges the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to carry out immediate rehabilitation works on these roads.

    “The Caucus shall initiate, collaborate, and pursue every legislative action that will secure the safety of our people, and properties; which is the main purpose of government.

  • Reps Committee raises alarm over rising smuggling of illicit drugs

    Reps Committee raises alarm over rising smuggling of illicit drugs

    The House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise has expressed serious concern over the increasing smuggling of illicit drugs into Nigeria and the diversion of imported finished goods to Free Trade Zones (FTZs) to evade customs duties—leading to a reported revenue loss of over ₦1.6 trillion.

    Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Leke Abejide, made the revelations during an oversight visit to the Lagos Free Trade Zone. He stated that the committee has received multiple reports of finished goods being illegally routed through FTZs to bypass duty payments, often in collusion with some licensed customs agents and officials.

    “This is economic sabotage,” Abejide said. “Just recently, over 100 trucks carrying imported items were seen lined up to offload in a free trade zone in Kano. These are not raw materials—they should be headed to bonded terminals.”

    He emphasized that the House will investigate these practices dating back five years and work to recover all lost revenues. The committee also aims to prevent future abuse of the FTZ policy, which is meant to support industrial growth, not enable smuggling or revenue evasion.

    Abejide further highlighted that some companies operating within FTZs are exploiting legal provisions allowing deferred duty payments, often underpaying or avoiding them altogether.

    On the issue of drug trafficking, the chairman raised the alarm over the increasing influx of illicit substances such as cannabis sativa, Canadian loud, and tramadol into the country. He blamed the problem, in part, on the lack of functional scanners at the ports and advocated for capital punishment for those caught smuggling drugs.

    “We are putting the lives of our youth at risk. The absence of scanners is a major factor, and we must prioritize installing them to stem the tide of drug smuggling,” he stated.

    In his briefing, the Area Comptroller of the Lagos Free Trade Zone, Olanrewaju Olumoh, disclosed that between January and March 2025, the Command intercepted two containers of tramadol and a trailer-load of unregistered drugs. Despite being the newest customs command, he added, it had already generated ₦113 billion in revenue within the first quarter of the year.