The Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila presiding.
After leading the opening prayer and the National Pledge, the Speaker examined and approved the votes and proceedings for Thursday, July 2nd, 2020
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PETITION
1. Rep. Aliyu Magaji laid a petition from complaints on the infringement of their rights and sought the intervention of the House.
The petition was referred to the committee on public petitions
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MOTIONS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
1. Rep. Ndudi Elumelu moved a motion on the need for the House to investigate the diversion of about $1 billion through the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) and it was seconded by Rep. Ifeanyi Momah.
In leading the debate, Rep. Elumelu stated that the expenditure of the funds did not go through legal channels as it was approved and executed by only a few individuals at the helm of affairs. Rep. Elumelu calls on the House Committee on Public Accounts to investigate the issue and report back to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
2. Rep. Leke Abejide moved a motion on the incessant and arbitrary breach of the presidential directive on the suspension of top management and executive personnel of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and other government agencies by the Minister of Labour and it was seconded by Rep. Shehu Koko. Rep.
Leke Abejide stated that the directive by the Minister was done without the approval of the President of the Federal Republic in whose pleasure the engagement and such disengagement should rest. He stated that the suspension of these management staff is illegal and should be reversed forthwith and ensure future disciplinary measures of such scale should seek the approval of the President as is lawful. Rep. Abejide expressed concern at the manner at which an individual as elevated as a federal minister could unlawfully take upon himself such illegal status and carry out functions in that form. Rep. Leke called for the constitution of an Ad-Hoc Committee to fully investigate the circumstances and report back to the House within one week.
Rep. James Faleke in contributing to the debate expressed worry about how the Minister of Labour and Employment who is supposed to mediate between employers and their employees would rather act like a dictator to the detriment to the good image of the President of the Federal Republic. He wondered why the Minister would not follow due process in carrying out such orders. Rep. Faleke stated that such procedures should have come through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) as recommended by the board of the organization. Rep. Faleke stated that part of the grouse was that the Minister single-handedly inserted an expenditure of over N2 billion into the budget of the NSITF. He stated that this is just one of several breaches of the law the Minister of Labour has been known to embark on. These breaches with visible proof are gross violations of laid down laws of the land.
The Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila stated that the allegations are very weighty and the fact has grave consequences.
Rep. Sada Soli stated that he had the opportunity of chairing a Committee to investigate the Labour Minister in the past and it is obvious that the sacking of the management staff is a ploy by the Minister to ensure he gets rid of perceived threats to his ambitions. Rep. Soli stated that the actions of the Minister are in gross contravention of Sections 6,7 and 8 of the Act setting up and guiding the operations of NSITF. He called on the House to thoroughly investigate the matter so that justice can be seen to be done.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
An Ad-Hoc Committee to be chaired by Rep. Mariam Onuoha was set up to handle the matter.
3. Rep. Unyime Idem moved a motion calling on the Federal government to immediately set up an agency to tackle the menace of sex offenders and it was seconded by Rep. Taiwo Oluga.
Rep. Idem in leading the debate stated that rape and gender-based violence have become a new wave of a pandemic in Nigeria and called for the setting up of a lawfully recognized body to deal with the surging problem that is a gross violation of human life and liberty. He called on the House to condemn in strong terms acts of rape and ensure that such sex offenders are dealt with decisively when investigated and convicted. Rep. Idem also called for the speedy delivery of justice in such cases to give succour to the victims and serve as a deterrent to other such miscreants. He called on the House Committees on women affairs as well as other relevant agencies to interphase with the relevant agencies of government to ensure speedy resolution of these matters.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
4. Rep. Nsikak Okon moved a motion on the need for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to rehabilitate a dilapidating connecting bridge in Akwa Ibom state and it was seconded by Rep. Archibong Okon.
In leading the debate Rep. Nsikak stated that the bridge connects over 100 communities in the region and several local government areas. He expressed worry that the bridge which is a major route for the conveying of socioeconomic goods is in a dire state of disrepair that poses a huge threat to the lives and transportation route of the affected communities. Rep. Nsikak called on the relevant government agencies and NDDC to ensure the repair of the bridge is carried out and that the House Committees on NDDC as well as that on legislative compliance should ensure the prayers of the motion are adhered to.
Rep. Nkem Abonta rose to state that a ruling of the House on a motion of an earlier date had ordered the NDDC to halt work in the region, so telling it now to resume work on the bridge in the region which is the prayer of this motion would look like contravening their own decisions.
The Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila stated that the House will have to go back to the ruling on the earlier motion and see if it was specific to the ruling of that motion and not a blanket stop-work order, and since Rep. Nsikak is entitled to bring forth the needs of his people, it is better to err on the path of caution. If the said ruling on this motion contravenes a blanket stop work action, then a motion to rescind the decision can come up, the Speaker explained.
The motion was then voted on and adopted.
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PRESENTATION OF BILLS
1. Federal Co-operative Colleges (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (HB. 913) (Rep. Gideon Gwani) – First Reading.
2. Family Support Trust Fund Act (Repeal) Bill, 2020 (HB. 914) (Rep. Gideon Gwani) – First Reading.
3. Nigerian Institute of Animal Science Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (HB. 915) (Rep. Gideon Gwani) – First Reading.
4. Orthopaedic Hospitals Management Board Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (HB. 916) (Rep. Gideon Gwani) – First Reading.
5. Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Establishment Etc.) Act (Amendment)) Bill, 2020 (HB.863) (Rep. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha) – First Reading.
6. National Security Investment Bill, 2020 (HB. 917) (Rep. Oluwole Oke) – First Reading.
7. Chartered Institute of Information and Strategy Management (Establishment etc.) Bill, 2020 (HB. 918) (Rep. Gideon Gwani) – First Reading.
8. Medical Negligence (Litigation) Bill, 2020 (HB. 919) (Rep. Oluwole Oke) – First Reading.
9. Limitation Periods (Freezing) Bill, 2020 (HB. 920) (Rep. Onofiok Luke) – First Reading.
10. National Water Resources Bill, 2020 (HB. 921) (Rep. Sada Soli Jiba) – First Reading.
11. Obafemi Awolowo University (Transitional Provisions) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (HB.922) (Rep. Abubakar Hassan Fulata) – First Reading.
12. University of Ibadan Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (HB.923) (Hon. Abubakar Hassan Fulata)
13. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (HB.924) (Rep. Abubakar Hassan Fulata) – First Reading.
14. Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020(HB.925) (Rep. Abubakar Hassan Fulata) – First Reading.
15. University of Maiduguri Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (HB.926) (Rep. Abubakar Hassan Fulata) – First Reading.
16. National Cocoa Board (Establishment & Administration) Bill, 2020 (HB.927) (Rep. Mayowa Samuel Akinfolarin)
17. Federal Institute for Coal Mining Research (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (HB.928) (Rep. Abubakar Sarki Dahiru) – First Reading.
18. Federal Polytechnic Rano, Kano State (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (HB.929) (Rep. Kabiru Alhassan Usman Rurum) – First Reading.
19. National Agricultural Land Development Authority Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (HB.930) (Rep. Bello Usman Kumo) – First Reading.
20. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 Act (Alteration) Bill, 2020 (HB.931) (Rep. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha) – First Reading.
21. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 Act (Alteration) Bill, 2020 (HB.932) (Rep. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha) – First Reading.
22. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 Act (Alteration) Bill, 2020 (HB.933) (Rep. Chukwuka Onyema) – First Reading.
23. National Library Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (HB.934) (Rep. Chukwuka Onyema) – First Reading.
24. Nigerian National Heroes Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (HB.935) (Rep. Chukwuka Onyema) – First Reading.
25. Price Control Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (HB.936) (Rep. Chukwuka Onyema) – First Reading.
26. Independent Electoral Institute (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (HB.937) (Rep. Chukwuka Onyema) – First Reading.
27. Kidney Transplant Bill, 2020 (HB.938) (Rep. Chukwuka W. Onyema) – First Reading.
28. School Year (Variation) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (HB.939) (Rep. Chukwuka W. Onyema) – First Reading.
29. Federal Medical Centre, Kafanchan (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (HB. 940) (Rep. Nicholas Garba Shehu) – First Reading.
30. Evidence Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (HB. 941) (Rep. Haruna Dederi) – First Reading.
31. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 Act (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2020 (HB. 942) (Rep. Oghene Emma Egoh) – First Reading.
32. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 Act (Alteration) Bill, 2020 (HB.943) (Rep. Muda Lawal Umar) – First Reading.
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PRESENTATION OF REPORTS
1. Committee on Finance:
Rep. James Abiodun Faleke:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Finance on the 2020 Budget of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) (Pursuant to Order Eighteen, Rule 41(2)(h) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives)”.
The report was laid following a motion moved by Rep. James Faleke and seconded by Rep. Abubakar Yalleman
2. Committees on Foreign Affairs, Inter-Parliamentary Relations, Human Rights and Diaspora:
Rep. Yusuf Buba Yakub:
“That the House do receive the Final Report of the Committees on Foreign Affairs, Inter-Parliamentary Relations, Human Rights and Diaspora on the Investigation into Alleged Maltreatment and Institutional Racial Discrimination Against Nigerian’s Living in China by the Government of China (Referred:28/4/2020).
The report was laid following a motion moved by Rep. Yusuf Yakub and seconded by Rep. Abubakar Lado
3. Committee on Public Petitions:
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso:
Report by Tolu Bableye & Co. on behalf of Mr Andrew Ayerim:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Tolu Babaleye & Co. on behalf of Mr. Andrew Ayerim against the Police Service Commission on a Passionate Appeal for Intervention for the payment of all the Monies and Emoluments, including Pension and Gratuity, due to Mr. Andrew Ayerim, a former Acting Superintendent of Police for Wrongful Dismissal from and later Re-instatement back to the Service” (Referred: 29/10/2019)
The report was laid following a motion moved by Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso and seconded by Rep. Idris Kabiru
4. Committee on Public Petitions:
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso:
Report by Pastor Yohanna U. Harry:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Pastor Yohanna U. Harry against the Independent National Electoral Commission on an Appeal to Conduct Future Elections in Nigeria on Days other than Saturdays, the Biblical Seventh Day Sabbath”. (Referred:18/7/2019).
The report was laid following a motion moved by Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso and seconded by Rep. Idris Kabiru
5. Committee on Public Petitions:
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso:
Report by Haliru Magaji on behalf of Maganda Ta Isakiya Development Association:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Haliru Magaji on behalf of Maganda Ta Isakiya Development Association, Yanranda Bomo Village Zaria, Kaduna State against the Nigerian Army, an Appeal for Justice over the Seizure of their Farmland for the Construction of Basawa Barrack in 1977” (Referred: 18/12/2019).
The report was laid following a motion moved by Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso and seconded by Rep. Idris Kabiru
6. Committee on Public Petitions:
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso:
Report by Falana's Chambers on Behalf of the Dismissed Staff of the Police Service Commission:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Falana's Chambers on Behalf of the Dismissed Staff of Police Service Commission for the Failure to Comply with the Judgement of the National Industrial Court in Suit No NICN/ABJ/199/2017 Between Disukayode Rasheed and Nine (9) Others for their Reinstatement back to the Service of the Police Service Commission (Referred: 18/12/2019).
The report was laid following a motion moved by Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso and seconded by Rep. Idris Kabiru
7. Committee on Public Petitions:
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso:
Report by Okoro Finian and Others:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Okoro Finian and Others Against the Nigeria Maritime University, Okorenkoko, Delta State on the sacking of some of the University's Pioneer Academic Staff without any justification” (Referred: 14/11/2019).
The report was laid following a motion moved by Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso and seconded by Rep. Idris Kabiru
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ORDER OF THE DAY
BILLS
1. Consolidation of Bills:
(a) A Bill for an Act to Amend the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, 2017 to Prescribe the Offence and Punishment for Contempt of Legislative Houses, to Provide Punishment on the Police or any other Law Enforcement Agent that refuses to Arrest any Person as directed by a Legislative House, to provide an exception to the kind of person to be compelled by a Legislative House, such as President, the Executive Governors and their Deputies, Diplomats and their agents, Representatives of International Organizations such as the United Nations, the African Union, the European Union, ECOWAS; and for Related Matters (HBs.510, 250) (Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila and Rep. Onofiok Luke); and
(b) A Bill for an Act to Amend the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, 2017 to Reserve the Legislative Powers of a Legislative House and Guarantee the Principle of Separation of Powers; and for Related Matter (HB. 887) (Rep. Abubakar Hassan Fulata and Rep. Miriam Onuoha).
Consolidation of the Bills was stepped down due to the fact that the subject matters of the 2 Bills differ.
2. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal Medical Centre, Wase; and for Related Matters (HB. 885) (Rep. Ahmed Adris) – Second Reading.
Debate
The Deputy Speaker of the House, Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Haruna Mshelia.
LEGISLATIVE BRIEF
LONG TITLE:A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ESTABLISH THE FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, WASE, PLATEAU STATE
SHORT TITLE:FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, WASE (ESTABLISHMENT ETC.) BILL 2020.
SPONSOR: RT. HON. AHMED IDRIS WASE
INTRODUCTION
Mr. Speaker, Honourable Colleagues, It is with a deep sense of gratitude and humility, that I lead this debate on the General Principles of A Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal Medical Centre, Wase, Plateau State. The Bill was read for the first time on Thursday, 2nd July, 2020.
Mr. Speaker. Hon. Members, it is worthy of note that Healthcare Service is a critical matter in every society. It plays a crucial role in the overall wellbeing and survival of a people thereby promoting self-preservation and national development.
It is worthy of note, however, Mr. Speaker, my distinguished colleagues, that Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, despite its strategic location in Plateau State dense and growing population and apparently having significant health challenges has no tertiary health facility to provide quality health services for its people. It is imperative to note that Wase as a geographic entity is located to connect the Southern and Northern Plateau zones and also connects to several neighbouring communities such as in several states including Bauchi, Nasarawa, Gombe and Taraba States.
Wase is also a rich economic zone harbouring rich deposits of mineral resources and of recent, Federal Government oil exploration activities which has been attracting both local and international investors to the Constituency. It is, therefore, only logical that a place of such strategic economic, cultural and geographic significance should have a Health Facility that can cater to the needs of its growing population.
A CASE OF A FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, WASE
Mr. Speaker, My Hon colleagues, you will agree with me that the distance of health facilities to residents is one of the major factors that affect utilization of health services and ultimately health outcomes; increased distance leads to decreased utilization. Thus, physical access to this infrastructure will play a significant role in improving the health status of the masses.
Research has shown that tertiary health facilities make up only 0.25% of health facilities in the country. The low number of tertiary health facilities per unit population can lead to a lengthy wait for specialized care. The ongoing fight against Covid-19 is testamentary to the fact that we as a nation, need more health facilities in order to adequately cater for the needs of our ever-growing population.
The Establishment of Federal Medical Centre Wase will go a long way to reduce the burden on the over-stretched Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and other health facilities within the North Central and North-eastern part of the country, and people of Bauchi, Gombe, Jos South Local Area and part of Taraba State can easily access services in the facility.
Mr. Speaker, my constituents are in dire need of a Medical centre to fill the huge gap and address the concern of those whose future will be guaranteed by establishing a Federal Medical Centre.
FUNDAMENTAL OBJECTIVES OF THE FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, WASE BILL;
The bill seeks to
a. Equip, maintain and operate the medical centre to provide facilities for diagnosis, curative and rehabilitative services in medical treatment;
b. Construct, equip, maintain and operate the centre with proper staff, technicians, doctors and nurses;
c. Operate such clinics, out-patient departments, laboratories, research or experimental stations like other institutions for the efficient functioning of the medical centre;
d. Ensure that medical standards provided at all establishments under its control and the standard of treatment and cure provided for patients at those establishments do not fall below those usually provided by similar establishments of international repute;
e. Provide the general policies and guidelines relating to major expansion programmes of the medical centre;
f. Provide facilities for the training of medical students of associate institutions;
g. Establish the centre of world-class standard with modern facilities and technically equipped personnel.
OUTLAY OF THE BILL
The Bill consists of 6 parts, 27 Sections and Schedules containing Supplemental provisions on the Principal Officers and organs of the university with an explanatory memorandum.
Part I deals with the establishment, Constitution, Principal Officers and Governing Board of the Federal Medical Centre and their tenure.
Part II deals with the functions and powers of the Governing Board.
Part III deals with the Staff of the Federal Medical Centre, their appointment and conditions of service.
Part IV deals with matters relating to Financial provisions, Annual Reports and Powers to borrow.
Part V deals with General Administration and discipline of Staff
Part VI deals with Miscellaneous provisions, interpretation and citation.
ADVANTAGES OF THE BILL
• Provide a platform which shall improve the quality of Medical Services received by the good people of Wase Federal Constituency and neighbouring communities;
• improve Access to medical services by women and children in Wase and neighbouring communities;
• bridge the manpower deficit being experienced in our local health facilities in the area
• reduce maternal/child mortality rate within Wase in particular and Nigeria in general
• Provide employment opportunities and thereby accelerate socio-economic development to the host community of the Federal Medical Centre.
CONCLUSION
The Rt Hon. Speaker, Hon. Colleagues, once the Medical Centre is established, it will not only bridge the gap in the non-existence of health institutions in Wase Federal constituency but will also provide neighbouring States and local governments within the State with health security.
I thereby urge this honourable House to consider it crucial and imperative for this bill to be considered for second reading.
Thank you.
The Bill was voted on, passed for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Health Institutions.
3. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Orthopedic Hospitals Management Board Act, Cap. O,10 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria; 2004 to provide for Establishment of Orthopedic Hospital, Jos, Plateau State; and for Related Matters (HB. 886) (Rep. Ahmed Idris) – Second Reading.
Debate
The Deputy Speaker of the House, Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Nkeiruka Onyeajeocha.
LEGISLATIVE BRIEF
LONG TITLE:A BILL FOR AN ACT TO AMEND THE ORTHOPAEDIC HOSPITALS MANAGEMENT BOARD ACT, CAP. O10 LAWS OF THE FEDERATION OF NIGERIA 2004, TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ORTHOPAEDIC HOSPITAL JOS, PLATEAU STATE; AND FOR RELATED MATTERS, 2020
SHORT TITLE:ORTHOPAEDIC HOSPITALS MANAGEMENT BOARD ACT (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2020.
SPONSOR: RT. HON. AHMED IDRIS
INTRODUCTION
Mr. Speaker. Hon. Colleagues, I once again wish to lead a debate very similar to my last one on the need to establish Orthopaedic Hospital in Jos, Plateau State. The Bill was read for the first time on Thursday, 2nd July, 2020.
Mr. Speaker, Hon. Colleagues, it is worthy of note that healthcare services are a crucial matter in any national development and the need for sufficient orthopedic hospitals cannot, therefore, be overemphasized.
Currently, Mr. Speaker, Hon. Colleagues, Nigeria with a population of over 200 Million persons has only three (03) orthopedic hospitals as provided for by the Orthopedic Hospitals Management Board Act. This, Mr. Speaker, Hon. Colleagues, you will agree with me, is grossly inadequate.
The goal of every government is to ensure that its citizens enjoy optimal health of mind and body. This, however, cannot be actualized with the current number of orthopedic hospitals in Nigeria. In 2017, in a report published by Premium Times, The Chief Medical Director of National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala, Kano lamented that the hospital was presented with more cases weekly than it was equipped to handle. For instance, he stated that the Hospital has just Eight (08) beds for spinal cord injury but received 10 new cases weekly.
A CASE OF A ORTHOPAEDIC HOSPITAL, JOS
Consequently, Mr. Speaker, Hon. Colleagues, it is necessary and imperative that an additional Orthopedic Hospital be established in order to ease the burden on the three extant Orthopaedic Hospitals and to cater to the needs of the North Central zone which does not have a single Orthopaedic Centre.
It is our belief that, when there is an additional orthopedic Hospital in Jos, it will connect neighbouring States such as; Nasarawa, the FCT, Kaduna, Bauchi, Gombe, Benue and Taraba States thereby enabling more persons to access specialized orthopedic treatment and medical services.
FUNDAMENTAL OBJECTIVES OF THE BILL;
✓ The Bill seeks to amend the Orthopaedic Hospitals Management Board Act Cap.O10 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to provide for the establishment of the Orthopaedic Hospital Jos, Plateau State under the control of the Orthopedic Hospitals Management Board and affiliated to the Jos University Teaching Hospital to provide specialized orthopedic treatment and medical services.
✓ The Bill seeks to create an additional orthopedic hospital in order to increase the number of orthopedic hospitals in Nigeria to four (4).
✓ To establish an Orthopaedic hospital in Jos, in order to provide comprehensive, specialized and accessible health services to persons within and outside Jos.
OUTLAY OF THE BILL
The Bill consists of 2 Main Clauses:
Clause 2 amends the Second Schedule to the Orthopaedic Hospitals Management Board Act by inserting a new paragraph 4 as set out below:
“The Orthopaedic Hospital, Jos, Plateau”.
Clause 3 amends the Third Schedule to the Orthopaedic Hospitals Management Board Act by inserting a new paragraph 4 as set out below:
“The Orthopaedic Hospital, Jos, Plateau. And Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau”.
ADVANTAGES OF THE BILL
• Improve access to Orthopaedic and spiral medical services in Nigeria;
• Reduce the burden on existing 3 Orthopaedic Centres in Nigeria;
• Cater to the needs of North Central and parts of North East Geopolitical zones.
• Provide employment opportunities and thereby accelerate socio-economic development to the host community of the Orthopaedic Hospital.
CONCLUSION
The Rt Hon. Speaker, Hon. Colleagues, there is no doubt that additional Orthopaedic Hospital in Jos, Plateau State will go a long way in reducing the current burden on existing ones and also cater to the needs of a great number of people within the North Central and North East Geopolitical zones who do not have any Orthopaedic Hospital.
I thereby urge this honourable House to deem it crucial and imperative for this bill to be considered for second reading.
Thank you.
The Bill was voted on, passed for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Health Institutions.
4. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Education (Technical) Yauri, Kebbi State to Provide Full-Time Courses, Teaching, Instructions and Training in Technology, Applied Science, Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities and Management to carry out Research in the Development and Adaptation of Techniques; and for Related Matters (HB.629) (Rep. Tanko Sununu Yusuf) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Yusuf Sununu moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Shehu Koko. The Bill was voted on, passed for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Tertiary Education.
5. A Bill for an Act to Preserve the Courts Sanctity and Authority of Court as a Sacred Institution in
Order to effectively discharge its functions and excise the Judicial Power conferred on it under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; and Related Matters (HB.675) (Rep. Onofiok Luke) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Onofiok Luke moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Nkem-Abonta.
The Bill was voted on, passed for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Federal Judiciary.
6. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act, Cap. S8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to delete Section 84 in oder to expedite Enforcement of Judgement in Garnishee Proceedings and allow Litigants to get benefits of their Judgement without delay; and for Related Matters (HB.676) (Rep. Onofiok Luke) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Onofiok Luke moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Ademorin Adekoye.
The Bill was voted on, passed for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Federal Judiciary.
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CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE ON SUPPLY) Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila presiding as Charman of the Committee
7. Committee on Finance:
Rep. James Abiodun Faleke:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Finance on the 2020 budget of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and approve the recommendations therein” (Pursuant to Order Eighteen, Rule 41(2)(h) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives) (Committee of Supply)
(i) that a total expenditure of N168,809,476,220 (One Hundred and Sixty-Eight Billion, Eight Hundred and Nine Million, Four Hundred and Seventy-Six Thousand, Two Hundred and Twenty) naira be approved to defray the proposed Personnel, Overhead and Capital expenditure cost of the Service during the fiscal year 2020;
(ii) that the digitalization of all processes in the administration of tax in FIRS should be undertaken so as to catch up with rapidly increasing economic activities most often carried out on-line without physical presence;
(iii) that FIRS (Establishment) Act and other tax laws be amended to make it possible for FIRS to modernize its operations with relevant technology;
(iv) accepts the need for the Service to have an Intervention Fund and recommends approval of One-Off Special Purpose Fund to the tune of One Hundred Billion (N100, 000,000,000) Naira only. This fund will expressly assist the FIRS fund its immediate but pressing needs such as completion of the FIRS Head Office building complex within twelve months, six (6) Training Schools, 30 Prototype Tax Operations Offices, Purpose-built facilities for efficient taxation of the Upstream Petroleum Industry and ICT infrastructure to identify and track digital transactions.
Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Faleke stated that the revenue estimates were based on the 2020-2022 MTEF approved by the House with the inherent benchmarks. The report was to guide the agency in its operations.
Summary of voting:
Recommendations voted on and approved: 1-4
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HOUSE IN PLENARY
The House reverted to plenary and adopted its rulings in the Committee on Supply.
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The leader of the House, Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the House to adopt the votes and proceedings of the day to allow the constituted Committee carry out its mandate immediately and it was seconded by Rep. Abubakar Fulata
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Adjournment:
The House at 13:35 adjourned plenary till Tuesday, July 14th, 2020 by 11:00 A.M following a motion for adjournment moved by the Leader of the House, Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa.
Courtesy:
Media Unit, Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives
