At the final plenary for the Legislative Week, the House of Representatives advanced its agenda on oversight, legislative reforms, and citizen protection.
Inauguration of New Member
At the commencement of proceedings, Rep. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji (APC, Ogun) took the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Membership, reinforcing the principle of continuous representation in the Green Chamber.
Representing Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency, she becomes the 17th female Member of the 10th Assembly.
Request on External Borrowing Plan
The House referred the request from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. on the implementation of the External Borrowing Plan under the 2025 Appropriation Act, to its Committee on Aids, Loans, and Debt Management for further legislative scrutiny. The referral was made by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR, who presided over plenary.
Public Petitions:
Three petitions seeking justice and legislative redress were laid before the Chamber by: Rep. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka (APC, Ogun), Rep. Fredrick Agbedi (PDP, Bayelsa), and Rep. Unyime Idem (APC, Akwa Ibom).
Matters of Urgent Public Importance
International Day of the Girl Child
Lawmakers called on the Federal Government to prioritise girl-child education and skills development in crisis-affected communities. They also tasked the Ministry of Women Affairs to create safe spaces, provide mental health support, and partner NGOs to design mentorship and leadership programmes for girls.
Motion Sponsor: Rep. Kafilat Ogbara (APC, Lagos)
Legislative Oversight and Probes
Power Sector Audit
Parliament resolved to set up an Ad-hoc Committee to conduct a forensic audit of funds allocated and expended under the Electric Power Sector Reform Programme (2007–2024).
Motion Sponsor: Rep. Bassey Akiba (APC, Cross River)
State-Owned Refineries
Members debated the state of non-functional refineries across the country and agreed to convene Joint Committees to probe funds appropriated and disbursed for their rehabilitation between 2010 and 2024. The probe will assess utilisation of public funds and identify responsible agencies.
Motion Sponsor: Rep. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan (APC, Lagos)
Decommissioning and Abandonment (D&A) Compliance
An Ad-hoc Committee was mandated to investigate compliance with D&A procedures in the petroleum industry under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Motion Sponsor: Rep. Zakaria Dauda Nyampa (PDP, Adamawa)
NECO’s Budget Implementation and Virement
The House directed the Committee on Basic Education Examination Bodies to investigate NECO’s budget performance, internally generated revenues, and virements from 2023 to 2025, and to report within three weeks.
Motion Sponsor: Rep. Amobi Godwin Ogah (LP, Abia)
Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) Compliance
Members urged the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to identify and sanction defaulting private companies in line with the NHIA Act.
Motion Sponsor: Rep. Felix Uche Nwaeke (PDP, Rivers)
Security
Military Attack on Benue Youths
Lawmakers condemned the alleged brutalisation and killing of youths by Nigerian Army personnel in Jato-Aka, Kwande LGA, Benue State, and mandated the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to investigate and ensure justice for victims.
Motion Sponsor: Rep. Terseer Ugbor (APC, Benue)
Hippopotamus Attacks in Gombe State
Members expressed concern over repeated hippopotamus attacks in Yamaltu/Deba Federal Constituency, Gombe State, which have caused deaths and destruction of farmlands. They urged the Executive to establish an Inter-Agency Committee comprising the Federal Ministries of Agriculture, Water Resources, NEMA, and HYPPADEC to assess damages and develop control measures.
Motion Sponsor: Rep. Inuwa Garba (PDP, Gombe)
Constituency Delimitation
Parliament urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to comply with the Federal High Court judgment restoring Nsukka South State Constituency in Enugu State, in accordance with Section 115 of the Constitution, and to seek Senate concurrence for constitutional compliance.
Motion Sponsor: Rep. Chidi Mark Obetta (PDP, Enugu)
Legislative Progression of Bills
Six Bills were Passed by the House including:
1. Orthopaedic Hospitals Management Board Act (Amendment) Bill – to establish Orthopaedic Hospital, Toro (Bauchi).
2. University Teaching Hospitals (Reconstitution of Boards) Amendment Bill.
3. Federal Medical Centre, Saki (Oyo) Establishment Bill.
4. Federal Medical Centre, Achi (Enugu) Establishment Bill.
5. Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill – to establish FMC in Okehi (Kogi), and
6. Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill – to establish FMC in Orile (Lagos).
Presented by Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, CON, House Majority Leader
Three Bills Scaled Second Reading:
1. Nigerian Neighbourhood Watch and Community Service Corps Bill – Rep. Adegboyega Nasir Isiaka (APC, Ogun)
2. Constitution Alteration Bill to Create Ibadan State – Rep. Abass A. Adigun (PDP, Oyo)
3. National Institute for Technical and Vocational Education, Kankara (Katsina) Bill – Rep. Dalhatu Shehu (APC, Katsina)
Presentation of Reports
The House Ad-hoc Committee Investigating the Implementation and Remittance of the 5% FERMA User Charge, chaired by Rep. Francis Waive (APC, Delta), presented its report for consideration.
