At Tuesday’s sitting in the House of Representatives, lawmakers continued their constitutional duties of legislation, oversight, and representation, advancing motions and bills that reflect the House’s commitment to citizen welfare, institutional accountability, and national development.
Cross-Carpeting
Three Members of the Minority Caucus from Kaduna State defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Their letters of resignation, read by the Speaker at the commencement of proceedings, cited unresolved internal crises within the PDP as the reason for their decision.
The defecting Members are:
Rep. Aliyu Mustapha Abdullahi (Ikara/Kubau Federal Constituency),
Rep. Sadiq Ango Abdullahi (Sabon Gari Federal Constituency, Kaduna State),
Rep. Hussaini Abdulkarim Ahmed (Kaduna South Federal Constituency, Kaduna State)
With this development, the APC now holds 13 of the 16 House seats from Kaduna State.
Public Petitions
Nine petitions seeking justice and legislative redress were laid before the Chamber by:
Rep. Jesse Okey Joe Onuakalusi (LP, Lagos), Rep. Etanabene Benedict (LP, Delta), Rep. Ibe Okwara Osonwa (LP, Abia), Rep. Terseer Ugbor (APC, Benue), Rep. Hassan Abubakar Nalaraba (APC, Nasarawa), Rep. Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers), Rep. Muhammed Buba Jajere (PDP, Yobe) and Rep. Ngozi Okolie (APC, Delta)
Matters of Urgent Public Importance
Strike by University Teachers
The House mandated its Leadership, led by Speaker Abbas, to urgently intervene in the industrial dispute between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to facilitate a lasting resolution.
Members urged both parties to exercise restraint, embrace dialogue, and prioritise the interests of students and national development.
Motion Sponsor: Rep. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan (APC, Lagos)
Arbitrary Bank Charges
The House urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to publish a simplified list of approved bank charges and enforce penalties against violators.
Lawmakers also tasked the Committee on Banking Regulations to urgently invite the CBN and major commercial banks operating in the country to investigate the growing concerns of arbitrary and incessant charges.
Motion Sponsor: Rep. Muktar Tolani Shagaya (APC, Kwara)
Improving National Security
The House called on the Nigerian Armed Forces, Police, and other relevant security agencies to reinforce deployment and enhance joint operations in Kebbe and Tambuwal Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Sokoto State to secure lives, property, and farmlands.
Lawmakers further urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to rescue all abducted persons, investigate recurring attacks, and ensure swift justice.
Motion Sponsor: Rep. Abdussamad Dasuki (PDP, Sokoto)
Economic Growth
The House called on the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and relevant agencies to initiate a collaborative framework with the Akwa Ibom State Government for the establishment and realisation of the Ibom Deep Seaport.
Motion Sponsor: Rep. Unyime Idem (APC, Akwa Ibom)
Addressing Housing Deficit
The House urged the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to develop and publish a transparent and inclusive allocation framework for a forfeited Estate of 753 duplexes and apartments in Abuja, secured by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The framework is to prioritise low- and middle-income earners, internally displaced persons, and vulnerable groups. The Ministry was also tasked to submit a comprehensive report to the House within 60 days detailing the proposed use, allocation criteria, and beneficiary selection for the estate.
Motion Sponsor: Rep. Jafaru Gambo Leko (APC, Bauchi)
Legislative Progression of Bills
New Bills
The Ease of Doing Business Act (Amendment) Bill and 25 others were presented for First Reading.
Second Reading
A Bill to Enact the Birth, Death, etc. (Compulsory Registration) Act, 2024 to Provide for Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System.
Sponsor: Rep. Okunjimi John Odimayo (APC, Ondo).
Presentation of Reports
Eight reports were laid by the Committee on Health Institutions, including:
1. Report on Bills to Amend the Federal Medical Centres Act and Establish Federal Medical Centres in Ikwuano (Abia), Ohafia (Abia), Kumo (Gombe), Ukana (Akwa Ibom), Ajasse Ipo (Kwara), and Elelele Alimini (Rivers).
2. Report on the Bill to Establish the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Gusau (Zamfara).
3. Report on the Bill to Establish the Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashi (Katsina).
Tribute
The House observed a minute of silence in honour of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, recognising his service to faith and humanity.
