The session at the House of Representatives this Wednesday, was marked by intensive legislative action to initiate oversight investigations, the passage of crucial education bills, and the advancement of legislation focused on fiscal clarity and national security.
I. LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT AND ACCOUNTABILITY MANDATES
The session heavily focused on motions compelling accountability, with lawmakers initiating multiple investigations into critical national projects and regulatory compliance.
Probes Initiated
The House constituted an Ad Hoc Committee to investigate monumental investments in the FCT CCTV Project, citing a lack of commensurate results despite significant capital allocation. This crucial motion was moved by Rep. Amobi Godwin Ogah (LP, Abia).
In the area of consumer health and fiscal transparency, Parliament moved to launch three separate probes:
A. An investigation into the alleged use of harmful chemicals in frozen food preservation, moved by Rep. Chike Okafor (APC, Imo).
B. A probe into the operations and performance of Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) in Nigeria, sponsored by Rep. Ali Isa J.C. (PDP, Gombe).
C. An investigation into the domiciliation of Green and Renewable Energy Projects across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure compliance with due process, moved by Rep. Jesse Okey-Joe Onuakalusi (LP, Lagos).
Regulatory and Public Safety Enforcement
On regulatory matters, the House tasked the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) on backlog clearance and the ease of driver’s license issuance to improve service delivery, a mandate moved by Rep. Felix Uche Nwaeke (PDP, Rivers).
Furthermore, in response to safety concerns, the House tasked the FRSC and other relevant agencies to intensify enforcement of safety standards for tanker and heavy-duty operations on the critical Bida–Agaie Road, moved by Rep. Saidu Musa Abdullahi (APC, Niger).
II. ENHANCING EDUCATION AND INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
A major outcome of the day was the consolidation of the House’s efforts in expanding tertiary education across the nation.
Advancing Tertiary and Basic Education
A. The House passed Bills establishing five new Federal Universities located in Owerri, Kano, Zaria, Kaduna, and Biu, demonstrating a firm commitment to improving access to higher education nationwide.
B. Further strengthening the educational sector, the Committee on Basic Education, led by Rep. Mark Useni (APC, Taraba), laid its Report on the Amendment to the Compulsory, Free, and Universal Basic Education Act.
C. Separately, Parliament adopted the Committee Report on the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (Establishment) Bill, and also adopted reports and recommendations concerning five Bills from the Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions.
III. LEGISLATIVE PROGRESSION AND INTERNAL PROCEDURE
Advancing Key Bills
A major step towards curbing jurisdictional conflicts in revenue generation was achieved when the Bill to clarify taxation powers among the three tiers of government passed its Second Reading. This key legislation was presented by Rep. Joshua Audu Gana (PDP, Niger), and jointly sponsored by Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu (APC, Abia) and six other Members.
Additionally, the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (Amendment) Bill and five other Bills advanced to the Committee Stage. The Bill to establish a Department of State Services Security Trust Fund, sponsored by Rep. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi (APC, Plateau), also advanced to the Committee Stage for further legislative consideration.
Internal Procedures and Public Petitions
The Committee on Rules and Business, through its Chairman Rep. Francis Waive (APC, Delta), presented its Report on the further review of the House Standing Orders. The House also received a new petition, laid by Rep. Umar Shehu Ajilo (PDP, Kaduna), seeking legislative intervention over breach of contractual obligations and endangerment of public safety.
