The House of Representatives focused its session on adopting motions to initiate crucial legislative oversight, alongside passing key education Bills and advancing legislation centered on economic regulation and national security
I. ACCOUNTABILITY MANDATES AND ECONOMIC REGULATION
The session featured a robust discussion on economic fairness and consumer protection, translating into resolutions aimed at providing citizens with financial relief and legal clarity.
Addressing Exploitative Rent Practices
The House urged the Federal and State Governments to enforce rent control measures across the country. The resolution specifically seeks to cap annual rent increases at no more than 20% of existing rates to mitigate the financial burden on citizens. The motion was championed by Rep. Bassey Akiba (APC, Cross River).
Advancing Credit and Workers’ Rights
Two key Bills focused on economic well-being scaled Second Reading or advanced to the Committee Stage:
1. Consumer Credit Regulation: The Bill to establish the Nigeria Consumer Credit Corporation and create a Consumer Credit Development Fund advanced to the Committee Stage for further scrutiny. (Presented by Rep. Adewale Hameed, APC, Lagos).
2. Workers’ Welfare: A Bill seeking a comprehensive legal framework for Occupational Safety, Health, and Welfare of Workers passed its Second Reading. (Presented by Rep. David Idris Zacharias, APC, Kogi, and five others).
II. LEGISLATIVE PROGRESSION AND INTERNAL PROCEDURE
The day saw significant activity in advancing legislation, including the introduction of new Bills, the progression of high-profile Acts, and the review of internal procedures.
Key Bills Scale Second Reading
Several high-impact Bills successfully scaled the Second Reading and were referred to relevant committees, including:
1. Bill to Amend Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act. (Sponsored by Rep. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi (APC, Plateau)
2. The Constitution Alteration Bill to Create Ijebu State from Ogun State. (Sponsored by Rep. Olufemi Ogunbanwo (APC, Ogun), among others).
Institutional and Educational Bills Advance
Commitment to specialised institutional development continued with the advancement of Bills to establish specialized educational institutions:
Bills for the establishment of a Federal Oil and Gas Hospital Beni Krukuru, Delta State (from the Senate), the Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Mbosi, Anambra State, and the Federal University of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Jos, advanced for further consideration. (Sponsored by Rep. Paschal Agbodike (APGA, Anambra) and Rep. Daniel Asama Ago (LP, Plateau)).
Internal Procedural Actions
The House recommitted three bills passed by the preceding Assembly (but for which assent was not communicated) to the Committee of the Whole for reconsideration, pursuant to Order Twelve, Rule 17 of the Standing Orders. The bills are:
1. Treaties (making procedure) Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2025 (HB 2346).
2. National Orientation Agency Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2503).
3. Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.500).
In a move to fast-track legislative business, the House also discharged eleven Committees of Bills previously referred to them due to lack of timely reports, committing the Bills to the Committee of the Whole. This motion was brought forward by Rep. Francis Waive (APC, Delta), Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business.
New Legislative Initiatives
The House received and presented for First Reading the Inclusive Green Jobs (Implementation) Bill along with twenty-two other new Bills, signaling the commencement of new legislative pursuits.
III. PUBLIC SAFETY, HEALTH, AND ECOLOGICAL INTERVENTION
Lawmakers moved crucial motions addressing immediate public safety, health crises, and environmental devastation.
Security and Public Health
1. Improving Security Visibility: The House tasked the Nigeria Police Force and NSCDC to enforce compliance with regulations mandating officers on checkpoints and patrol duties to appear in full approved uniforms. (Moved by Rep. Ibe Okwara Osonwa, LP, Abia).
2. Tackling Buruli Ulcer: Lawmakers urged the NCDC to conduct in-depth research on Buruli Ulcer Disease and establish a functional diagnostic and treatment laboratory in Ushongo LGA, Benue State. (Moved by Rep. Terseer Ugbor, APC, Benue).
Ecological, Infrastructure, and Humanitarian Response
1. Oil Spill Remediation: The House urged the Federal Government to urgently investigate, clean up, and remediate areas affected by oil spillage and environmental devastation in Ukanafun LGA, Akwa Ibom. (Moved by Rep. Unyime Idem, APC, Akwa Ibom).
2. Infrastructure: Reps urged the NDDC Management to ensure the completion of the abandoned Obehie–Okeikpe–Akwete–Azumini Road Project in Abia State. (Moved by Rep. Chris Nkwonta, APC, Abia).
3. Humanitarian Crisis: Lawmakers sought the Federal Government’s intervention through relief materials for displaced persons across 52 communities affected by banditry in Patigi and Edu LGAs, Kwara State. (Moved by Rep. Saba Ahmed Adam, APC, Kwara)
IV. PUBLIC PETITIONS
The House continued its commitment to public redress by receiving six new petitions from aggrieved citizens seeking legislative intervention. The petitions were presented by Rep. Mitema Obordor (PDP, Bayelsa), Rep. Chris Nkwonta (APC, Abia), Rep. Nnamdi Ezechi (APC, Delta), Rep. Amobi Ogah (LP, Abia), Rep. Hussaini Mohammed Jallo (APC, Kaduna), and Rep. Jesse Okey-Joe Onuakalusi (LP, Lagos).
