The House of Representatives on Tuesday, focused on enhancing national security, tackling anti-corruption measures, and strengthening infrastructure, alongside hosting delegates from the Parliament of Ghana for inter-parliamentary cooperation.
I. LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT AND ACCOUNTABILITY MANDATES
The session established new mandates for accountability, targeting financial integrity, resource management, and key public infrastructure projects.
1. Financial and Anti-Corruption Probes
The Parliament moved to investigate the activities and accounts of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) from 2015 to date to ensure fiscal transparency in sports development. (Moved by Rep. Adedayo Samuel Adesola, APC, Lagos).
2. The House announced the chairmen for two Ad Hoc Committees tasked with high-profile investigations:
A. Rep. Seyi Sowunmi (LP, Lagos) will chair the committee investigating Pre-Shipment Inspection of Exports and the Non-Repatriation of Crude Oil Proceeds.
B. Rep. Sanni Egidi Abdulraheem (APC, Kogi) will chair the committee on Mineral Exploitation, Security, and Anti-Money Laundering.
3. Public Infrastructure and Environment
A. Dam Completion: The House moved to ensure the completion of the abandoned Ile-Ife Multipurpose Dam, mandating adequate budgetary provision to address the public infrastructure need. (Moved by Rep. Taofeek Ajilesoro, APC, Osun).
B. Green Infrastructure: Lawmakers mandated the National Assembly (NASS) Management and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to enforce the Green Infrastructure Development Framework within the Three Arms Zone, promoting environmental sustainability. (Moved by Rep. Jesse Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, LP, Lagos).
II. LEGISLATIVE PROGRESSION AND NEW BILLS
The House advanced critical legislation related to finance, technology, and anti-corruption measures.
1. Several high-impact Bills successfully scaled the Second Reading and were referred to relevant committees:
A. The Nigerian Fintech Regulatory Commission (Establishment) Bill. (Sponsored by Rep. Fuad Kayode Laguda, APC, Lagos).
B. Bill to amend the Proceeds of Crime Act and for related matters, reinforcing the anti-corruption fight. (Sponsored by Rep. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, APC, Plateau).
C. Three other bills, including bills sponsored by Rep. Ogewu David Agada (APC, Benue) and Rep. Hussaini Mohammed Jallo (APC, Kaduna).
2. Report Consideration and New Legislation
A. The House received the Committee Report on the request to implement new external borrowing in the 2025 Appropriations Act. (Presented by Rep. Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba, APC, Nasarawa).
B. The House considered Reports on the Nigeria Institute of Transport Technology (Re-enactment) Bill and the Project Development Agency (Establishment) Bill.
C. The session saw the introduction of new legislation, including Two Constitution Alteration Bills and the Forestry Guards Training Institute Bill, which were presented for First Reading.
III. NATIONAL SECURITY, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND CRISIS RESPONSE
Lawmakers moved motions to address immediate security concerns, improve road safety, and ensure humanitarian support.
1. Security and Safety Interventions
A. Road Rehabilitation: The House tasked the Federal Ministry of Works on the total rehabilitation of the Kano–Kari Highway to ease commuter hardship and enhance road safety. (Moved by Rep. Yusuf Shitu Galambi, APC, Jigawa).
B. Security Establishment: Lawmakers sought the establishment of a Forward Operating Base in Kanam LGA, Plateau State, to curb recurring banditry and kidnapping in the region. (Moved by Rep. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, APC, Plateau).
C. Aviation Safety: The Committees on Special Duties and Aviation laid their Report on the NSIB Act (Amendment) Bill, aimed at improving aviation accident investigation and safety. (Presented by Rep. Fredrick Agbedi, PDP, Bayelsa).
2. Humanitarian and Infrastructure Crisis
A. Boat Mishap Response: The House urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and North-East Development Commission (NEDC) to provide urgent relief materials and support to communities affected by the Nafada boat mishap in Gombe State. (Moved by Rep. Abdullahi El-Rasheed, PDP, Gombe).
B. Power Access: The House called on the Federal Ministry of Power to ensure the connection of Ode-Itsekiri, Warri South LGA to the National Grid, addressing a long-standing clean energy access issue. (Moved by Rep. Thomas Ereyitomi, APC, Delta).
IV. INTER-PARLIAMENTARY AND CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT
The session began by highlighting inter-parliamentary cooperation with the reception of a Parliamentary delegation. The House subsequently transitioned to its public engagement role, receiving a citizen petition.
A. Ghanaian Delegation: The House received the Committees on Defence and Interior, and Security and Intelligence of the Parliament of Ghana at plenary, promoting inter-parliamentary cooperation.
B. Public Petitions: Parliament received one petition from an aggrieved citizen seeking legislative redress on injustice suffered. (Presented by Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, CON, APC, Edo).
