The House of Representatives, at Wednesday’s plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CFR, considered a wide range of legislative business, adopting key resolutions on defence industrialisation, national security, solid minerals oversight, disaster response, road infrastructure, and parliamentary reform, while advancing strategic Bills, receiving and adopting Committee reports, and considering public petitions.
MOTIONS AND MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
The House adopted resolutions on defence industrialisation, national security, solid minerals oversight, parliamentary reform, disaster response, and road infrastructure through the following motions:
Defence Industrialisation
The House urged the Federal Government to develop a national drone manufacturing policy to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, promote indigenous defence technology, and enhance the country’s capacity for surveillance and intelligence gathering.
National Security
The House urged the Federal Government to provide an alternative access road into the Federal Capital Territory through the Keffi–Karu axis to improve national security, ease traffic congestion, and enhance emergency response capabilities.
Solid Minerals Oversight
The House mandated an investigation into the performance of the Mining Marshal Corps, focusing on budgetary allocations, implementation of projects, regulatory compliance, and allegations of institutional compromise, with a view to strengthening governance and accountability in the sector.
Parliamentary Engagement
The House resolved to facilitate the implementation of recommendations arising from the Parliamentary Breakfast Roundtable held during the National Assembly Open Week 2026, aimed at strengthening legislative practice and public engagement.
Disaster Response
The House urged the Federal Government to provide immediate humanitarian relief and rehabilitation support to communities affected by flooding in Ikot Abasi/Mkpat Enin/Eastern Obolo and Uyo/Uran/Nsit Atai/Ibesikpo Asutan Federal Constituencies of Akwa Ibom State.
Road Infrastructure
The House called for the urgent reconstruction of the Mutum Biyu–Garba Chede Road in Taraba State to restore connectivity, improve economic activities, and enhance the movement of persons and goods.
BILLS AND LEGISLATIVE PROGRESSION
Third Reading
The House passed four strategic Bills at Third Reading establishing specialised institutions to strengthen agricultural and healthcare education across the country.
Second Reading
The House debated the general principles of seven Bills at Second Reading, including a Bill to reform the Armed Forces by strengthening inter-agency collaboration and a Bill to amend the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (Establishment) Act to review statutory charges payable to the Agency. Following debate, the Bills were referred to the relevant Standing Committees for further legislative action.
First Reading
The House also received five Bills for First Reading, including the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (Amendment) Bill.
CITIZENS’ PETITIONS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
Public Petitions
Members presented two public petitions on behalf of aggrieved citizens seeking legislative intervention and redress.
Report Presentation
The House received reports from the Joint Committees on Commerce, Maritime Safety and Administration, and Legislative Compliance on the recovery of unpaid freight levies due to the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, alongside reports on four other Bills.
Report Consideration
At the Committee of the Whole, the House considered and adopted eleven Committee reports, including the report on the Bill establishing the Federal Institute of Mining and Geosciences, Ekiti.
The proceedings underscored the House’s commitment to strengthening national security, advancing indigenous industrial capacity, promoting quality education, enhancing legislative oversight, improving critical infrastructure, and driving responsive lawmaking in the national interest.
