Plenary Proceedings Of Hhe House Of Representatives For Thursday, March 17th, 2022

THE Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila presided.

After leading the opening prayer and the National Pledge, the Speaker approved the votes and proceedings for Wednesday, March 16th, 2022
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ANNOUNCEMENT

1. Senator Tanko Almakura who is an aspirant for the position of the APC National Chairman seeks an audience with All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus members of the House of Representatives today, Thursday, March 17th, 2022 by 3.00 p.m. at Conference Room 028, in the New Building, House of Representatives.
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MOTION OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

1. Rep. Ibrahim Aliyu moved a motion on the need to curb the incessant banditry attacks, cattle rustling, kidnaps and indiscriminate killings in Sokoto State and it was seconded by Rep. Abdulmumimi Ari.

Rep. Aliyu expressed serious concern at the continuous spate of banditry activities in Sokoto State which has made the residents lose confidence in the constituted authorities. He stated that the situation has reached a boiling point as people in the affected communities are afraid of carrying out their usual socio-economic activities due to the indiscriminate kidnappings and killings of people in the communities. He stated that as recently as yesterday, Wednesday 16th March and today, Thursday 17th March, more attacks have continued to occur. Rep. Aliyu further expressed worry that if nothing is done urgently; a complete breakdown of law and order may be prevalent in the region by the activities of the bandits who now freely extort their victims. While commending the 9th House of Representatives and its leadership for the continuous interventions on matters of national security, he called on the House to mandate the Inspector General of Police, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), as well as the Chief of Army Staff to as a matter of urgency mobilize personnel and establish permanent bases in the affected communities. He also called on the relevant Committees of the House to ensure compliance, as well as to investigate to ascertain the cause of the continuous and unrelenting attacks in the region.

The motion was voted on and adopted.
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PRESENTATION OF REPORTS

1. Committee on Health Institutions:
Rep. Paschal Obi:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Convert and Rename University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital Comprehensive Health Centre, Ihima to Federal University of Lokoja Teaching Hospital (FULTH) Ihima to Provide for Establishment of Federal University of Lokoja Teaching Hospital (FULTH) Ihima; and for Related Matters (HB. 1019) (Referred: 24/11/2021).

The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Paschal Obi and seconded by Rep. Abubakar Yalleman

2. Committee on Health Institutions:
Rep. Paschal Obi:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal medical Centre, Gwoza, Borno State; and for Related Matters (HB.1746)” (Referred: 14/12/2021).

The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Paschal Obi and seconded by Rep. Abubakar Yalleman

3. Committee on Health Institutions:
Rep. Paschal Obi:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Rano, Kano State; and for Related Matters (HB. 1083)” (Referred: 28/4/2021)

The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Paschal Obi and seconded by Rep. Abubakar Yalleman

4. Committee on Health Institutions:
Rep. Paschal Obi:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Establish
Federal Medical Centre, Ankpa, Kogi State; and for Related Matters (HB. 1195)” (Referred: 23/3/2021)

The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Paschal Obi and seconded by Rep. Abubakar Yalleman

5. Committee on Health Institutions:
Rep. Paschal Obi:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal College of Nursing, Maiha, Adamawa State; and for Related Matters (HB. 1368)” (Referred: 26/1/2022).

The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Paschal Obi and seconded by Rep. Abubakar Yalleman

6. Committee on Health Institutions:
Rep. Paschal Obi:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mushin, Lagos State; and for Related Matters (HB. 1516)” (Referred: 1/12/2021).

The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Paschal Obi and seconded by Rep. Abubakar Yalleman

7. Committee on Health Institutions:
Rep. Paschal Obi:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal College of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Sciences, Chibok, Borno State; and for Related Matters (HB. 1747)” (Referred: 16/12/2021).

The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Paschal Obi and seconded by Rep. Abubakar Yalleman

8.​Delegation of the House of Representatives on the Evacuation Process of Nigerians Trapped in Russia –Ukraine War:
​Rep. Alhassan Ado Doguwa:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Delegation of the House of Representatives on the Evacuation Process of Nigerians Trapped in Russia –Ukraine War” (Referred: 24/2/2022).

The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa and seconded by Rep. Yusuf Buba Yakub
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ORDERS OF THE DAY

BILLS

1. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Immigration and Prisons Services Board Act, Cap. 12, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the Civil Defence Corps, Correctional, Federal Fire and Immigration Services Board Act, to Provide Policy Direction to the Corps and Services and Appoint, Promote and Exercise Disciplinary Control over Officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Fire Service, Nigeria Correctional Service and Nigeria Immigration Service; and for Related Matters (HB. 1859) (Leader) – Second Reading.

Debate
Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Jimoh Olajide.

The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Interior.

2. A Bill for an Act to Establish National Rice Development Council of Nigeria to Provide Guidance on the Rice Research, Comprehensive Development of the Rice Sector and the Organization of the Rice Stakeholder to enhance Local Production of Rice in Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB. 1846) (Senate) – Second Reading.

Debate
Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Adisa Owolabi.

The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the committee of the Whole.

3. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Deba, Gombe State; and for Related Matters (HB.1847) (Senate) – Second Reading.

Debate
Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.

The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the Committee of the Whole.
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MOTIONS

4. Need to Investigate the Operative Policy on Issuance of Passports, Visas and other Permits by the Federal Ministry of Interior and Its Partners:
Rep. Nasiru Sani Zangon Daura:

The House:

Notes that the Committee on Interior was constituted by virtue of Order Twenty, Rule 63 of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives (Tenth Edition) with power to oversight, among other things, immigration and deportation, naturalization and citizenship, oversight of issuance of Nigerian passports, aliens, emigration, business permits, and Expatriate Quota.

Also notes the provisions of Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) which are intended to expose corruption, inefficiency, or waste in the execution and administration of laws within the legislative competence of the National Assembly.

Further notes that Order Eighteen, Rule 3(1) (a)(iii) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives (Tenth Edition) empowers the Committee on Interior to conduct such investigations that the Committee considers necessary or appropriate in the exercise of the responsibilities entrusted to the Committee

Aware that the Committee, during the study of inherited documents and reports from the 8th Assembly, requested for certain information and documents from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) within its oversight jurisdiction and also from partners and concessionaires of such MDAs;

Concerned that the current framework of agreements between the Ministry of Interior and their technical partners is skewed against the interest of Nigeria resulting in huge financial loss to the Federal Government;

Also concerned that some partners and concessionaires of MDAs under the oversight of the Committee blatantly refused to respond to the Committee after persistent requests for information to aid their investigations;

Disturbed that Messrs Continental Transfer Technique Limited (CTTL/CONTEC) has blatantly failed to honour several invitations and requests of the Committee, which is in total disregard to the House;

Cognizant that if nothing is done, the country will continue to lose revenue and face the danger of losing National assets from the huge debts on the projects involved;

Resolves to:

(i) direct the Chief Executive Officer of Continental Transfer Technique Limited (CTTL/CONTEC) and Associates Technical Partners to appear before the Committee on Interior;

(ii) mandate the Committee on Interior to investigate the operative policy of issuance of passports/visas/permits by the Ministry of Interior and its partners and report back within 8 weeks for further legislative action.

Motion stepped down by leave of the House for further legislative input.

5. Urgent Need to Save Over 900 Medical Officers From Losing Their Jobs over the Termination of Public-Private-Partnership Concession Agreement on Garki General Hospital, Abuja:
Rep. Benjamin Bem Mzondu​​​​​ Rep. Yunusa Abubakar Ahmed​
Rep. Kakale Shehu Balarabe:

The House:

Notes that in 2007 the Federal Government through the Federal Capital Territory Executive Committee authorized the concessioning of Garki General Hospital, Abuja on a Public-Private-Partnership arrangement to a competent Private Healthcare Provider on the basis of a Public-Private Partnership for a period of 15 years;

Aware that in March 2007 the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) signed a concession agreement with NISA Premier Hospital to manage the Garki General Hospital Abuja on a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) arrangement;

Also notes that the FCT administration on March 1, 2022, gave the management of the hospital notice to vacate and hand over the facility by April 1, 2022, following the expiration of the concession agreement and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement with NISA Premier Hospital;

Worried that over 900 workers including 21 Consultants, 113 Medical Doctors, 24 House Officers, 159 Nurses, 96 Patient Care Attendants, Pharmacists, Medical Record Officers, Laboratory Scientists and other technicians may lose their jobs;

Recalls that the management of the hospital had written severally to the FCT administration for a review of the concession agreement without any response until March 1 2022 when the FCT administration sent a letter terminating the Concession Agreement with NISA Premier Hospital with the intention to take over the facility and hand over to another concessionaire;

Worried that the short notice of termination of the concession agreement and takeover of the Garki Hospital by the FCT Administration may lead to the displacement of over 3000 patients with different health conditions, and many highly sensitive expensive world-class medical equipment may be damaged as much longer time is needed to be re-calibrated before removal and sudden termination notice which is not in tandem with PPP agreements according to Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission Act;

Also worried that the one-month notice given the concessionaire (NISA Premier Hospital) to vacate the Hospital premises may be inadequate and contrary to Article 2.2 of the Concession Agreement and Regulation 29 of the Guidelines on Public-Private Partnership pursuant to the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) Act which specifies that a transition Committee made up of parties to the Concession Agreement and the ICRC be constituted to wind down the agreement within a period of 36 months;

Resolves to:

(i) Urge the Federal-Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to stay action on the termination of the Concession Agreement on Garki General Hospital, Abuja pending the outcome of the intervention of the Committee on Privatization and Commercialization, and Health Institutions on the matter

(ii) mandate the Committees on Privatization and Commercialization, and Health Institutions to intervene and liaise with the Concessionaire, the ICRC and the FCT Administration to resolve the issues for enhanced healthcare delivery in the Federal Capital Territory.

Debate
Rep. Mzondu moved the motion on the urgent need to save over 900 medical officers from losing their jobs over the termination of the public-private partnership concession agreement on Garki general hospital, Abuja and it was seconded by Rep. Abdullahi Halims.

Rep. Yunusa Ahmed in contributing to the debate clarified that the House does not intend to halt the process, but to ensure that the procedure follows due process, considering the wellbeing of all parties involved, including the medical personnel as well as the patients at the hospital. He called for a seamless transition to the new owners.

The Deputy Speaker of the House, Rep. Ahmed Idris praised the sensitivity and passion of the House on the issue. While praising the argument of the motion, he however called for balance in the prayers of the motion. He called for the investigation of the claim of both parties so that the House does not seem preemptive in its resolution.

Rep. Jimoh Olajide called for further clarification from the mover of the motion so that the House should be able to make informed decisions.

Rep. Ben Mzondu stated that the law stipulates that at least a-36 month period is needed for a successful transition of such entities, so, the 30-day ultimatum for such a transition is a clear violation of lawful procedural processes.

The Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila called for a balance between the Deputy Speaker’s view, which should be proposed as an amendment and the prayers of the motion.

Following this, Rep. Mansur Soro rose to propose an amendment for a stay of the takeover process pending the outcome of the investigation of the House.

Rep. Bamidele Salam further proposed an amendment calling for the investigative Committee to round up its investigation and submit the report within 5 working days on the floor of the House for further legislative action.

The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Privatization and Commercialisation.

6. Need to Reinforce the Provisions of the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act, 2004 in the Federal Capital Territory and Other Parts of the Country:
Rep. Bamidele Salam:

The House:

Notes that the Report by the Federal Ministry of Education, in 2021 stated that an estimated number of out-of-school children in Nigeria was about 10.1 million, while the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) put the number at 13.2 million and the figure appears to be on the increase as the Ministry of Education has stated that there has been a more than 3 million increase in the figure from 2020;

Worried about the report from UNICEF that Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in Sub Saharan Africa and the highest in the world;

Aware that Section 18 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) provides that:

(i) Government shall direct its policy towards ensuring that there are equal and adequate educational opportunities at all levels;
(ii) Government shall promote science and technology;
(iii) Government shall strive to eradicate illiteracy; and shall provide
​(a) free, compulsory, and universal primary education;
​(b) free secondary education;
​(c) free university education; and
​(d) free adult literacy programme;

Also aware that Section 15 of the Child Rights Act provides that every child has the right to free, compulsory, and universal basic education and it shall be the duty of the Government in Nigeria to provide such education;

Further aware that Section 15 of the Child Rights Act also provides that every parent or guardian shall ensure that his child or ward attends and completes his primary and junior secondary school education, and any parent who fails in this duty commits an offence and is liable‐

(a)​on a first conviction to be reprimanded and ordered to undertake community service;
(b)​on second conviction to a fine of two thousand naira or imprisonment for a term not exceeding one month or to both such fine and imprisonment; and
(c)​on any subsequent conviction to a fine not exceeding five thousand naira or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two months or to both such fine and imprisonment;

Recalls that Twenty-seven out of the thirty-six States in Nigeria have adopted and domesticated the Child Rights Act;

Cognizant that Section 2 of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Act provides that every Government in Nigeria shall provide free, compulsory, and basic education for every child of primary and junior secondary and that every parent shall ensure that his child or ward attends and completes his primary and junior secondary school education;

Also cognizant that Section 2(3) of the Act compels stakeholders in education in a Local Government Area to enforce the provisions of Section 2, thus ensuring that every parent or person who has the care and custody of a child sends such child for his primary and junior secondary school education;

Concerned that the provisions of the UBEC Act and Child Rights Act are not being implemented, considering the statistics of the out-of-school children in Nigeria and the presence of children on the streets hawking, begging, and undertaking all other activities during school hours in the Federal Capital Territory;

Also concerned that the neglect of children puts their future and the future of Nigeria in jeopardy, as they are exposed to getting recruited into kidnapping and robbery gangs, drugs and other crimes;

Worried that the number of out of school children in the country is on a rapid increase and no arrest of defaulting parents or guardians are being made;

Resolves to:

(i) Urge the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to ensure full compliance with the provisions of the UBEC Act and the Child Rights Act in the Federal Capital Territory;

(ii) also urge UBEC to liaise with State Governments who have adopted the Child Rights Act and the UBEC Act for enforcement of the provisions of the law;

(iii) mandate the Committees on the Federal Capital Territory and Basic Education and Services to ensure compliance.

Debate
Rep. Bamidele Salam moved the motion on the need to reinforce the provisions of the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act, 2004 in the Federal Capital Territory and other parts of the country and it was seconded by Rep. Ahmed Munir.

The motion was voted on and adopted.

7. Need to Resuscitate the Ikere Gorge Dam in Iseyin Local Government Area of Oyo State:
Rep. Shina Peller:
​
The House:

Notes that the Federal Government has recorded huge successes in the agricultural sector, which is aimed at diversifying the economy to improve Nigeria’s internally generated revenues, strengthen food security, create more agro-related jobs, enhance national pride and yield more income for farmers;

Also notes that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has successfully initiated programs geared towards the development of the Agricultural sector such as the Anchor Borrowers program, the Youth Farm Lab, and the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative, among others;

Aware that irrigation is a basic determinant of agriculture due to its inadequacies and one of the most powerful constraints on the increase of agricultural yields, therefore the importance of dams cannot be overemphasized;

Also aware that the Ikere-Gorge dam in Iseyin Local Government Area of Oyo State was established in 1983 to serve the purpose of irrigation, hydroelectric and water supply for the people of Oyo State before it was abandoned;

Also aware that the 47km dam is a major earth-filled dam with four tributaries namely Ogun, Owo, Amaka and Oowe Rivers, which is big enough to supply the water needs of the entire South West and is projected to generate 60 megawatts of electricity;

Worried that the dam and its access road is in deplorable condition, making farming during dry season difficult for the people of Oyo State and the Southwest as a whole;

Resolves to:

(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to resuscitate and ensure full functionality and utilization of the Ikere- Gorge Dam in Iseyin Local Government Area of Oyo State;

(ii) mandate the Committee on Water Resources to ensure implementation.

Debate
Rep. Shina Peller moved the motion on the need to resuscitate the Ikere Gorge Dam in Iseyin local government area of Oyo state and it was seconded by Rep. Miriam Onuoha.

The motion was voted on and adopted.
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CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE) Rep. Ahmed Idris chaired:

8. Committee on Tertiary Education and Services:
Rep. Aminu Suleiman:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Tertiary Education and Services on a Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal College of Agriculture, Ijebu Jesa, Osun State; and for Related Matters (HB 322) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid:1/7/2021).

Consideration of the report stepped down by leave of the House

9. Committee on Tertiary Education and Services:
Rep. Aminu Suleiman:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Tertiary Education and Services on a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Polytechnic, Tombia for the Training of Graduands in Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics; and for Related Matters (HB. 1333) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 22/2/2022).

Consideration of the report stepped down by leave of the House

10. Committee on Public Petitions:
Report on the Petition by Anangbashim Julius and Associates:
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Anangbashim Julius and Associates on behalf of Dr Francis Sabastine Dekaa against the Director-General/CEO of the Nigeria Meteorology Agency (NIMET) on the wrongful termination of his appointment and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 6/7/2021);

Urge the Director-General NIMET to reinstate Dr. Francis Sabastine Dekaa to the services of NIMET and pay him all his salaries and entitlements as the country cannot afford to lose such an asset, whom the government has used taxpayers’ money to educate and develop to such a level.

Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso stated that the complainant was seen to be wrongly terminated, the report had been brought before the committee of the whole earlier, but the committee was asked to ascertain the source of the employment if it was from the agency or from the federal civil service, which the Committee had done.

The Chairman of the Committee of the Whole, Rep. Ahmed Idris wondered why the Committee failed to reflect the relevant correction in the report. This is necessary for the House not to act in error.

Further consideration was deferred by leave of the House.

11. Committee on Public Petitions:
Report on the Petition by Community Development Committee:
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Community Development Committee against the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for Compensation for the Victims of the Pipeline Explosion which occurred on 19 January 2020 at Ekoro Abule Egba (Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA) Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 8/2/2022)

(i) Urge the Director-General, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agencies (NESREA) to visit and conduct the environmental impact assessment of the area as well as to ascertain the level of damage done to the people of the area to prevent further recurrence;

(ii) also urge the Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials to the affected people in the area;

(iii) further urge the Group Managing Director, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to come up with a compensation plan that will alleviate the suffering of the people in the area.

Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso stated that the report seeks to secure compensation for victims of the pipeline explosion.

Summary of voting:
Recommendations voted on and approved: 1-3

12.​Committee on Public Petitions:
Report on the Petition by Jos South Local Government Council on behalf of Sir Christopher S. Mancha:
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the petition by Jos South Local Government Council on behalf of Sir Christopher S. Mancha against the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) on the non–payment of compensation and constant harassment of his subjects and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 24/3/2021);

(i) Urge the Hon. Minister, Federal Ministry of Defence to pay Sir Christopher S. Mancha of Jos South Local Government Area all compensations due to them for taking their land;

(ii) also urge the Management of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) to stop further encroachment into the Community’s land and stop further harassment.

Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso stated that the report bordered on a land dispute and the Committee investigated the claims of both sides before making its recommendations.

Consideration of the report was deferred for further legislative action because the heading and the recommendations have not been rightly captured.

13.​Committee on Public Petitions:
Report on the Petition by Coalition of Parents of Foreign-Trained Medical Doctor:
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Coalition of Parents of Foreign-Trained Medical Doctors that sat for Assessment Examination conducted by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) held on 24-25 November, 2021 at the Usmanu Dan Fodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 10/2/2022);

(i) that six months mandatory clinical attachment be maintained;

(ii) that the charges be reviewed downward to reflect the current realities of the economic situation of the country;

(iii) that the MDCN should look at the possibility of conducting a re-sit examination to enable the candidates to retry as is the practice with most examinations.

Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso stated that the said exam conducted for medical doctors witnessed a massive failure of participants. So the committee, after a meeting with all parties came up with recommendations it viewed as the best course of action for all parties involved.

Summary of voting:
Recommendations voted on and approved: 1, 3
Recommendation amended and approved: 2

14. Committee on Public Petitions:
Report on the Petition by Mrs. Orire Olayinka and Mrs. Idris Fatimo Yetunde:
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Mrs. Orire Olayinka and Mrs. Idris Fatimo Yetunde against the Nigeria Customs Service for Non-payment of Death Benefits and Entitlement and approve the recommendation therein” (Laid: 8/2/2022);

Urge the Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service to ensure that the remaining outstanding balance of entitlements and benefits due to the petitioner’s deceased husband is processed and paid accordingly
​
Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso stated that the report had also been earlier considered by the committee of the whole, but consideration was deferred to ascertain the balance to be paid to the beneficiaries.

The chairman of the committee of the whole, Rep. Ahmed Idris then wondered why the balance to be paid was not captured in the report as was expected. He stressed the importance of that detail, so the House is not seen to be complicit in aiding and abetting the siphoning of public funds.

Further consideration of the report was again deferred for the Committee to ascertain the precise amounts to be paid.

15. Committee on Public Petitions:
Report on the Petition by Sabbyn Nigeria Limited:
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Sabbyn Nigeria Limited against Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority on unpaid work done and abandonment of Project and approve the recommendation therein” (Laid: 8/2/2022);
​
Urge the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority to pay Sabbyn Nigeria Limited the sum of 29 Million Naira for the work done.

Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso stated that the work which had commenced was halted, so the Committee recommended payment for the portion of work done, pending further agreements.

Summary of voting:
Recommendation voted on and approved: 1

16. Committee on Public Petitions:
Report on the Petition by Prince Martins S. Effang:
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Prince Martins S. Effang against Mobil Producing Unlimited (now EXXON Mobil Corporation) on the various Incidents of Crude Oil Spillage emanating from EXXON Mobil Operations and Non–Payment of compensation to the affected victims and approve the recommendations therein”(Laid: 15/12/2021).

(i) Urge Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, a subsidiary of Exxon Mobil to pay the affected Communities compensation for damages to their environment as a result of oil spillage emanating from the operations of Exxon Mobil;

(ii) that the compensation be paid instalmentally subject to agreement between the parties.

Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso stated that the oil spillage emanated from operations of Exon-Mobil and the Committee deemed it fit for the affected communities to be compensated for the environmental degradation they suffered, even if the payment is in installments.

The Chairman of the Committee of the Whole, Rep. Ahmed Idris wondered why the Committee recommended that the company should pay in installments? He noted the fact that some companies may see such leniency as leeway for them to defraud Nigerians.

Summary of voting:
Recommendation voted on and approved: 1

Recommendation amended and approved: 2
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HOUSE IN PLENARY
The House reverted to plenary and adopted the report of the committee of the whole following a motion by the Leader of the House, Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa and seconded by the Deputy Leader, Rep. Peter Akpatason.
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Adjournment:
The House at 13:35 adjourned plenary till Tuesday, March 22, 2022, by 11:00 following a motion for adjournment moved by the Leader of the House, Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa and seconded by the Deputy Leader, Rep. Peter Akpatason.

Courtesy:
Media Unit, Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives.

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