The Speaker, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila presided.
After leading the opening prayer and the National Pledge, the Speaker approved the Votes and Proceedings of Wednesday, December 21st, 2022
ANNOUNCEMENT
Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila reminded the members that the briefing by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Deputy Governor on Financial Systems stability and other members of the Committee of Governors would commence after being admitted into the chambers in compliance with the resolution of the House.
Chief Whip of the House, Rep. Muhammad Monguno moved for admission of the Deputy Governor and her team, in compliance with the rules of the House and it was seconded by the Minority Leader of the House, Rep. Ndudi Elumelu. The motion was voted on and adopted.
The Speaker also announced that the House ought to have adjourned for the Holidays today, Thursday 22nd but had to postpone it to Wednesday 28th to enable it to pass the 2023 Appropriation Bill.
CENTRAL BANK GOVERNOR’S BRIEFING
Speaker Gbajabiamila recalled that the CBN governor was invited to brief the House as dictated by the extant laws of the Federation on new monetary policies, as it affects the new Cashless policy and the redesigned notes while he introduced the representatives of the CBN governor, Aisha Ahmad, a deputy governor in charge of Financial Systems Stability and other members of the Committee of the Governors to the lawmakers. He said the House will take her briefing while the members would ask questions thereafter.
The deputy governor, Ahmad in her presentation explained the reasons behind the Cashless policy, its introduction, the response to the policy by Nigerians, challenges faced over the policy as well as the redesigned notes and the Cash Withdrawal Limit policy.
She said however admitted that due to the feedback from Nigerians and the intervention of the House on the cash withdrawal limit, the CBN has reversed the policy and increased the withdrawal limit significantly.
She also admitted that the apex bank could do better in its engagements with the House of Representatives on the need to inform the legislature about new monetary policies while revealing that 500 million pieces of the new notes were minted by the bank for the takeoff of the naira redesign policy.
Lawmakers took the CBN deputy governor up on the effects of the cash withdrawal limit on Nigerians in the rural areas who make their transactions mainly in cash but where the penetration of banking, power, and telecommunication infrastructures are low.
The steps taken by the bank to check counterfeiting of the new notes, sensitization of Nigerians, and the likely negative effects of the cash withdrawal limit policy on the informal economy.
The issue of the menace of online fraud, the fate of Nigerians in the diaspora, and the duration of the policy were also raised by the lawmakers.
In his closing remarks, Speaker Gbajabiamila noted that the House will meet and deliberate over the briefing while restating that it is not optional but a statutory obligation of the CBN governor to brief the House on new policies of the bank.
He, however, admonished that going forward, the law must henceforth be respected by the bank.
PRESENTATION OF REPORTS
Rep. Saidu Musa Abdullahi moved for the presentation of the Report of the Committee on Finance on the issue from the Statutory Revenue Fund of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) the total Revenue of N262,959,510,955 (two hundred and sixty-two billion, nine hundred and fifty-nine million, five hundred and ten thousand, nine hundred and fifty-five naira), only is for out of which N126,070,912,538 (one hundred and twenty-six billion, seventy million, nine hundred and twelve thousand, five hundred and thirty-eight naira) only is for Personnel Cost, while the sum of N96,061,565,065 (ninety-six billion, sixty-one million, five hundred and sixty-five thousand, sixty-five naira) only, is for Overhead Cost and the sum of N40,827,033,352 ) (forty billion, eight hundred and twenty-seven million, thirty-three thousand, three hundred and fifty-two naira) only is for Capital Expenditure for the service year ending December 2023.
2. Rep. Zakariya’u Galadima moved for the presentation of the Report of the Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Relations on the 145th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly held at Kigali, Rwanda from 11- 15 October 2022, and it was seconded by Rep. Sada Soli.
3. Rep. Zakariya’u Galadima moved for the presentation of the Report of the Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Relations on the 145th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) on Gender Equality and sensitive parliaments as drivers of change for a more resilient and peaceful world Assembly held at Kigali, Rwanda on the15 October 2022 and it was seconded by Rep. Sada Soli.
4. Rep. Joseph Bello That the House do receive the Report of the Ad-hoc Committee to Investigate the Attacks on Officers and facilities of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) (HR. 91/11/2022) and it was seconded by Rep. Segun Odebunmi.
ORDERS OF THE DAY-BILLS
- Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the Third reading of A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Chartered Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering of Nigeria to certify, regulate and determine the standards of knowledge and practice to be attained by persons seeking to become Chartered Electrical and Electronic Engineering Personnel; and for Related Matters (HB. 2060). It was seconded by Rep. Ademorin Kuye. Bill voted on, read the third time, and passed.
- Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the Third reading of A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Procedure and Ceremony for Transition and Assumption of the Office of the President and Vice President by the President–Elect and Vice President–Elect and to Facilitate the Handover Process by the Outgoing President and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and for Related Matters (HB. 1149). It was seconded by Rep. Ademorin Kuye. Bill voted on, read the third time, and passed.
3. Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the Third reading of A Bill for an Act to Amend the Evidence Act, Cap. E14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to bring its Provisions in line with Global Technological Advancements in Evidence taking which shall be Applicable to all Judicial Proceedings in or before Courts in Nigeria, and for Related Matters (HB.2019). It was seconded by Rep. Ademorin Kuye. Bill voted on, read the third time, and passed.
4. Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the Third reading of A Bill for an Act to Repeal the National Inland Waterways Authority Act, Cap. N47, Laws Federal of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the Nigerian Inland Waterways Act, Establish the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority to provide for the Management, Regulation, and Development of the Nigerian Inland Waterways and to Promote Private Sector participation in the Development of the Nigerian Inland Waterways in Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB. 173). It was seconded by Rep. Ademorin Kuye. Bill voted on, read the third time, and passed.
5. Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the Third reading of A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Notaries Public Act, Cap. N141, Laws of Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the Notaries Public Bill, 2022 to provide for the Appointment of Notaries Public, their Registration and to Regulate the Duty of the Office of the Notary Public and to make Provisions for the Performance of Digital and remote Notarization of Documents by Notaries Public in Nigeria and the Recognition of Digitally Notarized Documents as being validly Notarised; and for Related Matters (HB. 2020). It was seconded by Rep. Ademorin Kuye. Bill voted on, read the third time, and passed.
6. Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the Third reading of A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Ado-Odo/Ota, Ogun State; and for Related Matters (HB. 1763). It was seconded by Rep. Ademorin Kuye. Bill voted on, read the third time, and passed.
7. Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the Third reading of A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Agency to Institute the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Scheme and Provide Comprehensive quality and affordable Healthcare Services for all residents of the Federal Capital Territory, and for Related Matters (HB. 60). It was seconded by Rep. Ademorin Kuye. Bill voted on, read the third time, and passed.
8. Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the Third reading of A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology Act, Cap. N116, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact The Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology Bill to provide for full-time and part-time Courses of Instruction and Training for the General Development of Transport and Logistics Sector of the Nigerian Economy for Junior, Middle, Senior Cadre, Managers, Technicians, Technologists, Artisans and for Related Matters (HB.1909). It was seconded by Rep. Ademorin Kuye. Bill voted on, read the third time, and passed.
9. Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the Third reading of A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Education, Nduo, Eduo, Eket, Akwa Ibom State and for Related Matters (HB 2085). It was seconded by Rep. Ademorin Kuye. Bill voted on, read the third time, and passed.
10, Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the Third reading of A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Agriculture (Technical) Ogboinbiri, Bayelsa State to Provide Full-Time Courses, Teaching Instruction and Training in Agricultural Technology, Agriculture and to Carry out Its Due Administration and Management; and for Related Matters (HB.1731). It was seconded by Rep. Ademorin Kuye. Bill voted on, read the third time, and passed.
11. Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the Third reading of A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Investments and Securities Act, 2007 and Enact the Investments and Securities Bill to Establish Securities and Exchange Commission as the Apex Regulatory Authority for the Nigerian Capital Market as well as Regulation of the Market to ensure Capital Formation, the Protection of the Market to ensure Capital Formation, the Protection of Investors, Maintain Fair, Efficient and Transparent Market and Reduction of Systematic Risk; and for Related Matters (HB. 1787). It was seconded by Rep. Ademorin Kuye. Bill voted on, read the third time, and passed.
12. Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the Third reading of A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers Act, Cap. C9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Provide for Establishment of Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments; and for Related Matters (HB. 1858). It was seconded by Rep. Ademorin Kuye. Bill voted on, read the third time, and passed.
13. Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the Third reading of A Bill for an Act to Establish National Research Institute for Chemical Technology to Provide globally Competitive and Environmentally friendly Innovative Research and Development in the processing and conversion of Indigenous Raw Materials into valuable Chemicals and Petrochemical Products for the Development of Chemical, Biological and man-made Fibre Technologies for Industrial application in Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB. 2065). It was seconded by Rep. Ademorin Kuye. Bill voted on, read the third time, and passed.
14. Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the Second reading of A Bill for an Act to Repeal the National Information Technology Development Agency Act, No. 28, 2007, and Enact the National Information Technology Development Agency Act to Provide for the Administration, Implementation and Regulation of Information Technology Systems and Practices as well as Digital Economy in Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB.2117) and it was seconded by Rep. Muhammad Monguno. Bill was voted on, passed, and referred to House Committee on Information Technology.
15. Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the Second reading of A Bill for an Act to Amend the Court of Appeal Act, 2013 to among other things, increase the number of Justices of the Court from ninety to one hundred and ten, provide for the integration of Virtual Court Proceedings; and for Related Matters (HBs. 299 and 2115). It was seconded by Rep. Muhammad Monguno. Bill was voted on, passed, and referred to Committee of the Whole.
16. Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the Second reading of A Bill for an act to Provide for Establishment of Federal University of History and Archaeology, Esie, Kwara State; and for Related Matters (HB. 2159). It was seconded by Rep. Muhammad Monguno. Bill voted on, passed, and referred to the Committee of the Whole.
17. Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the Second reading of A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to Provide for alteration of Sections 244, 262, 277, and 288 therein; and for Related Matters (HB. 2066). It was seconded by Rep. Muhammad Monguno. Bill voted on, passed, and referred to the Special ad Hoc Committee on the Review of the Constitution.
18. Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the Second reading of A Bill for an Act to provide for Establishment of National Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Robotic Studies, Lagos State; and for Related Matters (HB.2012). It was seconded by Rep. Muhammad Monguno. Bill voted on, passed, and referred to the Committee on Information Technology.
MOTIONS
19. Amendment of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives, 2020 to Upgrade the Ad- hoc Committee on Legislative Agenda to a Standing Committee: Hon. Henry Nwawuba: The House: Notes that the success of every Legislative Assembly depends on the conception of a legislative vision which defines legislative goals, adequate planning, and implementation of the goals;
Resolutions; Amend the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives, 2020 to include the Committee on the Legislative Agenda as a Standing Committee of the House of Representatives, by adding new Order 20, Rule 111 as follows:
“Order 20, Rule 111: Committee on the Legislative Agenda
(1) There shall be a Committee to be known as Committee on the Legislative Agenda consisting of not more than 40 Members to be constituted at the commencement of the Life of the House.
(2) The Committee’s jurisdiction shall cover:
(a) Identification of priority areas for legislative actions;
(b) Gathering information on national and international problems within their jurisdiction to
Draft, consider, and recommend a Legislative Agenda for the House;
(c) Conceptualizing and developing a Legislative Agenda for the House;
(d) Implementation of the Legislative Agenda of the House; and
(e) Reporting to the House annually on the progress, prospects, and challenges of the implementation of the Agenda.
(3) the Committee shall in the performance of its duty, consult with the Speaker of the House and other principal officers of the House and shall collaborate with The Committee on Rules and Business to ensure that businesses of the house are in tune with the Agenda.”
(4) that the Committee on Legislative Agenda shall, in addition to the duties imposed on it by the Standing Orders of this House, liaise with the Executive and the Senate to align the Legislative Agenda with the National Development Plan in a manner that the National Development Plan and the collective goal of the nation are achieved. Motion stepped down by the leave of the House.
20. Rep. Makwe Livinus Makwe moved the motion for the Need to Investigate the Brutal Killing of Mr. Ejike Egwu and others in Amaeze Community of Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, and it was seconded by Rep. Chike Okafor. Motion voted on and adopted.
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT
21. Committee on Finance: Hon. James Abiodun Faleke:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Finance on the issue from the Statutory Revenue Fund of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) the total Revenue of N262,959,510,955 (two hundred and sixty-two billion, nine hundred and fifty-nine million, five hundred and ten thousand, nine hundred and fifty-five naira), only is for out of which N126,070,912,538 (one hundred and twenty-six billion, seventy million, nine hundred and twelve thousand, five hundred and thirty-eight naira) only is for Personnel Cost, while the sum of N96,061,565,065 (ninety-six billion, sixty-one million, five hundred and sixty-five thousand, sixty-five naira) only, is for Overhead Cost and the sum of N40,827,033,352 ) (forty billion, eight hundred and twenty-seven million, thirty-three thousand, three hundred and fifty-two naira) only is for Capital Expenditure for the service year ending December 2023 (Laid: 22/12/2022) – Committee of Supply. Approved the total expenditure of N262, 959,510,955 (two hundred and sixty-two billion, nine hundred and fifty-nine million, five hundred and ten thousand, nine hundred and fifty-five naira) for Federal Inland Revenue for the fiscal year 2023. Consideration of report stepped down by the leave of the House.
ADJOURNMENT; The House at 13.45 adjourned plenary to Wednesday, December 28th, 2022
