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Tag: House of Representatives

  • N1.04trn fine: Reps reject MTN’s N330bn offer

    N1.04trn fine: Reps reject MTN’s N330bn offer

    The House of Representatives Friday rejected the offer of the service provider MTN to pay N330bn instead of the N1.04 trillion it was fined by the Federal Government.

    In a briefing on the issue Friday, the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Communications, Hon. Saheed Fijabi said he wondered why the sudden shift in the position of the NCC offer the issue of MTN fine.

    A March 1, 2016 memo from the Nigerian Communications Commissions, and in possession of our correspondent reads: ” The proposal to pay the sum of N300 billion as against the N1.04 trillion (and subsequently reduced to N700 billion by the Federal Government of Nigeria “FGN”) is not supported by any verifiable justification.

    “When considered vis–a – vis the quantum of fine, the present sum is a far cry and there is no verifiable basis for arriving at the new figure.”

    The lawmaker said the offer of $1.7billion (or N330 billion) by MTN, instead of the total fine of $3.9 billion (N1.04 trillion fine by NCC for violation of SIM card registration laws was unacceptable.

    According to him the Minister of Communications, Mr. Adebayo Shittu, has been summoned by the committee to explain the new development on Monday.

    The committee chair noted that it was wrong to accept a reduction while the House was investigating the ongoing negotiations between the Federal Government and MTN on the fine.

    He said:  “It came to us as a surprise to hear that MTN is paying N300bn. How can they be paying that amount when the minister told us that everything was stalled pending the outcome of our investigation?

    “As a House, we have opposed the reduction of the fine because there is no provision in the NCC’s Act that the fine can be reduced. In fact, section 21 of the Act stipulates that even the CEO of a defaulting firm can be made to pay additional fine of over N200, 000 on each of the lines.”

    The lawmaker said ordinarily, MTN’s total fine “should be doubled to about N3 trillion and not even the N1.4 trillion they were asked to pay.”

  • FG to inject N6.5b in Capital Market

    FG to inject N6.5b in Capital Market

    The Federal Government is to inject the sum of N6.5 billion into the Capital Market, Chairman, Senate Committee on Capital Market, Senator Isiaka Adeleke has said.

    The information is coming even as Senators and members of the House of Representatives Wednesday commenced the process of shoring up the dwindling fortunes of the country’s Capital Market.

    At a joint press briefing of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Capital Market, the lawmakers said that they have resolved to rejuvenate the Capital Market to enable it play active role in revamping the economy of the country.

    Senator Adeleke who spoke on stakeholders’ forum on “realizing the full potentials of the Nigerian economy through proactive capital market legislation,” said that the government planned to inject N6.5 billion to shore up the fortunes of the Capital Market as well as to protect investors’ funds.

    He noted that the era of change in the country called for major shift in approaches to seeking solutions to political, social, and economic challenges facing the country.

    Senator Adeleke said that the National Assembly is aware of the dwindling fortunes of the Capital Market and by extension the economy.

    He said, “As a mono-product economy, with oil and gas constituting the life-blood, the global downturn has continued to negatively affect meaningful growth and development.

    “As a parliament we strongly believe that the downward slide of Nigeria’s economy provides the best opportunity for major stakeholders to begin to return the economy to vibrancy. We are confident that the Capital Market can and should perform this role.”

    Senator Adeleke also said that the National Assembly planned to enact legislation that would compel idle funds in bodies like Pension Funds to be used to stimulate the Capital Market to play expected role in the growth of the economy.

    The two chambers of the National Assembly, he said, “came to the jolting realization that the Nigerian economy cannot fully develop without making the capital market the hub or pivot of its developmental strides.”

    He said, “This market has long been neglected and denied its rightful and strategic role in our march towards economic recovery. The Capital Market is a veritable institution for the mobilization, allocation and utilization of long term funds, not just by the federal but also for states and local governments.”

    He added that the forum which intends to create an enabling legal environment for the achievement of the recommendations of the Capital Market Master Plan (2015 2025) is primed towards the rejuvenation of the economy.

    According to him, “the desire of the Joint Committee on the Capital Market and Institutions in this direction is to focus its legislative work in making the recommendations of the Master Plan the catalyst for achieving the infrastructural and development needs of a diversified national economy.”

    He said that the Joint Committee on the Capital Market will be interested in legislations that will encourage Nigerian entrepreneurs to have access to long term funds for productive activities as well as enhance their capacity to create employment opportunities.

    He also said that the committee would work to create liquidity and investment opportunities for both foreign and local investors as well as facilitate the translation of pension funds into investments for national economic development.

    “Laudable as these objectives are, we reason that they can only be achieved when stakeholders in the capital market are able to discuss issues and challenges that will bring about an optimal use of the capital market and mainstream the Nigerian capital market as a critical component in national economic policy.

    As legislators, we are ready to retool the laws guiding capital market operations or make new ones that would accelerate the relevance of the capital market in national economic development. Therefore, we seek to grow the Nigerian capital market to be in a position to contribute meaningfully to economic growth and development.

    “This will make the capital market spearhead development in key sectors of the national economy such as oil and gas, agriculture, tourism and hospitality,” Adeleke said.

     

     

  • Agatu killings: Dambazzau, Arase absence stalls investigation

    Agatu killings: Dambazzau, Arase absence stalls investigation

    The House of Representatives has asked the Minister of Interior, Gen Abdulrahman Dambazzau (rtd) as well as the Inspector General of Police ( IGP ), Solomon Arase to appear before its Committee on Police Affairs Thursday.

    The House may be forced to apply the instrumentality of the law to compel the state officials should they fail to comply with the directive, the summoned officials were warned.

    The invitation followed the failure of the Interior Minister, the IGP, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major Gen. Buratai as well as the Director General of the Department of State Services  (DSS), Musa Daura among others to appear before the Committee for a public hearing on the attack of some Benue communities by unidentified Fulani herdsmen.

    The Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom and the representatives of Fulani herdsmen were also absent at the hearing yesterday.

    In attendance were only officials of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and Tiv socio-cultural association, Mdzough U Tiv (MUT).

    The leadership of the House expressed disappointment that the exercise that took great efforts to put together was met with such nonchalant attitude by some of the stakeholders.

    A visibly disappointed Chief Whip, AL Hassan Doguwa, who represented the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara regretted that most critical stakeholders failed to show up for the hearing.

    “If need be, here may be a need to revert to the constitutional powers conferred on the House to compel the absentee government agencies to attend the hearing and participate fully.

    “It is disheartening to the House to see that agencies that were particularly affected by the subject at hand were not here,” he said.

    Chairman of the Committe,  Haliru Jika, earlier in his remarks said the alarming influx of unidentified herdsmen into Benue State and the consequent threat to peace, life and property could not be overlooked by the House.

    “The problems caused by the Fulani herdsmen and the communities where the graze their herds has assumed a hydra-headed dimension seeking immediate solution.

    “The work of Committee is not to witch hunt but to seek facts and report back to the House,” he said.

    With the dismal attendance, Jika was forced to adjourn after a short execusive session of the Committee as he  willing to continue the hearing after MUT made its presentation.

    However, with several members of the Committee insisting that nothing would be achieved without the presence of the IGP in particular due to the sensitivity of the situation, the hearing was put off after the presentation of the Tiv group, MUT.

    MUT lamented the deterioration of relationship with the herdsmen that had barely 50,000 cattle but now having more than a million in the State.

    The group also alleged that chemical weapon might have been used by the herdsmen that have killed thousands since the outbreak of the attacks.

    “883 persons were killed in 2014 with 23324 displaced and properties worth N31.4 billion destroyed.

    “101 persons were murdered in Buruku, Logo and Tarka LGA in 2015 with 6650 displaced and properties worth N8.3 billion displaced.”

    The group also rejected the proposed grazing routes for cattle as a solution to the problem, “The cattle herdsmen go about with are not government cattle, so tax payers’ money should not be used to establish ranches for the Fulani.

    “Those who have cattle/livestock must find the funds to buy land where they can afford and establish ranches for their livestock,” the group noted.

     

  • Nigeria loses $2.9b yearly to tax incentives

    Nigeria loses $2.9b yearly to tax incentives

    • Reps to review foreign investors’ incentives

    The House of Representatives has lamented the loss of over $2.9billion yearly to tax incentives by the  government.

    The lawmakers said the need to review the incentives granted foreign investors has become expedient as a result of the nation’s current precarious economic situation.

    According to the lawmakers, the incentives that were  granted initially to stimulate the country’s economic growth have failed to achieve that purpose.

    As a result,  the House Committees on Public Account and Finance has been mandated to investigate the incentives that are currently being granted with a view to reducing them, abolishing unproductive incentives and ensuring that those remaining are targeted at achieving specific social and/or economic objectives.

    The decision of the House followed the adoption of a motion by Kehinde Odeneye (APC, Ogun), who said Nigeria recognises the value of Foreign Direct Investments  (FDI ) as a driver of economic growth and development as a result of which various investment laws and regulations have been out in place to attract the inflow of FDI into the country.

    He said: “Nigerian government has actively wooed foreign investors through a plethora of incentive policies and regulatory frameworks to promote FDI.

    “For instance, the government introduced an initiative called the ‘grant of pioneer status’, a legal concession which came in the form of the Industrial Development  (Income Tax Relief) Act, 1970 to support the growth of start-up businesses

    “It is however worrisome that Nigeria is foregoing abiut $2.9billion yearly in form of tax incentives which are being used as a substitute for policies that could genuinely attract more and better investment,  such as ensuring good quality infrastructure, reducing the administrative costs of setting up and running businesses and promoting predictable micro – economic policies.

    “It is equally disturbing that tax incentives are given to companies in the hope that foreign investors will bring in capital to support economic development and create employment,  however, there is little evidence that tax incentives have created investments.”

    The motion was supported by Minority Leader, Leo Ogor ( PDP, Delta ), Garba Datti  (APC, Kaduna),  Nnenna Ukeje ( PDP Abia ) and Herman Hembe (APC, Benue).

    The motion was unanimously adopted after it was put to a voice vote by the presiding officer, Deputy Speaker Yussuff Lasun.

  • Reps bar Kachikwu from plenary

    Reps bar Kachikwu from plenary

    Members of the opposition in the House of Representatives vehemently opposed the admittance of the Minister of State (Petroleum Resources), Ibe Kachikwu into the chamber Monday afternoon.

    Kachikwu was scheduled to address the lawmakers Monday on the latest development over hike in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

    However, trouble started when plenary resumed and time for the Majority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila to move for the admittance of the Minister into the Chamber.

    After the motion was seconded, the Speaker put the question but the nays were more than the ayes.

    The Speaker ruled in favour of the ayes before banging the gavel but before he could drop the gavel, “No, no, All we are saying, save Nigeria and APC shame” rent the air.

    After about three minutes, the Majority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila and Chief Whip, Ado Doguwa approached the Speaker for consultation.

    The Deputy Speaker, Yussuff Lasun, who was seen placating his colleagues and the Minority Leader, Leo Ogor later joined the Speaker’s consultation group.

    The chanting and flag waving went on for another 20 minutes before the Speaker was able to rally the members.

    Before he recognized the Minority Leader Ogor after the noise had subsided, the Speaker said,  “This is the beauty of democracy,  we disagree to agree”.

    He then acknowledged Ogor, who moved that the House dissolve into Executive session.

    The House went into the session without the Minister being admitted.

     

  • Wike charges PDP members on sacrificial lifestyle

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has declared that anyone who  loves the  Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, will make sacrifices for the  sustenance of the party after the loss it suffered during  the  2015 general elections.
    The governor  stressed that only party members with hidden agenda would work towards creating disquiet  in the party as the committed members struggle  to  re-position it.
    Addressing the National Convention Planning Committee meeting  of the party at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday night, Governor Wike said majority of the so-called  founding members  holding press conferences  could not travel to their constituencies  to campaign  for  the PDP, despite being adequately mobilised as recent events have shown.
    The meeting had in attendance  Ebonyi  State Governor,  David Umahi, Former Ebonyi State Governor, Senator Sam Egwu, Former Niger State Governor, Muazu Babangida Aliyu, Former Speaker of the House of  Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Opara, Former Rivers State Governor, Celestine Omehia and Former Minister of Women Affairs, Josephine Anenih amongst other PDP leaders from the six geo-political zones. Also in attendance were members of National Assembly.
    He said: “Anybody who loves this party, knows that this is the time to make sacrifices. We are rebuilding this party and we need to work together in unity to succeed.
    “It is important  that we work as a team as that is the only way for us to achieve set goals. Only those with hidden agenda, will work against the party.
    “For us in this geo-political  zone, we have no other political  party to run to, otherwise we will considered a conquered  people.  That is why we work hard to ensure that  the  party is sustained.”
    Speaking further, Governor Wike said: “When you give conditions to the party, it means you have something  on your mind. These are people who could not go home to campaign for the party during  the  last elections. They remained in Abuja. Now, they are issuing threats.
    The  governor urged members  of  the  party to remain focused and work towards a successful and hitch-free convention.
    The National Convention Planning Committee will meet again  on Sunday to conclude plans for the  event.

  • House of Representatives and use of speed limiting devices in Nigeria

    In view of the low level of preparedness, inadequate number of speed limiters and maintenance Technicians, low level of public enlightenment coupled with the high cost, I hereby plead that the enforcement date be shifted from June 1 to a later date when the above – mentioned factors would have been reasonably addressed even though we know the commercial vehicle passengers will ultimately pay the price through increased transport fares.

    In addition, it should be noted that Tools to circumvent the speed limiters are widely available and easy to install because it operates through electronic sensors and the engine Computer which can be easily manipulated. In developed countries, electricity meters are not usually manipulated but you all know the situation in Nigeria of today where even prepaid meters are been manipulated.

    It is possible for Manufacturers of Commercial vehicles and Trucks to be compelled to install pre – set and unalterable road speed limit right from the factory as a condition for the sale of their vehicles in Nigeria to avoid the need to be compelling buyers to install.

    Adequate and Appropriate Driver education is much more vital than speed limiter and must therefore be emphasized. Driving Schools must not compromise the standards of their training. The public and private sector Organisations must also release their Drivers to go to Driving Schools for result – oriented theory and practical re – training and capacity building programmes. Speed Limit signs should be installed in the appropriate places on the highways and rural roads with the right monitoring mechanism put in place for the apprehension and prosecution of speed violators even for speeding up to 40km/h where the speed limit sign says Drivers should not speed more than 30km/h.

     

    Call for further brainstorming

     

    While I suggest that the June 1 implementation date should be pushed forward, I want the Federal Road Safety Commission and her Partners in the speed limiter project should in addition to the above – mentioned, take note of the above-mentioned facts for further brainstorming to ensure a more result – oriented implementation of the speed limiting policy in Nigeria.

    I am not an Apostle of doom, but the unpleasant and devastating results of the over-rushed new Drivers’ license and the ongoing Graduated Driver Licensing System, which have been worrisomely compromised, is one of the very fresh examples to further affirm my claims in this article.

  • Passage of 2016 budget now Thursday

    Passage of 2016 budget now Thursday

    The 2016 budget will not be passed Thursday as promised by the National Assembly, it was learnt Wednesday.

    Rather, the fiscal document will be laid on the floors of the Senate and the House of Representatives by the Appropriation Committees of the two chambers.

    The Appropriation Committee of the two chambers had at a media briefing promised that the N6.08 trillion 2016 budget presented by President Muhammadu Buhari on December 22, 2015 would be passed Thursday.

    The new date of March 17 came after efforts to pass the budget on February 25, 2016 failed.

    Following the promise, a copy of the 2016 budget would have been laid Wednesday preparatory for its consideration and passage Thursday.

    Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, however told reporters in Abuja that the 2016 budget will be laid today.

    Abdullahi who is also a member of the Appropriation Committee, noted that after laying the budget, what would remain would be merely administrative work.

    Anxiety mounted Wednesday following the failure of the Appropriation Committee to lay the budget as promised before Senate adjourned.

    There was also no mention of the budget during Senate plenary.

    Abdullahi said, “God willing we are laying the budget Thursday. I can assure Nigerians that the budget will be laid Thursday. That tells you that a lot of work has been completed on the budget.

    Abdullahi noted that Nigerians are aware of “the back and front of the budget” saying that by scheduling March 17 to pass the budget, they merely set target for themselves.

    He added that members of the National Assembly have taken their time to work on the document because they wanted implementable budget.

    Abdullahi said, “All is almost set for the laying of the 2016 budget tomorrow (today) in the senate chamber as we have promised Nigerians and with that,  one or two processes that are required will take place and we will have our budget as promised.

    “This has put to rest any suspicion of what is happening. I am here to inform you that tomorrow 17th, God sparing our lives; the 2016 budget would be laid by the Chairman of the Appropriation Committee.

    “We are laying the budget tomorrow; that means that every little work that needed to be done with respect to getting that budget as an appropriation has been done. Literally passing the budget tomorrow means that beyond laying it we will discuss it, by taking it clause by clause and give it the loud voice that would proclaim its passage.

    “When a target is set, it is to allow you to work very hard to achieve the target. By virtue of the fact that the budget would be laid tomorrow, it shows that we had worked so hard to get to that point.

    “The rest after laying the budget is merely administrative. As far as we are concerned, in line with the legislative procedure, by laying the budgettomorrow, it is as good as we have passed the budget.

    “What remains is for us to go through one or two things as a procedure. We have done very well by ensuring that the budget would be laidtomorrow. There are lots of back and fore with respect to the budget.

    “We are not unmindful about the date set for the passage, but we want to give Nigerians a budget that is acceptable, implementable, and that will actually drive the key policies of this government with respect to the change agenda.

    “For the budget to be laid tomorrow, that means that there is concurrence; all members of the appropriation committee are satisfied, everybody that has a responsibility.

    “Every member of the committee has appended his signature on the budget and by tomorrow when the budget is laid, Nigerians will know that we have done well.”

    Also alluding to the fact that the budget will no longer be passed today scheduled, Senate Leader, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume informed that the budget would be passed on Tuesday March 22, 2016.

    Ndume also said that a clean copy of the budget would be transmitted to President Buhari on Wednesday, March 23, 2016.

    It is expected that after laying it, Senators would be given copies of the fiscal document to read in detail before its possible passage on March 22, 2016.

     

  • Reps probe N49tr yearly loss in mining sector

    Reps probe N49tr yearly loss in mining sector

    • Fayemi eyes 10% GDP contribution

    Why is Nigeria earning a paltry N31.449billion annually from the solid minerals sector when it could actually earn as much as N50 trillion?

    This is the mystery the House of Representatives is determined to solve as it braces to probe the loss of almost N50 trillion annually in the mining sector.

    The House yesterday mandated its Committee on Solid Minerals Development to invite all stakeholders involved in the process of mapping, licensing, mining and exportation of solid minerals in order to determine the extent of compliance with the Mining Act, 2007.

    The House’s resolution followed the adoption of the prayers of a member, Hon. Lovette Ederin Idisi entitled: “Call for an End to the Violation of the Mining Act of 2007 by Mining Companies, Individuals and Regulatory Bodies.”

    According to the House, the Committee should also  determine the number of licensed miners against the number of unlicensed miners and the number of prosecutions, if any,  and convictions secured with regard to the violations of the Act.

    The committee will again ascertain the data and value of exploited and exported solid minerals and where they are located, and report back to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.

    Meanwhile, the Federal Government said it is currently focused on ensuring that the solid minerals sector improves its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country, from 0.3 per cent to at least 10 per cent in the near future.

    To acheive this, the government will reposition the solid minerals sector to meet its plan to diversify the economy and create employment through the sector.

    Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, said a lot of innovations are being put in place to overcome all the blockages that could hinder the attainment of the goal.

    Fayemi who spoke yesterday while delivering a keynote address at the 52nd Conference of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) in Ilorin, Kwara State, said the  industry has great opportunities for diversification and linkages to the development of other sectors of the economy.

    His Special Assistant (Media), Yinka Oyebode in a press statement quoted Fayemi as saying:

    “We strongly believe that the only way minerals development can be sustainable is through economic linkages. We shall promote the development of industrial minerals and encourage down stream linkages leading to the processing of these minerals for our local industries.”

    While moving the motion, on the floor of the House, Idisi said “illegal mining and exportation of gold and barites are going on in the country in clear violation of Section 7 of the Act, which requires any person wishing to export solid minerals to obtain a permit.”

    He noted that the Mining Act of 2007 which repealed the Minerals and Mining Act No. 34 of 1999, prohibits unauthorised exploration/exploitation of solid minerals in the country and vests on the Federal Government, the responsibility of implementing the provisions of the Act by creating an enabling environment for the exploration, exploitation and sustainable development of these resources for the benefit of the nation.

  • Commonwealth honours Dogara for passing 130 bills in a day

    Commonwealth honours Dogara for passing 130 bills in a day

    The Royal Commonwealth Society Nigeria on Thursday, honoured the Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, with Commonwealth Ambassador’s Award for leading the legislators to pass 130 bills in a day.

    The Vice President of the association, Mr Abdullahi Faruk, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the 2016 Commonwealth Day Celebration in Abuja that the feat was novel.

    NAN reports that a total of 130 bills passed first reading at the House of Representatives on Dec. 10, 2015, a development Dogara, described as “unprecedented”.

    “We looked at the antecedents of the person of Yakubu Dogara, how he has taken the mantle of legislative leadership.

    “We looked at how he has, for the very first time, introduced over 100 bills in one day for the legislators to deliberate for the good of Nigerians.

    “We looked at the feat, it is an all-inclusive kind of governance for Nigerian people and he deserved that recognition and that is why the Commonwealth gave him that recognition.”

    Faruk, however, said that the recognition given to the Speaker was to ensure that he continued to deliver for the good of the Nigerian people.

    The Chairperson, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Mrs Nnenna Ukeje-Elendu, who represented Dogara, told NAN that Nigeria had benefitted a lot from her membership of the Commonwealth.

    “The Commonwealth gives us another opportunity and platform where we can converse about Nigeria outside of the United Nations and other international organisations that we belong to.

    “This opportunity is such that grows and emancipates our people and deepens our democracy,” she said.

    Ukeje-Elendu noted that Nigeria, as the largest country and the largest economy in Africa, could not live in isolation in a world that had become increasingly without borders.

    She explained that Nigeria was indeed recognised and affirmed by those international institutions it belonged to as the “giant of Africa”.

    “The Commonwealth is an association of people who have filial, historical affinities and is a platform where we can actually speak on the issues that matter to us most.

    “These issues are freedom, gender equality, global and security, and bridging the gap of poverty, diversification, creating platform for trade and to speak about the things that affect us.”