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Tag: Reps

  • Reps give WAEC 24-hour ultimatum over SSCE irregularities

    Reps give WAEC 24-hour ultimatum over SSCE irregularities

    The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to appear before it and address mounting concerns over irregularities in the ongoing Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).

    Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Oboku Abonsizibe Oforji, made this known in a statement on Thursday, expressing strong displeasure over WAEC’s failure to honour an earlier invitation to clarify issues affecting the credibility and conduct of the exams.

    According to Oforji, the Committee had invited WAEC to a hearing scheduled for Thursday, May 29, 2025, following numerous complaints from the public. The invitation, he said, was issued on Tuesday, May 27, but WAEC failed to attend without providing a reason.

    “The Committee is deeply concerned by widespread irregularities reported across examination centres,” Oforji stated. “We’ve received disturbing accounts of students sitting for exams as late as midnight in some locations. This is completely unacceptable.”

    He stressed that WAEC’s failure to appear before the Committee is a serious oversight, especially at a time when the integrity of national examinations is being called into question.

    The Committee has now directed WAEC to appear within 24 hours or face further legislative action.

    Read Also: WAEC: Parents fear mass failure over late arrival of materials in Delta

    “The House felt it necessary to summon WAEC to explain these developments and the trauma candidates are currently facing. However, WAEC responded this morning, saying they couldn’t appear due to their involvement in the ongoing exams. Ironically, this is the very reason we are asking them to appear.”

    Oforji emphasised that the committee expects WAEC to appear before it on Friday, warning that failure to do so would compel the lawmakers to invoke the constitutional powers of the House to ensure compliance.

    He said, “Our intention is not to witch-hunt WAEC, but to seek answers that will calm public tension and prevent a recurrence of these challenges. WAEC has been conducting exams for decades, and we have never experienced this level of disorganisation

    “Something is wrong, and it must be addressed. The Committee has therefore resolved that WAEC must appear unfailingly on Friday, May 30, 2025, or face legislative sanctions in accordance with the powers vested in us by the Constitution.”

  • Reps threaten to revoke licenses of illegal quarry operators

    Reps threaten to revoke licenses of illegal quarry operators

    The House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals has threatened to recommend the revocation of mining licenses for companies operating quarries illegally or refusing to honour legislative summons.

    Chairman of the committee, Hon. Jonathan Gaza Gbefwi, issued the warning during an investigative hearing on the operations of mining companies across the country.

    He specifically ordered Arab Contractors and Omatek to submit all relevant documents authorising their operations at the Nature Quarry Site or shut down immediately.

    Gbefwi, who represents Nasarawa, expressed concern over the refusal of several quarry companies to respond to the committee’s invitations, describing the trend as a blatant disregard for Nigerian laws.

    Read Also: Reps raise alarm over state of Nigerian missions in America

    According to him, the committee’s oversight visits to various quarry sites in Abuja exposed serious irregularities, including non-compliance with community development agreements and neglect of host communities.

    He noted that many firms failed to deliver on their commitments, leaving affected communities in poor conditions.

    The committee also found that, in many cases, only technical staff of these companies reside in Nigeria, while key decision-makers such as Managing Directors and Managers operate remotely from countries like China.

    While acknowledging Nigeria’s openness to foreign investment, Gbefwi stressed that such investments must not come at the expense of host communities’ welfare or legal compliance.

    He accused Arab Contractors of operating a quarry without the necessary government approvals, describing their activities as illegal.

    Gbefwi warned that beyond recommending suspensions of licenses to the Ministry of Solid Minerals, the House may be forced to push for the outright revocation of licenses for companies found in violation of the law.

  • Reps raise alarm over state of Nigerian missions in America

    Reps raise alarm over state of Nigerian missions in America

    The House of Representatives has expressed concern over the state of Nigeria missions in the United States of America leading to decay of infrastructure and failure to pay staff salaries for one year.

    In a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, the House resolved to investigate the administrative, financial, and infrastructural conditions of Nigeria’s Missions in New York, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C.

    The House asked the federal government to immediately appoint the Nigerian Permanent Representative at the United Nations and High Commissioner to the United States of America.

    In addition, the lawmakers asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the office of the Accountant General of Nigeria to urgently intervene in the situation in the United States missions and save the mission (and other affected missions) from imminent ridicule, embarrassment and operational difficulties.

    The House investigation is to ascertain the causes of salary arrears, budgetary shortfalls, and mismanagement of allocated funds and propose long-term recommendations to restore efficiency, professionalism, and dignity in Nigeria’s Foreign Service operations.

    Leading the debate on the motion, Chinda expressed concern about the disturbing and embarrassing findings during the recent oversight visit of the Nigeria-United States of America Parliamentary Friendship Group to Nigeria’s Mission Houses in New York, Atlanta and Washington D.C.

    He said mutual diplomatic representation is very crucial for promoting understanding and international cooperation amongst various countries, and projecting a positive image of Nigeria among the comity of nations.

    He said with dismay that the Nigerian Mission House in New York is reportedly indebted in rent payments and has left over thirty staff without salaries for over a year; while in Washington D.C., the elevator in the Mission House was only repaired after a patriotic Nigerian intervened to restore it, an act which while noble, underscores gross negligence and systemic dysfunction in the running of Nigeria’s foreign Missions.

    He drew attention of the House to the provision of S.19 (a), (b), (c) and (e) of the 1999 Constitution which deals with the Foreign Policy Objectives of Nigeria, and underscores the key elements such as promotion and protection of the national interest, promotion of African integration and support for African unity, promotion of international cooperation for the consolidation of Universal peace, and promotion of a just world Economic order.

    He said further that “in furtherance of the above Provisions, particularly the need for the promotion of international cooperation, Nigeria maintains several diplomatic missions globally comprising embassies, high commissions and consulates Charged with representing Nigeria’s interests, strengthening bilateral ties, facilitating consular services, and supporting Nigerian citizens in diaspora.

    “These foreign missions serve as a means of interface for the Nigerian government, foreign governments and other international organisations, and are strategic for advancing our diplomatic, economic, cultural and technical aid policies. The USA hosts several important international organisations, including the United Nations (UN).

    “For two years running, Nigeria has failed to replace Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Nigerian High Commissioner to the USA, who chairs the Committee on Peace. This dereliction, among other issues, has created a negative perception of Nigeria globally and will potentially harm our aspiration for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Tax reform bills ready for presidential assent as Reps adopt harmonised bills

    “The fact that in recent times, Nigerian missions have been beset with several challenges, such as poor state of the mission houses, poor state of infrastructure and facilities, inability to pay staff salaries, ineffective diplomatic participation, and neglect of strategic foreign policy engagements, amongst others.

    “Despite receiving yearly budgetary allocations appropriated for their smooth operations, including running costs, maintenance of facilities and staff welfare, the dwindling value of the naira has made the same very inadequate, and the missions are therefore unable to meet their obligations, especially in the USA.

    “Nigeria’s international image is severely undermined by such appalling neglect, mismanagement, and administrative decay in key diplomatic outposts – especially in the US, where Nigeria maintains strategic interests and aspirations, including her long-standing quest for & permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

    “There is an Urgent ne investigate this state of affairs in the United States ascertaining the true situation of things.

    “Unless very urgent and pragmatic steps are immediately taken to investigate and address this issue, the country may lose its respect in the eyes of its citizenry and may, in the long run, plunge the country into ridicule and irrelevance among global actors. 

  • JUST IN: Tax reform bills ready for presidential assent as Reps adopt harmonised bills

    JUST IN: Tax reform bills ready for presidential assent as Reps adopt harmonised bills

    The four tax reform bills submitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in October 2024 are now ready for presidential assent following the harmonisation of the versions of the bills passed by both chambers of the National Assembly.

    At plenary on Wednesday, the House of Representatives considered the report of the conference committee, which harmonised the bills.

    Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, James Abiodun Faleke (APC, Lagos), who headed the House team to the conference committee, presented the conference report to the House for consideration.

    He said the conference committee met and agreed on all areas of difference in the version passed by both chambers of the National Assembly.

    Faleke said that there were 45 areas of difference in the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 12 areas of difference in the Nigeria Revenue Service Bill, 9 areas of difference in the Joint Board Bill and 46 areas of difference in the Nigeria Tax Bill, adding that the differences were agreed upon and resolved by the committee.

    While the conference committee agreed to retain the Senate version in some of the clauses, they also retained the House version in some others, making amendments in a few others.

    The conference committee agreed to the imposition of a 4 percent development levy on assessable profit of all companies chargeable to tax under chapters two and three, other than small companies and non-resident companies.

    They also agreed that the levy shall be collected by the Nigeria Revenue Service and paid into a special account created for that purpose.

    In the sharing formula, the committee agreed that 50 percent of the tax will go to Tertiary Education Trust Fund, 15 percent to the Education Loan Fund (up from 3 percent agreed by the House), 8 percent to Nigeria Information Technology Development Fund (up from 5 and 10 agreed by both chambers).

    Also, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure is to get 8 percent (down from. 10 percent earlier agreed by both chambers), the National Board for Technology Incubation is to get 4 percent from the fund, defence and security infrastructure is to get 10 percent while cyber security fund will get 5 percent.

    The Social Security fund, the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, National Sports Development Fund were excluded from the list of beneficiaries passed by the House of Representatives.

    The committee, however, adopted a new clause 158, which imposes a 5 percent surcharge on chargeable fossil fuel products provided or produced in Nigeria and shall be collected at the time a chargeable transaction occurs.

    A close study revealed that the contentious VAT sharing formula was not part of the areas of disagreement between the two chambers.

    Read Also: Reps to investigate alleged mismanagement of student loan disbursement

    Speaking after the passage, Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu said the National Assembly has shown great support for the progress of the country, adding that with the passage of the bills, the country has moved from where it was to where it ought to be.

    He said the National Assembly will rise to take the country to prosperity, while commending Nigerians for the support they showed throughout consideration, saying the four bills will position Nigeria and put it on the path of growth.

    Ahmed Jaha (APC, Borno) warned those who will clean up the bill not to tamper with any of the clauses passed, saying, “where the ‘T’ is not crossed, don’t cross it, where the ‘I’ is not dotted, don’t do it. We have the original copies of the bills as passed before and after harmonisation.

    “We have had cases in the past where those in charge of cleaning up the bills tamper with them, and at the end of the day, the President will withhold assent. That must not happen”.

  • Emotions as Reps holds valedictory session for late members

    Emotions as Reps holds valedictory session for late members

    Emotions flow freely on Tuesday when the House of Representatives held a valedictory session for five of its members who have died since the inauguration of the 10th Assembly in 2023

    The members are Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, Abdulkadir Jelani Danbuga, Isa Dogonyaro, Olaide Adewale Akinremi and Ekene Abubakar Adams. 

    The day’s plenary also used by the House to mark the international children’s day with a student of Government Secondary School, Luke Lawal Haruna Sani serving as shadow Speaker. 

    Speaking at the session, Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen the passing of the members left a pain in the hearts of members and a void in the deliberations of the House.

    According to him, each of the late members “served with distinction, passion, and tireless dedication to their country and constituents. Although their voices now fall silent, the ideals they championed continue to resonate within these walls and the communities they tirelessly served and uplifted.

    Speaking on individual members who passed away, the Speaker said Onanuga’s unwavering advocacy for women’s empowerment and education transformed countless lives in Ogun State. 

    He said, “Her electoral triumphs were only surpassed by her generosity of spirit and her willingness to nurture emerging leaders. Danbuga exemplified quiet humility”.

    He said though his tenure was brief, Abdulkadir Jelani Danbuga’s devotion to Isa/Sabon Birni Federal Constituency of Sokoto state was steadfast, proving that true impact rests not on years served, but on the courage shown each day.

    He said Is a Dogonyaro brought rigorous integrity to every committee he served, from national security to public health, “reminding us that leadership often speaks most powerfully through action rather than words.”

    Speaking further, Speaker Abbas said Akinremi, popularly known as Jagaban’s entrepreneurial vision united commerce and community service, illustrating how public office can ignite innovation for the common good. 

    Read Also: In defence of Reps Deputy Speaker Kalu

    He stressed that Ekene Adams, “whose youthful vigour on the football field shaped his legislative zeal, taught us that the spirit of teamwork and resilience is as vital in the Chamber as on the pitch.

    “Their collective legacy compels us to remember that our authority here on earth is neither a birthright nor an end in itself, but a sacred trust borrowed for a moment in history. 

    “As the American philosopher William James admonished, “the greatest use of a life is to spend it on something that will outlast it.” Another thinker reminds us that “life becomes more meaningful when we realise the simple fact that we will never get the same moment twice”.

    “Accordingly, it becomes imperative that we seize every opportunity presented to us. Each sunrise brings a new beginning, and with it, the chance to impact lives around us. We must do so with purpose, fully aware that the laws we craft and the policies we propose today will mould the destinies of those very children sitting among us.

    “To the families of our departed colleagues, we extend our deepest condolences and pledge that the memories of your loved ones will not merely fade on marble plaques but will endure in the lives transformed by their work. 

    “May you find solace in the knowledge that their service enriched this nation and that their unfinished dreams will guide us forward.

    Honourable colleagues, let us honour the sacrifice of these our former colleagues by renewing our vigour to legislate with compassion, oversee with integrity, and govern with humility. 

    “Let every motion we pass, every debate we engage in, and every decision we make resonate with the values our late friends lived and died for.

    ” We beseech the Almighty to grant eternal rest to these noble souls, to console those who grieve, and to inspire us, both young and old, to carry forth their torch of public service into a brighter tomorrow”. 

    Deputy Minority Leader, Aliyu Sani Madaki could not hold back his emotions for long as he read his tribute to the late Is a Dogonyaro, while the wife to Akrinremi fought back tears as she commended the House for honouring her husband and the others. 

    Former Speaker of the House, Patricia Etteh recalled her last moment with the Onanuga a few days before he passed away, adding that she had scheduled to meet with her over her health condition. 

    Etteh described the late Onanuga as a dedicated and hard working person who fought her way to limelight through hard work, dedication abe loyalty. 

  • Reps withdraw compulsory voting bill

    Reps withdraw compulsory voting bill

    The Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas has announced the withdrawal of the compulsory voting Bill.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Bill to Amend the Electoral Act 2022 to make voting mandatory for all eligible Nigerians, by the Speaker and co-sponsored with Rep. Daniel Adama Ago.

    This is contained in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, in Abuja on Monday.

    Abbas said the withdrawal was decided following extensive consultations with a broad spectrum of stakeholders.

    “He has decided to withdraw the Bill to Amend the Electoral Act 2022 to make voting mandatory for all eligible Nigerians, which he co-sponsored with Rep.  Ago.

    “From the outset, the Bill was introduced with the best of intentions, which is to bolster civic engagement and strengthen our democracy by encouraging higher voter turnout,” he said.

    He said that compulsory voting had long been practised with notable success in countries such as Australia, Belgium and Brazil.

    Read Also: Mid-term assessment: Enugu Reps Caucus rates Mbah high

    According to him, it has helped sustain participation rates above 90 per cent, while nations like Argentina and Singapore have also implemented similar measures to foster inclusivity at the ballot box.

    The speaker however, acknowledged that lawmaking is ultimately about the people it serves, and that any reform must respect individual freedoms and public sentiment.

    “Rather than compel participation, he is committed to exploring positive incentives and innovative approaches that will make voting more attractive and accessible to all Nigerians.”

    “This withdrawal would allow time for further dialogue on how best to cultivate a culture of voluntary participation that honours both our democratic ideals and the rights of our citizens.”

    (NAN)

  • Reps move to curb bank profiteering, push for support to real sectors

    Reps move to curb bank profiteering, push for support to real sectors

    The House of Representatives has raised concerns over the widening gulf between the booming profits of Nigeria’s banking sector and the stagnation of key real economy sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing.

    The House called for sweeping reforms to realign financial policies with national development priorities.

    This followed the adoption of a motion, sponsored by Hon. Adegboyega Adefarati, titled “Need to Address the Disproportionate Balance between Banking Sector Profits and Real Economy Growth,” during plenary on Wednesday.

    The House decried the banking sector’s massive post-tax profits, which have crossed the N1 trillion mark, despite a backdrop of economic distress for major productive sectors.

    Hon. Adefarati said the House was “deeply worried” by the increasing shift of banks from traditional lending to profit-making via fees and commissions, a trend he noted had driven up financial service costs for consumers and shut out small businesses from accessing affordable credit.

    “The banking system appears to be extracting value instead of creating it,” the lawmaker said.

    He noted that small businesses, especially in the agricultural sector, face borrowing costs upwards of 35%, a situation that has crippled their ability to expand, generate jobs, and ensure food security.

    The motion also highlighted concerns over widespread casualisation in the sector, alleging that despite record profits, a significant portion of bank staff were employed on a casual basis, eroding job security and long-term career prospects.

    “This is not just an economic issue but a social justice concern. The casualisation of labour undermines national stability and widens inequality,” he said.

    The lawmakers unanimously adopted the motion and resolved to urge the federal government to establish and expand agricultural financing initiatives, working in concert with the private sector to fund growth in key sectors.

    Read Also: Reps to probe FCT health facilities, demand emergency measures

    The House also called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to enforce transparent bank charges and curb exploitative commission practices; introduce subsidised interest rates for agricultural loans; collaborate with the Ministry of Labour to reduce casual employment in the banking sector and encourage permanent job placements; and mpose penalties on banks that violate employment and labour standards.

    Additionally, the House directed banks to allocate a specified percentage of their profits to lending in productive sectors like manufacturing and SMEs, to stimulate economic expansion and job creation.

    To ensure compliance and oversight, the House mandated its Committees on Banking Regulations, Labour, Employment and Productivity, and Agricultural Production and Services to monitor and enforce the implementation of the resolutions.

  • Reps to investigate non-payment of presidential wage award to Nigerian pensioners

    Reps to investigate non-payment of presidential wage award to Nigerian pensioners

    The House of Representatives has resolved to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the delayed implementation of the ₦25,000 wage award and ₦32,000 palliative approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Nigerian pensioners nearly two years ago.

    The resolution followed a motion moved by Deputy Chief Whip, Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka, during plenary. The House expressed concern over the prolonged non-payment of the presidentially approved support packages and called for urgent action to address the situation.

    As part of its resolution, the House directed the Ministry of Labour and Employment, along with the National Pension Commission (PenCom), to carry out a comprehensive audit of pension payments nationwide to ensure transparency and accountability in the disbursement process.

    The lawmakers also urged state governments to take a cue from the Federal Government by prioritising pension payments and welfare programmes for retirees in their respective states.

    The House called on the Federal Ministries of Finance, Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as the Accountant General of the Federation, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), and other relevant agencies to implement all approved pension increases without further delay.

    It further urged the Ministry of Finance to immediately release all pending palliative measures meant for pensioners and ensure prompt disbursement to alleviate their hardship.

    The House also appealed to the Nigerian Pensioners’ Association and other stakeholders to work closely with government agencies to advocate for and monitor the enforcement of pensioners’ rights and welfare.

    Moving the motion, Ayokunle acknowledged the vital contributions made by Nigerian pensioners in nation-building and the development of Nigeria, adding that in recital of that that President Ahmed Tinubu, in October 2023, approved a 25, 000 Naira, wage award palliative and an additional 32,000 Naira, pension increase for Federal Pensioners in Nigeria. 

    He expressed concern that most Pensioners face challenges, including non-payment of government pension increments and withholding of essential palliative measures, leading to inadequate income, basic needs, and deteriorating health conditions. 

    He said, “The provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) emphasise social justice, dignity of the human person, and the obligation of the state to ensure the welfare of its citizens. 

    “The non-implementation of approved pension increments and withholding of palliative measures undermine the constitutional principles and threaten social stability. 

    “Numerous appeals and petitions from pensioners and relevant associations have gone unheeded, leading to increased hardship and discontent among Pensioners”. 

    He said there was an urgent need to address these challenges and uphold the dignity and welfare of Nigerian senior citizens (Pensioners). 

  • Reps to probe FCT health facilities, demand emergency measures

    Reps to probe FCT health facilities, demand emergency measures

    The House of Representatives has resolved to launch a comprehensive investigation into the state of healthcare facilities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with a directive to submit a report within four weeks, including actionable recommendations for improvement.

    The lawmakers also called for a state of emergency in the FCT’s health sector to address pressing challenges.

    In its resolution following a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi (APC, Delta), the House urged the Federal Ministry of Health to collaborate with the FCT Administration in conducting an immediate assessment of all health facilities. 

    The goal is to identify critical areas requiring expansion, upgrades, and better resource allocation.

    The House further advocated for the release of emergency funds for the upgrading of hospitals, recruitment of medical personnel, and procurement of essential medical equipment.

    It also encouraged the FCT Administration to engage private sector players and international health agencies to boost healthcare delivery capacity in the short term, pending the implementation of long-term strategies.

    Lawmakers also called on the Federal Government to develop a long-term healthcare infrastructure plan that reflects the growing population of the FCT and guarantees sustainable and quality healthcare services.

    Moving the motion, Ezechi draw attention to what he called the alarming strain on the healthcare system in the Federal Capital

    Territory (FCT), with government hospitals and medical facilities being severely overstretched, resulting in a critical shortage of bed spaces and medical personnel.

    He said the population of the FCT has surged significantly over the past two decades, while many of the existing government hospitals were constructed several years ago, with little or no expansion to match the growing demand for healthcare services. 

    He lamented that patients in need of critical medical attention are often left unattended or subjected to long waiting hours due to the unavailability of hospital beds and limited capacity of existing facilities, leading to preventable loss of lives daily. 

    Read Also: UTME: Reps, Ohanaeze seek independent probe

    According to him, the lack of sufficient medical personnel, including doctors,

    nurses, and other healthcare workers, further exacerbates the crisis, reducing the quality of care and increasing the burden on the few available staff. 

    He said if immediate interventions are not made, the healthcare crisis may escalate to unmanageable levels, undermining the right to health and threatening the well-being of residents in the nation’s capital.

    He added that a strategic review and upgrade of health infrastructure in the FCT,balong with a comprehensive recruitment drive for medical professionals, will address the urgent needs and ensure better health outcomes.

  • Reps to introduce legal framework for decommissioning of oil assets

    Reps to introduce legal framework for decommissioning of oil assets

    The House of Representatives is to put in place legislation that will provide statutory authority and legal framework for the decommissioning of oil assets in the country. 

    Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Alhassan Ado Doguwa, who disclosed this said the legislation will seek to put in place a commission that will oversee the decommissioning of oil assets—an issue that has sparked concern among host communities and stakeholders in the industry.

    Doguwa said the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream) and the Special Committee on Crude Oil Theft have resolved to jointly introduce five bills aimed at addressing key challenges affecting Nigeria’s oil industry.

    Doguwa spoke at a joint meeting on Tuesday, stating that the proposed bills are part of a legislative intervention to support national efforts in securing oil and gas assets and curbing crude oil theft.

    He revealed that one of the bills under the Petroleum Resources (Upstream) Committee is being championed by the Speaker of the House. 

    “The decommissioning process is a major policy priority of the current administration, but there are gaps in oversight. That’s why the Speaker and other leaders of the House have shown interest in backing legislation that provides statutory authority and legal framework for a commission to manage this process, while also ensuring that the interests of host communities are taken into account,” Doguwa said.

    He explained that each of the five bills under consideration will be sponsored by different members of the committees, but will collectively be presented as committee-driven legislation to reflect the collaborative effort and seriousness of the intervention.

    “These bills will bear the names of different committee members, but they are not individual efforts. They represent our collective commitment to addressing the challenges in the sector and fulfilling the expectations of the leadership, government, and the Nigerian people”.

    Read Also: UTME: Reps, Ohanaeze seek independent probe

    According to Doguwa, one of the bills seeks to establish a National Commission that will be empowered to prevent and prosecute pipeline vandalism and other oil sector-related crimes.

    “The Committees and indeed the entire House are deeply concerned about the increasing insecurity and criminal activities around oil-producing areas. This intervention is a legislative response intended to complement government efforts in protecting these critical national assets,” he said.

    Doguwa explained that the two committees—Petroleum Resources (Upstream) and the Special Committee on Crude Oil Theft—share similar jurisdictional focus, particularly on crude oil production and export.

    “In my view, these two committees essentially deal with the same core issue: crude oil. While one focuses on the theft and security aspect, the other covers the drilling and export processes. That’s why we’ve decided to meet jointly and work together on these legislative proposals,” he said.