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Tag: Reps

  • Reps pass Bill to establish institute of organic agriculture, food safety for second reading

    Reps pass Bill to establish institute of organic agriculture, food safety for second reading

    A bill to establish a National Institute for Organic Agriculture and Food Safety Research in the country has passed a second reading in the House of Representatives.

    The bill sponsored by Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, Hon. Billy Osawaru, Hon. Esset Mark Udo, and Hon. Saba Ahmed Adam will shape and develop the safety of foods in our country.

    Leading the debate on the bill, Ogah who is the lead sponsor said the establishment of the Institute will permit the conduction of in-depth Research on the impact of organic food consumption on public health, its outcomes in relation to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) especially in this critical period of hardship and lack of food given the government relaxation of the restriction on the importation of foodstuff into Nigeria.

    According to him, when established, the Institute will provide crucial data to inform dietary recommendations and National health policies that will develop comprehensive educational and practical agricultural programs to empower the consumer with knowledge about the benefits of organic foods.

    In addition, he said the Institute will provide grants, funds, and support to individuals, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and public and private entities conducting research in organic agriculture and food safety for a uniform and rapid coverage of the Nation.

    The institute he said further will support and promote the development of sustainable organic agricultural practices and technologies to ensure the safety of organic food products for consumers by advancing research on the safety, quality, and traceability of organic foods and supporting research into the mitigation of risks and hazards associated with organic farming practices, such as pests and diseases management and foodborne Illnesses.

    Read Also: Reps seek review of BPP’s budgetary allocation

    He also said the institute will boost Organic Agriculture in Nigeria through the facilitation of research knowledge transfers and training for farmers, food producers, and other stakeholders in the organic agriculture sector in line with international best ‘ practices.

    He argued that the establishment of the Institute is very necessary for agricultural development and food safety in Nigeria.

    In accordance with the House rules of not subjecting establishment bills to debate, the bill was passed for a second reading without debate

  • Reps seek review of BPP’s budgetary allocation

    Reps seek review of BPP’s budgetary allocation

    The House of Representatives has urged the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to review the budgetary allocation of the Bureau of Public Procurement in line with current realities in subsequent budget estimates to enable the successful discharge of the Bureau’s core mandate.

    The House also urged the Bureau of Public Procurement to collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Civil Society Organizations, and the National Assembly to enhance the provision of a legal and institutional framework and professional capacity for public procurement in Nigeria for the holistic development of the country.

    It mandated the committees on Public Procurement and Appropriations, to follow up and ensure upward review of the Bureau’s budgetary allocation in subsequent budget estimates.

    It also mandated the Committee on Public Procurement to conduct a thorough oversight and recommend appropriate measures that will enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the Bureau and report within four weeks for further legislative action.

    These resolutions follow the adoption of a motion titled, “Need to Review Budgetary Allocation of the Bureau of Public Procurement” sponsored by Hon. Unyime Idem during plenary on Wednesday.

    The House said it was aware that the budgetary allocation for the Bureau in the Appropriation Act, 2024 is N2,200,000,000.

    It was concerned that the existing funds provided for the Bureau were grossly inadequate to meet the extensive responsibilities of the procurement audits, monitoring, and surveillance in the Ministries, Departments and

    Agencies (MDAs) in the six geopolitical zones of the nation.

    The House noted the need for the attainment of transparency, competitiveness, cost-effectiveness, value-for-money, and professionalism in the public sector procurement system.

    It also noted that the Public Procurement Act 2007 established the Bureau of Public Procurement as the regulatory authority responsible for the monitoring and oversight of public procurement, harmonising the existing government policies and practices by regulating, setting standards, and developing the legal framework and professional capacity for public procurement in Nigeria.

    Read Also: Reps seek reversal of price of PMS

    The House further noted that the Bureau is empowered to, among other things, oversight over 800 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), to ensure the implementation of established procurement policies, and due process compliance.

    The House recognized the need to ensure the monitoring and surveillance of Federal Government Procurement Procedures and ongoing projects across the six geopolitical zones.

    It was also concerned that given the prevailing trend of procurement corruption in Nigeria, constituting over 70% of corruption in the public sector, there is an increasing need to ensure the implementation of procurement policies, and due process compliance, in line with global best practices.

    The House said it was cognizant that the increasing rate of procurement corruption in the public sector necessitates urgent measures for effective oversight to ensure value for money, transparency, competitiveness, and professionalism.

  • Reps worried over late presentation of 2025 budget

    Reps worried over late presentation of 2025 budget

    The House of Representatives on Wednesday, October 16, asked the federal government to expedite action in presenting the 2025 budget estimate to the National Assembly for consideration and passage

    The House said that the delay in presenting the annual estimate to the lawmakers for consideration goes contrary to the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 which require that the budget be presented to the National Assembly for consideration four months before the end of the year.

    Leading the debate on the motion, Clement Jimbo (APC, Akwa Ibom) said the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 provides for the prudent management of the nation’s resources, ensures long-term macroeconomic stability of the national economy, and secures greater accountability and transparency in fiscal operations within a medium-term fiscal policy framework.

    He averred that section 11(1)(b) stipulates that the federal government must, not later than four months before the commencement of the next financial year, cause to be prepared and laid before the National Assembly an MTEF for the next three financial years.

    He said the time the National Assembly requires to exercise its functions as enshrined in section 88(2)(b) is technically being taken away by the non-compliance of section 11(1)(b) of FRA 2007 by Executive through the delay

    Contributing to the motion, Billy Osawaru (APC, Edo) said getting the budget from the Executive and considering it within one month will adversely affect the oversight function of the parliament.

    He said the House should resist the attempt to dump the budget on the Parliament and compel them to go through it and pass it within one month without necessarily doing justice to the provisions, adding that the parliament must not be dragged into doing its job.

    Minority Leader of the House, Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers) reminded his colleagues that the return to a budget circle of January to December is one ground on which the government prides itself, adding that what a good policy does is to help the government in planning.

    He said the present government needs to be vigilant and alive to its responsibility, adding that the motion was a wake-up call.

    He alleged that the parliament was compelled to rush through the 2024 budget, adding that this must not be allowed to reoccur in the name of trying to beat the budget circle.

    Read Also: Reps demand 20 Percent of Works’ 2025 Budget for FERMA

    According to him, the Medium Term Expenditure Framework should have been with the House for consideration by now so it can go through it adequately.

    On his part, Solomon Bob (PDP, Rivers) said the House must have full-time. To examine the budget when presented to it, describing it as the most important bill to be passed by the House.

    He suggested that whenever the executive brings the annual budget estimate late, the parliament should reject such a presentation and send it back to the Executive.

  • Reps to investigate lack of compliance to disability act

    Reps to investigate lack of compliance to disability act

    The House of Representatives on Tuesday, October 15, resolved to investigate the level of compliance with the provisions of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Act in gaining access to public buildings across the country.

    The House also asked its relevant committees to investigate approvals of building plans by regulatory authorities without provisions for accessibility facilities.

    Leading the debate on the motion, Chairman of the House Committee on Disability Matter, Bashiru Dawodu (APC, Lagos) described the public building as a building made available for the use of members of the public whether owned by the government or private entities as provided for in section 57 of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (Prohibition) Act 2018.

    According to him, sections 3 and 4 of the Disability Act provide that a person with disability has the right to access the physical environment and public buildings on an equal basis with others, including road sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, elevators, crutches, and toilet facilities to make them accessible to and usable by persons with disability.

    Read Also: Summon Libyan Ambassador to Nigeria, Reps tell FG

    He said that with the expiration of the transitory period within which to make modifications, persons living with a disability still cannot access public buildings.

    He said the failure to make public buildings accessible to Persons with disability prevents their inclusion and full integration into Nigerian society.

    The disability act passed and signed into law in 2018 contained a five-year transition period within which public buildings were to be redesigned to provide easy access to persons with disabilities beginning in January 2019.

    The five-year transition period expired in January 2024.

  • Reps committee decries poor funding of sports federations

    Reps committee decries poor funding of sports federations

    The House of Representatives Committee on Sports has decried the lack of funding for the nation’s sports development, saying only a few functional sports federations are being funded.

    Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the committee, the new Chairman of the Committee, Kabiru Ahmadu said It is on record that, out of the over 40 sports federations in Nigeria, only 20 are functioning while only five out of the 20 are funded.

    Read Also: Titanic battles across NPFL centres  as 3SC, Enyimba face-off in Ibadan

    He identifies sport as a veritable instrument for reducing crime and unemployment if optimally pursued as well as generates big foreign exchange for Countries all over the World.

    While informing that his Committee would engage the appropriate authorities and would thoroughly and painstakingly look into all the challenges contending with all the sports federations with a view of overcoming them, he decried decaying sports infrastructure across the country.

  • Reps seek law review to eliminate double taxation

    Reps seek law review to eliminate double taxation

    The House of Representatives has advocated for the review of existing tax laws and policies to streamline tax collection processes and eliminate redundant or overlapping taxes that contribute to the financial burden on citizens with a view to identifying areas of double taxation at all levels to provide relief to citizens without jeopardizing government revenue targets.

    The House also wants the government and the relevant agencies to be sensitive to the plight of the masses by reviewing current tax policies to prevent the imposition of unnecessary and multiple taxes, particularly on essential goods and services.

    Adopting a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Peter Aniekwe (LP, Anambra), the House also asked the Federal Government to consider alternative revenue generation strategies such as widening the tax net to capture more high-income earners, strengthening enforcement of existing tax laws, and plugging leakages in the system; exploring measures to increase export of cash crops and agricultural produces.

    The parliament wants the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and other relevant agencies to embark on an awareness campaign to educate the public on their tax rights and responsibilities, and to report any cases of exploitation or unjust taxation to ombudsman.

    In moving the motion, Aniekwe said that the current economic situation of the country, characterized by rising inflation, unemployment, and the increasing cost of living has led to widespread hardship for the masses, adding that the imposition of multiple taxes, levies, and charges at various levels of government only serves to exacerbate the financial strain on citizens, particularly those in low-income brackets, many of whom are already struggling to meet basic needs such as food, healthcare, housing, and education.

    He argued that the government’s primary responsibility Is to alleviate the economic challenges faced by the masses, ensuring policies that promote economic development, social welfare, and prosperity for all citizens.

    He however expressed concerned that the introduction of additional and sometimes unnecessary taxes, Including consumption taxes, service taxes, and levies on essential goods and services, places an undue burden on the masses, further widening the inequality gap.

    Read Also: Educate Nigerians on dangers of drug abuse, Reps tells NDLEA, NOA

    He said that while taxation Is necessary for government revenue, a balance must be struck between revenue generation and the economic well-being of citizens, particularly at a time when many families and businesses are still recovering from the economic impact of global and local challenges.

    He argued that there are alternative measures that can be taken to increase government revenue without overburdening the masses, such as expanding the tax base, improving tax administration, reducing government waste, and curbing corruption.

  • Strengthen existing security policies to address cross-border banditry, Reps tell FG

    Strengthen existing security policies to address cross-border banditry, Reps tell FG

    The House of Representatives has called for a comprehensive review and strengthening of existing security policies to address the unique challenges posed by cross-border banditry and to ensure that effective measures are in place to protect vulnerable communities across the country.

    The House said in a resolution at plenary following a motion of urgent public importance that security Agencies must prioritize the implementation of comprehensive security measures to effectively combat the escalating banditry and kidnapping incidents threatening the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians.

    It said there was a need to allocate more resources and develop initiatives aimed at providing adequate security for farmers during the harvest season, ensuring they can access their farmlands without fear of violence and contribute to food production.

     It also called for the establishment of mechanisms for regular engagement with traditional leaders and local communities to better understand their security needs and to promote trust and cooperation in the fight against insecurity.

     Moving the motion, Kabiru Ibrahim Tukura recalled the recent alarming increase in incidents of banditry and kidnapping in Kebbi state, adding that the upsurge in violent crimes is not isolated but closely linked to the ongoing security operations in neighbouring Zamfara and Sokoto States.

    According to him, these states, which share borders with the Zuru Emirate, have been hotspots for bandit activities, prompting intensified military and security operations aimed at dismantling bandit networks and restoring peace.

    Read Also: Reps committed to legislations, polices for devt, well-being of girl-child, says Kalu 

    He said further that as a result of these operations, bandits have increasingly migrated across State boundaries, seeking refuge and operational bases in adjoining areas, saying this spillover effect has exacerbated the security situation in Zuru, where once peaceful communities are now becoming targets of attacks, kidnappings, and other criminal activities perpetrated by these migrating groups.

    Tukura recalled that on Sunday, October 6, 2024, the District Head of Kanya, in Wasagu Chiefdom, Zuru Emirate, was kidnapped and subsequently killed by bandits, adding that this unfortunate event highlights the severe security challenges facing the region and underscores the vulnerability of traditional leaders and local communities.

    He said such incidents emphasize the urgent need for reinforced security measures and coordinated efforts to protect citizens and traditional institutions in the Zuru Emirate.

  • Educate Nigerians on dangers of drug abuse, Reps tells NDLEA, NOA

    Educate Nigerians on dangers of drug abuse, Reps tells NDLEA, NOA

    In anticipation of the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child on Friday, October 11, the House of Representatives on Thursday, October 10, called on the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the National Orientation Agency (NOA), and other relevant stakeholders to collaborate with schools, community organizations, and religious institutions to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.

    The initiative aims to promote a drug-free lifestyle and provide rehabilitation options for those affected.

    During a special session dedicated to the girl child, Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, briefly stepped aside, allowing Miss Isabel Anani, a young girl, to preside over the plenary. This gesture was designed to inspire and encourage girls to take on leadership roles.

    The House also urged the Federal Ministry of Education to create practical strategies, such as mobile education units or community outreach programs, to reduce the number of out-of-school girls across Nigeria’s 36 states.

    In a motion of urgent public importance marking the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child, the House requested the leadership of the National Assembly to amend the Child Rights Act to provide stronger protection for sexually abused children.

    They also called for legislative support, including budgetary approvals, to ensure that the concerned Ministries can address these issues.

    The House also emphasised the importance of domesticating the Child Rights Act nationwide through collaboration with the Conference of Speakers.

    It also asked the leadership of the National Assembly to ensure the swift passage of Bills that seek to protect women and girls like the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill (GEOB).

    Ogbara said that International Day of the Girl Child is a day adopted by the United Nations to remind young girls of their uniqueness, strength, and prowess is set aside to address issues such as early or child marriage, violence against girls, rape, child molestation, education deprivation, nutrition, legal rights and all the other problems faced by girls and to support more opportunities for girls and increase awareness for gender inequality.

    According to her, more than 1.1 billion girls are poised to take on the future, adding that every day, girls are breaking boundaries and barriers; tackling issues posed by stereotypes and exclusion, including those directed at children with disabilities and those living in marginalised communities.

    She stressed that the protection of the girl child is crucial for sustaining the continuity of mankind as they grow into women and mothers who not only shape the future generation but the trajectory of nations.

    She said further that gender discrimination is a global phenomenon that has engulfed many Nations of the world due to patriarchy and cultural stereotypes, while other nations have made giant strides in closing the gender gap, Nigeria is still grappling with these issues, starting from access to education, healthcare and access to basic amenities.

    She said that despite Nigeria being a signatory to the Convention of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), Conventions on Child’s Rights and many others, harmful practices like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) are still being practised in some parts of the country which is a direct violation of human rights of women and girls.

    She said further that recent analysis shows that girls are not only courageous in the face of crisis, but hopeful for the future, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) children growing into adolescents, especially between the ages of 10 to 19 have limited knowledge about the natural processes of puberty, sexual health, pregnancy or reproduction.

    She said: “This period of their lives is a period of rapid development of knowledge and skills, learning to manage emotions, and relationships, acquiring attributes and abilities that will be necessary for enjoying the adolescent years and assuming adult roles.

    “When they are sexually abused at this sensitive season of their lives, it affects their growth and development and their overall well-being, leading them to become dysfunctional adults in some instances, due to psychological and mental trauma”.

    She expressed worries about the disheartening high number of out-of-school girls engaged in drug abuse; current data indicates that Nigeria has an estimated 10.5 million out-of-school children who are also users of hard drugs

    The Lagos lawmaker said the presence of such a vast number of uneducated youth not only jeopardises their future but also poses a threat to the nation’s security and socio-economic stability, adding that if deliberate efforts are not taken to address the challenges and intentionally to protect the girl child, the country would be at risk of raising dysfunctional mothers who are meant to be protectors of the home, society, and the future.

    Miss Anani who presided over the special session which lasted for about 20 minutes said: “Today marks a very important day in the lives of girls all around the world. It is a constant reminder of how far we have come and how much progress we are willing to make as Nigerians.

    “For me, I envision a future where every girl regardless of where she comes from has an opportunity to flourish. Where education isn’t seen as a high pedestal privilege, but as an essential tool to equip girls to make important decisions that affect them and ultimately the places they come from.

    “According to the UN, Nearly | in 5 girls are still not completing lower-secondary and nearly 4 in 10 girls are not completing upper-secondary school today, as if that isn’t concerning enough, they are at risk of harassment and the “‘what ifs” that are associated with violence which simply should not exist.

    “I want a future where we don’t have to combat all the overwhelming experiences of childhood and adolescence alone. Where girls aren’t discriminated against because of their bodily functions, and are encouraged when they want to take firm hold of the mantle in places like STEM and politics and feel safe, feel wanted. As an aspiring woman in STEM, I know what it is like to be the only girl in male-dominated spaces. However, I don’t want to be the only girl, I want to be one of many.

    Read Also: NDLEA arrests Canadian woman over drugs importation

    “I want a future where the healthcare system for girls isn’t discriminated against due to the sociocultural factors that so wrongfully exist. Girls are breaking boundaries and barriers posed by stereotypes and exclusion, including living with disabilities and in marginalised communities in their ways regardless of what society says.

    “Now more than ever, we need girls to combat problems of climate change, political conflict, economic degeneration, diseases, and global unrest. We need to ensure that for every girl, there is; Access to healthcare that protects her and understands her needs. Access to quality education that enables her to reach her potential.

    “Safety from Violence and Harmful Practices that affect her physically, emotionally, and mentally. How would she take charge when she lives in constant fear? How does she dream when she is worried about what her next meal might be?

    “Most importantly, she needs support because we all have a role to play. The good thing is that we are halfway there and every day, a step closer to achieving these goals. Also, there isn’t just one solution, but hundreds. There isn’t just one girl to talk to, but millions. For us to continue at this steady progression, we mustn’t just provide her a seat at the table, but we must make sure she stays there and feels like she can conquer.”

  • Provide adequate security for corps members in host communities, Reps tells IGP, NYSC

    Provide adequate security for corps members in host communities, Reps tells IGP, NYSC

    The House of Representatives on Thursday asked the Inspector General of Police and the management of the National Youth Service Scheme to provide adequate security for good habitation facilities for Youth Corp members across the country.

    The House also wants the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Director-General of NYSC and relevant agencies to investigate this case of a missing Corp member, Okeke Chukwuemeka Godwin and initiate measures for the safety and welfare of Corp members in every host community. 

    In a resolution following a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Nnolim Nnaji (PDP, Enugu), the House wants the IGP to intervene by conducting a comprehensive search and rescuing of Godwin, the missing Youth Corp member, as the matter is seriously affecting the lives and mental state of the family, most especially the mother.

    While moving the motion, Nnaji said the NYSC was established to engage Nigerian university graduates in effective community services and nation building across ethno-linguistic boundaries, however the scheme has been threatened by myriads of abductions, incessant attacks and murder due to the inadequate facilities and general welfare.

    According to him, there is an optimum obligation of providing safe environment and facilities for NYSC members on Federal and State Governments in conjunction with security agencies while serving or posted in various host communities.

    He expressed concern that Okeke Chukwuemeka Godwin from Umuanyi Village, Ovuorie, Ugbawka Community in Nkanu East LGA of Enugu State has been missing till date, while serving in Ondo State under Batch 23B.

    He said the corps member was supposed to complete his NYSC program on June 17th, 2024, but got missing on May 9th, 2024, which was the particular day his parents couldn’t reach him on his mobile phone numbers till date.

    He disclosed that on the 13th of May, 2024, the mother of the missing Corp member, Mrs. Okeke Patience and his younger brother, went to Akure, Ondo State, to verify the situation and thereby visited his place of primary assignment and residence but could not get any vital information.

    He said: “The relatives reported the matter to the Nigerian Poli (Ijakpo Police Division) who sent signal to other police stations and the police headquarter in Ondo State for investigation, but after some interrogations, the family has not been fully communicated on the outcome of these investigations.

    “The relatives also reported the matter to the local government and State office of the NYSC, including the community leadership but up till date the matter is still pending without any information leading to his rescue.

    Read Also: Reps advocate review of existing tax laws to eliminate double taxation

    “On the 19th of June, 2024, the mother of Godwin with two other relatives and a journalist visited the Ondo State Police Command, the NYSC State and local government offices, where the journalist made some inquiries and produced a documentary via Trust Television, meanwhile the mother visited and reported the matter and her ordeal at NYSC National Secretariat, Abuja.

    “The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State and the State Coordinator of NYSC with the management of the scheme have not taken adequate measures to search and rescue the missing Corp member.

    “The negative and culminating effects of various State Governments not being proactive in taking adequate measures to provide basic accommodation facilities, clinics, enabling environment and other necessities has been very devastating to the safety and welfare of corps members.”

  • Reps advocate review of existing tax laws to eliminate double taxation

    Reps advocate review of existing tax laws to eliminate double taxation

    The House of Representatives has advocated for thorough review of existing tax laws and policies to streamline tax collection processes and eliminate redundant or overlapping taxes that contribute to the financial burden on citizens with a view to identifying areas of double taxation at all levels to provide relief to citizens without jeopardizing government revenue targets.

    The House also wants the government and the relevant agencies to be sensitive to the plight of the masses by reviewing current tax policies to prevent the imposition of unnecessary and multiple taxes, particularly on essential goods and services.

    Adopting a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Peter Aniekwe (LP, Anambra), the House also asked the Federal Government to consider alternative revenue generation strategies such as widening the tax net to capture more high-income earners, strengthening enforcement of existing tax laws, and plugging leakages in the system; exploring measures to increase export of cash crops and agricultural produces.

    The parliament wants the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and other relevant agencies to embark on an awareness campaign to educate the public on their tax rights and responsibilities, and to report any cases of exploitation or unjust taxation to ombudsman.

    In moving the motion, Aniekwe said that the current economic situation of the country, characterized by rising inflation, unemployment, and the increasing cost of living has led to widespread hardship for the masses, adding that the imposition of multiple taxes, levies, and charges at various levels of government only serves to exacerbate the financial strain on citizens, particularly those in low-income brackets, many of whom are already struggling to meet basic needs such as food, healthcare, housing, and education. 

    He argued that the government’s primary responsibility Is to alleviate the economic challenges faced by the masses, ensuring policies that promote economic development, social welfare, and prosperity for all citizens. 

    Read Also: Reps considering laws to improve eyecare services – Kalu

    He however expressed concerned that the introduction of additional and sometimes unnecessary taxes, Including consumption taxes, service taxes, and levies on essential goods and services, places an undue burden on the masses, further widening the inequality gap. 

    He said that while taxation Is necessary for government revenue, a balance must be struck between revenue generation and the economic well-being of citizens, particularly at a time when many families and businesses are still recovering from the economic impact of global and local challenges. 

    He argued that there are alternative measures that can be taken to increase government revenue without overburdening the masses, such as expanding the tax base, improving tax administration, reducing government waste, and curbing corruption.