Tag: Reps

The House of Representatives has urged the construction company handling the ongoing reconstruction of the Akpajo-Onne axis of the East-West Road in the Eleme local government area of Rivers State to provide a smooth alternative lane for the movement of commuters while construction is ongoing.

This followed an incident where some people were killed while several vehicles were burnt on the road when a tanker laden with premium motor spirit (PMS) overturned and spilled its contents on the road, leading to a fire outbreak.

Most of the affected vehicles and their occupants were trapped due to traffic gridlock occasioned by the ongoing reconstruction.

The House mandated the Federal Ministry of Works and RCC to ensure that there are traffic Marshalls on the road to direct traffic, ensure the free flow of traffic, and avoid the gridlock of cars on the long stretch of the road under construction.

The House mandated the Ministry of Works to ensure that RCC steps up the pace of the road construction to ensure completion in record time.

It also mandated the House Committee on Works to ensure compliance.

The House observed a minute silence for the departed.

These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion of urgent importance moved by Felix Uche.

Read Also: Rivers tanker fire: NGF seeks safer mode of transportation for petroleum products

Uche said at about 8 pm on Friday the 26th day of April 2024, a yet-to-be-ascertained number of persons including a pregnant woman and Children, and over eighty vehicles were burnt beyond recognition in the incident.

He observed that the Eleme axis of the East-West road has been under construction by Messers Reynolds Construction Company (RCC).

He added that he had moved a motion in June 2023 on the bad state of the road.

The lawmaker observed that despite the importance of the road and the daily heavy traffic on that road, RCC has purportedly failed to provide a smooth alternative for commuters while the construction is done at a very slow rate.

He observed that all the cars trapped in the fire were in gridlock and had no way to reverse or escape from the incident.

The House of Representatives said it welcome the reduction in electricity tarrif by about 8 percent by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), while insisting however that there is more to be done. 

The House had at plenary on Tuesday, April 30 asked the Commission to reverse the tarrif increase while setting up a high powered committee to hold a public hearing with stakeholders in the sector and organised Labour. 

The special committee set up by the House is made up of the Committees on Power, Commerce, Delegated Legislation and National Planning with the task of organising a well-structured hearing on the price regulation of Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

Those expected at the hearing are Minister of Power, Chairman and Commissioners of NERC, the chief executives of electricity distribution and generation companies in Nigeria, Presidents of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), as well as leaders of chambers of commerce Nigeria.

Spokesman of the House, Akintunde Rotimi (APC, Ekiti) told The National on phone on Monday that the House was going ahead with the planned public hearing which the House believe will profer lasting solution to frequent increase in tarrif. 

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He said that the House also intend to explore possible legislative means to ensirwy that the iasue is addressed to the satisfaction of all Nigerians. 

He also said that the House will stand by the comment of the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen at the recently organised summit on the power sector and was working round the clock to ensure that the issues surrounding the constant increase are addressed. 

Rotimi said that the House was, looking beyond the current increase in tarrif, adding that while the reduction ia welcomed, it is looking forward to better actions in the coming days. 

The House of Representatives has said it was working to engage the media in reviewing laws and practices that restrict press freedom and the ability of the media to carry out their constitutional role effectively.

The chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akintunde Rotimi disclosed in his message to celebrate the 2024 World Press Freedom Day.

According to him, the House acknowledges the Nigerian media as one of the most vibrant institutions in the country.

The statement reads: “The Nigeria House of Representatives joins the global community of journalists and media practitioners in commemorating this year’s World Press Freedom Day.

“Commemorated on May 3 annually, the observance of Press Freedom Day highlights the importance of a free media for healthy democracies and provides an opportunity to celebrate journalists as agents of public good.

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“In this light, we celebrate and honour the work of every journalist and media practitioner across our country as they exercise their duty of upholding the fundamental objectives contained in the constitution, as well as, upholding the responsibility and accountability of government to the people.

“The theme of this day which says ‘A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis’ alludes to the critical role that journalists play in creating necessary awareness at a time the world is battling some of the worst impacts of climate change.

“Our country, Nigeria, is not excluded from this fight, since it is now ranked as one of the most vulnerable to climate change. This is reflected in the numerous issues we encounter, including flooding, drought, food insecurity, erosion, harsh weather, and even conflicts caused by resource shortages and struggles.

“Millions of Nigerians turn to the media for answers and explanations in the face of these terrible and ever-changing circumstances. Hence, the media needs to accept responsibility and rewrite the story to make the main reason for these problems clear to the public.

“Amongst other initiatives, ample reporting on the complex reasons for conflicts brought on by climate change and other environmental effects will enable people to grasp the larger picture and the best ways to address the issue.

“The House of Representatives acknowledges the Nigerian media as one of the most vibrant institutions in the country. In this regard, we are working to engage the media in reviewing laws and practices that restrict press freedom and the ability of the media to carry out their constitutional role.

“As outlined in Agenda 6: Inclusion and Open Parliament of our Legislative Agenda (2023 – 20277), we are also enhancing good governance practices, transparency, and accountability through media chats, public hearings, town halls, etc., amongst other scheduled legislative actions.

“Furthermore, we seize the opportunity of this important day, to call on journalists and media practitioners across our country to uphold responsible, independent, and fact-based journalism as it helps in protecting our democracy.

“Let us uphold responsible use of digital media and embrace the journalistic values of trust, truth, and integrity at all times. We remain steadfast in support of press freedom as well as a healthy and democratic media environment.”

The House of Representatives has invited the Minister of Petroleum Resources to brief Nigerians on the measures put in place to end the current fuel scarcity as well as avert its reoccurrence in the future. 

President Bola Tinubu is the minister of Petroleum Resources. 

He appointed Heineken Lokpobiri as the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) and Ekperikpe Ekpo as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas). 

The House resolution followed the adoption of a matter of urgent importance on the need to address the lingering fuel scarcity and rising retail prices of premium motor spirit (PMS) across the country. 

The motion, which also invited other relevant stakeholders in the petroleum industry, was moved by Hon. Umar Shehu Ajilo. 

The House was worried by the lingering fuel scarcity accompanied by excessive increase in retail price of Premium Motor Spirit in filling stations across the country. 

This, it said, has caused additional hardship to the Nigerian citizens. 

Read Also: Fuel scarcity: Residents groan over hike in transportation fares in Osun

The House was concerned that the fuel scarcity is coming at a time when the adverse economic effect caused by subsidy removal and soaring inflation is yet to be addressed by the government. 

It said this was further worsened by the deteriorating income of the Nigerian masses.

The House was further concerned that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd is yet to address this perennial and persistent fuel scarcity problem faced by Nigerians despite the volume of resources at its disposal.

“Most worrisome that all these economic quagmires have made the lives of average Nigerians unbearable with a litre of fuel selling as much as N1200 in some states of the Federation.

” This 10th Assembly must rise to the occasion to ensure that lasting measures are taken to address this unfortunate and embarrassing situation permanently in the interest of all Nigerians,” the House said.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, said on Tuesday, April 30, that Nigeria’s current tax system is suffering from inefficiency, leading to some of the lowest tax collection rate in the world. 

Speaking at a two day retreat of the House on Economic transformation and development, Kalu put the nation’s tax collection at about 10.8 percent of GDP. 

He said the statistics was got from data from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). 

He said these inefficiencies hinder  the nation’s ability to invest in essential public services and infrastructure, adding that the role of the National Assembly, particularly the House of Representatives, is crucial in enacting reforms that broaden the tax base, simplify the tax code, and enhance compliance mechanisms without placing undue burdens on Nigerians.

He said: “the role of the National Assembly, particularly the House of Representatives, in this process cannot be overstated. 

“We are the custodians of the people’s will, entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that the lofty ideals enshrined in the PIA are translated into tangible benefits for all Nigerians. “This retreat serves as a critical forum for us to collectively strategize on how to fulfill this vital mandate.” 

The retreat, he said is designed to be a springboard for action, adding that “by its conclusion, we aim to achieve a multi-pronged outcome. We will emerge with a deeper understanding of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and its impact on the oil and gas sector and our national development goals. 

“We will collaboratively develop a clear roadmap for the House’s role in implementing and overseeing the PIA. This is consistent with the Legislative Agenda of the 10th House of Representatives and the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President, H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

“This roadmap will emphasize building strong partnerships between the legislature, the executive, regulatory agencies, industry stakeholders, and civil society organizations. 

“We will identify areas for potential policy adjustments, capacity-building initiatives, and the development of robust regulatory frameworks to support a successful PIA implementation.

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“Furthermore, strengthening collaboration with relevant government agencies and stakeholders is essential. Together, we can ensure tax reforms are inclusive and transparent, and deliver real results. Analyzing the reform’s impact on different economic sectors with precision is crucial. Learning from the best practices in tax reform around the world will provide valuable lessons. We can then adapt these practices to the unique context of Nigeria.

Kalu stressed that the Petroleum Industry Act (2021) represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey to reform its oil and gas sector and has the potential to unlock vast economic opportunities and guide Nigeria towards a more prosperous and sustainable future. 

However, he said: “As we all know, the real challenge lies in its effective implementation. This retreat provides a critical platform to strategize on how the House of Representatives can ensure the successful execution of this landmark legislation.

“Lawmaking is dynamic, and the PIA should be seen as a foundation to build upon. It is important to use this retreat to consider avenues to improve the legislation further to ensure it incentivizes more foreign direct investment (FDI) in Nigeria’s Oil & Gas sector. By enabling a spirit of continuous improvement, the House can ensure that the PIA achieves its ambitious goals.

“The journey that led us to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) has been a long and winding one. The initiative to reform the Oil & Gas sector began in earnest under the Obasanjo administration in April 2000. 

“Since then, it transversed both the Yar’adua and Goodluck Jonathan administrations before it was bravely passed by the 9th National Assembly under the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

“As lawmakers, laws do have their peculiar challenges – no piece of legislation is perfect. This retreat serves as an important opportunity to address some of these potential defects by gathering feedback on the implementation of the PIA.

“Through open discussion and collaboration, we can identify areas for improvement and ensure the Act achieves its intended goals for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.”

“In addition, I urge us to seize this timely opportunity with the PIA to unlock the vast economic potential of our oil and gas sector, while acknowledging the global transition towards clean energy. 

“Major automobile manufacturers like China, the United States, and Japan are phasing out diesel and petrol vehicles by 2035, with Germany aiming for zero-emission vehicles by 2030. This retreat can be a springboard to explore how the PIA can be leveraged to not only maximize our oil and gas resources in the short to medium term but also strategically position Nigeria for a future fueled by cleaner alternatives”.

The House of Representatives will on Tuesday, April 30, commence a two-day retreat for members on major economic laws, policies, and programmes of the federal government, especially under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The retreat has “Economic Transformation & Development: Towards Effective Implementation of the Petroleum Industry Reform Act (2021) and Tax Reforms/Modernisation as themes with the sub-theme ‘Navigating Change: Legislative Strategies for Economic Transformation.”

A statement signed by the special adviser to the speaker on media and publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi said President Tinubu is expected to declare the retreat open while the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, will serve as the host.

The statement said that the speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen was the chief host, the president of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, deputy president of the Senate, Sen. Barau Jibrin; and the Deputy Speaker of the House, Benjamin Kalu are expected to speak at the event.

Others expected to speak include Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kolo Kyari; Executive Chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, Clerk to the House of Representatives, Dr Yahaya Danzaria; and Resident Representative of Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), Marija Peran.

The panellists and discussants will include the chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele; Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, CON; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Oil & Gas, Hon. Heineken Lokpobiri; Governor of the Central Bank (CBN), Dr. Olayemi Cardoso; Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu.

The statement said that the retreat was designed to deal with issues such as “Understand the Petroleum Industry Act, Delve into the contents, purposes, and expected outcomes of the PIA, emphasising its significance in transforming the oil and gas sector.

“Legislative Oversight and Implementation: Explore the legislative role in overseeing the implementation of the Act, ensuring its provisions are actualised effectively and align with national interests.

“Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration: Identify opportunities for collaboration between the parliament, the executive, industry stakeholders, and communities to foster a conducive environment for the Act’s successful implementation.

“Policy and Regulatory Framework: Discuss the development of subsidiary legislation and regulatory frameworks essential for operationalising the Act, including addressing gaps or challenges.

“Drive Tax Reforms: Specifically focus on the parliament’s role in conceptualising, initiating, and implementing tax reforms that are equitable, efficient, and conducive to economic growth.

“Foster Collaboration: Create a platform for dialogue among members, experts, and stakeholders, fostering collaborative efforts towards economic and fiscal reforms.

“Promote Accountability: Emphasise the importance of transparency, accountability, and effective oversight in public financial management and tax administration.

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It said further that the expected outcome of the retreat includes an enhanced understanding of the Petroleum Industry Act among members of the Nigeria House of Representatives, a clear roadmap for legislative and oversight roles in implementing the PIA, strengthened collaboration between the parliament, the executive, and other stakeholders in the petroleum sector.

Others are, recommendations for policy adjustments, capacity building, and regulatory frameworks to support the effective implementation of the Act, and deeper insights and knowledge that inform the drafting and passage of legislation supporting economic development and tax reforms.

The retreat would also cause improved capacity for effective oversight of the government’s economic policies and public financial practices, ensuring alignment with national development goals.

The House of Representatives has promised to dig dip into the March 14 killing of military men and the ensuing carnage unleashed on Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Benson Babajimi, made the promise when he led other members on a visit to the Government House Annex at Edjeba in Warri South Local Government Area where a public investigative hearing on the Okuama crisis was scheduled to hold.

Read Also: Reps joint panel summons NNPCL, oil firms, agencies over environmental degradation

The chairman said the committee would visit the ravaged community after gathering sufficient information on the crisis.

But residents of the community were absent at the hearing.

The Nation learnt that the absence of the residents might have arisen from the fear of being arrested by the military.

Though it could not be confirmed, there were speculations that the Nigerian Army had again declared more persons wanted over the killings.

The House of Representatives Committee on Ports And Harbours has pledged to ensure that ports and harbours across the country are better regulated and managed for greater efficiency.

The chairman House Committee on Ports And Harbours, Nnolim Nnaji, said this at an interactive session with all terminal operators and Nigeria Ports Authority Licensed Agents at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Thursday, April 18.

He also said the House will continue to support the total rehabilitation and upgrading of the ports, harbours and allied services.

Nnaji said that the session was very crucial because of the invaluable role the sector plays in Nigeria’s economy and national life.

“It therefore presents us with an urgent need to effect changes that will restructure this unique and high-tech sector and position it to strategically compete in the global space.

“This sector is very dynamic and we must constantly review the standards, facilities and operational guidelines to keep pace with its obtainable global best practices.

“I wish to reiterate the Committee’s commitment to ensure that the sector remains one of the best through appropriate legislation and oversight to bequeath to Nigerians, Ports and Harbours that are properly regulated and better managed for greater efficiency,” Nnaji said.

He also said that it was important to professionalize the modus operandi of the sector to improve Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product and revenue generation.

“We intend to collaborate with relevant stakeholders in the industry to ensure that appropriate avenues are created for its economic development and then make it a hub for better non-oil revenue generation.

“It is imperative to note that the House of Representatives will continue to support total rehabilitation and upgrading of our Ports and Harbours and allied services.

“We shall ever be ready to provide the necessary legislation and needed oversight to achieve this purpose,” he said.

He said it is pertinent to note that the Committee’s role is not only to oversight the NPA but also to partner with stakeholders in the sector to achieve maximum success.

This, he said, is taking cognizance of the government’s quest to increase revenue generation, port decongestion and boost infrastructural development for effective service delivery.

The lawmaker enjoined the stakeholders to bring their viewpoints and experiences on board as they will be invaluable in shaping policies and recommendations of the committee.

Read Also: House of Reps postpones resumption date again

The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Council for Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria, Mrs Urunta Chinyere, told the committee that there was a need for the digitization of the operations of the agents.

She said that if the operators can adopt the model, it would enhance revenue generation.

“We observed that most of the terminal operators are doing partial implementation of what we ask for. They are not fully complying with what they are supposed to do”. Mrs Chinyere said.

The Managing Director of Five Star Logistics, Rigor Nazzari, said that his agency has fully complied with all the models.

He said that there are operator-specific issues at the terminals that need to be addressed by the council.

The chairman of the House of Representatives committee on Renewable Energy, Afam Victor Ogene (LP, Anambra) has warned against anything that may endanger the security of the nation through acts of sabotage.

Ogene also appealed to nuclear scientists managing Nigeria’s two nuclear research centres in Zaria and Ife, Osun state to avoid any act of sabotage that could lead to adverse incidents that would jeopardize the security of the nation.

The workers of the two centres had petitioned the House over the non-payment of the approved hazard and high-risk allowance due to them.

The lawmaker said the parliament was working towards ensuring that the budget office of the federation “grant the two centres of excellence financial autonomy, by providing them with separate budget lines for the effective and efficient discharge of their mandate.”

Ogene was speaking when representatives of the two Centres met with the Committee on Renewable Energy in continuation of the investigation into why the hazard and high-risk allowances, which were approved for the scientists in the two centres were allegedly paid to civil servants in the employ of Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC), Abuja.

The two research centres involved are the Centre for Energy Research and Training, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and the Centre for Energy Research and Development, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

While the centre in Zaria, Kaduna state, is the nation’s only nuclear reactor, the Centre in Ile-Ife hosts a nuclear Tandem Accelerator in addition to nuclear waste and other dreaded sources of radiation that must be handled with care.

The management of the centres had, through a letter to the Speaker of the House raised concerns over the impact of the non-payment of the allowances on the morale of scientists at the two centres, given the risk they are exposed to daily.

They also raised concerns over the danger of a possible sabotage or avoidable nuclear accident as a result of the disillusionment of staff at the two centres over poor working conditions and lack of institutional support for their programmes.

Representatives of the Centres, Prof. Ganiyu I. Balogun,  Prof. J.F.K Akinbami, Dr. Bashir M. Umar, and Dr. M.B Katif, who spoke in turns, explained the challenges of the centres and how they have been trying to manage the situation to avert ugly nuclear incidents that could lead to serious international embarrassment.

However, Ogene informed them that efforts were being made by the House to bring a lasting resolution to the identified challenges.

Read Also: House of Reps postpones resumption date again

He said: “That the Rt. Honourable Speaker, do direct the Budget Office of the Federation, as well as the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation to restore the Allowances under review.

“Also, direct the budget office of the federation to grant the two Centres of Excellence Financial Autonomy, by providing them with separate budget lines for the Effective and Efficient discharge of their mandate.

“Also the various appeals by the chairman/CEO of Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission, made on behalf of his staff, should be approved by the sensitive nature of the jobs they undertake.

“That the National Income Salaries and Wages Commission be queried because of its negative role in the matter.”

The House of Representatives committee investigating the implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility by multinational oil companies operating in the south-south zone has threatened to sanction the companies operating in the region but refused to honour the invitation from the committee.

Chairman of the committee, Prof. Lilian Orogbu, who spoke at the resumed hearing of the committee expressed displeasure about the attitude of some of the companies, saying they were being disrespectful to the National Assembly.

She said some of the companies have been ignoring invitations from the Committee, adding that after three other invitations, the committee will be left with no option but to invoke the powers or the parliament on the affected companies.

She said: “We don’t know who you are. This committee was formed to investigate petitions coming from those places where you operate. Series of petitions coming from your host communities. We are not here to witch-hunt anybody, not by any means.

“We are here to work together to see that your operations are carried out with all sense of responsibility and that those communities where you operate feel happy that they are also benefiting from these companies operating in their midst.

“We are all talking about building a new Nigeria, while the Presidency is talking about renewed hope agenda. We need to give hope to our citizens.

“The committee report will be prepared very soon and we won’t want your companies to be indicted. In the next few days, you are going to see me on Channels TV discussing the host community issues, the company issues and how these companies have been handling the host community issues. I am sure you won’t want your companies to be mentioned.

“If that does not mean anything to you, by the time we begin to invoke the powers of the National Assembly and the powers of the Constitution on your companies, I am sure you won’t like it.

“We are here to work with you and in the area where you are not meeting up, the committee will advise you to do the needful and we will come on sight of to oversee what you are doing. But don’t make us look as if we are witch-hunting you.

“But if we find out that your company has become a troublesome company to this committee, I will wield everything I have and the committee will use all its powers to fight back. So please, we would want you to conduct yourself in the most appropriate manner expected of companies of your repute”.

While saying that the hearing was a follow-up to the one earlier held on the 6th of March, Prof. Orogbu said the meeting was part of efforts being undertaken to ascertain the implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by multi-national oil companies and other corporate bodies operating in the south-south zone.

She said: “It is an incontrovertible fact in Nigeria that the South-South region is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, rich in natural resources and brimming potential.

“However, alongside this bounty comes responsibility — a responsibility for corporate bodies to ensure their operations contribute positively to the socio-economic and environmental well-being of this region in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.”

The investigation she said was to find out how efficient are companies integrating CSR principles into their operations, whether Local Communities benefit from the presence of the corporate bodies and determine the balance between resource extraction and environmental sustainability.

She said: “These findings will be instrumental in shaping future policies and fostering a more responsible and sustainable business environment in the south-south.

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“I urge all participating companies to approach this process with transparency and commitment to the nation. We want to work with you, not against you to create a win-win situation where businesses flourish along thriving and empowered communities.

“For those multinational oil companies and corporate bodies operating in the south-south who have disrespectfully ignored this Joint Committee’s invitations for this strategic steering meeting consecutively, the Joint Committee wishes to unequivocally state that, it will employ all the constitutional means at its disposal including the invocation section 89(d) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As amended) to compel them to appear before the Committee.

“I am optimistic that this investigation will be a catalyst for positive change in the South-South and a model for responsible corporate conduct throughout our nation Nigeria.”