Tag: Speaker Abbas

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen said on Thursday, July 25, that the country lost about 10 billion dollars in revenue to crude oil theft between January and July 2024.

Speaking through his deputy, Benjamin Kalu at the commencement of an investigative hearing on crude oil theft and revenue losses thereof, Abbas said it was practically impossible for the government to meet its daily obligations to the people with such huge revenue loss.

He spoke just as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume said the government was spending not less than 1.5 billion dollars on pipeline surveillance to prevent crude oil theft leading to huge revenue loss.

The speaker also said that those sabotaging the oil sector were known and would be unmasked by the House through the investigation, regretting that those saddled with the responsibility of managing the affairs of the nation have resorted to self-service and have decided to serve themselves.

He said: “Between January and July, Nigeria lost 437,000 barrels of crude oil per day to oil theft, and by the current value that amounts to about 10 billion dollars in the last seven months.

Read Also: Speaker Abbas calls for effective laws on safety standard

“How can a government meet meet its obligations to the people like that especially when they have lost hope? I want to tell those planning to protest that the government has lost 10 billion dollars in the last seven months.”

Akume said that available records from the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative revealed that about 46 billion dollars worth of crude was stolen between 2009 and 2020.

The SGF, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services, Maurice Nnamdi Mbaeri, said that the country has consistently failed to meet its production quota set by OPEC which has not only affected its revenue but hampers the provision of social services that Nigerians rely on.

Details shortly…

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has called for the development of effective laws capable of regulating and upholding safety standards across the various sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Speaking while declaring open a public hearing on a bill to establish the National Safety Regulatory Board, the speaker expressed the belief that when established, the board will leverage the skills, expertise and professional sophistication of the stakeholders to strengthen the 10th House to efficiently process the Bill.

The Speaker said safety standards and regulations are critical to the socio-economic development and well-being of a nation by safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of the people, adding that insight can only be achieved by an efficient public institution which the Bill being evaluated today seeks to establish thereby underscoring the importance of this gathering.  

He said that a public hearing is a legislative platform that provides stakeholders an opportunity to shape and reshape the law process.

“I urge you to make relevant contributions that would improve the quality of the Bill we have assembled here today to review. 

“You must also recognize the fact that this gathering affords you the desired legislative space to ensure that your views, aspirations and concerns are reflected in the final version of the law and as a result treat it with all the seriousness it deserves”, he said.

He said the importance of security and safety of lives and property cannot be overemphasized which explains why the 10th House is committed to the security and safety of the citizens.

Chairman of the House Committee on Safety Standard and Regulation, Hon. Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi said the establishment of a National Safety Regulatory Board will help tackle emerging safety challenges in the country while playing a pivotal role in creating public awareness.

Hon. Gumi said the National Safety Regulatory Board will prioritize risk assessment, research, and capacity building to tackle emerging safety challenges, while playing a pivotal role in raising public awareness and education on safety matters, empowering every Nigerian to contribute to a safety-conscious culture.

Read Also: Malnutrition becoming a security challenge, says Speaker Abbas

He said the bill proposing the establishment of the National Safety Regulatory Board has been shared extensively with stakeholders for their valuable input, saying contributions to the making of the bill are integral to shaping this initiative, and the technical committee, which includes your representatives, will thoroughly review all feedback.

He said: “Our goal with this board is clear: to streamline operations, eliminate redundancies, and resolve conflicts across sectoral safety regulatory bodies. By consolidating efforts under one unified framework, we will enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and coherence in safety regulation nationwide.

“Looking ahead, the National Safety Regulatory Board promises to transform safety regulation in Nigeria by promoting effective communication and collaboration among agencies. This unified approach will optimize regulatory processes and strengthen our ability to safeguard the well-being of all Nigerians”.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen said on Monday, July 22, that malnutrition is increasingly becoming a national security challenge not only in Nigeria but in some other developing countries.

This is just as the House of Representatives and 27 States Houses of Assembly have resolved to end malnutrition and food insecurity in the country with adequate collaboration.

Abbas said whether in children, adolescents or adults malnutrition exposes the victims to health challenges on account of diminished capacity to fight infections occasioned by lowered immunity.

Speaking at the inauguration of the National Legislative Network on Nutrition and Food Security and workshop for Chairmen of newly created state Houses of Assembly Committee on Nutrition and Good Security, the Speaker said optimum health, a pre-requisite for economic development cannot be attained amidst malnutrition and food insecurity. Both are mutually antagonistic.

The Speaker who raised concern about the growing food insecurity in the country said that there was a need to reinforce the urgent need to address the issue of nutrition and food security as the representatives of the people.

He said: “We are taking concrete steps to restore hope to the suffering masses that will guarantee the enhancement of their well-being.

He promised to initiate a strategic legislative process to tackle malnutrition and food security, adding that this is not the best time for the citizenry.

“We need the involvement of the state assembly to attain nutrition and food security, and this move is in the right direction to achieve a greater result.

“We shared the people’s pains, discomfort, suffering, and depression following the worrisome cost of food items and the decline in nutrition.”

The presence of the ministers shows the commitment of the president to address food security in the country while urging Nigerians to give the executive the needed support.

The Speaker said he has created a budget line for the Nutrition and Food Security committee which will enable activities to be captured statutorily in subsequent budget estimates under this sub-head.

He asked the Committee to continue to provide the needed push to galvanize Federal and State level actors towards improved nutrition, especially among women, children and other vulnerable groups to guarantee Food Security in Nigeria

Chairman of the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Hon. Chike Okafor malnutrition and food insecurity remain a constant threat to socio-economic development in Nigeria, as much as it has become an existential threat as worsening inflation has also aggravated this burden on ordinary Nigerians.

While lamenting that the food insecurity situation in Nigeria has worsened, he expressed optimism about a bright future, saying, “The optimism we share stems from the fact that for the first time, attempts to tackle malnutrition and food insecurity will have a legislative push.

He said a legislative perspective to addressing the good crisis in the country will be driven collectively and holistically, anchored on the joint effort of the committee at the National and State Houses of Assembly and driven by a joint work plan with flexibility for incorporation of state-specific exigencies.

Okafor said: “This is the purpose for the formation of the National Network on Nutrition and Food Security which is being created at this meeting. We are all aware of the impact of multiple taxation on agricultural produce as they traverse from one part of Nigeria to the other.

“This has resulted in wide discrepancies in the cost of food items like Maize, Beans, Millet, Soya Beans, Rice, Yams, etc from Birnin-Kebbi to Badary, Yola to Yenegoa, Azare to Aba, Okenne to Onitsha, Adamawa to Anambra States, etc. We need to address this distortion holistically through appropriate National and State legislation.

“Post-harvest losses have continued to be a source of concern to us, as it has also negatively impacted on food security. It is time we provide a collective, strategic solution from a legislative lens.

“Malnutrition is now a potent negative threat to societal well-being more than ever before. Among children under 5, it progressively reduces their brain development, especially among stunted children.

“One can only imagine the kind of leadership stunted children will offer Nigeria in the next 30-40 years if the current rate of under-5 malnutrition and stunting is not reversed. We must step up efforts to upscale the management of malnutrition at the community level, especially in the context of Legislation.

“Obesity among adults is also a form of malnutrition, and this poses a great risk to non-communicable diseases. As a committee, working with our counterparts in the states, we will see how to strengthen existing laws that address this, conscious of the fact that Non-Communicable diseases seem to be on the rise.

He said there is the lack of effective oversight has hindered the attainment of set objectives of the various Nutrition and Food Security projects implemented by various Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal and State Governments. We will address this through the network.

Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Hon Adebo Ogundoyin said the inauguration of the body reaffirmed the commitment to working collectively towards a common goal which is the eradication of malnutrition and the promotion of food security across our great nation.

He pledged his unwavering support to this Network and its Work Plan, saying “I am fully committed to galvanizing my esteemed colleagues across the country to join hands in removing legislative obstacles that perpetuate malnutrition and food insecurity.

“I am proud to see the collaboration between the National Assembly and the 36 State Houses of Assembly. This network will facilitate a unified approach to monitoring and implementing projects in nutrition and food security, ensuring that we meet our set objectives.

“We recognise that legislative action is crucial in driving the necessary reforms and policies to address these pressing issues. By working together, we can enact laws and implement measures that empower our people, protect vulnerable populations, and ensure access to nutritious food for all.

“I call upon all members of the National Legislative Network on Nutrition & Food Security to leverage our collective expertise, resources, and influence to drive positive change. Let us collaborate with stakeholders, engage with experts, and champion evidence-based solutions that will transform the lives of our constituents and secure a brighter future for generations to come.

“Together, we can make a significant impact in the fight against malnutrition and food insecurity. Let us seize this opportunity and work diligently towards a healthier and more prosperous Nigeria”.

Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate said that there was a need to come together to deal with the issue of malnutrition, adding that they remained the pillars of President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.

The Minister said that the country had struggled with acute malnutrition, adding that there was a need to deal with it and the issue of over- and undernutrition.

“We have diabetes and hypertension because of the processed food we eat. It is not just the calories, but the diversity of the diet, which is very important.

He said that issues of malnutrition affect the performance of a child in school and their productivity, adding that the child’s survival depends on nutrition.

Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu said that nutrition and food security challenges are constitutional and that the three tiers of government must invest more in them.

He added that this involved giving each of the three tiers pride of place in what they could do to address the menace.

“Nutrition is a localized issue; there are differences from one community to the next. We need to localize challenges. The resource constraints are one of the challenges of nutrition and food security.”

He, however, said that Nigeria could find resources to fund its priorities, adding that “Nigeria has been underinvesting, and we are determined to change policies.”

Read Also: Speaker Abbas, deputy mourn Kaduna Reps member, Adams Ekene

In his contribution, Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said: “We need to identify strategies to prevent and alleviate the suffering of our people. Malnutrition is a major issue in Nigeria, affecting most children.”

He listed banditry, kidnapping, and policy framework, among others, as some of the factors responsible for the malnutrition and food crisis in the country.

“We are collaborating with ministries and other agencies to ensure food and nutrition security. We want to create awareness and collaboration among the three arms of government.

“This includes development partners to effectively address the manpower and food crises in Nigeria. No family should be denied their basic right to food and nutrition.”

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, said on Monday, July 22, that the future of oil as the mainstay of the nation’s economy was increasingly becoming uncertain hence the need for alternative investment in the nation’s future.

The speaker said that the parliament was committed to enacting laws that would enable agricultural banks and other financial institutions to give low-interest loans to farmers to achieve food security.

He said that the future of oil is uncertain and therefore makes it imperative for the country to invest in alternative sectors of the economy.

Speaker Abbas spoke at the ‘Second Interactive Session on Developing Bankable Business Proposal for Youth and Women in Agriculture’, organized by the African Development Bank Group, in partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA); Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Commission (NAIC), in Abuja.

The speaker who was represented by his deputy, Hon. Benjamin Kalu asked the African Development Bank to continue its collaboration with the Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa, stressing that the partnership is vital for advancing initiatives that can drive significant progress across the continent.

He said: “As we gather here, it is crucial to acknowledge that our over-reliance on oil as our primary export has become neither sustainable nor prudent.

“The future of oil is increasingly uncertain, especially as the global community shifts towards greener, more sustainable energy sources. This reality makes it not just necessary but urgent for us to explore and invest in alternative sectors, with agriculture standing out as a critical area for development.

“Agriculture and Information Technology offer a vast potential for economic growth and sustainability. By focusing on developing and implementing of bankable business proposals, we can empower our youth and women—two of the most vital demographics in our society—to become key players in these sectors.

Read Also: Teachers are key for effective teaching, learning, says Speaker Abbas

“In line with our legislative agenda, we are committed to supporting youth development. By working closely with the executive branch, we aim to launch public work programs targeting young people, particularly in infrastructure development and agriculture.

“Furthermore, we are dedicated to establishing a robust legislative framework that supports agricultural banks or financial institutions, enabling them to provide low-interest loans to farmers. This framework is essential for fostering a thriving agricultural economy.

“I urge the African Development Bank to continue its collaboration with the Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa. This partnership is vital for advancing initiatives that can drive significant progress across the continent. This collaboration also ensures that important projects from the African Development Bank will receive the support and attention they need to succeed from the Legislative branch.”

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, on Thursday, July 18, said teachers hold the key to effective teaching and learning in society.

He said they are critical as education is crucial to personal and collective national development.

Speaking at a public hearing on bills aimed at amending the Federal Colleges of Education and National Teachers Institute Acts organised by the Committee on Federal Colleges of Education, he stressed the importance of teachers’ training and development.

“The training and development of teachers are paramount in ensuring quality education for all. Teachers are not just purveyors of knowledge; they are mentors, guides, and role models who shape young minds into responsible citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to society and instilling values that will last a lifetime.

“By investing in teacher training programs and professional development initiatives, we are investing in the future of our nation,” he said.

He said education is not merely a tool for personal advancement and success; it is the bedrock upon which nations are built.

“It is through education that we empower our youth, instil values of critical thinking and innovation, and equip them with the skills necessary to navigate an increasingly complex world.

“The importance of education transcends national boundaries and is recognized globally as a fundamental human right. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals underscore the critical role of education in achieving a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable world.

“By prioritizing education reform through legislative amendments such as those proposed in these bills, we are aligning ourselves with international best practices and demonstrating our commitment to providing quality education for all.

“The proposed amendments to the Federal Colleges of Education and National Teachers Institute Acts signify a step towards enhancing the quality of teacher training programmes in our country.

“By updating these legislative frameworks, we aim to align our educational institutions with our national development priorities and global best practices, ensuring that our teachers are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their profession.

“Federal Colleges of Education play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of educators who will mould the minds of our youth. These institutions serve as training grounds for teachers who are entrusted with the noble task of imparting knowledge and nurturing future leaders.

“By amending the Act governing these institutions, we have an opportunity to enhance their enhance the training received by aspiring educators, improve their capacity, improve standards,  ensuring that they are equipped with modern teaching methodologies, pedagogical skills, subject matter expertise and ensure that they remain at the forefront of educational excellence. A well-trained teacher is a beacon of light in a student’s educational journey,” he said.

Read Also: Speaker Abbas, deputy mourn Kaduna Reps member, Adams Ekene

Chairman of the Committee, Hon Adamu Lakoja, said the hearing focused on the Bill to amend the existing National Teachers Institute’s Act, and the Bills that seek to establish new Federal Colleges of Education: the FCE (Technical) Fufore, Adamawa State, FCE (Special), Dukku. Gombe State, and FCE (Technical) Otan-Ayebaju. Osun State.

He said it was crucial in advancing the field of education and ensuring the professional development of our educators.

“It is noteworthy that the Federal Colleges of Education and the National Teachers Institute play an important role in training and equipping professional basic education teachers in Nigeria.

“These institutions serve as pillars of excellence in teacher education, providing aspiring educators with the knowledge, skills, and expertise needed to mould the minds of Nigerian students.

“The impact of quality teacher training cannot be overstated, as it directly influences the quality of education imparted to our students,” he said.

The speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, on Wednesday, July 17, said outdated laws and regulations hinder the smooth operation of public institutions responsible for facilitating business activities.

This, the speaker said, has exacerbated the economic landscape of the country which is facing significant challenges.

He said this at a public hearing on five Bills organised by the House Committee on Commerce chaired by Hon Ahmed Munir.

The Bills are for the establishment of the Chartered Institute of Co-operators and Social Enterprise Management, Institute of Debt Recovery Practitioners of Nigeria, Agro Processing Export Free Zone, Integrated Corporate Data Management Commission, and Institute of Chartered Corporate and Business Affairs Management of Nigeria.

The speaker said the Bills are pivotal in fostering growth, innovation, and sustainability in various sectors of our economy.

He said they have the potential to shape the future of our nation’s economic and business landscape.

“The economic landscape of our country is facing significant challenges, exacerbated by outdated laws and regulations that hinder the smooth operation of public institutions responsible for facilitating business activities.

“These obstacles have created barriers to entry for entrepreneurs and investors, stifling innovation and growth in key sectors of our economy.

“One of the pressing issues we face is the absence of professional bodies to oversee and regulate important sectors such as debt recovery practitioners, co-operators, social entrepreneurs, agro-processing exporters, corporate data management, and corporate affairs management. Without proper oversight and regulation, these sectors are vulnerable to exploitation and malpractice, which can have far-reaching consequences on our economy.

“The establishment of these proposed institutions, therefore, signifies a proactive approach towards enhancing professionalism, efficiency, and accountability within these key sectors of our economy. These institutions will not only provide much-needed oversight but also set standards, ethics, and best practices in their respective fields. By creating specialised bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Co-operators and Social Enterprise Management, we aim to promote cooperative enterprises and social entrepreneurship as viable means for inclusive economic development.

“Similarly, the Institute of Debt Recovery Practitioners of Nigeria will play a critical role in streamlining debt recovery processes, ensuring fair practices, and safeguarding the interests of both creditors and debtors. This initiative aligns with our commitment to fostering a conducive business environment built on trust and integrity.

“Furthermore, the Agro-Processing Export Free Zone holds immense potential for boosting agricultural productivity, facilitating international trade, and creating employment opportunities in rural areas. This strategic move underscores our dedication to harnessing the agricultural sector’s full potential for sustainable growth and food security.

“The establishment of the Integrated Corporate Data Management Commission is a significant step towards enhancing transparency, data accuracy, and regulatory compliance across corporate entities. By centralizing corporate data management functions under a unified framework, we aim to streamline processes, reduce redundancies, and enhance decision-making within the business ecosystem.

“Lastly, the creation of the Institute of Chartered Corporate and Business Affairs Management of Nigeria underscores our commitment to promoting professional excellence in corporate governance practices. This institution will serve as a hub for capacity building, knowledge sharing, and best practices dissemination among corporate professionals across various industries,” he said.

The House Committee on Commerce, Ahmed Munir, assured of collaboration with other arms of government to expedite the bill’s passage into law.

He urged stakeholders to make valid input that would assist the parliament in making people-oriented laws that would positively impact the well-being of all Nigerians.

Read Also: Speaker Abbas, deputy mourn Kaduna Reps member, Adams Ekene

He assured of the Committee’s readiness to make good use of all the opinions and suggestions.

“The House of Representatives, 10th Assembly – the People’s Parliament is committed to its mandate of making laws for the betterment of our constituents who reposed so much trust in us by electing us into this Parliament for effective representation.

“The House Committee on Commerce being one of the Standing Committees of this Assembly is working tirelessly in ensuring that there is a change of narrative in the lives of the citizens…

“Every democratic dispensation is guided by laws/acts which helps in the smooth running of the government thereby setting the rules to follow to ensure that citizens benefit maximally all that the government has in stock for them. Today, let us make contributions with our best interests in mind. Let us join hands together and make history,” he said

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has expressed sadness over the death of a member of the House, Hon. Abubakar Adams Ekene.

Hon. Ekene, who represented Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, passed away on Tuesday morning in Abuja.

He was the chairman of the House Committee on Sports.

In a condolence message read at a brief plenary session on Tuesday, Speaker Abbas announced Hon. Ekene’s passing with deep sorrow.

The Speaker said: “Honourable colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, it is with deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss that I announce the passing of our esteemed colleague, Hon. Ekene Abubakar Adams, who represented the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency in Kaduna State.

“Born in 1985, Hon. Ekene Abubakar Adams was not only a devoted public servant but also a distinguished football administrator and club owner in Nigeria. His remarkable journey from managing Kada City FC, a football club based in Kaduna, to serving in the House of Representatives attests to his versatility and steadfast commitment to the progress of our society.

“Hon. Adams’s tenure in the House was marked by his tireless advocacy for his constituents and his contributions to the development of sports in Nigeria. Recently, he was deeply involved in generating support and funding for Nigerian Olympians at the forthcoming Paris Olympics.

“In fact, the House was meant to receive the Nigerian delegation today before the tragic news of his passing reached us. Hon. Ekene was passionate to the last, demonstrating his dedication to the advancement of sports and the success of our athletes on the global stage.

“In addition to his public service, Hon. Adams was a loving husband and father. He is survived by his beloved wife and children, who were his greatest sources of strength and inspiration.”

The Speaker regretted that Hon. Ekene’s death came less than a week after the House lost another member, Hon. Olaide Akinremi.

“It is particularly poignant to note that Hon. Adams’s passing comes just days after the loss of another distinguished member, Hon. Prince Olaide Akinremi.

“These recent events serve as a sobering reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing each moment we have. As we mourn the loss of these dedicated public servants, let us reflect on their contributions and the legacy they leave behind.

“As we mourn the loss of Hon. Ekene Abubakar Adams, let us also celebrate his life, his achievements, and the lasting impact he has made on his constituency and our country. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

In line with the House tradition, the lawmakers adjourned sitting to honour the late Hon. Ekene after observing a minute of silence.

Speaker Abbas led a delegation of the House to the Abuja residence of late Hon. Ekene where he condoled with the wife and the parents. Prayers were offered for the repose of the soul of the late lawmaker.

In the delegation were the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu; House Leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere; Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda; Deputy Minority Whip, Hon. George Ozodinobi, members of the House from Kaduna State led by their Caucus Leader, Hon. Amos Magaji Gwamna, and several other members from different states.

In his condolence message, Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu expressed sadness over the death of Kaduna lawmaker, Hon. Ekene Abubakar Adams.

Read Also: Speaker Abbas unveils digital hearing room for public account

Kalu said Adams was dedicated to delivering the dividends of democracy to his constituents and will be greatly missed in the House and prayed to God to comfort everyone affected by his death and grant them the strength to bear this irreparable loss.

He said: “Deeply saddened by the shocking news of the death of our colleague, Hon. Adams, who served as the House Committee Chairman on Sports, was dedicated to delivering the dividends of democracy to his constituents. He will be greatly missed in the House.

“My heartfelt prayers to his immediate family, the people of the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, and Kaduna State as a whole. May God comfort everyone affected by his death and grant them the strength to bear this irreparable loss. During this difficult time in the parliament, I urge all Nigerians to continue to pray for their leaders. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

…says the facility will enhance accountability

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen said on Monday, July 15, that the House will amend its standing rules to accommodate e-petitions and facilitate the use of information and communication technology in receiving and processing public petitions.

Speaking at the unveiling of a new digital hearing room for the House Committee on Public Petition, Speaker Abbas said the transformative step will be the first of its kind in Nigeria and will enable more efficient, transparent, and accessible petition procedures, allowing citizens to engage with the legislative process more effectively.

He said that by integrating ICT, we aim to ensure that every voice can be heard and considered promptly, thus reinforcing our dedication to a responsive and accountable governance system that truly serves the interests of the Nigerian people.

The Speaker said the newly digitalized hearing room and the maiden Edition of the Committee’s Magazine, are integral to the House Legislative Agenda, which prioritizes good governance by leveraging technology and digital media to ensure that legislative processes are inclusive, participatory, and responsive to the needs of all Nigerians.

While commending the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Hon. Bamidele Salam and his Members for their relentless dedication to delivering on the mandate of the Committee as constitutionally provided, he asked them to strive to improve the effectiveness of the committee.

He also commended the public accounts committee for going a step further to introduce additional legislative tools and mechanisms that strengthen good governance and improve openness and accountability.

Read Also: You’re worthless if those around you benefit nothing from your wealth – Paul Okoye

Speaker Abbas said the public accounts committee alone accounted for 96 of the total committee meetings held by standing and ad-hoc committees in the first year of legislative activities, representing 19% of the 502 meetings held by our committees in the first session of the House.

He said: “Your oversight activities on issues arising from House resolutions, such as the Alleged Mismanagement of COVID-19 Intervention Funds by MDAs, the investigation of revenue leakages through the Remita platform, and other referred petitions, highlight the seriousness to attach to your oversight functions.

The speaker said incorporating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into the work of Public Accounts Committees (PACs) of parliaments is essential for enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the oversight of public funds.

According to him, advanced digital tools and platforms streamline data analysis, facilitate real-time monitoring, and ensure comprehensive documentation of proceedings, thereby making the oversight process more effective and accessible, adding that the House is deeply committed to this goal, recognizing that leveraging technology is crucial for fostering good governance and inclusive participation.

He said by investing in state-of-the-art digital infrastructure and continuously updating our technological capabilities, we aim to set a benchmark in legislative excellence and responsiveness to the needs of the Nigerian people.

He said the digitalised hearing room is now equipped with advanced technologies and resources, including comprehensive legal references such as the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (1960-2024), Financial Regulations (2009), and the Procurement Act, among other relevant laws.

He said the PAC News Magazine will foster a sustained relationship with the media, civil society, and stakeholders, ensuring that the work of the House and PAC is accessible and understandable to a broader audience.

It will provide a platform for sharing knowledge, best practices, and lessons learned, as well as preserving the digital footprints of the Committee’s oversight activities to guide future endeavours.

Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, Hon. Bamidele Salam described the digital hearing room as a landmark innovations which mark a significant step forward in its quest to support the 10th House of Representatives’ vision of open parliament through transparency, digitalization, and citizens’ engagement, in line with agenda of the People’s House’s Legislative Agenda.

He said the digitalized hearing room is equipped with digital technologies such as laptops with over 100 resources, unlimited internet facilities, large-screen multimedia, and other technical devices for e-hearing, representing a major milestone in our committee’s history. I am proud to say that we are now better equipped to discharge our constitutional mandate with greater efficiency and effectiveness.

He said with the aid of the digital facilities, the committee will be in a better position to conduct virtual hearings and meetings, reducing the need for physical presence and increasing our reach and accessibility, access and review documents and pieces of evidence submitted/presented by Ministries, Agencies, and Departments (MDAs) of government electronically, streamlining our review process and reducing paperwork and engage with stakeholders and the public in real-time, increasing transparency and public participation.

He said: “As we take a significant step forward in harnessing technology to drive good governance, transparency, and accountability, I am bold to say that this innovation will enhance our oversight capabilities and accelerate our processes, enabling us to respond swiftly to emerging issues and concerns, thereby reducing administrative and bureaucratic bottlenecks which have been some of the major challenges we face as a committee.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen on Monday attributed about 80 percent of the current insecurity in the North Western part of the country to activities of illegal miners.

The Speaker however lamented that despite the benefit that should have accrued to the communities, they have continued to live in abject poverty and deprivation, stressing that the time to act is now.

Speaking at the commencement of an investigative hearing on the activities of illegal mining in the solid minerals sector in the country, the Speaker said Illegal mining activity has become a growing socio-economic challenge in Nigeria which has led to the loss of ecosystems and increased poverty levels especially among peasant farmers who depend solely on environmental resources for a living.

The Speaker said while Nigeria is richly blessed with solid minerals deposits which should bring great fortune to the country and the citizens, the wealth from solid minerals has largely been stolen by criminal elements.

He said available reports indicate that an estimated 80% of mining in the North West region is carried out illegally with the mining of largely untapped mineral deposits in the area at the root of community violence.

The Speaker expressed concern that the various mining communities in Nigeria are living in agonizing conditions, economically and socially, arising from years of neglect, deprivations and severe environmental degradation, air and water pollution, arising from unsafe mining practices by illegal miners.

He said that the impact of the unprecedented illegal mining across Nigeria has been devastating as farmlands, crops and economic trees are not only destroyed by mining activities but reduced their benefit and value to the residents.

He said the rise in illegal mining in the country highlights fundamental social, institutional and structural problems in the country, adding that the interaction is aimed at providing enough guidance on curbing the menace of illegal mining and also assessing the role played by the Regulators in the process of their regulatory functions in the particularly as it relates to mining practices.

He said the decision of the House to investigate illegal mining shows its commitment and determination to take decisive steps towards addressing nefarious mining practices and the non-compliance with set standards in the solid minerals sector, including the Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act (Amendment) Bill and the Nigeria Solid Mineral Development Company (Establishment) Bill which are currently before the House, and for which a Public Hearing will be held on 17th July 2024.

Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, Hon. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi said the country was losing over $9 billion annually from the activities of illegal miners, adding that the only money coming into government coffers from the sector is the3 percent royalty paid by a few of the licensed miners.

Gbefwi said illegal mining poses substantial risks to the nation’s economy, environment, and security, adding that the unregulated exploitation of the natural resources in the country jeopardizes the sustainability of the mineral sector, leading to environmental degradation and revenue loss that could otherwise benefit our communities and nation as a whole.

He said: “It is imperative that we take as a matter of urgency, decisive steps and necessary action to address this issue and ensure that our solid mineral sector operates within the framework of the law, protecting our natural resources for future generations.

“As representatives of the people, the parliament is deeply worried about the loss of revenue through unregulated and illicit mining operations with the Federal Government disclosing that unlawful mining costs the country $9bn each year, with the only money coming from a 3 percent royalty paid by the few licensed miners.

Read Also: Ike lauds leadership quality of Speaker Abbas

“This development as you all know, hampers the country’s ability to maximize the benefits from its mineral resources. There is also the grave concern about the negative impacts of illegal mining which has led to insecurity and conflicts over control of mining sites and their resources.

“These conflicts have escalated into violence thereby exacerbating existing political and social tensions in affected communities which has resulted in the limited data availability and inadequate measures to control this illicit practice”.

He said that the public hearing serves as a valuable platform for collecting insights, information, and recommendations from stakeholders, experts, and affected communities, adding that its time to collaborate and take immediate and decisive actions to revitalize and develop this critical sector for the overall benefit of all Nigerians.