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Tag: Speaker Yakubu Dogara

  • APC chieftain to Saraki, Dogara: steer clear of selection of National Assembly leaders

    All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Yekini Nabena has urged Senate President Bukola Saraki and House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara to stay off the processes of picking the leadership of the Ninth National Assembly.

    Nabena told reporters in Abuja that the APC has learnt its lesson from the outgoing Assembly when those he described as “impostors” hijacked the leadership of the legislature.

    He alleged that those who hijacked the leadership, used their positions to frustrate the efforts of the Prseident Muhamadu Buhari-led government to effect positive changes in the country.

    The APC chief, who doubles APC’s deputy national publicity secretary, said the decision of the ruling party  on the selection and zoning of principal offices in the incoming Ninth National Assembly is supreme and must be respected by the party’s legislative caucus and opposition federal lawmakers.

    He said: “The APC has learnt its lesson from the outgoing National Assembly when impostors masquerading as party men sabotaged our party and hijacked our mandate. Affliction shall not rise up the second time.

    Read also: Promissory Notes: NASS approved figures sent by Executive for Delta, Taraba States, says Saraki

    “The efforts by the Adams Oshiomhole leadership of the party are commendable in achieving a fair selection and zoning arrangement that appeals to a greater section of the party stakeholders.

    “APC is the overwhelmingly majority party in the National Assembly and has a legitimate right to make its choices on the selection and zoning of principal offices. The APC family is in agreement on the party’s supremacy and the PDP and other opposition parties should focus on their minority positions.”

    He stressed that outgoing Senate President, House Speaker and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Assembly Caucus, have been moving from pillar to post to frustrate the plan of APC through a hidden evil plot to interfere in the emergence of incoming National Assembly leaders.

    “We are aware of the scheming by Saraki, Dogara and the PDP caucus to interfere with the emergence of the incoming National Assembly leadership. Their plans are bound to fail as the APC is a strong party with unity of purpose”, Nabena said.

  • Plateau killings: Saraki urges collective effort to tackle menace

    Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has stated that working towards peace in Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole, must remain the primary responsibility of every Nigerian.

    Saraki, in a statement on Wednesday signed by his Media Adviser, Yusuph Olaniyonu, was quoted to have stated this during a condolence visit to Plateau State, over Sunday’s killings of over 100 Plateau villagers.

    The statement added that Saraki, who had earlier in the day, met with President Muhammadu Buhari, together with Speaker Yakubu Dogara, was received by the Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, at the Plateau State Government House.

    Saraki was quoted to have said, “Let me convey my deepest sympathy for the unfortunate and sad incident that occurred in Plateau State this weekend that claimed many innocent lives. This is not only a loss to Plateau State, but to the entire nation.

    “Although the National Assembly is currently not in session, when we resume next week, this is one of the prime issues that will be up for discussion. However, we thought it necessary to come here personally to meet with the people of Plateau State to commiserate with the families — because words cannot really describe this kind of pain.

    “Our prayer to Almighty God is to grant the affected families the fortitude to bear these losses. At this time as well, I also pray to God to give His Excellency, the Governor, the courage to be able to manage this challenge and bring solace to a lot of people”.

    Read Also:Atiku, Turaki knock Fed Govt over Plateau killings

    The President of the Senate also stated that this was a very difficult time for Plateau State, however, the entire nation stands with Plateau during this difficult time.

    “This is a very difficult time for Plateau State. However, I want to reassure you that the entire country is with you and the entire National Assembly stands with you.

    “We were late in coming here because both myself and the Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives sought an appointment with Mr. President on the killings that occurred here — to see how we would come together to see what could be done to forestall and prevent future occurrences like this and provide relief and support for all those that have been affected. This is our paramount responsibility. Whatever that needs to be done, must be done,” he said.

    The President of the Senate was also quoted to have called on the nation’s security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the killings are quickly apprehended to help bring an end to the killings in Plateau State.

    It continued, “We must also ensure that all those who are responsible for these killings must account for it. It is part of providing succour and ensuring the peace. You cannot bring back the lives, but finding and prosecuting the perpetrators will go a long way in helping to calm people and ease the pain that they are going through.

    “Therefore, yet again, we call on our security agents to ensure that they find the perpetrators that have done this and make them account for their detestable actions.

    “Let me use this opportunity to appeal to everyone, to the entire people of Plateau State: Nobody wins from this. Nobody. These killings from today sets the clock back many years, therefore, I want to appeal to the entire people of Plateau State, the elderly, the young, the men and the women, to ensure that we work towards peace.

    “Working towards peace is not only the responsibility of the Governor or the traditional rulers in the state. It is incumbent on everyone. Working towards peace is not Simon Lalong’s problem alone.”

    Governor Lalong was said to have commended the President of the Senate and the Senate delegation saying for the visit.

    The statement quoted the governor to have told Saraki, “As the leader of the North Central, we welcome you to our state. When this thing started, as the leader of our geopolitical region, you looked for me and you called me, despite your busy schedule to ask me what you could do to help.

    “On behalf of the good people of Plateau State, I thank you and the Senate delegation for being here. This is because you are not only here representing yourselves; you are here representing the entire National Assembly”.

  • Updated: House of Reps recall Jibrin from suspension

    The Suspended former Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Abdulmumin Jibrin has sent in a letter apologizing to the House of Representatives for his numerous allegations that put the Green Chamber into disrepute.

    The Speaker of the House Yakubu Dogara, who showed the letter on the floor today at plenary, said Jibrin has fulfilled all the conditions that he was given by the House ” and can resume legislative duties if he so wishes.”

    Recall that Jibrin was suspended for 180 days on September 16th 2016 after the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges considered his case and made recommendations to the House which were adopted.

    Jibrin was also barred from occupying any position of authority in the Green Chamber till the 8th assembly ends.

    To be forgiven, the suspended lawmaker must tender a formal written apology to the House, which must be advertised in a number of daily newspapers amongst other requirements.

    Jibrin had incurred the wrath of the House with his numerous allegations against the Speaker Yakubu Dogara and three other principal officers.

    He claimed the 2016 budget was padded the 2016 budget to the tune of billions of Naira by the quartet and referred to the Speaker as “corrupt” and a “shameless thief”

    Jibrin also alleged that members of the House received hundreds of millions as running cost, a claim which annoyed most members.

    Read Also: Jibrin must apologise before re-admittance — Reps

  • Pension scam: Reps summon Okonjo-Iweala, Maina,  Malami, others

    Pension scam: Reps summon Okonjo-Iweala, Maina,  Malami, others

    The House of Representatives has given former Minister of Finance,  Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala four working days to appear before its Committee investigating pension reform.

    The governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele was also expected to appear before the lawmakers for explanations on the alleged stealing of pension funds in Nigeria.

    The Anayo Nnebe-led ad hoc Committee investigating the activities of the Presidential Task Force on Pensions Reforms from 2010 to the time of its dissolution and any other successor agency said no representation would be allowed.

    Nnebe said all those invited must appear in person.

    Also to appear alongside the former Minister are former Chairman of the defunct Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, Abdulraheed Maina, former members of the Task Force, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, the Head of Service of the Federation, Winifred Eyo-Ita, former Head of Service, Stephen Orosanye, and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami.

    Others are the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and all relevant stakeholders in the pension sector.

    Speaking at the opening of the public hearing Tuesday, Nnebe said the physical appearance of those summoned was purely on an account of accountability and thoroughness, adding that the Committee would not entertain any representation.

    He said: “The issue is very simple. We have heard from PTAD and the Legislative Watch. Former minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iwela, all the member of the defunct Presidential committee, EFCC, ICPC, Attorney-General, Governor of Central Bank, the IGP, and all the relevant stakeholders are invited by this Committee.

    “On Monday, March 12, 2018, we expect that in the next adjournment, all stakeholders would be here.

    “We have to get to the root of this matter. We cannot conclude this investigation without hearing from the persons involved. We must bring all the culprits to book.”

    While declaring open the hearing, Speaker Yakubu Dogara said the House was forced to embark on the investigation the numerous complaints that trialed the reforming agency considering the significance of pension in the lives of the citizens especially the retirees.

    Represented by the Chief Whip of the House, Pally Iriase, the Speaker recalled that the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms was inaugurated on 10th June, 2010, with the mandate to restructure the Head of Service Pension Office, Police Pension office and among others.

    He said: “The Task Force was dissolved in February 2013 after series of allegations of looting of pension fund amounting to N200b which was neither accounted for by neither the Task Force nor the successor agency.

    “Following the great significance of this sector in the lives of our citizens especially the retirees and the receipt of numerous complaints and petitions from relevant stakeholders, it became inevitable for the House of Representatives to set up this Ad-hoc Committee to examine all the facts surrounding the activities of the Presidential Task on Pension Reforms during its existence.

    “The subject of this investigation has had a checkered history and has become very controversial. I understand that the Senate is also conducting investigations on the subject.

    “As a bicameral Legislature our constituents have inundated us with complaints that gave rise to the Resolution of the House. Where possible you should compare notes with the Senate while maintaining the Independence of your investigations.

    “As Members of the Parliament, it is our mandate to represent our people very well, demonstrate transparency and justice to issues that affect the well-being of our people in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other related policies”.

    In her presentations, the Executive Secretary of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), Sharon Ikeazor said that the Abdulrasheed Maina panel left no significant details for her upon assumption of office.

    She said: “PTAD only inherited liabilities from the task force. We didn’t get anything sufficient from the defunct task force, only liabilities were handed over to the directorate.

    “PTAD is an outfall of the maladministration of the pensions reforms “.

    On his part, the Executive Secretary, Legislative Watch, Ngozika Ihuoma who was also a former member of of the Presidential Task Force however said the task force was still active with its mandate.

    He said Maina was innocent of all the allegations levelled against him, wondering why other government officials were not fingered in the alleged diversion of pension funds, “What of all the other members of the task force and other government officials at the time?

    “Maina was able to help the Federal government   recover N1.3 trillion after a visit to him in Dubai by the Minister of Justice,” he added.

    Read Also: Reps to probe alleged loss of N2bn, $3.8m interests from sale of PHCN

  • PDP rep protests intimidation by PDP caucus over defection

    PDP rep protests intimidation by PDP caucus over defection

    Cracks appeared in the caucus of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the House of Representatives Tuesday as a negative emerging trend in support or otherwise of motions or bills  along political party or ethnic lines in the House of Representatives was vehemently condemned by a member of the caucus.

    Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma (PDP, Edo) protested being intimidated by his colleagues in the PDP caucus for opting not to join a walk out over the defection of a PDP member to All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Agbonayinma at a press briefing said his colleagues promised to defeat (negative)  his motion on Digital Switch Over (DSO) for refusing to join the caucus’ walkout over Nnenna Igbokwe  (Imo), who decamped from PDP to APC.

    The lawmaker said the behaviour of his PDP colleagues was unfair and contrary to the feeling of togetherness with which members have always voted on motion and bills, irrespective of party affiliations.

    Saying that the national interest has always been an overriding factor on the floor of the Green chamber, Agbonayinma regretted that it was jettisoned by his own caucus when his bill on the DSO was introduced.

    He expressed disappointment that his reason for not joining the walkout was not acceptable to his colleagues.

    He said: “I did not join the walk out and it was because I have a motion of urgent public importance to move.

    “For Speaker Yakubu Dogara to allow the motion to be moved showed the national importance of the motion because it is against the rule to move such motions and debate it same day.

    “I’m disappointed because I was promised by my caucus that my motion will be defeated if I don’t join the walkout and it was defeated.

    “For the love of Nigeria, we don’t have to be partisan when issues of national importance are on ground and it is such a surprise and disappointment because they used to stand by me but partisan politics played out today.

    “With what happned today, are we setting a precedence on passage of motions based on partisanship?

    “The fact of Tuesday action by the PDP caucus is that it is a conspiracy not against me but against the people of Nigeria.

    “We should not forget that it is our duty to help President Buhari to succeed in his fight against corruption and moving this country forward because if he succeeds, Nigeria succeeds.

    “What can be more important than for us standing by the resolution of the House that the Federal government should comply with the recommendations of the White paper on it.

    “That the Information Minister should not commission the Kwara Switchover because one of the signal distributors supplied obsolete equipment.

    “The company was paid N1.7b but what do we have on ground? Outdated equipment that cannot offer what is required for the switchover.

    “The same company was also not registered which means that the country is losing millions over its non-registration”.

    The aggrieved lawmaker opined that rather push members out of the party, the PDP caucus should encourage people to stay back.

    “Today I’m a PDP member but should not push me out, they should encourage people to stay, they should not ridicule me.

    “That someone decamped doesn’t mean we should be enemies but my feelings about what happened on the floor is that  individuals are the problems of this country and not the parties and we need to move above that for the love of this country,” he added.

  • Reps adopt 2018-2020 MTEF document

    Reps adopt 2018-2020 MTEF document

    The House of Representatives was in total agreement with the Executive on the set parameters in the 2018-2020 Medium Term Expenditure Framework ( MTEF ) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP).

    This was despite an attempt by Betty Apiafi (PDP, Rivers), to divert attention towards the status of recovered looted fund in funding the 2018 budget.

    Though the House Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila reminded the House that the consideration was about MTEF report, the Chairman Committee of Supply, Speaker Yakubu Dogara nonetheless said it has become necessary for the House to investigate the state of independent revenue of government.

    “It is safe to say the 2018 budget will not be funded by recovered looted funds but it is necessary to investigate the independent revenue of government by way of a motion,” he said.

    The consideration went on and the report was adopted without a dissenting voice.

    Before the consideration and rhe adoption of the report of the Committees on Finance, Appropriations, Aids, Loans and Debt Management, Legislative Budget and Research and National Planning and Economic Development on the 2018-2020 MTEF and FSP, the  2018 Appropriation Bill  had scaled second reading on the floor of the lower House without a dissenting voice.

    Following the referral of the document to the joint Committee last week, in his opening remarks Ibrahim Babangida (APC, Katsina) said the Committees took cognizance of the economic realities on ground in relation to global events.

    In consideration of the recommendations, the House resolved that benchmark for crude oil production of  2.3 million barrels per day be retained as proposed by the Executive for the 2018 Budget.

    The House however reviewed upward from $45 per barrel to $47 per barrel as the benchmark for the fiscal year 2018. “This is in consideration of the current positive outlook in the global oil market and expectation that OPEC and other allied oil partnership countries will sustain oil production “cuts deep” into 2018,” Babangida said.

    The ₦305/US Dollar as proposed by the executive for the 2018 Budget was  adopted. Babagida explained that,  “It is also advised that CBN should adopt measures to close the gap between the parallel market and the official exchange rate”.

    The House also adopted projected ₦5.279 trillion for non-oil revenue in 2018, “In addition, revenue generating agencies should intensify efforts on collections and measures that would reduce revenue loss. Specifically, Pioneer status and Tax incentives must be beneficial to the economy,” Babagida said.

    The ₦1.699 trillion new borrowing for 2018 as proposed by the Executive was also adopted. “However, borrowing must be project-tied. In borrowing more, government must remain focused and ensure it is used to fund critical projects that will increase productivity and contribute to financing such debt,” Babangida said.

    The House also adopted the recommendation that a 3.5 percent  growth rate be adopted, especially with the latest figures indicating a doubling of growth rate to 1.4 percent  in third quarter, 2017.

    Furthermore, the National Assembly was also directed to amend the relevant Sections of the Fiscal Responsibility Act and other extant laws.

    The House also approved the$350m borrowing plan for the Kaduna bye pass after being presented by Chairman, Committee on Aids, Loans and Debt Management, Ajayi Adeyinka.

    The borrowing plan was presented to the House though President Muhammadu Buhari.

  • Maina: Reps orders probe, calls for arrest

    Maina: Reps orders probe, calls for arrest

    The House of Representative has called on the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to arrest former Chairman of the defunct Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, Abdulrasheed Maina.

    The Speaker, Yakubu Dogara made this known on his official and verified twitter handle and also disclosed that the House of Reps will investigate the re-absolving and elevation of Maina from the rank of Assistant Director to Acting Director.

    Read also: Maina: Senate to probe reinstatement, promotion

    He said, “The House of Representatives today resolved to set up an adhoc committee to investigate resurfacing, reabsorbing and elevation Mr. Abdularasheed Maina from the rank of assistant director to acting director and to recommend strong sanctions against any person who are implicated in the scandal”.

    “we also call on the EFCC to immediately arrest Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina for subsequent prosecution in order to serve as deterrent to others who might have corrupt tendencies”.

    “It would be recalled that the wanted former pension reform boss was was reinstated and made director after being on the run for alleged N2b scam, among others”.

    Also: Fayose faults reinstatement of Maina

    But President Buhari yesterday in a statement by his spokesperson, Femi Adesina, ordered his immediate disengagement and probe of his recall.

    Maina who since last year had been evading arrest, is still on the wanted list of the International Police Organisation, (INTERPOL).

    INTERPOL had February last year issued a red alert on Maina, who was believed to have fled the country following his dismissal by the Civil Service Commission in 2015 for fraud.

    Read also: Maina: AGF Malami ordered recall

  • Reps seek reprieve for pensioners

    Reps seek reprieve for pensioners

    House of Representatives has set in motion machinery to ensure that workers on contributory pension scheme can access a minimum of 50 percent of the credit balance on their Retirement Savings Accounts (RSA), irrespective of the age at which they retire, or are disengaged.

    A bill seeking amendment to the Pension Reform Act, 2014 successfully scaled second reading yesterday after the lawmakers noted that attainment of 50 years of age before access to the funds as contained in the extant law was no longer a realistic idea.

    The extant Act provides that a disengaged employee can only access 25 percent of the credit on his or her RSA, while the balance of 75 percent and accrued interests can only be accessed on the attainment of 50 years of age, with an amount expected to be retained to secure a projected lifetime annuity for the person.

    According to the sponsor of the bill, Denis Amadi, the amendment was mainly about procedures and amounts receivable as benefit to persons who resigned their employment, or have been disengaged before attaining 50 years, as presently provided for in the PENCOM Act.

    He said: “The proposed amendment strongly advocates for immediate and unrestricted 50 percent bulk withdrawal of the amount standing to the credit on such person’s RSA.

    “Presently, thousands of young persons between the ages of 30 to 40 years have been disengaged from various employments with millions standing to their credits, but yet living in abject poverty because they could not access their funds.

    “With the proposed amendment, the over 300,000 of such retirees or disengaged workers will have the opportunity to raise owner equity for micro and small enterprises, as such facilities were not easily accessible through the banks and related institutions.

    “At 50 years, most of these disengaged employees would have died due to long economic helplessness and hopelessness. Those who would not die could hardly be active enough to start new ventures and nurture same into stability”.

    The bill was referred to Committee on Pension Matters for further legislative action after it was put to a voice vote by Speaker Yakubu Dogara.

  • Reps move to pacify members over zonal intervention funds

    Reps move to pacify members over zonal intervention funds

    • To discuss cars, welfare in a closed-door session
    The House of Representatives is ready to pacify members who are unhappy with the supposedly lopsided distribution of their part of the N100 billion zonal/intervention funds allocated to members of the National Assembly.
    To this end, the leadership of the House is expected to hold an Executive session on Thursday to announce the redistribution of the funds to members.
    The sub-committee set up by Speaker Yakubu Dogara amidst the crisis trailing the lopsidedness of the zonal/constituency project, had in its report presented to the House during an executive session held on resumption from the Easter recess, given the leadership of the House the fiat to maintain status quo.
    The Nation, however, gathered that the leadership at another nocturnal meeting held last week resolved to use its prerogative to further distribute the funds in a more equitable manner.
    Last year, in the wake of the allegation of huge differentials in the allocation of the N100 billion zonal intervention funds to both members of the Senate and House, the movement for equitable distribution of the fund had begun with some members challenging the leadership to change its allocation formula.
    Though the movement soon petered out, nonetheless many members were not happy about the distribution of the fund also embedded in the N7.298 trillion budget proposal laid before the joint session of the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari on the 14th December 2016
    The Nation learned that last week’s meeting, which was intra-party had over 270 members in attendance in spite of its nocturnal nature. But members from some states were said to have made their feelings known, particular after the subcommittee’s report which stated that the status quo be maintained was read to members.
    The status quo being mentioned is that the Speaker is to retain the N3 billion allocation, Deputy Speaker is to retain N2.5 billion, Majority Leader is to retain N1.8 billion while the Minority also gets the same amount.
    Recall that a couple of months ago, the House rolled out the bill of quantity for the N100 billion Zonal/Constituency projects that will be included in the 2017 Appropriation bill.

    All 360 lawmakers were to pick from the list of shortlisted Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and ‘bill of quality’ for the constituency projects, a memo signed by Lawal Abubakar Garba, Chairman, House Committee on Constituency Outreach indicated.

    However, one of the lawmakers who spoke on the condition of anonymity noted that the suspended former Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Abdulmumin Jibrin (APC-Kano) had in a letter sent to all the members insisted that nothing would change.

    Jibrin was alleged to have also taunted members in his letter that they would wait until the end of the current session before getting the Peugeot 508 supposedly ordered for them as the funds had already been pulled out of the House budget.
    The contentious issue of the cars for members is also meant to be discussed at the closed-door session as the promise is almost two years old.
    The nation learned that the proposed model meant for purchase by the House of Representatives may have gone up beyond the N4 billion budgeted for procurement of vehicles in the 2016 budget.
    A source said a fluctuation in the dollar and variation of over N3 million per unit on the cars may be responsible for the delay in the supply of the cars.
    “The leadership will want to explain reasons for the delay to members in the closed-door meeting as well as discuss other pertinent welfare issues,” the source further said.
  • Reps move to give Customs independence

    Reps move to give Customs independence

    … investigate N1trillion loss of revenue

    The House of Representatives Thursday passed a bill for an act to repeal the Customs Service Board Act and re- enact The Nigerian Customs Commission Act.

    The bill sponsored by Hon. Jerry Alagbaoso was meant to give the NCS more financial, administrative and operational latitude as the second largest revenue generating agency in the country.

    He said: “it is evident that one of the factors militating against innovation and efficiency in the Nigerian Customs Service is the lack of autonomy in the formulation and execution of its operational policies without recourse to the Ministry of Finance.

    “Hence the agreement with service providers is always entered on behalf of the Nigerian Customs Service by the Federal Ministry of Finance and not by the Nigerian Customs Service itself.
    “This always led to unnecessary delays in Customs’ operations. In the ports, for example, in the event of scanners’ breakdown, or failure, the Nigerian Customs Service does not have direct access to the suppliers of the scanners because the service providers still retained the franchise of their repairs and ought to service or maintain them according to their agreement and understanding with federal Ministry of Finance.”

    Alagbaoso said the situation in which the Minister of Finance is the Chairman of the Board of Customs does not give room for the effective monitoring of the affairs of the Agency.

    “Hence the need to reduce the burden on the Minister by providing through this bill a robust management structure through a Customs Service Commission which would ensure discipline and promote accountability in line with both Customs and Excise Management Act and the change mantra of the present federal government.”

    When the Speaker. Yakubu Dogara called for a voice; the bill passed without dissent and was referred to the relevant committee for further legislative input.

    In a related development, the House also yesterday mandated its committee on Customs and Excise to investigate reasons for banning the auction of seized goods by the NCS and to determine if the decision has caused the country any financial loss.

    The resolution of the House was sequel to the passage of a motion sponsored by a member Prestige Ossy with the title: ‘ Urgent need to investigate the failure of the Nigerian Customs Service to auction confiscated goods”

    The lawmaker while presenting the motion noted that in 2015, the Nigerian Customs banned the auction sale of goods seized by the Service and legally forfeited to the Federal Government.

    “Since the imposition of the ban, there has not been any form of auction sale by the Service and this has ultimately resulted in the proliferation of seized goods at the various formations of the Nigerian Customs Service,” the lawmaker said.

    According to him, “the list of seized goods include vehicles , trucks, containers of assorted household goods, clothing materials, consumables etc, and a large number of these goods have been gazetted and forfeited to the federal government on the orders of various courts in the country.”

    He said the failure of the NCS to set up a website for auctioning the goods as earlier promised is ” denying the federal government of resources worth over N1 trillion which ought to have accrued to it from the auctioning of those goods.”

    Members also supported the passage of the motion sequel to a call for voice votes by the Speaker. Yakubu Dogara.