In a decisive move, the House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to promptly allocate a portion of the savings accrued from the removal of the Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) subsidy for the provision of free malaria treatments and drugs in all government hospitals across the country.
The resolution, stemming from a motion presented under matters of urgent national importance by Hon. Amobi Ogah during plenary, emphasizes the critical nature of addressing the prevalent issue of malaria in the nation. Hon. Ogah highlighted the alarming 2023 Malaria treatment statistics, revealing that approximately 45% of Nigeria’s total population suffers from annual malaria infections, resulting in a significant number of fatalities.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, lauding the mover of the motion, ruled in favor of the matter, underscoring the urgency and significance of providing free malaria treatments and drugs for the benefit of the Nigerian people.
House of Representatives Initiates Probe into Sale of Naira Notes by POS Operators
In a separate development, the House of Representatives has directed its Committee on banking regulations, institutions, as well as digital and electronic banking to conduct a thorough investigation into the sale of Naira notes by Point of Sale (POS) operators in Nigeria.
The decision follows the adoption of a motion put forth by Hon. Mohammed Shehu from Bauchi state, emphasizing the imperative need to curb this practice. Hon. Shehu stressed the necessity for the government to exercise its authority under the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Act 2007 to supervise commercial banks and provide regulatory oversight on POS operators.
The investigation aims to shed light on the extent of the issue and implement measures to halt the unauthorized sale of the nation’s currency.
House of Representatives Tasks Special Committee to Address Navy-Private Security Firm Rivalry in Niger Delta
In another significant move, the House of Representatives has tasked its Special Committee On Oil Theft In The Niger Delta to investigate the persistent rivalry and conflict of operational responsibilities between the Nigerian Navy and private security firms engaged by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
The motion, presented by Hon. Donald Ojogo from Ondo state, highlights the escalating cases of unchecked conflicts and altercations between the Navy and private security firms. Hon. Ojogo expressed concern that if left unaddressed, these conflicts could negatively impact the oil output projection for the 2024 Fiscal Year, posing economic implications for the nation.
The House, recognizing the severity of the issue, seeks a comprehensive investigation to identify the root causes of the conflicts and recommend solutions to ensure the smooth and effective operation of both the Navy and private security firms in the Niger Delta.
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