Category: House of Representatives

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Calls for Repeal and Enactment of Students Loan Legislation

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally requested the House of Representatives to repeal the Students Loans Act 2023 and replace it with the newly proposed Students Loan Bill 2024. Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, disclosed during Thursday’s plenary session that he had received the letter from the president, transmitting the proposed legislation. In his letter, President Tinubu clarified that the repeal of the existing Students Loans Act and the subsequent enactment of a new bill were necessary steps to address certain challenges encountered with the previous legislation. The president…

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Tinubu Sends 2024 FCT Budget Proposal to House of Representatives as Plenary Highlights Urgent National Issues

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The House of Representatives has received a letter from President Bola Tinubu regarding the 2024 statutory Budget Proposal of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). During the plenary session, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas announced that the proposal, formulated in accordance with the FCTA revenue and expenditure focus, aligns with the fiscal development policy of the federal government. According to the letter, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory has prepared the 2024 budget proposal for the state Capital, in compliance with the provisions of section 121 and 299 of the Constitution of…

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Deputy Speaker Calls for Public Input as Constitution Review Committee Gears Up for Extensive Overhaul

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Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu Urges Nigerians to Contribute to the Constitutional Review Process In a significant move towards constitutional reform, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has called upon citizens from all walks of life to submit memoranda as the Committee on Constitution Review prepares to embark on its crucial mission. Timely Milestones Promised: First Draft Report by August 2024, Final Draft for Presidential Assent in 2025 Kalu, addressing the press during a conference held by the House Committee on Constitution Review, reassured the…

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House of Representatives Rejects Report on OVH Energy Acquisition Amidst Fresh Controversies

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In a surprising turn of events, the House of Representatives has declined to accept the report submitted by the Ad-hoc Committee, chaired by Hon. Hassan Abubakar Nalaraba, which investigated alleged irregularities and corruption in the acquisition of OVH Energy Marketing by the Nigerian National Petrolatum Company Limited (NNPCL). The rejection came after startling new evidence surfaced, indicating that the acquisition process was marred by irregularities. The NNPCL, accused of engaging in a questionable acquisition deal involving Nueoil and OVH Energy, now faces intense scrutiny. The House was taken aback by…

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House of Representatives Initiates Comprehensive Review of Abandoned Federal Government Projects Nationwide

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In a significant development, the House of Representatives has directed the Committee on Works to conduct an exhaustive review of all abandoned Federal Government projects across Nigeria. The mandate encompasses a thorough examination of project details, such as the scope of work, commencement date, contract value, funds expended, and the current stage of work. The Committee is expected to liaise with relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and formulate an effective plan to ensure the completion of these projects. A comprehensive report is anticipated within four weeks, paving the way…

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House of Representatives Halts Implementation of Nurses’ Certificate Verification Guidelines

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Revised Guidelines Face Scrutiny Following Urgent Motion The House of Representatives has taken decisive action to suspend the implementation of the revised guidelines for verifying certificates of nurses and midwives, issued by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). The move comes after an urgent motion was presented by Rep. Patrick Umoh (APC-Akwa-Ibom) during Tuesday’s plenary session in Abuja. In his motion, Umoh highlighted that the revised guidelines, set to take effect on March 1, 2024, posed significant concerns. The guidelines stipulate that applicants for verification must possess a…

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House Committee Targets PMS Racketeers, Collaborates with Stakeholders to Address Downstream Challenges

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The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) has declared its determination to pursue individuals involved in Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) product racketeering and other downstream sharp practices. This announcement comes as the committee commits to partnering with key industry associations, including the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), to address issues affecting the availability and affordability of PMS and AGO. Chairman of the committee, Hon. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere (PDP-Imo), issued a stern warning during a meeting with…

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House of Representatives Pays Tribute to Late Speaker Umar Ghali Na’Abba in Valedictory Session

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In a poignant valedictory session held today, the House of Representatives paid tribute to the late former Speaker, Umar Ghali Na’Abba, recognizing his significant contributions to the development of the legislative chamber and Nigeria as a whole. The emotional plenary session, presided over by the current House Speaker, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, saw lawmakers expressing their condolences and eulogizing the late Ghali Umar Na’Abba, who passed away on December 27, 2023, in Abuja after battling a prolonged illness. Hon. Abbas, in his remarks, described the late speaker as the leader of…

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House of Representatives Urges NIMC to Enroll Citizens Upon Birth for National Identification

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The House of Representatives has called on the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Health, partner agencies, hospitals, and other relevant entities to ensure the enrollment, registration, and generation of National Identification Numbers (NIN) for all Nigerian citizens and residents immediately upon birth. Additionally, the House has urged NIMC and its partner agencies to promptly address issues hindering the seamless and nationwide NIN registration and card issuance process. This call to action emerged following a motion sponsored by Honorable Olamijuwonlo ALAO Akala, titled “Call…

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House of Reps Committee Summons NNPC Retail Limited MD Over OVH Acquisition Controversy

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The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources Downstream has issued a summon to Mr. Hubb Stokman, the Managing Director of NNPC Retail Limited, to appear before the committee within seven days. The súmmons comes with a warning that failure to comply will result in the issuance of a warrant for Mr. Stockman’s arrest. Chairman of the Committee on Petroleum Resources Downstream, Honorable Ikenga Ugochinyere, announced the summon order, emphasizing the urgency for Mr. Stokman to brief the committee’s leadership and provide updates on the acquisition of OVH by NNPC…

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House of Representatives Advances State Police Bill to Second Reading

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In a significant legislative development, the House of Representatives has given a nod for the second reading of a bill aimed at establishing state police. The proposed legislation, sponsored by Honorable Banjamin Kalu, forms part of a broader constitutional alteration initiative. The key provision seeks to relocate the police force from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List. This strategic move effectively grants states the authority to independently manage and control their respective police forces. During the plenary session, Honorable Tolani Shagaya led the debate on the bill,…

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Speaker Abbas Urges Strategic Partnership with Saudi Arabia to Boost Investment Opportunities

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Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, has called for a strategic partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to enhance investment opportunities in Nigeria. The appeal was made during a courtesy visit by the Saudi Arabia Nigerian Parliamentary Friendship Group on Wednesday. Acknowledging the longstanding diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, spanning over 25 years, Speaker Abbas advocated for an intensified collaboration in key sectors such as trade and investment, tourism, oil and gas, and infrastructure. Represented by his Deputy, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Speaker Abbas…

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