Plenary Recap: Highlights of Bills and Reports Presented | March 13, 2024

 PRESENTATION OF BILLS (First Reading)

1. Federal Capital Territory Statutory Appropriations Bill, 2024 (HB.1267)
Sponsor: Executive

2. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1147)
Sponsor: Rep. Mansur Manu Soro

3. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1148)
Sponsor: Rep. Mansur Manu Soro and one other

4. Taxes and Levies (Approved list for collection) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1149)
Sponsor: Rep. Mansur Manu Soro and two others

5. Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007 (Amendment) Bill, 2024(HB.1150) 
Sponsor: Rep. Mansur Manu Soro and two others

6. National Tobacco Smoking Control Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1151)
Sponsor: Rep. Mansur Manu Soro and two others

7. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1152)
Sponsor: Rep. Mansur Manu Soro and two others

8. Allocation of Revenue (Federation Account, Etc.) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024(HB.1153)
Sponsor: Rep. Mansur Manu Soro and five others

11. Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1159)
Sponsor: Rep. Olusoji Abidemi Adetunji

12. National Assembly Library Trust Fund Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1259)
Sponsor: Rep. Julius Ihonvbere

B. PRESENTATION OF BILLS (Second Reading)

1. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko and for Related Matters (SB. 75) 
Sponsor: Senate Leader

Debate:
Rep. Julius Ihonvbere moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Kingsley Chinda.

Rep. Ihonvbere in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks the establishment of the proposed Maritime University for the development of knowledge, research and development in the Maritime sector.

It also seeks to promote partnership and harnessing advancements of other such institutions. He stated that the location is strategic and will provide for the development of exploiting the vast economic potentials of the blue economy.

Rep. Ihonvbere called on Honorable members to support it. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the Committee of the Whole.

2. A Bill for an Act to Establish National Institute for Construction Technology and Management Itele, Ogun State and for Related Matters (HB.654)
Sponsor: Rep. Joseph Folorunsho Adegbesan | Seconded by: Rep. Dickson Tarkighir

Debate:

Rep. Adegbesan in leading the debate stressed the need for the establishment of the proposed Institute for the development of technological knowledge which is the bedrock for the development of nations.

He bemoaned the low level of technological based development in Nigeria which is also not adequately sustained, but has the potential to enormously contribute to the country’s GDP. He stated that the Bill seeks to provide the Legal Framework of the Institute and runs in conformity with stipulated guidelines.

The lawmaker urged Honourable members to support its passage for the technological development for Nigerians.

The Bill was voted on, approved for Second Reading and referred to the Committee of the Whole.

3. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Polytechnics Act, 2019 (As Amended) to Establish Federal Artificial Intelligence Institute, Aliade, Benue State for the purpose of Providing Qualitative and Structured Education in Artificial Intelligence Technology and for Related Matters (HB.377)
Sponsor: Rep. Austin Asema Achado | Seconded by: Rep. Abdullahi El-Rasheed

Debate:

Rep. Achado in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks for the establishment of the proposed Institute for the development of study and application in the artificial intelligence sector and for maximising the potentials of the sector.

He called for the embracing of artificial intelligence as a veritable tool for more effective ways of work as is obtainable worldwide.

The lawmaker urged Honourable members to support the amendment for the establishment of the Institute.

The bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Federal Polytechnics as well as that on Higher Education. 

C. PRESENTATION AND ADOPTION OF REPORTS

1. Report of the Conference Committee on the Retirement Age of Legislative Officers of the National Assembly - Rep. Julius Ihonvbere

“That the House do receive and adopt Report of the Conference Committee on the Retirement Age of Legislative Officers of the National Assembly and for Related Matters.”

The report was laid and adopted following a motion by Rep. Julius Ihonvbere and seconded by Rep. Kingsley Chinda.

Courtesy: Media Unit, Office of the Speaker