As the 9th session of the House of Representatives prepares to wind down its legislative activities on June 11, 2023, KEHINDE AKINTOLA x-rays some of the highpoints of the Lower Chamber from June 11, 2019 to-date.
The journey of the ninth House of Representatives in Nigeria which began in earnest on June 11, 2019 with the election of Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila as the Speaker and his deputy, Honourable Idris Wase after President Muhammadu Buhari’s proclamation in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the House Standing Rules (9th edition). The Speaker on assumption of office formally adopted the slogan ‘Nation Building: A Joint Task’, during his inaugural speech which set the tone for the House’s commitment to shaking the table and introducing various reforms to reposition the institution for the greater good.
This was followed by the introduction of the Legislative Agenda (Our Contract with Nigerians) which outlined the House’s objectives and commitments to the Nigerian people from 2019 to 2023. The agenda encompassed 10 key areas, including healthcare delivery, education, economy, security, agriculture and food security, sustainable power, environment and climate change, human capital development and social development, governance, and House reforms. Despite the challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the House remained committed to its promises to the Nigerians, focusing on reforms and legislative deliverables. The House demonstrated its commitment to prompt action by passing the 2020 Appropriation Bill within a record time, ensuring its implementation in January of the year. Speaker Gbajabiamila’s personal attendance at budget defense sessions and joint sessions with the Senate reflected an unprecedented dedication to nation-building.
Competence and research
Recognizing the importance of research for effective lawmaking, Speaker Gbajabiamila initiated the Legislative Library project of the National Assembly—the first since 1999. The House secured an initial provision of N2 billion in the budget to support this project, thereby enhancing the legislative competence of its members.
Addressing insecurity was a crucial component of the House’s agenda. The House passed numerous resolutions calling for urgent action by the Executive Arm of the government, with over 98 resolutions related to insecurity alone. Speaker Gbajabiamila and various standing and special committees also conducted physical visits to crisis spots to assess the situation and listen to the concerns of victims. Speaker Gbajabiamila demonstrated empathy and humanitarian commitment by personally visiting internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Borno, Katsina, and Zamfara States. In one instance, he funded the surgery of a baby with a cleft palate in an IDP camp, showcasing the House’s dedication to addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. The 9th House successfully embarked on a journey of reforms and legislative deliverables. Despite the challenges, the House remained focused on its commitments to the people, working at an unprecedented pace and addressing key areas such as healthcare, education, economy, security, and more.
Bills, motions/resolutions, petitions
Lawmaking tops the chart on the three major functions of the legislature. The other two are oversight and constituency outreach. In the main business of lawmaking, the 9th House took off on a supersonic speed, setting to break the records of previous assemblies in four years. In the first session alone (June 11, 2019-June 10, 2020), the House introduced a total of 853 bills. 105 of the bills passed second reading in record time, while another set of 638 bills progressed for second reading. A total of 41 bills were fully passed by June of 2020, leaving another 66 awaiting action by the Committee of the Whole.
In the second session (June 2020-June 10, 2021), 554 new bills were introduced to the House, bringing the total of bills introduced for the two sessions under review to 1,407. A total of bills awaiting second reading also rose to 942 as of June 10, 2021. In addition, the number of bills referred to committees stood at 222, while 79 out of the 554 bills introduced in the second session were awaiting consideration by the Committee of the Whole. In the first two sessions (2019-2021), a total of 88 bills were passed, out of the 1,407 introduced; four were negatived and two were withdrawn.
Compared to earlier assemblies, the seventh House, for example, introduced 755 bills and passed 123 at the expiration of four years in 2015. For the eighth House, also reputed with the hunger to pass many bills, it introduced 1,643 bills in four years from 2015 to 2019. Out of that number, 685 were introduced in its first session, compared to the 853 introduced by the current House within the same period. By the close of its term in June 2019, the eighth House had passed 382 of the bills in four years.
In the case of the ninth House, by March 2023 (and three months to end of tenure), it had introduced 2, 209 bills, excluding another set of 137 it received from the Senate for concurrence. Constitution amendment bills alone stood at 258. Out of the 2, 209 bills it introduced, the Gbajabiamila House successfully passed 451 by March 2023, thereby beating previous assemblies on number of bills.
Notable Bills
Some of the important bills passed by the House deserve special mention here. The Petroleum Industry Bill (Now Petroleum Industry Act) tops the chart. It became one of the longest bills failing at the National Assembly since 1999. But, in keeping with its legislative promise, the House after a rigorous debate in November, 2020, passed the PIB for second reading. It subsequently passed third reading. The House also took further actions by inaugurating a Standing House Committee on Host Communities, a key provision of the PIB, to adequately address the concerns of oil-bearing communities, otherwise known as ‘Host Communities.’ The bill (PIA, 2021) was signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari on August 16, 2021.
Another important bill was the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill. Issues like the electronic option of transmitting election results, funding of political parties, mode of primaries, campaign funding, among others, were captured in the bill, which. Buhari also signed the bill into law well ahead of the 2023 general elections. A third important bill was the Companies and Allied Matters Bill, passed by both the House and the Senate and eventually signed into an Act in November 2020 by President Buhari.
Furthermore, a review of the 1999 Constitution introduced 258 bills and the House passed 68 of them, while the National Assembly jointly transmitted 44 of the stock to state Houses of Assembly. The state legislatures approved 35 of the bills. In March 2023, Buhari assented his signature to 16 of the bills. Among the bills he signed were on “ensuring financial independence of State Houses of Assembly and State Judiciary; Regulating of the first session and inauguration of members-elect of the National and State Houses of Assembly and for related matters.
Insecurity
In its response to the worsening security situation, across the country, the House initiated bills seeking to reform the Police, and ensure the timely passage of significant bills aimed at addressing pressing national issues. The lawmakers in acknowledgement of the escalation of kidnapping and banditry across Nigeria, affecting all six geopolitical zones at various times expressed grave concerns regarding the increasing death toll and the need for urgent action to address insecurity. However, in the course of addressing the menace, the lawmakers entered into a stormy weather sequel to the controversiea that trailed the motion seeking to invite the President to address members on the security situation. Although the visit did not materialise, the House resolution demonstrated its commitment to tackling insecurity. In April 2021, after an executive session, the House urged the then President Buhari to declare a state of emergency on the security sector. Flowing from the failed attempts to get the President to account for his stewardship regarding the ravaging insecurity situation, the House resolved to organize a Special Summit on National Security with a view to find broad-based solutions. The success recorded through this ingenuity led to the introduction of 13 new bills aimed specifically at addressing security issues, including amendments to the Armed Forces Act, Police Act, and other related Acts. These bills aimed to strengthen security agencies and enhance their effectiveness in combating insecurity. The House during the years under review exhibited high level of dedication to reforming the Nigeria Police Force even before the #EndSARS protests. The House introduced the Police Service Commission Reform Bill 2020, which sought to strengthen the commission’s powers to hold personnel accountable for the abuse of office. The speaker advocated for special budgetary allocations to the Police in the 2021 Supplementary Appropriation Bill, highlighting the House’s commitment to improving police operations. The House supported the executive in swiftly passing the revised Police Act 2020, emphasising the importance of improving policing in Nigeria.
Legislative achievements:
The House demonstrated exceptional speed and productivity in lawmaking, surpassing previous assemblies in terms of the number of bills introduced and passed. A breakdown of bills introduced, awaiting second reading, referred to committees, and those passed is provided. Petroleum Industry Act (PIA): The House passed the PIA for second and third readings, contributing to one of the longest bills failing at the National Assembly. The House also established a standing committee on Host Communities to address concerns of oil-bearing communities. The PIA was eventually signed into law by President Buhari. The House passed this crucial bill addressing electronic transmission of election results, political party funding, mode of primaries, and campaign funding. President Buhari signed the bill into law well ahead of the 2023 general election. Nigeria has witnessed significant legislative developments aimed at addressing various challenges and driving socioeconomic progress in recent years. Several impactful bills have been passed into law, reflecting the government’s commitment to transformative reforms across multiple sectors.
Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022:
The Proceeds of Crime Act establishes a robust legal and institutional framework for effectively recovering and managing proceeds derived from unlawful activities. It facilitates the seizure, confiscation, and forfeiture of assets linked to criminal activities, ensuring that individuals involved in unlawful acts do not benefit from their ill-gotten gains. The Act also strengthens criminal confiscation procedures and establishes the Proceeds of Crimes Agency to carry out the necessary functions. This legislation plays a vital role in combating corruption and other illicit activities, promoting transparency, and safeguarding Nigeria’s financial system.
Harmonized retirement age for Teachers Act, 2022:
The Harmonized Retirement Age for Teachers Act addresses the needs and concerns of the teaching profession. By increasing the retirement age from 60 to 65 years, the law recognizes the valuable experience and contributions of teachers. Additionally, it extends the duration of service from 35 to 40 years, allowing educators to continue imparting knowledge and shaping the future of Nigeria’s youth. This legislation aims to improve the quality of education by retaining experienced teachers and enhancing the stability of the educational system.
Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (Establishment) Act, 2022:
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau Act focuses on promoting safety and reducing accidents across various transportation sectors. It establishes a comprehensive framework for conducting prompt investigations into transportation occurrences and accidents. By facilitating transparent, independent, and objective investigations, the Act seeks to enhance safety measures and create a safer environment for both Nigerian citizens and foreign visitors. This legislation plays a crucial role in improving the country’s transportation infrastructure and reducing the occurrence of accidents.
Nigeria Startup Act, 2022:
The Nigeria Startup Act provides a legal and institutional framework to foster the development of startups in Nigeria. It aims to create an enabling environment for the establishment, growth, and operation of startups, positioning Nigeria as a leading digital technology hub in Africa. The legislation supports the growth of technology-related talent and encourages innovation by establishing a Startup Investment Seed Fund and clusters, hubs, and innovation parks. By promoting entrepreneurship and technological advancements, this Act contributes to economic diversification, job creation, and the country’s digital transformation.
National Mental Health Act, 2022:
The National Mental Health Act marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s healthcare system. It replaces outdated legislation and introduces a modern approach to mental health, emphasizing the promotion, protection, and support of individuals suffering from mental illnesses. The Act aims to close the mental health care gap, integrate mental health services into primary care, and ensure the human rights of persons with mental health conditions. By providing a well-defined governance structure and addressing critical funding gaps, this legislation prioritizes mental health and contributes to achieving universal health coverage.
Business Facilitation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2022:
The Business Facilitation Act streamlines and simplifies business operations in Nigeria by amending several business-related laws. It removes bureaucratic barriers, enhances transparency, and increases efficiency in conducting business. The Act amends the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), clarifies provisions related to financial instruments, share capital, and directorships. It also amends the Industrial Training Fund Act, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission Act, National Housing Fund Act, and Immigration Act, among others. These amendments promote investment, protect businesses, and align Nigerian laws with global best practices.
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
Oyedepo, Enenche, others not fake for supporting Obi – Primate Ayodele
The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele has cautioned Nigerians from referring to Bishop Oyedepo, Pastor Paul Enenche, and…
WEEK BRIEF: Tinubu Presidency, fuel subsidy saga and NLC war drums
On May 29, Bola Ahmed Tinubu became the 16th president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He was sworn in as President of Nigeria by…
Why I sacked Auxiliary as PMS boss — Makinde
Following the clash of interest that ensued between the former Chairman of disciplinary committee of the Park Management System in…
I met my wife virgin at 21 — Isreal DMW
Superstar Davido’s aide, Isreal Afeare aka Isreal DMW, has responded to critics who were trolling him over his…
The fuel subsidy issue
DURING his inauguration speech, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced that the era of…
SERIE A: Victor Osimhen becomes first African to win Capocannoniere award
In a historic achievement Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has become the first African footballer to…
