Return of fuel queue and a negative spotlight of Dangote cement were some of the issues that took centre stage in the House of Representatives today
Reps to probe return of fuel queues
In response to the return of fuel queues across the country, the House of Representatives has called for a forensic investigation of the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). This investigation aims to enforce compliance with industry standards and support local crude refiners who are sidelined despite local production capabilities. The House has also resolved to investigate disruptions in the distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), importation of sub-standard products, racketeering of petroleum products, favoritism in allocation, and the indiscriminate issuance of licenses. These resolutions resulted from a motion of urgent importance by Rep. Billy Osawaru (APC Edo) during Tuesday’s plenary. Deputy Speaker Rep. Benjamin Kalu (APC Abia ), who presided over the session, remarked: “This is an all-important motion as it affects both lawmakers and constituents.”
Reps frown at evasion of summons by Dangote cement
The House committee investigating cement price hike issued another warning to cement manufacturing industries for continuously evading summons. During the investigative hearing today, committee chairman, Rep. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi (SDP Nasarawa) highlighted that Dangote Cement and others are relying on court orders despite losing at both the High Court and the Court of Appeal. He stated, “There is no substantiating order preventing them from appearing before the House. You have gone to the Supreme Court, but that does not bar you from appearing. Nigerians need to be aware of this level of insensitivity and disregard for the nation’s rule of law.”
Similarly, the House Committee on Federal Character expressed frustration over repeated non-compliance with invitations to agencies of the federal government. Committee chairman, Rep. Idris Wase (APC Plateau) criticized TETFund, Industrial Training Fund (ITF), the National Sugar Council, and others for their non-compliance. He emphasized that the committee would not tolerate any agency taking them for granted, insisting that every government agency must account for its actions. The former deputy speaker particularly condemned the absence of the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Mr. Sonny S.T Echono Fnia, who has been invited multiple times but failed to appear. He stated, “I have been here since 2007, and this is the worst set I have seen in terms of compliance.” The committee gave the agencies until Tuesday to appear with the appropriate representatives.
BILLS CHART FOR THE DAY
Below is OrderPaper’s signature presentation of bills taken in House plenary today. Readers are invited to contact us for further information via info@orderpaper.ng or WhatsApp via +234 704 700 3031
