House of Reps Summons Security Chiefs Over Rising Insecurity, Advances Key Reform Bills

 

House of Reps Summons Security Chiefs Over Rising Insecurity, Advances Key Reform Bills

Abuja, Nigeria 

The House of Representatives has intensified its push for improved national security, accountability, and economic reforms, adopting a series of resolutions aimed at addressing pressing challenges facing Nigerians.

At Tuesday's plenary session presided over by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, lawmakers deliberated on critical national issues ranging from insecurity and infrastructure deficits to financial accountability and legislative reforms.

Responding to worsening security concerns across the country, the House called for urgent measures to safeguard schools and places of worship while demanding increased security deployment to tackle persistent bandit attacks in Nigeria's North-West region. The lawmakers also urged immediate security and humanitarian intervention in communities affected by the recent farmer-herder crisis in Bauchi State.

In a major oversight move, the House resolved to summon the Ministers of Defence and Finance, the National Security Adviser, Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Directors-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) and National Intelligence Agency (NIA). The officials are expected to account for funds appropriated and disbursed for security operations in affected regions.

The lawmakers further ordered a comprehensive investigation into the Itakpe-Warri train mishap and called for adequate compensation for passengers affected by the incident.

The House also initiated a probe into alleged irregularities in Nigeria's copyright administration system, stressing the need for greater transparency and accountability within the sector.

On infrastructure development, members adopted a resolution urging the Federal Government to rehabilitate the Imo-Anambra Highway and install high-intensity solar-powered street lights to improve safety and ease transportation along the corridor.

In the legislative sphere, the House passed the Federal College of Agriculture, Kagarko (Establishment) Bill and moved several strategic reform bills to the committee stage. These include proposals designed to strengthen Nigeria's digital economy, promote sustainable finance within financial institutions, and protect the rights and dignity of persons living with tuberculosis while combating discrimination associated with the disease.

Lawmakers also adopted committee recommendations on the Chartered Institute of Mortgage Bankers and Brokers of Nigeria (CIMBBN) Establishment Bill, alongside seven additional reports aimed at enhancing institutional development and sector regulation.

As part of its oversight responsibilities, the House received reports from the Public Accounts Committee on the Federal Government's 2020 Consolidated Financial Statements and findings relating to non-compliance and internal control weaknesses within the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET), reaffirming Parliament's commitment to fiscal discipline and transparency.

The House equally considered a report on the West African Gas Pipeline Project Act (Amendment) Bill for further legislative action.

Earlier in the day, the Green Chamber welcomed a delegation from the United Kingdom House of Commons, highlighting continued parliamentary cooperation and diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

Twisdic Info Reports understands that the decisions reached during Tuesday's plenary reflect the House of Representatives' determination to strengthen national security, promote accountability in public institutions, advance critical reforms, and pursue policies aimed at improving the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians.