Royal News

Tag: The House of Representatives

  • Bill Seeks to Curb President’s Power Over EFCC Boss

    Bill Seeks to Curb President’s Power Over EFCC Boss

    The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill seeking to amend the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 to strengthen the agency’s autonomy and reduce political interference in its operations.

    The bill, sponsored by Yusuf Gagdi (APC–Plateau), was debated and adopted during Thursday’s plenary session presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

    Gagdi said the proposed amendment aims to modernise the EFCC’s legal framework to reflect global best practices and equip the agency to tackle emerging forms of economic and financial crimes, including cybercrime, cryptocurrency manipulation, terrorism financing, and real estate-based money laundering.

    He argued that the existing Act leaves the Commission vulnerable to political influence, as the President currently has the sole authority to remove the EFCC Chairman without legislative approval.

    “The EFCC operates under outdated provisions that do not adequately address the new realities,” Gagdi said. “This amendment seeks to make the Commission independent, professional, and transparent.”

    One of the key proposals would require a two-thirds majority approval of both the Senate and House of Representatives before any EFCC Chairman can be removed from office—curtailing the President’s unilateral power under Section 3(2) of the current Act.

    Gagdi said the change would “restore public confidence in the EFCC” and “strengthen Nigeria’s global anti-corruption reputation.”

    Also speaking, the Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Crimes, Ginger Onwusibe (LP–Abia), described the initiative as long overdue, stressing that many modern financial crimes are not covered by the 2004 law.

    The bill was unanimously passed for second reading and referred to the relevant committee for further legislative work.

  • House of Reps Warns PENGASSAN Over Dangote Refinery Strike

    House of Reps Warns PENGASSAN Over Dangote Refinery Strike

    The House of Representatives has passed a resolution aimed at protecting key private investments in Nigeria from future industrial disruptions, following the recent strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) against the Dangote Refinery.

    The resolution was adopted on Tuesday after a motion jointly sponsored by Hon. Ado Doguwa and Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki was debated on the floor of the House.

    Moving the motion, the lawmakers expressed concern that the industrial action by PENGASSAN may have violated existing laws governing operations within Nigeria’s Free Trade Zones (FTZs), where the Dangote Refinery is located. They cited provisions of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) Act, which grants companies within such zones a 10-year no-strike guarantee.

    According to the lawmakers, the recent strike not only disrupted operations at the multi-billion-dollar refinery but also risked eroding investor confidence in Nigeria’s business environment. They warned that repeated industrial disputes of this nature could undermine the country’s efforts to attract and retain foreign and local investments.

    “The Dangote Refinery represents a strategic national asset with significant implications for energy security, job creation, and economic growth,” the motion read in part. “Disruptions to its operations could have far-reaching economic consequences.”

    The House noted that the three-day strike resulted in substantial financial losses and called on the Federal Government to urgently engage with the labour union and management of the refinery to prevent a recurrence.

    Lawmakers also resolved to develop policy frameworks that would safeguard strategic economic investments from future labour-related crises. The leadership of the House was directed to liaise with relevant ministries, agencies, and stakeholders to ensure compliance with existing laws and promote peaceful industrial relations.