Reps pass bill for state resources control

The bill, seeking states to control their resources passed through second reading on Wednesday at the plenary session of the House of Representatives.

The Bill is aimed at altering the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to move Water for Domestic, Commercial, Industrial, Irrigation, Power, and Other Uses to the Concurrent Legislative List, to allow State Governments put to Sustainable Use Water Within their State, make Provisions for State Governments to Access Mines in their States, Provide for the Financial Autonomy of Local Government Councils by Prescribing an Independent Consolidated Local Government Council Account.

The proposed legislation sponsored by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere and 33 others was presented for second reading by the House leader Hon. Julius Ihonvbere.

The Bill seeks to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to give State Governments access to mines.

The explanatory memorandum States, “The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) (herein referred to as the “Principal Act”) is amended as set out in | this Bill; Part 1 of the second schedule is amended as follows: “Mines and minerals, including oil fields, oil mining, geological surveys, and natural gas. Provided that Governments of States where mining activities take place shall be involved in matters relating thereto.”

When put to a voice vote by the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu who presided over the session, it was supported by the lawmakers and passed.

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