......Lawmakers Address National Security, Road Infrastructure, Mobile Phone Verification, Other Matters at Thursday’s Sitting
By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
The House of Representatives has passed three bills at the Third Reading stage and advanced three other legislative proposals to the Committee Stage, as lawmakers intensified efforts to address critical national issues, including insecurity, infrastructure development, telecommunications and public welfare.
The developments formed part of the major highlights of Thursday, October 29, 2026, plenary proceedings, presided over by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu.
The Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka, was among the lawmakers who participated in the plenary session, during which the House adopted one Matter of Urgent Public Importance and two motions, passed three bills at Third Reading and advanced three additional bills to the Committee Stage for further legislative consideration.
Under matters relating to security and national development, the House called for improved intelligence-sharing among relevant security agencies in Taraba, Plateau and Bauchi States, stressing the need for stronger collaboration to tackle insecurity and protect lives and property.
The lawmakers also emphasised the importance of providing assistance to victims of insecurity and ensuring the completion of the Wase–Karim Lamido Road, which was identified as an important infrastructure project requiring attention.
In another motion, the House urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to simplify the mobile phone verification process for used mobile devices.
The resolution is aimed at addressing difficulties associated with the verification of second-hand phones and ensuring that the process is more accessible and convenient for Nigerians.
Similarly, the lawmakers called on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to expedite the completion of the Kirikiri Road project in Lagos State, underscoring the importance of functional road infrastructure to economic activities, transportation and the movement of people and goods.
### House Advances Legislative Agenda
On the legislative front, the House considered several bills at different stages of the lawmaking process.
Eleven new bills were introduced for First Reading, including the Domestic Workers Protection Bill, which seeks to bring attention to the need for appropriate legal safeguards and protection for domestic workers.
At the Second Reading stage, lawmakers considered proposals seeking the establishment of the Federal College of Education, Umuobom; Federal College of Aviation Technology, Ihiala; and Federal Medical Centre, Ifako-Ijaiye.
The House subsequently passed three bills at Third Reading, namely the Federal University of Information Technology, Ikare-Akoko Bill; National Eye Centre, Jimeta Bill; and Federal Medical Centre, Ohafia Bill.
The passage of the three bills represents another step in the legislative process towards expanding access to specialised education, healthcare and technological development across the country.
### House Receives Security Report, Adopts Committee Recommendations
The plenary also featured the presentation of an Ad-Hoc Committee Report on insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), particularly against the backdrop of the reported $460 million CCTV surveillance loan.
The report brought renewed attention to concerns surrounding security infrastructure, the effectiveness of surveillance systems and the need for accountability in addressing security challenges within the nation's capital.
In addition, the House adopted seven Committee Reports, including a report relating to the repeal of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) legislation.
Three public petitions were also formally received, providing an opportunity for issues of public concern to be brought before the legislature for consideration.
### Isiaka Joins Colleagues in Legislative Deliberations
The participation of Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka, who represents Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency of Ogun State and serves as Deputy Chief Whip, further reflected his involvement in the legislative activities of the Green Chamber.
As the House continues to deliberate on bills, motions and matters of urgent public importance, Thursday's proceedings highlighted the legislature's ongoing engagement with issues affecting national security, infrastructure, institutional development and the welfare of Nigerians.
The plenary outcomes also demonstrated the broad range of responsibilities before the National Assembly, from responding to immediate security concerns to considering long-term legislative interventions in education, healthcare, technology and social protection.
The House is expected to continue its legislative responsibilities through further consideration of bills, committee recommendations and motions aimed at strengthening governance and addressing the needs of citizens across the federation.
