The Nigeria’s House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to conduct enlightenment campaigns exposing the negative effects of sports betting, especially concerning the participation of young Nigerians. This resolution followed a motion presented during Thursday’s plenary by Hon. Nwogu Kelechi, representing Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency, Rivers State.

Kelechi highlighted the expansive growth of sports betting globally, including various Nigerian platforms, with approximately 60 million Nigerians aged 18 to 40 engaging in such activities. He emphasized the mental health problems, strained relationships, financial difficulties, and legal issues associated with excessive sports betting.

The lawmaker expressed concern over the weak or neglected regulations in the sports betting industry, citing the National Lottery Act of 2005, which is intended to ensure fair operation and the protection of players and the public. The House believes that proper regulation could generate tax revenue for the government and contribute to economic growth.

As part of the adopted motion, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to conduct nationwide campaigns raising public awareness about the negative impacts of youth participation in sports betting. Additionally, the Committee on Inter-Governmental Affairs was mandated to conduct a public hearing on the effects and benefits of sports betting in Nigeria, reporting back within four weeks for further legislative action.

The Federal House of Representatives has urged the administration led by President Bola Tinubu to reduce the cost of this year’s Islamic pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, officially fixed at N5 million. The motion, titled “Need to review the 2024 Hajj fare payable by intending pilgrims,” was adopted during Thursday’s plenary.

Umar Ajilo, representing Makarfi/Kudan Federal Constituency, Kaduna State, led the debate, emphasizing the importance of pilgrimage in the Islamic religion. He noted that the N5 million fare is exorbitant and unsuitable for middle- and low-income intending pilgrims.

The House expressed concern about the economic reality and urged the Federal Government to reassess the processes and procedures adopted by the National Hajj Commission to arrive at the fare. The aim is to make the fare more affordable for intending pilgrims.

In response, the House mandated the Committee on Muslim Pilgrimage to engage the National Hajj Commission in reviewing and reassessing processes and strategies. The goal is to ensure that the pilgrimage fare becomes more affordable. The committee is expected to report to the House within four weeks.

In a significant move towards meeting greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, the NNPC Ltd/TotalEnergies Joint Venture has achieved zero routine gas flare in all its assets. This accomplishment aligns with the Nationally Determined Contribution targets under the Paris Accord, aiming for a 20% unconditional and 47% conditional reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

The achievement was announced during an inspection tour of OML 100 in the Southeastern Niger Delta, off Port Harcourt. The joint NNPC Ltd and TotalEnergies team assessed the success of the OML Flare Reduction Project initiated in December 2023.

The NNPC Ltd/TotalEnergies Joint Venture, as the concession holder of four leases, had already achieved zero routine flaring across OML 99 (2006), OML 102 (2014), and OML 58 (2016). With the elimination of routine flaring in OML 100, the last flare volume of about 12MMscf/d (twelve million standard cubic feet per day) of gas has been eradicated, resulting in a reduction of approximately 341KtCO2e/yr in greenhouse gas emissions.

This accomplishment is part of NNPC Ltd’s broader sustainability efforts, emphasizing the ‘Reduce’ aspect of its 5R Strategy (Reduce, Replace, Renew, Re-plant, Repurpose). The company is actively working across all its assets to achieve zero routine flaring by 2030 or earlier.

The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) has clarified that it consistently publishes details of the monthly revenue allocation by the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) to the three tiers of government.

The OAGF, through its Director of Press, Bawa Mokwa, stated in Abuja that it is up to date in the publication of monthly revenue distribution, and this effort will be sustained.

The OAGF has been adhering to the policy of keeping Nigerians informed about government financial inflows and expenditures.

The statement highlighted that the monthly revenue distribution for 2023 was published both in print and online media, as well as on its website. Furthermore, the details of the December 2023 revenue, shared in January 2024, have already been published on the OAGF’s website.

The Office emphasized its commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in government financial transactions while upholding the principles of prudent financial management.

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The Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated the enforcement of a minimum age of 12 years for individuals engaging in apprenticeship schemes.

The enforcement commenced with sensitization programs across the six geo-political zones in the country.

At a rally held at Kugbo Furniture Market in Abuja, the Ministry of Labour and Employment emphasized that engaging an apprentice below the age of 12 constitutes child labor, violating United Nations and International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions and standards. The Minister of Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, represented by Mohammed Tolani Suraj, the Director of the Skills Development and Certification Department, highlighted that the policy is clearly outlined in the Labour law cap 198 section 49-53 LFN.

The sensitization programs were conducted in various regions, including South-East (Umuahia, Abia State), South-West (Ondo State), South-South (Rivers State), North-Central (Makurdi, Benue State), North-East (Gombe State), and North-West (Katsina State).

In addition to sensitization, the Ministry is exploring ways to enhance employment generation by issuing Trade Test Certificates of Competence to deserving beneficiaries. To qualify for the training scheme, apprentices must be accredited by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Department of Skills Development and Certification.

The Minister emphasized that safety regulations are strictly enforced during apprenticeship training to prevent accidents and ensure that apprentices work under good, safe, and satisfactory conditions.

The Nigeria’s House of Representatives has called on several federal government agencies, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, the National Security Adviser, and others, to review the current disaster policy framework for national development. This move is in response to the hardship faced by Nigerians due to natural and man-made disasters.

The motion, titled “Call for national disaster insurance scheme,” was moved by Mr. Francis Omoleye, representing Ijero/DEkiti West/Efon Federal Constituency in Ekiti State. He highlighted the insufficiency of resources allocated to the National Emergency Management Agency, leading to ineffective disaster management and insufficient relief for affected victims.

The House expressed concern about the destruction of private and public infrastructure annually by floods, fire, and storms, emphasizing the gaps in disaster mitigation management in Nigeria. It noted that affected victims often face frustration and contemplate suicide due to dashed hopes and expectations after mitigation exercises.

Recognizing the rise in unwholesome practices by criminals, possibly linked to the frustrations of victims who lose their livelihoods, the House urged relevant agencies to re-examine the disaster policy framework. The proposed action includes implementing a new national disaster insurance scheme to instill public confidence and address disasters affecting citizens regardless of class, creed, or gender.

The House also called for public enlightenment and sensitization programs nationwide in all Nigerian languages to educate people on early warning signals, especially regarding fire during the upcoming harmattan season. Committees on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, Appropriations, Environment, National Security and Intelligence, Finance, Water Resources, Human Rights, and Legislative Compliance were mandated to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.