…House advances bill to establish Nasarawa State Character Commission, passes Water Supply and Sanitation Law, and proceeds on Ramadan reces
By Suleiman Abubakar
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has taken significant steps to promote fairness and inclusivity by advancing a bill aimed at ensuring equitable distribution of state resources, political appointments, and employment opportunities among all local government areas (LGAs).
During plenary in Lafia, Speaker Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau announced the second reading of “A Bill for a Law to Establish the Nasarawa State Character Commission and for Other Matters Connected Thereto”, following its presentation by Hon. Hudu A. Hudu, the sponsor of the bill.
Ensuring Fairness and Equity in Resource Allocation
The bill seeks to institutionalize fairness in political appointments, employment opportunities, and resource allocation across the state's LGAs. According to Hon. Hudu A. Hudu, the proposed law will guarantee that all communities receive their fair share of economic benefits, thereby fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity.
"This commission will formulate guidelines to ensure fairness in government appointments, employment, and resource distribution, enhancing unity and equitable development across all LGAs," he stated.
Supporting the bill, Hon. Jacob Ajegana Kudu, Hon. Jonah Ali Dizaho, and Hon. Mohammed Adamu Omadefu emphasized its potential to promote peace, stability, and social justice in the state.
The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Public Accounts, which is expected to submit its report by April 30, 2025.
Water Supply and Sanitation Law Passed
In another legislative milestone, the House passed into third reading “A Bill for a Law to Amend the Nasarawa State Water Supply and Sanitation Law, 2023.” Speaker Jatau directed the Clerk of the House to produce a clean copy of the bill for Governor Abdullahi Sule's assent.
The motion for the bill’s passage was moved by Rt. Hon. Abel Yakubu Bala, the Deputy Majority Leader, and seconded by Hon. Onarigu Onah Kana, the Deputy Minority Leader. The House unanimously adopted the bill.
Strengthening Mining Regulations
The House also received the Standing Committee on Housing and Environment's report on “A Bill for a Law to Regulate and Control the Issuance of Land Consent and Community Agreements to Mining Entities.”
Presenting the report, Committee Chairman Hon. Mohammed Adamu Omadefu highlighted the bill’s role in boosting the state's revenue, promoting peace between mining communities and operators, and tackling illegal mining activities. The Speaker scheduled April 28, 2025, for further deliberation on the report.
Promoting Menstrual Hygiene in Schools
The House deliberated and adopted the Joint Committee on Education, Science and Technology, Health, and Women Affairs' report on “A Bill for a Law to Provide for Menstrual Hygiene Products for Girls in Nasarawa State Public Schools.”
The Speaker fixed April 15, 2025, for the bill’s third reading, following a motion by Hon. Abel Yakubu Bala and seconded by Hon. Onarigu Onah Kana. The House unanimously adopted the committee’s report.
Other Bills Passed into First Reading
Several bills were introduced and passed into first reading, including:
- A Bill to Regulate the Engagement of Casual Workers in Nasarawa State Public Service – Sponsored by Rt. Hon. Abel Yakubu Bala, with the second reading scheduled for April 28, 2025.
- A Bill to Provide for the Increase of Retirement Age for Magistrates, Sharia Court Sole Judges, and Customary Court Sole Judges – Sponsored by Hon. Barr. Esson Mairiga Ambina, with the second reading set for April 28, 2025.
- A Bill to Regulate the Activities of Farmers and Herdsmen and Control Livestock Movement to Prevent Conflicts – Sponsored by Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Peter Akwe, with the second reading slated for April 29, 2025.
Ramadan Recess
Following the day's legislative activities, the House proceeded on Ramadan recess, with plenary set to resume on April 14, 2025.
