The House of Representatives has taken action to address concerns over the arbitrary increase in cement prices and the collapse of the drug revolving funds scheme. In response to motions brought forward during plenary, the House mandated its Committees on Solid Minerals Development, Commerce, Industry, Special Duties, and Health Institutions to investigate these issues and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
The resolution stems from a motion titled ‘Need to Investigate the Arbitrary Increase in the Price of Cement by Manufacturers of Cement in Nigeria,’ sponsored by Hon. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi and Hon. Ademorin Kuye. Gbefwi highlighted the significant price hike in cement, which has led to increased costs of building materials and rent across the country. He emphasized that despite the local sourcing of raw materials for cement production, manufacturers have exploited exchange rate volatility to raise prices without significant changes in production costs.
Furthermore, the House moved to address the collapse of the drug revolving funds scheme, as raised in a motion titled ‘Collapse Revolving Funds and Indebtedness of Federal Health Institutions to the Pharmaceutical Firms in Nigeria,’ sponsored by Hon. Adedayo Samuel Adesola, Hon. Amos Magaji Gwamna, and Hon. Regina Akume. Adesola noted the scheme’s initial success in addressing drug shortages in public health institutions but highlighted mismanagement issues that led to its collapse. He emphasized the urgent need to investigate and revive the scheme to ensure adequate drug supplies in federal health institutions.
These motions reflect the House of Representatives’ commitment to addressing key economic and healthcare challenges facing Nigeria and demonstrate its proactive approach in ensuring accountability and transparency in governance.
