The House of Representatives on Tuesday, 29 September 2020 resolved to re-gazette and re-introduce the controversial National Water Resources Bill, 2020. This bill was passed in July 2020 before the National Assembly embarked on its extended recess.

This resolution was reached following a matter of privilege raised by Hon. Bem Benjamin Mzondu (Benue:PDP) seeking clarification on the National Water Bill 2020 that was debated and approved by the House of Representatives. Hon. Mzondu noted that the Bill did not go through the normal legislative process and added that he was not given the opportunity to see a gazetted copy of the bill in order to contribute to its development. Hon. Nkem Abonta (Abia:PDP) supported this submission by noting that certain portions of the Bill were questionable and the procedure with which it was passed was unprecedented.

In order to clarify the position on the Bill the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila (Lagos:APC) stated that the Bill was recommitted from the preceding Assembly and proceeded de novo. Hon. Sada Soli (Katsina:APC) contributed by stating that the Bill was an Executive Bill and followed the normal procedure for consideration. He added that the Bill was a consolidation and updating of four existing Acts. These Acts are the Water Resources Act, River Basin Development Authority Act, Nigeria Hydrological Services Act and National Water Resources Institute Act. Furthermore, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ahmed Wase (Plateau:APC) in lending his voice explained that clean copies of the bill were made available when members wanted proof that the bill had passed in the 8^th Assembly prior to deliberation on it.

Following an extensive debate on the issue, it was resolved that the bill would be sent to the Committee on Rules and Business for re-gazetting and would then be re-introduced on the floor of the House.

The National Water Resources Bill according to its explanatory memorandum seeks to provide equitable and sustainable development of water resources as well as regulate its use, management and conservation. The Bill is aimed at ensuring that the nation’s water resources are adequately protected from degradation and pollution in order to enhance citizens’ rights of access to clean Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).

Related:

Committee Report on the National Water Resources Bill Adopted in July 2020