HOUSE BEGINS PROBE OF DUPLICATION OF MDAS’ DUTIES, MAY RECOMMEND MERGERS

President of the AfDB Group, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina at the conclusion of the 2022 Annual General Meeting of the African Development Bank in Accra Ghana, disclosed that the bank had embarked on the design of youth entrepreneurship investment banks in African countries, including Nigeria.

"A closer look at the operational modalities of the Bank of Industry (BOI), Bank of Agriculture (BOA) and the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) would show that there is no clear-cut intention and support for indigenous small businesses owned and run by youth. Commercial and microfinance banks are not even feasible options for indigenous small businesses.

“This is the gap which the contemplated bank would fill. There is need for a specialised bank which would target the youth at different levels and scopes with emphasis on harnessing abundant potentials for economic growth and greatness of the nation.”

Thereafter, the bill was referred to the Committees on Finance and Industries.

However, some members of the House of Representatives yesterday faulted the lukewarm attitude to work by some of their colleagues who chair various standing committees.

At yesterday’s plenary, Hon. Jimoh Abdulraheem raised a point of order 18, rule 3, sub-section G, lamenting that till today nothing has been done about the motion he sponsored in 2019, which was referred to the Committee on Tourism.

He said, "I want to refer us to a motion that was sponsored by him dated 15, July 2019, in respect of Nigerian tourism development authority. I have written letter to chairman business and rules, Hon. Hassan Fulata on this issue and he has written letter to Chairman of the Committee on culture and tourism (Hon Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama) and up till now nothing has been done. “The motion was committed to the committee 7th November 2019 and up till now nothing has been done."

Another lawmaker, Hon. Awajiinombek Dagomie Abiante said some members of parliament never consider responsibilities as important as it should be.

Making reference to a Bill he sponsored two years, he lamented that he had tried to reach out to the Chairman National Security & Intelligence Committee, Hon. Ibrahim Sharada, but to no avail.