Nigerian Reps Threaten Minister Udeh Over Research Fund Bill

• The House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology threatened action against Minister Kingsley Udeh for missing a public hearing.
• The hearing concerned an executive-sponsored bill to establish a National Research and Innovation Development Fund.
• The committee warned that the minister's absence could delay the bill's passage and hinder Nigeria's ability to attract international research grants.
• A committee member described the non-attendance as an act of sabotage against executive-legislative relations.
• The committee plans to raise a motion of urgent public importance if the minister or his Permanent Secretary do not appear.

The committee cautioned that such non-participation could impede the bill's passage and hinder Nigeria's ability to secure research grants from international development partners, donor agencies, United Nations bodies, and Nigerians in the diaspora.

The House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology has issued a strong warning to Kingsley Udeh, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, threatening to report him to the full House. This stern stance follows Minister Udeh's failure to attend a crucial public hearing concerning a proposed bill that seeks to establish a National Research and Innovation Development Fund. The committee, under the leadership of Chairman Zakariya Zannah, explicitly stated that the absence of both the Minister and his Permanent Secretary was unacceptable, especially given the bill's significance.

This proposed legislation is particularly noteworthy as it is an executive-sponsored initiative, having been transmitted to the National Assembly directly by President Bola Tinubu. The committee expressed serious concerns that the Ministry's lack of participation in the legislative process could significantly impede the bill's timely passage. Furthermore, they cautioned that such non-engagement could undermine Nigeria's broader efforts to attract vital research grants from international development partners, various donor agencies, United Nations bodies, and even Nigerians residing in the diaspora.

In response to the perceived snub, the committee indicated its readiness to escalate the matter. They declared that if Minister Udeh and the Permanent Secretary do not appear at their subsequent sitting, they would consider introducing a motion of urgent public importance before the entire House. This threat underscores the committee's determination to ensure executive accountability and engagement on critical legislative matters.

The public hearing at the center of this dispute was convened to deliberate on legislation aimed at creating two key entities: the National Research and Innovation Development Fund and a National Council on Research and Innovation. Speaking on behalf of the committee, Ahmed Jaha, a representative for the Chibok, Damboa, and Gwoza Federal Constituency of Borno State, elaborated on the committee's profound concerns regarding the ministerial absences.

Jaha highlighted that the primary objective of the proposed Fund is to institute a well-coordinated financing framework that would benefit research institutions across Nigeria. This initiative is designed to significantly enhance the nation's capacity to attract essential grants from a diverse range of sources, including international organizations, development partners, and the global Nigerian diaspora. He further emphasized that similar funding structures have proven instrumental in fostering advancements in research and innovation in numerous other countries, suggesting that Nigeria's proposed framework is long overdue for implementation.

The committee voiced particular dismay over the absence of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, given the direct and undeniable relevance of the bill to his ministry's core mandate and responsibilities. This specific absence was seen as a critical oversight that could jeopardize the very purpose of the legislative effort.

Committee member Ahmed Jaha did not mince words, describing the Ministry's failure to attend the public hearing as an act of sabotage against the vital cooperative relationship between the executive and legislative branches of government. He articulated his perplexity, questioning why a ministry whose core responsibilities are directly aligned with an executive-sponsored bill would choose not to engage in its legislative consideration.

Jaha acknowledged that several other invited ministers, including those from the Ministries of Justice, Education, Environment, Agriculture and Food Security, Health, Livestock Development, and Industry, Trade and Investment, also did not attend the hearing. However, he stressed that the absence of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology was uniquely critical. He argued that while other ministers might reasonably send representatives, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, or at the very least the Permanent Secretary, was unequivocally expected to be present due to the bill's direct connection to their portfolio.

This incident casts a spotlight on potential friction points within President Bola Tinubu's legislative agenda, particularly concerning the successful progression of key executive-sponsored initiatives. The committee's strong reaction indicates a growing impatience with what they perceive as a lack of commitment from certain executive officials towards collaborative governance.

The House Committee's resolute stance reflects a broader apprehension regarding the potential for an executive-sponsored bill delay Nigeria's progress in critical sectors. The National Research and Innovation Development Fund bill is widely regarded as a pivotal piece of legislation essential for advancing the nation's scientific capabilities and fostering economic growth through innovation. The prospect of this bill's passage being undermined by a perceived lack of executive engagement presents a significant challenge to national development aspirations.

The committee's threat to escalate the matter by moving a motion of urgent public importance underscores the gravity with which they view the ministerial non-attendance. This action signals a clear message that legislative bodies expect full cooperation from the executive on matters of national importance. The entire episode highlights the indispensable role of robust inter-governmental collaboration for the successful implementation of national development initiatives, especially those specifically designed to attract crucial international funding and expertise, which are vital for Nigeria's future.

Lawyers and compliance officers should monitor the progress of the National Research and Innovation Development Fund bill, as its potential delay due to executive-legislative friction could impact future funding opportunities for clients in research and innovation sectors, requiring advice on navigating legislative uncertainties and alternative grant sourcing.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH