The controversial National water resources bill has again resurfaced in Nigeria’s house of representatives.
The bill which scaled first reading was a subject of debate during Wednesday’s plenary as the same sponsor reintroduced the bill for the second time.
Some lawmakers who had dissenting opinions on the reintroduction of the bill ,raised concerns about initial criticisms the bill elicited.
The sponsor of the bill, Sada Soli maintained that the contentious aspect of the bill has been deleted, as he intends to make wider consultations.
The bill which scaled first reading gives the Federal government the powers to give licences, control and manage water resources across states.
The National Water Resources Bill was first introduced into the National Assembly in 2017 by President Muhammadu Buhari and passed by the House but the Senate failed to Concur.
The national water bill was again reintroduced in the ninth House of Representatives by Sada Soli in July 2020,the proposed legislation again suffered setback.
The bill attracted criticisms from both state governments,non-governmental organisations and civil society organisations.
Editor : Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie
