The House of Representatives on Wednesday mandated its Committee on Environment to ascertain the compliance of mobile telecommunications service providers with Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
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This was sequel to a motion moved by Rep. Ganama Kwaga (PDP-Adamawa) which was unanimously adopted.
Leading the debate, Kwaga noted that 98 per cent of GSM base stations in the country were located within 20 metres from residences, offices and schools.
“This indiscriminate location of base stations will lead to environmental hazards through electromagnetic pollution as a result of radiation.
“The radiation from the base stations could lead to high frequency electromagnetic fields influence on cell transformation.’’
Also, the House mandated the Committee on Aviation to ensure that airline operators complied with reduction of fare.
It also urged the Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to compel international airline operators to improve on their services.
The resolution emanated from a motion by Rep. Emmanuel Ekon (PDP-Akwa Ibom) which was adopted.
Leading the debate, Ekon noted that the fare charged from Nigeria to Europe, America and other parts of the world, were the highest compared to other countries.
According to him, Nigeria is one of the most lucrative routes in the world with 300 passengers daily.
He observed that Nigeria’s aviation fuel was the cheapest in the market as against what was obtainable in China, U.S., India and Ghana.
The legislator said that with the present economic situation, Nigerians would find it difficult to afford the fares.
Meanwhile, the House has rejected a bill which sought to make provision for the conclusion of election cases before the swearing-in of a winner of an election.
The bill was sponsored by Rep. Abdulrahman Kawu (ANPP-Kano), the Minority Leader of the House.
Members held that the recent Supreme Court pronouncement on the 180 days conclusion of electoral cases was enough law.
Similarly, the House also rejected a bill that sought to prohibit begging within government and corporate premises.
Members argued that it aimed at protecting the interest of the rich and powerful in the society.
The bill was sponsored by Rep. Friday Itulah (PDP-Edo).
