NewsJoys – Abuja, Nigeria
Federal lawmaker Hon. Chinedu Martins, representing Ahiazu/Mbaise/Ezinihitte in Imo State, has tabled five ambitious bills before the House of Representatives, setting the stage for transformative change in Nigeria’s economy, creative sector, and emergency infrastructure.
Martins, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, said in an interview with journalists that the five bills aim to “galvanize national development” and address key socio-economic gaps across sectors.
The proposed legislations include:
- National Institute for Film Production and Entertainment Industry Village Bill
- Federal Institute of Technical Education and Skills Acquisition, Mbaise Bill
- National Emergency Call Centre and Short Code Bill
- National Independent Project Monitoring and Evaluation Agency Bill
- Real Estate Development Bank Bill
Highlighting the entertainment sector, Martins said Nollywood remains one of Nigeria’s greatest soft-power exports. His bill proposes a dedicated training and production hub to support local creatives, especially in Imo and other South-East states. “Over 40% of Nigeria’s film talent comes from this region,” he noted, “yet we lack infrastructure to harness this cultural wealth.”
He also advocated for technical education reform, noting that the only tech school in Mbaise—Ahiara Technical College—has deteriorated. The bill would correct that by anchoring a federal presence in the area.
Martins emphasized that a 911-style emergency code is overdue in Nigeria, where fragmented crisis responses cost lives daily.
To improve public accountability, he wants a neutral agency to monitor and evaluate federal projects—preventing MDAs from assessing their own work. The Real Estate Bank would unlock private investment to tackle the housing crisis, offering affordable loans at single-digit interest.
The bills are expected to return for second reading and public hearing in the weeks ahead, with Martins urging Nigerians to support the vision for a more innovative, responsive, and inclusive government.
