The House of Representatives has called for an investigation into unconfirmed reports that locally-made grinding machines pose serious health risks like cardiovascular disease and organ failure.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Wale Raji, representing Epe Federal Constituency in Lagos State, at plenary on Thursday.

Moving the motion, Raji cited a report by the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Osodi (FIIRO), warning that contamination during the grinding process could expose users to heavy metals.

He said that such exposure, according to the report, might cause cardiovascular disease and organ failure.

Adopting the motion, the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary, referred it to committees on health care services, industry, science and technology, and commerce.

Kalu urged them to jointly investigate the claims and report back within six weeks for necessary legislative action.

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Also under another motion of public importance, a member representing Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency, Rep. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, raised the alarm on alleged over-admission of students by the University of Benin.

Abiante said that the university, like many others in the country, admitted 350 students into its Optometry Department, which, he said, was higher than the accredited number.

According to the lawmaker, such over-admission is capable of causing trauma for students and parents as well as undermining the country’s university education system.

He urged the House to investigate the allegation immediately in order to prevent such occurrences.

NAN reports that the motion was referred to the relevant committees for further legislative action.(NAN)