2025 Budget And More On Agenda As House Of Representatives Reconvenes Today

 2025 Budget And More On Agenda As House Of Representatives Reconvenes Today....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The House of Representatives is set to reconvene on Tuesday, September 24, after its annual recess, with a legislative agenda that prioritizes critical discussions on the 2025 Appropriation Bill proposed by President Bola Tinubu, constitutional reviews, and electoral reforms. Following a break that began on July 23, 2024, lawmakers will return to tackle pressing national issues, including insecurity, economic stability, and the ongoing petrol crisis…….CONTINUE READING

In a statement released on Monday, Akin Rotimi, the spokesman for the House, announced that Speaker Tajudeen Abbas will deliver an agenda-setting speech to outline the priorities for the upcoming session. The statement noted, “With the end of the 2024 fiscal year approaching, the House looks forward to receiving the 2025 Appropriation Bill soon. A timely submission from the executive is essential for thorough scrutiny and public input through town hall meetings, a practice initiated during the 2024 budget review.”

The House is committed to maintaining the January-December budget cycle and expects cooperation from the executive. Rotimi emphasized that members will actively engage in debates and legislative actions addressing urgent issues faced by Nigerians, particularly the recent flooding in Maiduguri, rising insecurity, and economic challenges. These matters, among others, will be prioritized to respond to the needs of constituents.

He also highlighted that proposed laws on the legislative agenda will be discussed, reflecting their significance for good governance in Nigeria. “Bills and motions aligned with our legislative commitments will be prioritized and fast-tracked, especially as they will serve as benchmarks for assessing the 10th Assembly during the upcoming mid-term in June 2025,” he added.

The statement underscored the importance of amending the 1999 constitution, stating, “The constitutional review process is fundamental to our democracy, embodying our collective aspirations for a just society. The House reaffirms the December 2025 deadline to achieve definitive outcomes for the Sixth Alteration to the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The House Committee on Constitution Review, led by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, will intensify efforts to address pressing issues and align laws with public needs.”

Rotimi further noted that the committee had received “about 305 memoranda from the public and approximately 150 constitutional alteration bills from members, demonstrating significant public engagement and concern. These bills will be prioritized for consideration.”

Regarding electoral reform, he stated, “Article 6.7 on Law Reform in our Legislative Agenda highlights that the 10th House will prioritize amending the Electoral Act 2022 to rectify gaps, including vague and contradictory provisions. We are also committed to establishing mechanisms for periodic reviews of electoral laws to ensure they remain relevant and aligned with global best practices.”

On the topic of local government autonomy, Rotimi mentioned the landmark Supreme Court ruling in July 2024, which necessitates bills to align various existing laws with this new reality. “This issue is central to our Legislative Agenda, particularly Article 6.3 on Law Reform. The 10th Assembly proposes several reforms for Nigeria’s local government councils, including constitutional changes to grant them financial and operational independence. This shift is essential for clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of local governments and preventing overlaps and conflicts.”

Further reforms will address electoral processes within local councils and clarify their roles in maintaining grassroots security, which are crucial for empowering local governments to effectively serve their communities, he stated.

Additionally, the House is anticipating an executive bill concerning Whistleblower Protection. “This initiative aligns with our 8-Point Legislative Agenda, focusing on strengthening good governance and improving national security,” he emphasized, noting that “efforts in this area promise to significantly enhance the fight against corruption and improve Nigeria’s revenue streams.”

Other areas of interest will include oversight and legislative compliance, as well as constituency outreach.