As the House of Representatives reconvenes from its annual recess on Tuesday, September 24, key issues will take center stage, including President Bola Tinubu’s 2025 Appropriation Bill, the constitution review process, and electoral reforms. Lawmakers, who went on vacation on July 23, 2024, will also address pressing challenges such as insecurity, economic concerns, and the ongoing petrol crisis.
In a statement issued on Monday, House spokesman Akin Rotimi announced that Speaker Tajudeen Abbas is expected to deliver an agenda-setting speech during the session. The statement read in part: “With the 2024 fiscal year coming to a close, the House eagerly anticipates receiving the 2025 Appropriation Bill soon. Timely submission from the executive is crucial, as it facilitates thorough scrutiny and public input through town hall meetings, a practice pioneered by the House during the 2024 budget review.”
The statement emphasized the House’s commitment to maintaining the January-December budget cycle, anticipating cooperation from the executive branch. “Honourable members will actively debate and pursue legislative action on pressing challenges faced by Nigerians, particularly those related to the recent flooding in Maiduguri, the spate of insecurity in the country, and the economy. These issues, among others of urgent national importance, will be prioritized as we respond to the needs of our constituencies,” Rotimi noted.
He further highlighted the significance of the proposed laws outlined in the legislative agenda. “Bills and motions aligned with our commitments in the legislative agenda will receive prioritization and fast-tracking, particularly because they will serve as indicators by which Nigerians assess the 10th Assembly at the upcoming mid-term in June 2025,” he added.
The statement also underscored the importance of amending the 1999 constitution: “The constitutional review process serves as the bedrock of our democracy, embodying our collective aspirations for a just society. The House reaffirms the December 2025 deadline to arrive at definitive outcomes for the Sixth Alteration to the 1999 Constitution (as amended).”
Rotimi mentioned that the House Committee on Constitution Review, chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, will intensify efforts to address critical issues, noting, “The Committee received about 305 memoranda from the public and around 150 constitution alteration bills from honourable members, reflecting significant public engagement and concern. These bills will be given accelerated consideration.”
Regarding electoral reform, he stated, “Article 6.7 on Law Reform in our Legislative Agenda outlines that the 10th House will prioritize amending the Electoral Act 2022 to address gaps, including vague and contradictory provisions. We are also committed to establishing a mechanism for periodic reviews of electoral laws to ensure they remain relevant and aligned with global best practices.”
On local government autonomy, he added, “In light of the landmark Supreme Court ruling in July 2024, we anticipate bills aimed at ensuring the alignment of various extant laws with this new reality. This issue is pivotal to our Legislative Agenda, particularly Article 6.3 on Law Reform.”
Rotimi also discussed the expected executive bill on Whistleblower Protection, stating, “This initiative aligns with our 8-Point Legislative Agenda, particularly aspects focused on strengthening good governance and improving national security. Efforts in this area promise to significantly boost the fight against corruption and enhance Nigeria’s revenue streams.”
Additional areas of focus will include oversight, legislative compliance, and constituency outreach as the House prepares to tackle the pressing needs of Nigerians in the upcoming session.
