Group Tasks NASS On Realistic Legislation

A frontline advocacy group, the Legislative Advancement Forum, has urged the National Assembly to focus on streamlining institutional frameworks and aligning proposed legislation with current economic realities.

The forum said this would ensure that the federal government spends its resources wisely, considering the current economic situation and prioritising people-oriented projects in its policies and programmes.

The group commended President Bola Tinubu for his decision to withhold assent to the bill recently passed by the National Assembly to establish the National Assembly Library Trust Fund.

A statement by the Forum’s spokesperson, Ademola Samuel,   made available to the newsmen, described the president’s decision as demonstrating fiscal responsibility and commitment to legislative reforms, prioritising national interest over institutional expansion.

The statement added, “While the need to strengthen legislative research and documentation is not in doubt, establishing a separate Trust Fund at this time may lead to unnecessary duplication of functions and strain on public finances. Existing structures can be reformed and better resourced for the same purpose.”

The forum added that the president’s action provides an opportunity for broader stakeholder engagement on how best to improve the legislative support system without creating new funding agencies.

Recall that  President Tinubu’s decision to decline assent to the bill was contained in a letter addressed to Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, which was read at the plenary on Tuesday.