The House of Representatives has said it is eagerly waiting to receive the 2025 Appropriation (Budget) and other Bills from the executive arm of government as soon as it resumes from a two-month annual recess on Tuesday.
House Spokesman Hon. Akin Rotimi, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, said timely submission from the Executive was crucial, as it facilitates thorough scrutiny and public input through Town Hall meetings, a practice pioneered by the House during the 2024 Budget review.
According to him, the House was firmly committed to maintaining the January – December budget cycle and anticipated cooperation from the executive in that regard.
He reaffirmed the House’s commitment to the December 2025 deadline for reviewing the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The Committee on Constitution Review, chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, will intensify efforts to address pressing issues and align our laws with the needs of the public.
“To date, we have received about 305 memoranda from the public and about 150 Constitution Alteration Bills from Honourable Members, reflecting significant public engagement and concern. These bills will be given accelerated consideration.
“As outlined in Article 6.7 on Law Reform in our Legislative Agenda, the 10th House will prioritise amending the Electoral Act 2022 to address gaps, including vague and contradictory provisions. In line with our agenda, 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.
“Notably, groundwork for this process has already begun with a Citizen Town Hall on electoral reforms held by the House Committee on Electoral Matters in November 2023. As we resume, the House will build on these ongoing efforts to strengthen our electoral framework.
“In light of the landmark Supreme Court ruling in July 2024 on Local Government Autonomy, we anticipate bills to ensure the consequential alignment of various extant laws with this new reality. This issue is pivotal to our Legislative Agenda, particularly Article 6.3 on Law Reform (Agenda 3),” Rotimi.
The lawmaker, in consideration of recent policy statements from the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, the House is anticipating an executive bill concerning Whistleblower Protection.
He said the initiative aligned 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 improve Nigeria’s revenue streams. Several lawmakers in the 10th Assembly, including myself, have sponsored related bills that hold great potential not only for combatting corruption but also for enhancing national security.
“As we resume from the annual recess, we note heightened public interest in the House’s efforts to ensure compliance with our resolutions on various subjects and the status of pending legacy reports.
“The House leadership, alongside relevant committees, particularly the House Committee on Legislative Compliance, will intensify efforts to provide transparent answers and hold accountable those responsible for implementing motions and resolutions passed by the National Assembly,” he added.
