2025 budget, LG autonomy, others top as Reps resume plenary
September 23, 2024 –
by Bala Salihu Dawakin kudu
The House of Representatives, Monday, indicated that in the 2025 Appropriation Bill expected from President Bola Tinubu, autonomy of local governments in Nigeria, and more national issues will top its agenda as it resumes regular plenary.
The House which proceeded on its annual recess in late July is billed to resume plenary Tuesday, September 24, 2024.
A statement on Monday by spokesman of the House, Akin Rotimi, on the development stated that: “In line with parliamentary tradition, it is expected that the speaker and presiding officer, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, will deliver an agenda setting speech.”
Pointing out major areas of legislative focus as the House resumes, Rotimi said: “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 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).
“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.
“In light of the landmark Supreme Court ruling in July 2024 on Local Government Autonomy, we anticipate bills aimed at ensuring 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).
“In consideration of recent policy statements from the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, the House anticipates an executive bill concerning Whistleblower Protection.”
