Reps Assures Timely Passage Of 2025 Budget, Whistleblower Protection Bill, Others

Reps has assured passage of budget, Reps harp on diversification of economy, Dredging of Calabar seaport, economic downturn,

The leadership of the House of Representatives on Monday assured Nigerians of its resolve to accelerate the passage of the 2025 Appropriation bill, Whistleblower Protection bill, as well as strengthen gold governance and improve national security.

Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akin Rotimi gave the assurance via a statement made available to Parliamentary Correspondents in Abuja, reeled out major areas of legislative focus for the second year of the 10th Assembly.

On the 2025 budget, 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 House is firmly committed to maintaining the January – December budget cycle and anticipates cooperation from the Executive in this regard.”

On the ongoing Constitution Review, the House Spokesman said: “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). The House Committee on Constitution Review (HCCR), chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. 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.”

On the electoral reform, Hon. Rotimi explained that: “as outlined in Article 6.7 on Law Reform in our Legislative Agenda, the 10th House will prioritize 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.”

On the Local Government Autonomy, he argued that: “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).”

“The 10th Assembly proposed 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.”

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“Further reforms will address electoral processes within local councils and clarify their roles in maintaining security at the grassroots level. These initiatives are crucial for empowering local governments and ensuring they effectively serve their communities.”

On the Whistleblower Protection bill, he stated that: “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.”

“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 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.”

“In this light, 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.”

“As the Green Chamber resumes, the House will inaugurate the board of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC). It is also expected to inaugurate the Joint Senate/House Ad-hoc Committee on the Petroleum Industry investigation, which aims to address challenges in the oil and gas sector.”

“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.”

To deepen the 10th Assembly’s activities through oversight and legislative compliance, he assured that: “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.”

“Standing and Ad-hoc Committees of the House, with renewed vigor, are also dedicated to ensuring effective oversight of key programmes and policies of the federal government to ensure the urgency, effectiveness, and efficiency required to address pressing challenges affecting our constituents across the country. The House Leadership will be taking necessary measures to strengthen these committees.”

According to the first year scorecard reeled out by the House, Hon. Rotimi disclosed that during the first session considered 679 motions, passed 89 bills, and received 306 petitions from distressed Nigerians.