“2025 Budget and More on the Agenda as Reps Reconvene This Tuesday”

Babatunji Wusu –

The House of Representatives is set to reconvene on Tuesday, September 24, after its annual recess, focusing on key legislative matters including the 2025 Appropriation Bill proposed by President Bola Tinubu, constitutional reviews, and electoral reforms.

Following a break that began on July 23, 2024, lawmakers will address pressing national issues such as insecurity, economic stability, and the ongoing petrol crisis. In a statement on Monday, House spokesman Akin Rotimi announced that Speaker Tajudeen Abbas will present an agenda-setting speech outlining priorities for the upcoming session.

– Reopening Date: The House resumes on September 24 after its annual recess.

– Main Agenda Items: Discussions will focus on the 2025 Appropriation Bill, constitutional amendments, and electoral reforms.

– Urgent National Issues: Lawmakers aim to tackle pressing challenges, including recent flooding in Maiduguri and ongoing insecurity.

– Legislative Process: The House is committed to maintaining a January-December budget cycle, seeking timely submission of the budget from the executive for thorough scrutiny.

– Constitutional Review: The House aims to finalize outcomes for the Sixth Alteration to the 1999 Constitution by December 2025, with a focus on public engagement.

– Electoral Reform: Plans to amend the Electoral Act 2022 will address existing gaps, with an emphasis on periodic reviews to keep laws aligned with global standards.

– Local Government Autonomy: Following a Supreme Court ruling, the House will introduce reforms to enhance the financial and operational independence of local governments.

– Whistleblower Protection Bill: An upcoming executive bill aims to strengthen governance and fight corruption, aligning with the legislative agenda.

Rotimi emphasized that proposed laws will be prioritized to address Nigerians’ quest for good governance, noting significant public engagement with around 305 memoranda and 150 constitution alteration bills submitted for consideration. The upcoming session is expected to actively respond to the needs of constituencies while fostering stability and progress in Nigeria.