As the Nigerian House of Representatives reconvenes after its annual recess on Tuesday, September 24, the 2025 budget, alongside other critical national issues, will be the main focus of legislative activity. The lawmakers are returning from a break that began on July 23, 2024, and they are expected to dive into deliberations on pressing matters such as constitutional amendments, electoral reforms, economic challenges, and the ongoing petrol crisis. These topics will take center stage as the representatives resume their legislative duties with renewed energy.
According to a report by ULTIMATEBLOG Online, the 2025 budget will be a major item of discussion. Lawmakers will work on the Appropriation Bill, which will be presented by President Bola Tinubu. This bill is crucial as it sets the financial direction of the country for the upcoming fiscal year. Given the importance of this budget, the House of Representatives has made it clear that the process will involve thorough scrutiny, public input, and town hall meetings to ensure that all voices are heard. This practice, introduced during the review of the 2024 budget, aims to foster transparency and public participation in the legislative process.
Akin Rotimi, the spokesperson for the House of Representatives, released a statement on Monday outlining the legislative priorities as the House resumes. He noted that Speaker Tajudeen Abbas would address the assembly with an agenda-setting speech that outlines the legislative goals for the coming months. One of the key priorities is the timely passage of the 2025 budget. Rotimi emphasized that it is critical for the executive branch to submit the budget on time to allow for proper deliberation and to maintain the January-December budget cycle that the House has committed to. This continuity is seen as a means to ensure fiscal discipline and consistency in government spending.
In addition to the 2025 budget, other pressing national issues will also be debated. Members of the House will prioritize tackling the country’s current security challenges, the struggling economy, and the effects of recent flooding in Maiduguri. The House recognizes that these issues affect millions of Nigerians, and the representatives will seek solutions through legislative action. There is a sense of urgency to address these problems, as they directly impact the everyday lives of citizens.
Another major task on the legislative agenda is the continuation of the constitutional review process. The House is focused on making significant amendments to the 1999 constitution, a process that has been ongoing for some time. The goal is to ensure that the constitution reflects the needs and aspirations of the Nigerian people. The Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who chairs the House Committee on Constitution Review, has been tasked with intensifying efforts to finalize these amendments by December 2025. The committee has already received 305 memoranda from the public and 150 constitution alteration bills from House members. This level of public engagement is seen as a positive sign, indicating that Nigerians are deeply invested in the outcome of the constitutional review.
Electoral reform is another critical area of focus. The House will review and amend the Electoral Act of 2022 to address inconsistencies and gaps in the existing legislation. This is particularly important as Nigeria prepares for future elections, and lawmakers want to ensure that the electoral system is robust, transparent, and fair. The House intends to establish mechanisms for periodic reviews of electoral laws to keep them aligned with international best practices.
Local government autonomy will also receive considerable attention, especially in light of the Supreme Court’s ruling in July 2024, which granted local governments financial and operational independence. The House plans to align existing laws with this new reality, allowing local councils to function more effectively without interference from state governments. This shift is expected to clarify the roles and responsibilities of local governments, reduce conflicts with other levels of government, and improve service delivery at the grassroots level. Reforms will also address local council elections and their role in maintaining security within communities. The representatives are keen on ensuring that local governments are empowered to meet the needs of their constituents.
The whistleblower protection bill is another important legislative priority. The House is expecting an executive bill focused on protecting whistleblowers who expose corruption and other illegal activities. This aligns with the House’s broader goal of promoting good governance and national security. By encouraging whistleblowing, the government hopes to combat corruption more effectively and boost Nigeria’s revenue streams. Protecting whistleblowers is seen as a crucial step in strengthening accountability within public institutions and the private sector.
The legislative agenda of the House extends beyond these major areas. Oversight and legislative compliance will be reinforced to ensure that the executive branch and government agencies adhere to the laws passed by the House. Additionally, there will be an emphasis on constituency outreach, allowing representatives to stay connected with the people they serve. By gathering feedback from their constituencies, lawmakers can ensure that their decisions in Abuja reflect the needs and desires of Nigerians across the country.
As the 10th Assembly looks forward to the mid-term review in June 2025, there is a clear understanding that the success of this legislative period will be measured by how well the House addresses the country’s challenges. From the 2025 budget to constitutional amendments, electoral reform, and local government autonomy, the House of Representatives is tasked with a wide range of responsibilities. Lawmakers will need to work together to meet the expectations of the public, particularly as they confront the pressing issues of insecurity, economic difficulties, and governance reforms.