The National Assembly resumes today, Tuesday, September 24, 2024, after its annual recess, and the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has announced that both chambers are expecting President Bola Tinubu to present the 2025 budget. In a personally signed statement, Bamidele emphasized that the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper are also anticipated.
“The consideration of MTEF occupies a prime place on the rung of our legislative agenda,” Bamidele stated. “This is simply because MTEF must be ready before the 2025 Appropriation Bill can be laid before the National Assembly.” The MTEF serves as the legal framework providing the template for the budget and is typically submitted to parliament ahead of the President’s yearly budget presentation.
In addition to the budget presentation, the Senate Leader revealed that the Constitution review will continue in the coming months. “We are equally preoccupied with the review of the 1999 Constitution,” Bamidele noted. The Constitution Review Committee, chaired by Senator Jibrin Barau, will hold retreats, strategy sessions, and zonal meetings to address sections of the constitution requiring amendment.
Bamidele also addressed the issue of oil theft, announcing that a joint committee will be inaugurated to investigate. “As we return fully to the parliamentary sessions, the National Assembly will, without ambiguity, revisit its decision to decisively address challenges in the petroleum industry,” he stated.
The petroleum industry’s suboptimal performance is attributed to crude oil theft, public refinery maintenance issues, and fuel supply disruptions. Bamidele clarified that the Senate’s Ad Hoc Committee to Investigate Alleged Economic Sabotage in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry was not suspended but postponed its public hearing to address procedural issues.
Akin Rotimi, spokesman for the House, reinforced Bamidele’s statements, highlighting key issues for consideration, including the 2025 appropriation bill, constitution review exercise, and electoral reforms. “With the 2024 fiscal year coming to a close, the House eagerly anticipates receiving the 2025 Appropriation bill soon,” Rotimi said.
The National Assembly aims to prioritize pressing challenges faced by Nigerians, including recent flooding, insecurity, and economic concerns, ensuring a proactive response to constituency needs.
Peace OdekunleSeptember 24, 20241 Mins read
