The leadership of Nigeria’s House of Representatives has pledged to expedite the passage of important legislation, including the 2025 Appropriation Bill and the Whistleblower Protection Bill, while also focusing on good governance and enhancing national security.
In a statement issued on Monday by Akin Rotimi, the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, the House outlined its priorities for the second year of the 10th Assembly. Rotimi emphasized the importance of receiving the 2025 Appropriation Bill promptly from the Executive to allow for a thorough review and public engagement through Town Hall meetings, a process successfully introduced during the 2024 budget review.
“The House is dedicated to maintaining the January to December budget cycle and expects full cooperation from the Executive,” Rotimi stated.
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Addressing the ongoing Constitutional Review, Rotimi highlighted its significance as a cornerstone of democracy, representing the collective hopes of citizens for a fair society. The House has set a deadline of December 2025 to finalize the Sixth Alteration to the 1999 Constitution, with the House Committee on Constitution Review, led by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, intensifying efforts to tackle pressing legal issues.
So far, the House has received approximately 305 memoranda from the public and around 150 proposed Constitution Alteration Bills from its members.
On electoral reform, Rotimi noted that the House would prioritize amendments to the Electoral Act 2022 to resolve existing ambiguities and contradictions, as outlined in their Legislative Agenda.
Regarding Local Government Autonomy, he mentioned the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in July 2024, indicating that the House will introduce bills to align existing laws with this new legal framework.
Concerning the Whistleblower Protection Bill, Rotimi expressed optimism for an upcoming executive bill, reflecting the government’s recent policy announcements. He emphasized that this initiative aligns with the House’s 8-Point Legislative Agenda, which aims to strengthen governance and enhance national security.
During the first session of the Assembly, the House reviewed 679 motions, passed 89 bills, and addressed 306 petitions from concerned Nigerians, demonstrating its commitment to responsive and effective governance.
