The House of Representatives returns to plenary today following a recess which began on July 23.
With the lawmakers expected to converge on the plenary of the National Assembly, the house spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr, has outlined key legislative plans for the 10th Assembly following resumption.
The house will focus on critical areas, including constitution review, electoral reforms, local government autonomy, whistleblower protection, good governance, and national security.
The representatives expect the executive to submit the 2025 Appropriation Bill promptly, enabling thorough scrutiny and public input through town hall meetings.
The House spokesperson said the constitutional review process remains a priority, with the House committed to addressing pressing issues and aligning laws with public needs. This is as the December 2025 deadline for definitive outcomes on the Sixth Alteration to the 1999 Constitution (as amended) is fast approaching.
The spokesperson said, “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.”
Electoral reforms are high on the agenda, with the House seeking to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to address gaps and ensure relevance with global best practices. The House will establish a mechanism for periodic reviews of electoral laws, building on the groundwork laid by the House Committee on Electoral Matters.
Following the landmark Supreme Court ruling in July 2024, the house will introduce bills to ensure consequential alignment of extant laws with the new reality of local government autonomy. This issue is pivotal to the legislative agenda, particularly Article 6.3 on Law Reform.
He said, “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, the 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.
“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 proposes reforms for Nigeria’s local government councils, including constitutional changes to grant financial and operational independence. The house seeks to clarify roles and responsibilities will prevent overlaps and conflicts.
The house anticipates an executive bill on Whistleblower Protection, aligning with its 8-Point Legislative Agenda to strengthen good governance and national security. Lawmakers have sponsored related bills to combat corruption and enhance national security.
