Nigerian senators and members of the House of Representatives have returned to Abuja to resume full legislative duties following a hiatus of more than two months. This reconvening marks a crucial period for lawmakers as they address pressing national issues that have arisen during their absence.
The federal legislators were originally scheduled to return to work on September 17 after their leave that began on July 23. However, they opted to extend their break by another week, prompting public discussions about their commitment to addressing the nation’s challenges. During this extended recess, various critical concerns have emerged, necessitating the lawmakers’ quick attention and action.
Numerous issues have surfaced that directly impact the constituents represented by these lawmakers and have been hot topics of discussion in public forums across the country. As they gather once again, the 469 federal lawmakers are expected to prioritize these urgent matters, with the potential to influence decisions and policies that affect millions of Nigerians.
According to Premium Times, here are some of the key issues expected to dominate discussions:
Petrol Prices
When lawmakers left Abuja in July, the price of petrol was ₦617 per litre at NNPC retail outlets. However, this price has since skyrocketed to ₦898 per litre at the same outlets, with some major fuel stations in Abuja selling petrol for as much as ₦940 per litre. In various constituencies, petrol prices have reached as high as ₦1,000. This drastic increase has raised concerns among Nigerians, particularly as the Dangote Refinery is reportedly selling petrol at prices higher than imported products, contradicting expectations that local refining would lead to reduced costs.
Given the current economic climate, many Nigerians expect their lawmakers to actively discuss the high cost of energy, which is driving up prices for most commodities. There is a strong possibility that petrol prices will be a focal point of discussion, potentially raised through a formal motion, as the House has previously been involved in similar matters. During the lawmakers' recess, opposition members issued statements calling for a thorough review of petrol pricing in light of the escalating costs.
Despite the lawmakers' previous interventions during the standoff between the Dangote Refinery and downstream regulators, motions and resolutions from the National Assembly on policy issues have not consistently led to significant changes. In the downstream sector, the House has various committees conducting investigations with minimal tangible results thus far. Speaker Abbas Tajudeen even disbanded the Joint Committee on Petroleum and Gas due to controversial divisions among lawmakers. This committee was investigating the acquisition of NNPC Retail by OVH and the ongoing disputes involving the Dangote Refinery.
Even when resolutions are passed, they are often disregarded by the executive branch. For instance, just before their recess, the National Assembly urged the executive to reverse the Band A electricity tariff, yet the tariff regime remains unchanged. Consequently, the lawmakers might consider discussing the potential reinstatement of the petroleum subsidy, possibly by requesting President Bola Tinubu to present a supplementary budget or waiting for the upcoming 2025 budget cycle.
Flood
In recent developments, the House announced a donation of ₦100 million to victims of the flooding in Maiduguri and dispatched a delegation to offer condolences to the people of Borno State. In a show of solidarity, Aliyu Betara, a member of the House, also donated ₦100 million to support flood victims. However, citizens affected by floods in Borno and other states may be expecting more than just donations and visits from their lawmakers; they seek substantive action and effective responses to these preventable disasters.
Historically, lawmakers have tended to limit their responses to performative outrage, often resorting to motions and resolutions that fail to yield meaningful results. Questions surrounding the Maiduguri flood remain pressing: What happened? How did it occur? Why did it happen? Who is accountable? These inquiries are crucial for lawmakers to investigate thoroughly, but the overarching concern is whether they can deliver answers and hold those responsible accountable for any negligence that may have contributed to the disaster.
Presidential Jet
Another significant topic of discussion involves President Tinubu's travel on the presidential jet. Many Nigerians are questioning whether the National Assembly allocated funds for the purchase of this luxurious aircraft. Reports from Premium Times indicate that the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence had recommended the acquisition of the jet, and the House subsequently adopted these recommendations. However, it remains unclear whether the lawmakers made the necessary budgetary provisions for the plane's purchase. As they reconvene, Nigerians will be looking to their representatives for clarity on this matter.
MTEF and Finance Bill
Since his inauguration in May 2023, President Tinubu has faced challenges in establishing a coherent financial roadmap for the nation. Currently, the federal government is operating under three separate budgets, two of which stem from the 2023 fiscal year. By September, the president is expected to submit a new Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper for the rolling plan covering 2025–2027. These legislative proposals are vital for shaping the framework of the upcoming 2025 budget. Additionally, the president is likely to introduce a finance bill to parliament to incorporate some recommendations from the Taiwo Oyedele Fiscal Reform Committee, which may involve adjustments to existing tax rates—a subject that many Nigerians find contentious and challenging to discuss.
Constitution Review
The House spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, released a statement on Monday outlining the House's priorities upon resumption, with constitutional reform highlighted as a key issue alongside budget considerations. The Constitution Review Committee, led by Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu, has less than three years to complete its mandate. However, as campaign activities for the 2027 general election are expected to commence in 2026, the window for meaningful constitutional amendments will be limited. Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele indicated that in the coming weeks, the Committee will hold retreats and strategy sessions, call for memoranda, and organize zonal meetings to discuss various sections of the constitution that require amendment. “Given the pedigrees of all its members, this exercise no doubt promises a truly federative approach that will redefine and reinvent public governance in this country,” he stated, highlighting the importance of this endeavor for the future of governance in Nigeria.
