Reps to fast-track 2025 budget, Whistleblower Protection Bill, others
…Assure Nigerians of commitment to good governance 150 new bills
…Seek to boost national security
The House of Representatives has reiterated its commitment to accelerating the passage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill and the Whistleblower Protection Bill.
Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akin Rotimi, disclosed on Monday that the House is eager to receive the 2025 Appropriation Bill, saying, “With the 2024 fiscal year coming to a close, the House eagerly anticipates receiving the 2025 Appropriation Bill soon. Timely submission from the Executive is crucial, as it facilitates thorough scrutiny and public input through Town Hall meetings, a practice pioneered by the House during the 2024 Budget review.”
Rotimi assured that the House is firmly committed to maintaining the January – December budget cycle, saying, “The House is firmly committed to maintaining the January – December budget cycle and anticipates cooperation from the Executive in this regard.”
On the Whistleblower Protection Bill, Rotimi stated, “In consideration of recent policy statements from the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, the House anticipates an executive bill concerning Whistleblower Protection. This initiative aligns with our 8-Point Legislative Agenda, particularly aspects focused on strengthening good governance and improving national security.”
On the Whistleblower Protection bill, he stated that: “In consideration of recent policy statements from the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, the House anticipates an executive bill concerning Whistleblower Protection.
“This initiative aligns with our 8-Point Legislative Agenda, particularly aspects focused on strengthening good governance and improving national security.
“Efforts in this area promise to significantly boost the fight against corruption and improve Nigeria’s revenue streams. Several lawmakers in the 10th Assembly, including myself, have sponsored related bills that hold great potential not only for combating corruption but also for enhancing national security.
“In this light, bills and motions aligned with our commitments in the legislative agenda will receive prioritisation and fast-tracking, particularly because they will serve as indicators by which Nigerians assess the 10th Assembly at the upcoming mid-term in June 2025.
“As the Green Chamber resumes, the House will inaugurate the board of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC). It is also expected to inaugurate the Joint Senate/House Ad-hoc Committee on the Petroleum Industry investigation, which aims to address challenges in the oil and gas sector.
“Honourable Members will actively debate and pursue legislative action on pressing challenges faced by Nigerians, particularly those related to the recent flooding in Maiduguri, the spate of insecurity in the country, and the economy. These issues, among others of urgent national importance, will be prioritised as we respond to the needs of our constituencies.”
Rotimi expressed optimism about the passage of the bills, saying, “Efforts in this area promise to significantly boost the fight against corruption and improve Nigeria’s revenue streams. Several lawmakers in the 10th Assembly, including myself, have sponsored related bills that hold great potential not only for combating corruption but also for enhancing national security.”
The House also reiterated its commitment to constitutional review, electoral reform, local government autonomy, and oversight functions. Rotimi assured that the House will intensify efforts to provide transparent answers and hold accountable those responsible for implementing motions and resolutions passed by the National Assembly.
