- Raises aggregate expenditure by N1.2 trillion
- Speaker hails devotion by Members, reels out House achievements in 6 months
The House of Representatives, in its Special Session on Saturday, successfully passed the 2024 Appropriation Bill, endorsing an aggregate expenditure of N28,777,404,072,861. This budget, in accordance with constitutional powers, allocates N9,995,143,298,028 for Capital Expenditure, N8,768,513,380,852 for Recurrent Expenditure, and N1,742,786,788,150 for Statutory Transfers.
House Spokesman/ Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr. said the approval of this budget comes after President Bola Tinubu presented the “Budget of Renewed Hope,” totaling N27.5 trillion, to a Joint Session of the National Assembly on November 29, 2023. The House demonstrated its commitment to robust consultations by holding a Citizens Town Hall on the 2024 Budget and Appropriation Process, leading to a two-week suspension of plenary for the defense of budgetary estimates by various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The House’s consideration of the Committee on Appropriation report and subsequent passage aligns with Agenda 4: Economic Growth and Development of the “People’s House” Legislative Agenda. This agenda underscores the parliament’s role in shaping the economic trajectory and influencing the economic environment.
In a related development, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, commended the dedication, unity of purpose, and willingness of Members in engaging in constructive debates instrumental to legislative outputs over the past six months. Speaker Abbas highlighted legislative landmarks, including the adoption of 500 motions addressing pressing issues, with 25 Ad Hoc Committees submitting reports for consideration.
The House has received 962 bills since inauguration, with 120 passing the Second Reading and currently undergoing in-depth analysis at the Committee stage. Notable among bills passed are the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill 2023, assented to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on November 23, 2023, and critical bills such as the Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023, Federal Audit Service Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Bill, 2023.
Other accomplishments include the review of House Standing Orders to incorporate technological advancements and unveiling an eight-point Legislative Agenda in November. The House has fostered greater collaboration with citizens through Town Halls, sectoral debates, and amendments to the Electoral Act 2022.
Acknowledging security setbacks and tragedies in the country, particularly the recent killings in Plateau State, the House expressed heartfelt condolences to affected families and pledged continued support for the Federal Government’s fight against criminality through legislative actions.
The House has commenced a 3-week recess and is scheduled to resume on January 23, 2024.
