Nigeria’s National Assembly resumes plenary today amid mounting public expectations for swift legislative action on pressing national issues including tax reforms, constitutional amendments, security and political stability.
The National Assembly had adjourned plenary on March 27 to allow members to observe the Sallah and Easter festivities, later extending the break with a postponed resumption date from April 29 to May 6. With both chambers now back in session, lawmakers face a growing backlog of urgent issues that have grown in significance during the recess.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele announced this in a statement in Abuja. He stated that, “As scheduled, the National Assembly will resume plenary today, (May 6, 2025), to continue with the pursuit of the mandate of the electorate.
“First on our agenda is the further consideration of the Tax Reform Bills, 2024. Its passage has become imperative to reform the country’s tax regime and shore up the revenue of the federation. This will also help governments at all levels to implement projects and deliver the dividends of democracy.”
Bamidele stated that “As we resume, the Senate will work with the Executive to resolve all the lingering socio-political issues across the federation, including the situation in Rivers State. The essence is to ensure that all stakeholders come to terms with the need to address the root causes of those issues and ensure proper reconciliation of all key actors in the overriding public interest. “He explained that the senate is committed to putting an end to all acts of terrorism across the federation.
He further stated that the recent resurgence of insecurity in different parts of the federation, especially Benue, Borno, Katsina, and Plateau, has caught their attention. “As the foremost democratic institution that makes laws for the peace, order and good government of the federation, the Senate will speed engagement with key actors in the security sector and come up with mechanisms for the effective management of national security.
Bamidele said the Senate would also screen the presidential nominees appointed during the National Assembly’s recess, including those named to lead the South-South Development Commission. He also noted that the ongoing review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) is going on steady now that the plenary has resumed, the Constitution Review Committee, led by Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jubrin, will speed up the review process to strengthen our federal structure in the interest of all.
The Senate is also set to commence the review of the Electoral Act, 2022, aimed at ensuring more credible and transparent elections. In addition, lawmakers will focus on several pending Bills of national importance across key sectors of the economy, with a commitment to fast-tracking their passage. To enhance public participation, special and standing committees will be encouraged to hold public hearings, allowing citizens to contribute to the legislative process.
