In a statement he personally signed, Bamidele underscored the importance of the MTEF, stating, “The consideration of MTEF occupies a prime place on the rung of our legislative agenda. This is simply because MTEF must be ready before the 2025 Appropriation Bill can be laid before the National Assembly.” The MTEF serves as a vital legal structure that outlines the budgetary process, and it is typically submitted to Parliament before the President’s annual budget announcement. Both chambers of the National Assembly, the Senate and the House of Representatives, had been on recess since July 17, but they are now prepared to resume their legislative duties.
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Bamidele also highlighted that the review of the Constitution, initiated by a dedicated committee, will continue over the next few months. He stated, “We are equally preoccupied with the review of the 1999 Constitution.” The Constitution Review Committee, chaired by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, will conduct retreats, strategy sessions, and zonal meetings to gather public input on sections of the Constitution that require amendments. This initiative aims to foster a genuinely federative approach to improving governance throughout the nation.
Additionally, Bamidele announced plans to establish a joint committee to investigate allegations of oil theft, a critical issue that had previously been addressed by a Senate ad hoc committee operating independently of the House. He remarked, “As we fully resume parliamentary activities today, the National Assembly will focus on addressing challenges in the petroleum sector. The industry is underperforming, which may be linked to crude oil theft, ongoing maintenance issues with public refineries, the importation of substandard petroleum products, and fuel supply interruptions.” He also clarified that the Senate has not suspended its Ad Hoc Committee on Economic Sabotage in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry; rather, it postponed the committee’s public hearing to resolve procedural matters.
Bamidele assured that both chambers of the National Assembly are committed to working collaboratively to resolve these issues and may form a joint committee to continue investigations where the ad hoc committee left off. “We are dedicated to uncovering the roots of economic sabotage in the petroleum sector for the national interest and to developing strategies that enhance industry efficiency,” he affirmed.
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Akin Rotimi, the spokesperson for the House of Representatives, echoed this commitment and outlined the main issues to be addressed upon their return, including the 2025 appropriation bill, the constitutional review, and electoral reforms. Rotimi stated, “With the 2024 fiscal year ending, the House is eager to receive the 2025 Appropriation Bill soon. Timely submission from the executive is vital for thorough scrutiny and public input, supported by town hall meetings initiated during the 2024 budget review.”
He emphasized the importance of maintaining the January-December budget cycle and expressed hopes for cooperation with the executive branch. “Honourable members will actively debate and tackle pressing issues affecting Nigerians, especially the recent flooding in Maiduguri, rising insecurity, and economic difficulties. These urgent matters will be prioritized as we respond to our constituents’ needs,” he added.
Rotimi, who represents Ikole/Oye Federal Constituency in Ekiti State, noted that proposed legislation in the legislative agenda will receive significant attention due to their relevance for good governance. “Bills and motions aligned with our commitments will be prioritized and fast-tracked, serving as key indicators for assessing the 10th Assembly at the upcoming mid-term in June 2025,” he remarked.
Finally, Rotimi highlighted the importance of amending the 1999 Constitution, stating, “The constitutional review process is fundamental to our democracy, reflecting our collective aspirations for a just society.” He reaffirmed the December 2025 deadline for reaching definitive outcomes on the Sixth Alteration to the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and noted that the committee has already received about 305 memoranda from the public and around 150 proposed amendments from members, indicating strong public engagement. These proposals will be prioritized for swift consideration as the Assembly moves forward.
