The House of Representatives has considered and passed two money bills extending the implementation of the 2023 Appropriation Act and the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Act until December 2024.
The executive arm of government presented the two bills via a letter transmitted from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and read on the floor of the House by the Speaker, Mr. Abbas Tajudeen.
The bills are titled the 2023 Appropriation Amendment Bill, 2024, and the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Amendment Bill, 2024.
Following its first reading, the House Minority Leader, Mr. Kingsley Chinda during the debate on the general principles of the bill, expressed reservations about the propriety of accelerating the passage of the bills.
Mr Chinda noted that it might not be in the best interest of the country.
He suggested that the provisions of the bills should be harmonised and included in the anticipated Supplementary Appropriation Act 2024.
The Minority Leader’s concerns and position sparked a robust discussion among members, and was supported by Mr. Alhassan Ado Doguwa who, however, urged the House to pass the bills in the best interest of the country’s security and economy.
In response, the House resolved to enter an executive session to deliberate further on the matter. The session saw extensive discussions, with members from both sides of the aisle contributing their perspectives and suggestions.
National security and economic stability
The House Spokesman and Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Akin Rotimi, said the House, in its collective wisdom, following the deliberations dissolved into the Committee of Supply to debate the various clauses in the money bills, all of which were carried.
“Subsequently, the House reverted to plenary where the bills were read for the third time. A decision made with the nation’s best interests in mind, particularly focusing on national security and economic stability.
“Thus, the passage of the money bills followed diligent legislative action and met all legislative requirements.
“The 10th House of Representatives has continued to stand out as the most diverse Assembly since the inception of the 4th Republic, with representation from eight political parties and approximately 75% new members. This vibrancy has led to commendations for the quality of debates and resolutions, highlighting the legislature’s independence while maintaining a co-operative relationship with the executive branch”.
He said that it is also to the credit of the Speaker, Mr. Abbas Tajudeen, that the House is inclusive of all shades of opinion while building consensus on sensitive matters.
“In view of this, the passage of these money bills underscores the unwavering commitment of the people’s House to ensure that the country’s budgetary needs are met without interruption, reflecting the dynamic and responsive nature of the 10th Assembly” Mr. Rotimi said.
Other bills and motions were also passed at plenary.
Emmanuel Ukoh
