Following a thirty-day vacation, members of the National Assembly have returned to the Federal Capital Territory.
Nigeria is currently experiencing widespread insecurity, with Plateau State serving as the epicenter of recent massacres. Meanwhile, the country’s external security is affected by the recent unrest in the West African region, particularly the departure of the three countries—Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—from the Economic Community of West African States, or ECOWAS.
The Naira is now trading around N1,450 against the dollar, indicating a bearish run against major currencies on the economic front. High levels of inflation have been caused by a number of circumstances, including currency instability. Nigerians anticipate some discussions on these topics during the first plenary session of the year.
The following are some of the matters on which the National Assembly is still waiting to act:
Insecurity
Over the past two weeks, reports of fresh ethnoreligious violence that has resulted in numerous fatalities and home displacements have once again made insecurity the focus of national newspaper headlines, particularly in Plateau State.
Armed robberies, kidnappings, and other crimes have increased throughout the nation, affecting the constituents of numerous lawmakers.
Though hundreds of motions and resolutions from the two chambers have failed to provide the necessary respite from the wave of uneasiness over the last ten years, the MPs’ intervention may not inspire much hope. The House of Representatives had a sector-specific discussion on insecurity a few months ago, yet murders and kidnappings continue.
Economy
Nigerians are facing extreme financial hardship in their homes as a result of the country’s persistent inflation. Despite the Federal Government’s assurances, most of the interventions—such as the introduction of CNG buses, the payment of N35,000 to civil servants, and other commitments made by President Bola Tinubu—have not yet been implemented.
Furthermore, the Dangote Refinery’s management announced plans to purchase crude oil from the United States in order to satisfy production targets, given the continued low level of oil production.
State Police and Constitution amendment
The House of Representatives’ spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, stated in a statement on Monday that the legislators must give priority to four concerns. These are legislative supervision, security, constitutional change, and electoral reforms.
It was reported how insecurity across the country is fueling the call for the creation of state police to tackle the menace.
Relocation of CBN departments, FAAN to Lagos
Another issue expected to be on the front burner for the lawmakers is the relocation of some departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria to Lagos State.
The northern Senate caucus has raised alarm over the move, warning of consequences.
The Northerners have also raised concern over what they described as a lopsided allocation of funds in the 2024 budget, calling on their representatives at the National Assembly to rise up against any move to undermine the Northern region.
The lawmakers adjourned the two chambers on 30 December after a special session where they passed the 2024 budget.
