As the National Assembly reconvenes for plenary today, the focus will be on constitutional and electoral reforms, alongside escalating security issues affecting various regions of the country.
According to Daily Trust, in addition to addressing constitutional amendment bills, lawmakers are set to tackle several urgent matters. This includes the summons of the governors of Zamfara and Benue, pending tax reform legislation in the Senate, the summons of the Rivers State sole administrator, and various outstanding committee reports.
Upon their return, legislators are also expected to introduce new bills and motions aimed at addressing the welfare of their constituents.
In a statement yesterday, House of Representatives spokesman Akin Rotimi indicated that the plenary will prioritize discussions and legislative actions on critical national concerns, particularly the rising tide of insecurity in numerous states as well as broader economic challenges. He emphasized that these issues will shape the legislative agenda as members respond to the immediate needs of their communities.
Both chambers of the Assembly adjourned for recess on March 27, with an original return date of April 29. However, this was later postponed by a week to May 6 to allow members to partake in Workers’ Day events and attend to constituency matters, as explained by National Assembly Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana.
**Focus on Constitutional Review and Electoral Reform**
As lawmakers return, the ongoing constitutional review led by the 10th Assembly and amendments to the Electoral Act are expected to take precedence. Prior to the recess, the House of Representatives passed 81 constitutional amendment bills for a second reading in a swift process completed in just two days, without a debate on their general principles.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who chairs the committee overseeing the constitutional review, revealed that over 250 amendment bills have been submitted. The House is anticipated to continue its consideration of these bills.
Rotimi provided an update on the constitutional review and electoral reform processes, stating that during the recess, the committee’s secretariat and technical consultants held a retreat to unify memoranda and draft proposals. A list of bills that have successfully passed the second reading will be published soon, ahead of zonal public hearings to gather citizens’ feedback nationwide.
He added that amendments to the Electoral Act 2022 will also be prioritized, aiming to address legal gaps and enhance Nigeria’s electoral framework.
The Senate is similarly expected to prioritize constitutional amendment legislation. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele confirmed that constitutional and electoral reforms are also among the upper chamber’s key priorities, stating that the review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), is progressing steadily.
**Engagements with Zamfara and Benue Governors**
The House Committee on Public Petitions plans to engage Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal and Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia on May 8, concerning allegations of interference with legislative activities in their respective state assemblies.
The committee has requested explanations from the governors regarding why the National Assembly should not invoke Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution to assume control of the affected houses of assembly during periods of dysfunction. This follows a petition from the civil rights group Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law.
Both governors have challenged the constitutionality of the summons. A senior official from Benue State indicated that the government is assessing the summons to determine whether the National Assembly has the authority to compel a sitting governor to appear.
Governor Lawal’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Mustafa Kaura, also criticized the summons, asserting that only a state assembly has the constitutional authority to summon its governor.
**Rivers State Administrator to Address House Committee**
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, is expected to appear before the House Ad-Hoc Committee on the State of Emergency in Rivers after previously missing two scheduled hearings. He attended a hearing on April 25, requesting additional time to prepare his briefing, and is now expected to address the committee’s concerns regarding governance and security in the state.
**Addressing Rising Insecurity**
While the legislature was on recess, several states—including Plateau, Benue, Borno, Zamfara, Yobe, Niger, Katsina, and Adamawa—experienced a spike in insecurity. Lawmakers are expected to propose motions and resolutions aimed at mitigating the deteriorating security situation in their constituencies and senatorial districts, with security issues anticipated to dominate discussions in both chambers in the coming weeks.
Senator Bamidele stated that the Senate will collaborate with the executive branch to tackle the resurgence of violence and terrorism, emphasizing the commitment to ending acts of terrorism nationwide.
**Senate to Prioritize Tax Reform Legislation**
The Senate is set to focus on four key tax reform bills put forward by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of broader fiscal policy reforms. These bills—the Nigerian Tax Bill, the Tax Administration Bill, the Revenue Tax Board Bill, and the Nigerian Revenue Service Establishment Bill—were passed by the House of Representatives prior to the recess but are pending in the Senate.
Concerns have been raised regarding the delay in the Senate’s passage of these bills, especially since the House approved them two weeks before the recess. Senate Committee on Media and Publicity Chairman, Yemi Adaramodu, had previously indicated that the bills would be passed before the break, but this did not occur.
Senator Bamidele reaffirmed that the tax bills are a top priority for the Senate, stating, “First on our agenda is the further consideration of the Tax Reform Bills, 2024.” He emphasized that passing these bills is vital for overhauling the country’s tax system and enhancing federal revenue.
**National Policy Dialogue on Legislative Agenda**
As the midterm of the 10th Assembly approaches on June 13, 2025, the House will host its inaugural National Policy Dialogue on the Legislative Agenda on Monday, May 12.
According to Rotimi, the Speaker will present the 10th House Midterm Report Card and lead strategic discussions with stakeholders from government, civil society, the private sector, and international development partners. This forum aims to facilitate reflection and planning to reinforce impact-driven lawmaking and people-centered representation.
**Other Legislative Priorities**
Rotimi indicated that the House would also expedite the consideration of bills and reports that align with its legislative agenda. This includes reports from standing and ad hoc committees that are essential for delivering on the chamber’s commitment to responsive governance.
Senator Bamidele also announced that the Senate will commence the screening of nominees for significant federal appointments announced during the recess, including members of the management board of the South-South Development Commission and other executive positions requiring legislative confirmation.
