Senate Prioritizes Budget Oversight and Constitutional Review in 2025

As the National Assembly resumes plenary, the Senate Leadership has outlined a robust legislative agenda for 2025, placing a premium on strict budget oversight and the ongoing constitutional review process. The Senate President emphasized that the era of 'padding' budgets is over, warning heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) that they will be held personally accountable for every naira allocated in the 2025 appropriation act.

The constitutional review committee has reportedly received over 40 memoranda relating to local government autonomy, judicial independence, and electoral reforms. Legislators are under pressure to pass key amendments well ahead of the next election cycle to avoid the legal logistical bottlenecks witnessed in 2023. Key among these is the clarification of laws regarding electronic transmission of results.

Legislative Interventions on Cost of Living

Beyond structural reforms, the Senate is also focusing on immediate legislative interventions to lower the cost of living. Bills aimed at reducing tariffs on essential food imports and pharmaceutical raw materials are being fast-tracked. The Senate Committee on Finance has been tasked with engaging the Central Bank to ensure monetary policies align with the fiscal goals of job creation and price stability.