The Senate and House of Representatives on Tuesday, 14 September 2021, resumed plenary following its 8-weeks annual recess. It would be recalled that on Thursday, 15 July 2021, the Senate adjourned its plenary, while the House of Representatives adjourned on Friday, 16 July 2021.
At the sitting of the Senate, Sen. Ahmad Lawan (APC: Yobe) in his welcome address, expressed his gratitude to lawmakers on the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill and its eventual assent into law, noting that the landmark legislation is targeted at enhancing the oil and gas industry. Speaking on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 also passed by the Senate, Sen. Lawan stated that the composition of the Conference Committee responsible for working with its counterpart in the House of Representatives to harmonize differences in the respective versions of the Bill will be announced soon.
On the 2022-2024 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) before the Committee on Finance, Sen. Lawan stated that the report will be presented for consideration ahead of the 2022 budget presentation session by President Muhammadu Buhari. According to him, the National Assembly is prepared to commence the budget defence exercise with Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
In respect of the pending Constitution Alteration Bills, he explained that the Senate will focus and consider alterations aimed at a united and stronger Nigeria and further reiterated the commitment of the Senate to address the security challenges across the country through the provision of adequate resources and effective oversight of security agencies.
In the House of Representatives, the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila (APC: Lagos) informed lawmakers of the death of its Member, representing Akure North/ Akure South Federal Constituency, Ondo State, Hon. Adedayo Isaac Omolafe (APC: Ondo) and that a valedictory session in his honour will be scheduled.
In honour of Hon. Omolafe, the Senate and House of Representatives suspended it legislative activities for Tuesday, 14 September 2021 and will resume on Wednesday, 15 September 2021.
