Senate at its plenary session on Thursday, 29 February 2024 passed for Second Reading the Bill to establish the National Assembly Budget and Research Office (NABRO).
Leading the debate on the Bill, Sen. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (APC: Ekiti) informed lawmakers that the Bill seeks to create an independent institution, tasked with the responsibility of providing a comprehensive analysis and research support related to fiscal matters and budgetary decisions to the National Assembly. In his submission, Sen. Bamidele explained that the intended goal of the Budget and Research Office is to provide the National Assembly with a nonpartisan analysis of budget proposals, research economic and fiscal matters, and support lawmakers in their legislative duties concerning budgetary, and economic process
During the debates among lawmakers, a significant part of the discussions focused on ensuring the independence and impartiality of the Budget and Research Office noting the importance of safeguarding the office from political interference. Speaking in support of the Bill, Sen. Henry Seriake Dickson (PDP: Bayelsa), emphasized the necessity to amend the title of the Bill to incorporate the term “Independent” to underscore the crucial aspect of independence in the function and operations of the office.
On the historical context of the Bill, Sen. Ahmad Lawan (APC: Yobe) highlighted its origin in the 6th Assembly, acknowledging the initiator of the Bill, Hon. Habeeb A.B Fasinro for his vision and foresight in recognizing the need for an independent institution like NABRO to enhance the oversight and decision-making process of the National Assembly concerning budget management, monitoring and implementation.
Although the majority of Senators expressed strong support for the Bill, Sen. Adams Oshiomole (APC: Edo) voiced a contrary opinion regarding the establishment of the office, offering a dissenting perspective amidst the prevailing support. Sen. Oshiomole questioned the necessity of creating a new institution and the financial implications on the cost of governance. Despite the observations of Sen. Oshiomole, Senators voted in support of the Bill.
The Bill has been referred to the Committee on Appropriations for further legislative action. The Committee is expected to report back within two weeks.
