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•Promises increased budgetary allocation for Defence Ministry
From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas has pledged that the House of Representatives will prioritise the passage of the controversial tax reform bills and the 2025 Appropriation Bill.
Abbas, who stated this, yesterday, while welcoming lawmakers back from the Christmas break, said the bills were critical to the country’s economic recovery and fiscal stability.
The four tax reform bills essentially seeking to reform tax administration have been trailed by controversies since they were transmitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu last year.
Northern leaders and state governors have repeatedly kicked against the proposed legislations, saying they were against the interest of the region. The Senate has gone ahead to pass the bills for second reading while the proposed legislations have been stalled in the House.
Nevertheless, the speaker, in an address read by his deputy, Benjamin Kalu, noted that the proposed reforms were crucial for increasing the tax base and assured that the parliament will ensure that reforms are equitable.
“Our legislative agenda for 2025 prioritises the passage of the Appropriation Bill and the Tax Reform Bills, both of which are pivotal to economic recovery and fiscal stability.
“These reforms are essential for broadening the tax base, improving compliance, and reducing dependency on external borrowing. The House will ensure that these reforms are equitable and considerate of the needs of all Nigerians, particularly the most vulnerable.
“As we engage with the budget and other legislative priorities, we must remain meticulous in our scrutiny, ensuring that every proposal aligns with national objectives and delivers tangible benefits to the citizenry. The planned Citizens’ Town Hall on the budget will further reinforce transparency and inclusivity in our decision-making processes.”
Abbas added that the House Constitution Review Committee, headed by the deputy speaker, has made appreciable progress in the discharge of its assignment.
“The extensive consultations and rigorous review of over 350 memoranda demonstrate the depth of public engagement in shaping our nation’s foundational document. We anticipate that the outcomes of this process will address longstanding governance challenges and promote inclusivity, equity, and accountability.
“ Besides constitutional amendments, the House is committed to advancing legislative frameworks that address critical national issues, including gender equality, electoral reform, and energy infrastructure. As custodians of the legislative process, we must approach these tasks with resolve and an acute awareness of their implications for Nigeria’s development trajectory.
“As we commence this legislative year, let us renew our commitment to the principles of service, equity, and progress. Nigerians have legitimate expectations, and rightly so.
“Our citizens aspire to a safer, more prosperous nation, where opportunities flourish, and governance reflects the highest standards of integrity and accountability. We should embrace these expectations not as burdens but as the driving force behind our collective mission. By working with purpose, unity, and resolve, we can transform challenges into opportunities and aspirations into realities.”
Meanwhile, the House Committee on Defence has promised to increase the 2025 budget estimate of the Ministry of Defence.
The committee, which stated this at a budget defence session with the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, appeared before the lawmakers to defend the 2025 budget estimates of the ministry.
Addressing the committee, Matawalle stated that the N50 billion budgetary proposal was inadequate and appealed for an upward review.
The minister noted that the ministry needs more funds to be able to procure more Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) and take care of other needs.
“We have some challenges. One, we have an inadequate budgetary provision. The headquarters and civilian personnel unit are unable to meet their obligations resulting in the accumulation of debt on services and staff entitlement.
“We have non-payment and accumulated bills of group life insurance, which is very important. The very important issues that we have is non-payment and accumulated bills of group life insurance for military personnel, which I requested from the committee for consideration of maybe the sum of N20 billion as an additional funds for payment of families of deceased military personnel. That is one of our challenges.
“In fact, the Ministry of Defence is supposed to provide some equipment for some of the zones but we cannot. Out of what we have in 2024, we were able to provide just 20 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs).
“What can 20 APCs can do? In Katsina alone, if we are able to have 50 APCs that can go inside the bush to flush out those criminals, I assure you, within two months, we’ll finish the issue of banditry. But there is no provision for that. People have been complaining that money is being given to defence but this is what we have. And people are expecting us to do extra things out of the budget.
“We cannot do it Mr. Chairman. So, I believe this House will consider more funding to the Ministry of Defence so that even on our own, as ministers, we will be able to provide some equipment to flush out these areas of attacks.”
Earlier, the chairman of the Committee, Babajimi Benson, said there was a need to deploy technology and intelligence in combating emerging security threats.
Benson stated that “over the years, the Armed Forces of Nigeria have demonstrated remarkable commitment and professionalism, achieving significant progress in countering insurgency, terrorism, banditry and other forms of insecurity. Yet, the dynamic nature of these challenges demands continuous adaptation and innovation.”
He added that “this year’s budget defence is particularly significant as it comes against the backdrop of evolving global and domestic security threats.
“These recent developments highlight the need for heightened vigilance and inter-agency collaboration. We must leverage intelligence, technology, and best practices to neutralize emerging threats and safeguard our citizens.”
