House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas has said the National Assembly will give the necessary legislative backing to the economic policies and programmes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Abbas said this would ensure that such policies and programmes cushion the effects of the current challenges Nigerians are currently facing.
Addressing members on resumption of plenary after a three-week break, Abbas said: “We have been called to serve at one of the most challenging times for our constituents and nation. The present administration, which we are part of, is challenged by many economic issues, which include a huge debt profile, a volatile international oil market, rising unemployment, hyperinflation, a high poverty rate, infrastructure deficit, deindustrialisation, and many more.
“These call for our immediate attention and action. I need not remind us that our constituents are going through so many difficulties, following the stoppage of government subsidies on petroleum products. Though taken in the nation’s best interest, this singular action has occasioned increased commodity prices, transportation, and operational costs for businesses and the general cost of living.
“As the Executive comes up with policies and programmes to alleviate the impact of the subsidy removal, we must be ready to respond with the necessary legislative actions in this regard.”
The Speaker assured fellow Nigerians that the House would live up to expectations.
He said: “There is no gainsaying the fact that the House of Representatives and, indeed, the National Assembly, plays a vital role in this country’s economic trajectory.
“Consequently, we must proffer legislative reforms to unlock Nigeria’s economic growth and development of our vast human and natural resources.
“To achieve this, we must focus on opening bottlenecks in critical sectors of the economy through appropriate legislations, positioning for emerging industries that will attract foreign and domestic investors and, in turn, create sustainable economic development.
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“Dear colleagues, our economic challenges are aggravated by the parlous security situation in the country, despite the very commendable efforts and tremendous sacrifices of our security personnel. The relationship between the economic crises and the precarious security situation leaves the country in a quagmire as both are fallouts from each other and reinforce themselves.”
“Notwithstanding the successes of our security forces in protecting lives and property, internal security remains precarious and challenging.
“In the course of our recess, the nation witnessed unprovoked attacks on innocent students of the Federal University at Gusau, the killing of farmers in Birnin Gwari, the attacks in communities in Mangu Local Government of Plateau State, the reported killings in Anambra State and other such cases that are reported and often unreported.
“We shall take adequate and proactive legislative steps toward further strengthening our security forces to rid our nation of these criminals.
“I must acknowledge the swift action taken by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in injecting fresh ideas into the security sector for the appointment of new security chiefs.
“We hope the new security chiefs will respond to the security situation with the urgency it requires. On our part, we will provide the required legislative support in the defence of our nation.”
On the readiness of the House under his leadership to get to work immediately, Abbas said: “Let me report that the six committees set up before our recess continued working and have made tremendous progress. This is particularly so with the Committees on Welfare and Legislative Agenda. The committee has concluded office, parking lots and seats allocations in the chamber for members to settle down quickly while other issues related to the work environment are being sorted out.
“The leadership of the House will take quick steps to address the welfare needs of members. I must appreciate members of the committees, especially those in charge of the office allocation, who sacrificed their recess to ensure the offices, parking lots and seat allocations were ready before our resumption.
“I also thank the Committee on Legislative Agenda, which sat throughout the holidays. We will continue working together to ensure a very conducive environment for our legislative duties.
“May I also report that the constitution of committees is ongoing. The process is designed to meet the interest of every member, irrespective of party and political affiliations.
“However, we will be guided by the legislative interests, experiences, capacity and background of every member. The same principle should be adopted in filling up the remaining principal positions of the House.”
