The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Abbas

  • Reps speaker Abbas commissions 80 bed-room general hospital in Lagos

    Reps speaker Abbas commissions 80 bed-room general hospital in Lagos

    The speaker, House of Representatives, Honourable Tajudeen Abbas on Wednesday, January 3, inaugurated a 80-bedroom General Hospital in Imota, lkorodu area in Lagos.

    Abbas, while commissioning the hospital said that the hospital is not just a physical structure but a symbol of hope to the most vulnerable citizens.

    The Imota General Hospital built by the office of the Special Assitant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was facilitated by the House of Representative Member representative, Ikorodu Constituency, Honourable Jimi Benson. 

    The event had traditional rulers, House of Representative members, party faithful, clerics, and industry players.

    Abbas said that, “today marks a significant milestone in the delivery of healthcare services in Nigeria as we gather to commission this general hospital in Imota. We are not just commissioning the building but affirming the government’s unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of all Nigerians.”

    He applauded the effort and advocacy of Honorable Jimi Benson for bringing the project to the good people of Ikorodu.

    He stated: “This project you championed epitomizes your commitment to the needs and well-being of the people in this constituency. This is the spirit of service and dedication to the people that every legislature and public servants should aspire to do.”

    “It is evident that there are several challenges confronting Nigerians and these challenges were further exposed with the devastating consequence during the COVID-19 pandemic during which Lagos was the worst hit. Prominent among the issues confronting the sector is inadequate health care infrastructures, hospitals, and clinics are often overwhelmed in urban centers due to high demands. This situation is also worsened by the high rate of infectious diseases in Nigeria such as malaria, Tuberculosis, HIV, and AIDS, and a preponderance of other diseases like hypertension and diabetes.

    “Critical too is access to quality health care is uneven with significant disparity between urban and rural areas among different socioeconomic groups”, he said.

    The speaker added: “Here in Lagos however, while there are advanced healthcare facilities, they are often inaccessible to the poorer segment of the population. Another significant prey to the healthcare sector is the shortage of qualified healthcare professionals including doctors, nurses, and specialties. Nigeria has the doctor to population of one doctor to 8,000 people instead of one doctor to 60 people are recommended by the World Health Organisation.

    Read Also: Speaker Abbas defends constituency projects, says they address people’s needs

    He noted that experts have argued that it will take Nigeria 20 years to produce the needed 400, 000 healthcare practitioners needed to fill in the gap and cater to the healthcare needs of Nigerians with over 200 population.

    He opined that this shortage of health care personnel has been made worse by Japa and brain drain, adding that Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) practitioners state that Nigeria only retain 30% of its 4000 doctors produced annually.

    The speaker hinted that 5% of the entire budget in 2024 will be devoted to health care which is a landmark achievement in the history of Nigeria since 1999.

    The speaker posited further that the edifice is to help address some of the community’s most pressing health challenges. This 80-bed hospital was purposely designed to response to women’s and children’s health care challenges and also challenges most vulnerable of the population go thorugh in accessing health care.

    He posited further that the hospital also represents our collective aspiration for a Nigeria where quality health care is not just a privilege but a right for every citizen. The right to quality health care is a right guaranteed under the African Charter of Human and People’s Rights and the Nigeria 1999 constititon as amended.

    He stated that improving the right to quality health care must be pursued by the government at all levels in the interest of the Nigerian people.

    In her words, the Senior Special Assistant to The President on Sustainable Development Goals, Mrs Adejoke Orelope Adefulire said that the facility is well-funished and equipped for operations. We have an operating theatre, consultation rooms, private and general wards, laboratory, ultra scan machine, bath extractor, and emergency scanning machines with full complement.

    She added that Intensive Care Units for women and children are available to ensure that maternal death among women is reduced as facilities are in place to cater to pregnant women and children during emergencies.

    Orelope-Adefulire stated further that the edifice speaks of the sustainable development goal 7 which centered around good health and well-being for all. “We are working assiduously to do more in different locations across the country so that we can ensure that every pregnant mother takes her child home safely and healthily after delivery”.

    “This is what we call a renewed hope agenda. It is not ordinary hope, it is thoughtful hope that is key to making Nigerians well and alive”, she said.

    ReplyForwardAdd reaction
  • Speaker Abbas defends constituency projects, says they address people’s needs

    Speaker Abbas defends constituency projects, says they address people’s needs

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen has faulted criticisms against the Zonal Intervention Projects popularly called constituency projects, saying they are successfully addressing the needs of Nigerians, especially at the grassroots.

    The speaker said in implementing constituency projects, members of the National Assembly identify the needs of their constituents and nominate projects within a threshold in the annual budget of the federal government which ministries, departments and agencies execute as part of their capital projects.

    Speaker Abbas spoke while commissioning the Surulere Study Centre of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and 484-bed Femi Gbajabiamila Hall of Residence at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) facilitated by Gbajabiamila when he served as the Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives.

    The Speaker said legislative representation and constituency projects are two critical components of a functioning democracy, especially in a representative system of government like Nigeria’s presidential democracy.

    He said these specific initiatives are funded through the government budget and are intended to address the needs and improve the conditions of constituents.

    Speaker Abbas also stressed that for many Nigerians, especially at the grassroots, it is through constituency projects that they see the most direct and tangible manifestation of the government and democracy.

    “However, there has been a widespread and endemic misunderstanding of the purpose and essence of these legislative interventions. Constituency projects are not mere items in a budget; they are the lifelines that connect the heart of our government to the heartbeat of communities,” he said.

    The Speaker explained that constituency projects offer a unique opportunity for legislators to address the specific needs and challenges of their constituents, saying “by tailoring projects to local contexts, we ensure that development is not just a concept discussed in the halls of the legislature but a reality experienced in the streets, villages, and towns across Nigeria.

    “Furthermore, constituency projects best reflect participatory governance, given that local communities are involved in the decision-making process. This approach does not just build infrastructure; it builds trust, confidence, and a sense of ownership among the people.”

    Saying he was personally encouraged by the many success stories that had emerged from constituency projects over the last two decades, Speaker Abbas “These success stories are not just achievements; they inspire millions of Nigerians at the grassroots level and show that the government cares about them. With greater transparency and accountability, constituency projects can be the most viable tools for developing forgotten sections of Nigeria.

    “I intend to re-introduce a reviewed version of the Constituency Development Fund Bill to provide a legal framework for the management, disbursement, utilisation and accountability of funds designated for constituency projects.

    Read Also: Reps Speaker Abbas set to commission Femi Gbajabiamila Hall in UNILAG

    “I urge all legislators and members of the House of Representatives to emulate Hon. Gbajabiamila and renew their commitment to constituency projects. We must work with integrity and purpose to bring about meaningful change for our constituents. We should remember that the true measure of our success as legislators is not just in the laws we pass but in the lives we uplift directly.”

    He lauded Gbajabiamila’s efforts in securing funding and support for several projects, including schools, hospitals, and countless infrastructure developments in his Surulere 1 Federal Constituency and beyond when he served as a member of the House.

    The Speaker said Nigeria must harness the potential of its youthful population, which he has described as innovative and creative.

    The Speaker stressed the critical role of a knowledge-driven economy in the development of the country and the indispensable role that the legislature could play in steering the transformative journey.

    He noted that in an era marked by rapid technological advancement and globalisation, the transition to a knowledge-driven economy is not just beneficial but also imperative for sustained growth and competitiveness.

    “A knowledge-driven economy can better capitalise on intellectual capabilities rather than natural resources or physical inputs. It is an economy where knowledge is a key engine of growth, innovation, and job creation.

    “However, the world is moving quickly from this energy source to cleaner and more sustainable sources. If we do not adapt and develop new ways of shoring up our economy, we fail to prepare for the future.

    “As you are aware, the oil and gas sector currently contributes about 65% of government revenue and over 85% of total exports. As such, the global energy shift from fossil energy systems to renewable energy will adversely affect our Gross Domestic Products.

    “In the face of our challenges, our youthful population is a vibrant source of innovation and creativity. We must harness this potential. This can only be done by pivoting towards policies that foster education, research, and development and encourage the application of knowledge in industrial, technological, and economic activities.”

    He recalled how Gbajabiamila sponsored the Students’ Loan (Access to Higher Education), Bill, 2019, which has now become an Act of the Parliament after President Tinubu signed it into law.

    “Gbajabiamila’s tireless efforts and unwavering dedication have been instrumental in attracting several projects, including this one, to his beloved constituency of Surulere. Through his advocacy and leadership, he has continuously demonstrated a profound understanding of the transformative power of education.

    “The number of education-related projects executed in his twenty (20) years as a lawmaker gives credence to this assertion. Indeed, he was a pillar of wisdom, integrity, and dedication, as shown in his meteoric rise from a floor member to Minority Whip, to the Minority Leader, to the Majority Leader, and ultimately to Speaker. This is another unique record in the history of the Nigerian legislature.”

    In his remarks, the Chief of Staff to the President recalled that his story started at the University of Lagos.

    He said: “On this campus, I made friends who continue to play important roles in my life; I learned and acquired the education that allowed me to become a lawyer here at home and abroad. On this campus, I went from being a young man with ambitions to a young man with a plan. I remain very fond of and incredibly proud of this great institution.

    “I hope that years from now, some young student here will recount how they solved one global challenge or the other or recall the moment they came upon the big idea that inspired their success in business or academia, in science, politics or industry. And in their recounting, they will say it all began here in these halls. I look forward to that day indeed.”

    The speaker also commissioned an 80-bed hospital attracted to the Ikorodu area of Lagos by Hon. Babajimi Benson.

    The Speaker said it was a well-known fact that several significant challenges had confronted the health sector in Nigeria.

    He added that the challenges were further exposed with devastating consequences during the COVID-19 pandemic, during which Lagos was the worst hit. He also noted that prominent among the issues confronting the sector was inadequate health infrastructure, saying, “Hospitals and clinics are often overwhelmed in urban centres like Lagos due to high demand.”

  • National Assembly to pass 2024 budget before December 30, says Abbas

    National Assembly to pass 2024 budget before December 30, says Abbas

    House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas has said the National Assembly will pass the 2024 budget on Saturday, December 30.

    Abbas spoke when the House resumed plenary yesterday in Abuja.

    The Speaker passed a message from the Committee on Appropriation to various committees of the House that they must conclude and submit their reports of the budget defence by agencies of government by 8 p.m yesterday.

    Read Also: JUST IN: 2024 budget will be passed December 30, says speaker Abbas

    He said other budget-related activities like compilation, processing and harmonization would take place in between.

    Abbas said: “Honourable colleagues, just for your records and information from Committee on Appropriation. It is an appeal to all committees that are unable to finish their budget defence and submit their reports. They have up to 8 p.m today to finish and submit their reports for defence at the Appropriation Committee office.

    “I also want to inform you that the official day for the passage of the budget would be slated for Saturday, December 30, 2023. In between these two dates, all other activities, like harmonisation, compilation, and processing of the Bill, will take place.

    “So, please take note. Those of you who may want to go for Christmas, try to take note that Saturday, December 30, would be the day that we officially pass the budget 2024.”

  • We will institutionalise youth leadership programme – Speaker Abbas

    We will institutionalise youth leadership programme – Speaker Abbas

    The speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has announced that under his leadership, the 10th House intends to institutionalise the Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI) initiated by his predecessor as an institution for leadership training for young Nigerians.

    The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, made this known in a statement on Thursday evening in Abuja.

    According to the statement, Speaker Abbas, while addressing the second cohorts of the LMI at the National Assembly at an interactive session on Thursday, was optimistic that the mentorship scheme would turn the training into good leaders in the future.

    At the session were the Deputy Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga; the Executive Secretary, National Assembly Library Trust Fund, Hon. Henry Nwawuba; Director, LMI, Chimdi Neliaku; and the Chief of Staff to the Speaker, Prof. Jake Dan-Azumi.

    “I hope that the experience garnered from this mentorship programme will be a source of inspiration to you and spur you into a sojourn in the legislative field either as legislators, legislative aides, staff, or professionals providing experts’ advice to legislators and legislative committees,” Speaker Abbas said.

    The speaker commended the initiator of the LMI, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for exposing the youth to the federal parliament.

    Gbajabiamila initiated the LMI as Speaker in the 9th National Assembly.

    Speaker Abbas said: “My deepest gratitude goes to my predecessor, who initiated this mentorship programme as a way of exposing younger ones into the legislative tradition of our nation.

    Read Also; INEC yet to access N18 billion supplementary budget – Yakubu

    “I pledge the resolve of the 10th House to sustain this laudable initiative and strengthen it even further. We will continue to identify with the initiative, expand it and provide all necessary support to institutionalise it even beyond the 10th House. As I look forward to witnessing your growth and contributions to our nation’s governance, I urge you to make the most use of this rare opportunity.” 

    While congratulating the cohorts for being part of the mentorship programme, the Speaker said it was a demonstration of their passion to understand the intricacies of the legislature.

    “As you embark on this journey as part of the second cohort of the Legislative Mentorship Initiative, I urge you to embrace this opportunity with open minds and receptive hearts. Your selection into this cohort is a clear recognition of your strong desire to learn and grow within the realm of legislative governance. I have no doubt that it will serve as a springboard for even greater contributions to the cause of national service.

    “As you undertake this mentorship programme, I encourage you to approach each day with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to learn from those who have walked this path before you. The knowledge and insights you will gain during this experience will undoubtedly shape your understanding of our legislative processes and equip you with the necessary tools and skills for future callings. 

    “I am confident that each of you possesses the potential to become future leaders who will uphold the values of integrity, empathy, and dedication to public service. As you engage with seasoned legislators and mentors, I urge you to seize every opportunity to glean wisdom from their experiences and perspectives,” Speaker Abbas said.

    While noting that the House is made up of members elected from 360 federal constituencies across the country, Speaker Abbas said: “This is the most diversified so far in the history of the National Assembly in terms of party representation as it has members elected from eight political parties.”

    He added: “The 10th House is the most youthful in the history of the National Assembly, with the majority of its members within the IPU benchmark for young parliamentarians at 25–45 years old. The 10th House has the highest turnover rate in the history of the House, with 277 first time members. The House has 10 leadership positions and identifies itself as the ‘People’s House.”

    The Director of LMI, Neliaku, earlier in her opening remark, noted that the 45 “distinguished, young emerging leaders” were drawn from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, with a 60-40 gender ratio.

    “These young leaders have been selected from the pool of over 5000 applications for this programme. So, before you, Your Excellency, are the best of the best that Nigeria has produced,” Neliaku noted.

    Speaker, LMI Parliament, Bernice Abeku, in her vote of thanks after Speaker Abbas had answered a series of questions from the trainees and took a photograph with each of them, thanked the speaker for identifying with the youth.

  • Reps will demand accountability from security agencies, says Abbas

    Reps will demand accountability from security agencies, says Abbas

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen said on Thursday, December 7, that the House will demand more accountability from the security agencies on the performance of their statutory responsibilities of protecting the nation.

    The speaker also said that the House will always emphasise the judicious use of the funds allocated to the security agencies and ensure that it yields far-reaching results in the fight against terrorism and insurgency amongst other issues within the security sector.

    Speaker Abbas spoke at the opening of the international roundtable on “The Role of the Parliament in the Security Sector Governance and Reform in West Africa” organized by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung in Abuja.

    Represented by the deputy speaker, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, the speaker acknowledged the security challenges facing many countries in the West African sub-region, pointing out that addressing the issues will require inputs from the legislature.

    Read Also: Condolence: Shettima, Abbas, Badaru, Ganduje arrive Kaduna

    He said: “In Nigeria, as in many other countries across West Africa, we have witnessed significant challenges in our security landscape. These challenges range from terrorism and insurgency to transnational organized crime, border security issues, and internal conflicts.

    “Addressing these complex security threats requires a comprehensive approach that involves not only the executive branch but also the active arm of participation and oversight by the legislative government.

    “There is no doubt that the parliament plays a crucial role in security sector governance through its legislative functions. It is responsible for enacting laws that define the mandate and operations of security agencies, as well as laws that protect human rights and ensure accountability within the security sector.

    “Additionally, parliamentary committees dedicated to defence and security issues provide a platform for in-depth scrutiny of security policies and practices.

    “For us in the 10th House of Representatives, The People’s House, our Legislative Agenda seeks to improve accountability in the security sector, such that money budgeted for our security agencies is judiciously used for the purpose it is approved; enhance and improve counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency;  encourage inter-agency collaboration and improved intelligence sharing; innovative police and other paramilitary reforms; and strengthen our internal security arrangement in the National Assembly. If we can achieve these, we will have contributed in no small measure to curbing insecurity”.

    Speaker Abbas also called on the stakeholders to develop specialized training programs for parliamentarians on security-related matters to improve intelligence sharing between the Executive and Legislative arms of government.

    “As we deliberate on these issues today, I urge all stakeholders present to consider practical strategies for enhancing parliamentary engagement in security sector governance. This may involve developing specialized training programs for parliamentarians on security-related matters, establishing robust mechanisms for information sharing between security agencies and parliamentary committees, and fostering a culture of dialogue and cooperation between the executive and legislative branches on security policy formulation.”

  • Why Nigerians should participatein budget process, by Abbas

    Why Nigerians should participatein budget process, by Abbas

    • House hold town hall meeting on 2024 Appropriation Bill

    House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas has urged more Nigerians to participate in the budget process.

    He said this would deepen the nation’s democratic governance and strengthen public financial management.

    Abbas spoke said this at a citizens’ town hall on the 2024 Budget and Appropriation Process organised by the House Committee of Appropriations and the Programmes Coordinating Unit of the Office of the Speaker yesterday in Abuja.

    The town hall was supported by the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and the Partnership to Engage, Reform and Learn (PERL).

    The Speaker said the House had taken the lead in engaging the people in the budget process.

    He urged all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to do the same.

    Abbas said the Green Chamber would review the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) 2007 to strengthen existing provisions in order to improve access to information and public consultation in the course of the budget cycle. 

    The Speaker said the House would amend the FRA to explicitly require and define public participation.

    According to him, the town hall provides a platform for direct engagement between legislators and citizens, focusing on matters related to the national budget. 

    Abbas said this is crucial to enhancing the transparency of government spending. 

    “It also allows the public to be more informed about how public funds are to be used and, by so doing, build greater trust in government institutions. More importantly, however, this town hall will allow the National Assembly to understand citizens’ needs better and explore ways to address them through the budget,” he said.

    The Speaker promised that the House would sustain the initiative, adding: “We believe this process should start before the budget is presented to the National Assembly. This is critical to ensuring that the budget becomes the people’s budget.”

    “We expect that the 2025 budget will be discussed at the constituency level to ensure greater inclusion and engagement with diverse stakeholders at the grassroots level.”

    He said the relevance of the interface is best understood within the larger context of diminished public trust in government institutions in Nigeria and other African countries. 

    Abbas said: “The Afrobarometer study across 36 African countries in 2014/2015 with the theme: Do Trustworthy Institutions Matter? found that people express more trust in informal institutions, such as religious and traditional leaders, than in the formal executive agencies of the state.

    “Public trust in parliaments and electoral institutions was lowest across 36 countries. Similarly, the Open Government Partnership found that Nigeria provides ‘few’ opportunities for the public to engage in the budget process.

    Read Also: Why there should be citizens’ participation in budget process, by speaker Abbas

    “In 2017, it ranked Nigeria 13 out of 100 points in public participation. This poor ranking was due to the dominant role played by the political elite and government bureaucrats in the budgeting process. While some progress has been made since 2017, many traditional challenges remain. The most notable is the absence of functional government mechanisms that show how citizens’ input informs the budget-making process.

    “This town hall represents a major step in changing the narrative. As indicated in our Legislative Agenda, we are the People’s House. As such, we firmly commit to strengthening public engagement and seeking inputs into the budget process, starting with the pre-budget statement, Executive budget proposal, budget debate through public hearings in the legislature, and implementation, monitoring, and reporting of the budget.

    “In the last few months, we have engaged various sections of civil society in some of our core activities, including analysis of the MTEF and sectoral debates. This forum demonstrates our willingness to introduce and support feedback mechanisms and seek public input in the 2024 Appropriation.

    “However, greater citizen engagement requires action, not just by the legislature but more so by the Executive.

    “The Nigeria National Action Plan (2017-2019) under the Open Government Partnership identified the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning as the lead institution, with other government organs and agencies and the civil society as support institutions. 

    “This places the burden for improving public participation in the budget largely on the Executive. Some of the ways to achieve this include regular publishing of MDAs’ budgets and quarterly and annual budget implementation reports on their websites, annual publishing of a comprehensive citizen’s guide to the budget, conduct of annual citizen’s satisfaction survey and timely publication and dissemination of all key budget documents to facilitate citizens’ participation.”

  • Why there should be citizens’ participation in budget process, by speaker Abbas

    Why there should be citizens’ participation in budget process, by speaker Abbas

    The speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has encouraged greater citizen participation in the budget process to deepen democratic governance and strengthen public financial management in the country.

    He said this at a citizens’ town hall on the 2024 Budget and Appropriation Process organized by the House Committee of Appropriations and the programmes coordinating unit of the office of the speaker in Abuja on Monday, December 4.

    The town hall was supported by the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Partnership to Engage, Reform and Learn (PERL).

    The speaker said the House had taken the lead in facilitating the engagement of the people in the budget process, and I challenged all ministries, departments, and agencies to do the same.

    Abbas said the House will review the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 to strengthen existing provisions to improve access to information and public consultation during all phases of the budget cycle.

    Specifically, he said the House will amend the FRA to require and define public participation explicitly.

    He said the town hall provides a platform for direct engagement between legislators and citizens, focusing on matters related to the national budget.

    This, he said, is crucial to enhancing the transparency of government spending.

    “It also allows the public to be more informed about how public funds are to be used and, by so doing, build greater trust in government institutions. More importantly, however, this town hall will allow the National Assembly to understand citizens’ needs better and explore ways to address them through the budget.”

    He said going forward, we will sustain the initiative will be sustained.

    Read Also: Why 2024 budget must prioritise social welfare, job creation, others, by Speaker Abbas

    He said: “We believe this process should start before the budget is presented to the National Assembly. This is critical to ensuring that the budget becomes the people’s budget. We expect that the 2025 budget will be discussed at the constituency level to ensure greater inclusion and engagement with diverse stakeholders at the grassroots level.”

    He stated the relevance of the interface is best understood within the larger context of diminished public trust in government institutions in Nigeria and all over Africa.

    He said: “The Afrobarometer study across 36 African countries in 2014/2015 on the theme,  ‘Do trustworthy institutions matter’ found that people express more trust in informal institutions such as religious and traditional leaders than in the formal executive agencies of the state.

    “Public trust in parliaments and electoral institutions was lowest across 36 countries. Similarly, the Open Government Partnership found that Nigeria provides ‘few opportunities for the public to engage in the budget process. In 2017, it ranked Nigeria 13 out of 100 points in public participation.

    “This poor ranking was due to the dominant role played by the political elite and government bureaucrats in the budgeting process. While some progress has been made since 2017, many traditional challenges remain. The most notable is the absence of functional government mechanisms that show how citizen input informs the budget-making process.

    “This town hall represents a major step in changing the narrative. As indicated in our Legislative Agenda, we are the People’s House. As such, we firmly commit to strengthening public engagement and seeking inputs into the budget process, starting with the pre-budget statement, executive budget proposal, budget debate through public hearings in the legislature, and implementation, monitoring, and reporting of the budget.

    “In the last few months, we have engaged various sections of civil society in some of our core activities, including analysis of the MTEF and sectoral debates. This forum demonstrates our willingness to introduce and support feedback mechanisms and seek public input in the 2024 Appropriation.

    “However, greater citizen engagement requires action not just by the legislature but more so by the Executive. The Nigeria National Action Plan (2017-2019) under the Open Government Partnership identified the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning as the lead institution, with other government organs and agencies and the civil society as support institutions.

    “This places the burden for improving public participation in the budget largely on the Executive. Some of the ways to achieve this include regular publishing of MDA budgets and quarterly and annual budget implementation reports on their websites, annual publishing of a comprehensive citizen’s guide to the budget, conduct of annual citizen’s satisfaction survey and timely publication and dissemination of all key budget documents to facilitate citizens’ participation.”

    The speaker said as representatives of the people, it was their duty to ensure that the annual appropriation reflects the needs and aspirations of every Nigerian citizen.

    He urged the lawmakers to follow up with the oversight supervision of the implementation process after passage.

    He said their full participation can go a long way in strengthening and enhancing legislative oversight.

    Kalu stated: “We will leverage your expertise to ensure that budget implementation aligns with legislative intent.”

    The deputy speaker, Benjamin Kalu expressed confidence that the House, with its dedication to the welfare of the citizens, will scrutinize and ensure that the 2024 budget is a responsible and effective utilization of public resources.

    He urged the citizenry to actively engage in the budgetary process as their insights and perspectives are invaluable in shaping a budget that truly serves the interests of the Nigerian populace.

    The chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Abubakar Bichi, said in exercising its powers of coordinating the Appropriations process, the Committee will always maintain an open door policy to accommodate[U1]  the interest of stakeholders in making the process more credible, people-oriented and veritable instrument towards good governance.

    He said the Committee was determined to uphold the principles of the 10th House’s Legislative Agenda of ensuring an effective and participatory budget process that guarantees efficient service delivery by the MDAs.

    He said the National Assembly was committed to a transparent, inclusive, and progressive budgeting system, which is why the engagement was organized to provide the opportunity for citizens’ participation.

    Clerk of the National Assembly, Sani Tambuwal, said the House’s approach to the national budget and appropriation process will lead to greater inclusivity, citizen participation, openness, and transparency.

    He said if followed through, it will also improve budget performance and accountability.

  • Why 2024 budget must prioritise social welfare, job creation, others, by Speaker Abbas

    Why 2024 budget must prioritise social welfare, job creation, others, by Speaker Abbas

    In order to promote economic growth and development, the speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas, has said the 2024 Budget should prioritise social welfare programmes to help reduce poverty and inequality.

    He said, equally important is job creation and youth empowerment in view of the large and ever-growing youth population, as failure to do this means failure to invest in the country’s future.

    Abbas, in a vote of thanks at the presentation of the 2024 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, also said the budget must also prioritise investment in education and healthcare, which is critical to human capital development and a more productive workforce.

    He added that infrastructure development is another critical area of importance, which is crucial for economic growth.

    However, he said the biggest challenge is balancing these priorities within the constraints of available resources.

    Abbas said, accordingly, the budget should not be seen as a mere financial document but a reflection of the collective resolve to address the most critical needs of our long-suffering citizens.

    He said in view of this and the related challenge of a high level of public debt, the National Assembly will ensure that the 2024 budget includes concrete strategies for sustainable debt management, including measures to increase revenue and control expenditure.

    The speaker said the focus should be on raising more revenue through tax reform, fiscal reform, subsidy reform, foreign exchange convergence, and centralised revenue collection.

    He said in a recent engagement with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), they emphasised the need for revenue-generating agencies to double their targets to meet the N18trn revenue projected in the budget.

    Read Also: 2024 Budget: We can’t afford to fail Nigerians, says Speaker Abbas

    The Speaker also proposed the enactment of a Budget Act to strengthen the budget process and promote development outcomes.

    He stated: “I cannot conclude my remarks without highlighting some of the perennial problems that have hampered the budget process in Nigeria. These are well known to Mr. President, who is an experienced ex-legislator. Although the government budget is an important tool for economic management and promoting growth and development, it has generally not met the expectations of improved service delivery and development. This has largely been due to challenges relating to budget enactment, budget implementation and budget oversight.

    “The well-known gaps in the various stages of the budget process underscore the need for budget reforms, including altering relevant sections of the Constitution and existing laws to strengthen the budget process and transform our budget into an authentic tool for development. For this reason, I propose enacting a Budget Act to strengthen the budget process and promote development outcomes. This is a well-established practice in democracies across the world.”

    The speaker said all the president’s actions since he assumed office have been bold, decisive and purposeful.

    He said they indicate the President’s resolve to make decisions that may be hard but necessary to remedy past errors and put Nigeria on the path of economic recovery, security and development.

    He said: “Your Excellency, sir, your administration’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ is the philosophical foundation of the Legislative Agenda of the 10th House of Representatives. We have developed a detailed roadmap to ensure that the legislature supports, promotes, and oversees the strategic objectives of this government. A major thematic area of our Agenda is “Economic Growth and Development. 

    “We recognise the role that parliament plays in shaping the economic trajectory and the role that we play in influencing the economic environment. Towards this end, the National Assembly will support the government’s policies and programmes targeted at alleviating poverty, economic restructuring and diversification, as well as general social sector reform and development.

    “For the first time in our legislative history, the 10th House of Representatives created monitoring and evaluation committees to ensure effective implementation of the budget and Mr. President’s 8-Point Agenda among others. I am happy to report to Mr. President that the Legislative Agenda was on 14th November 2023 unveiled to the Nigerian public through the chairmanship of the President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio.

    “Mr. President, it is a well-known fact that millions of our constituents are living through incredibly difficult times. For this reason, they also look to the Tinubu-led government to provide quick and sustainable solutions. The antecedents of the President and your track record in governance inspire a lot of hope in Nigerians. Mr. President, it is for this reason that we cannot afford to fail Nigerians. If anyone can change the rot and chart a new course for Nigeria, IT IS YOU! I have no doubt whatsoever that we can measure up to the expectations of Nigerians through your visionary leadership and the commitment of the National Assembly.

    “Mr. President, the effectiveness and legitimacy of fiscal policies depend to a very large extent on public support. As the People’s House and in line with our Legislative Agenda, the House of Representatives will convene the first national citizens’ budget town hall to harness public input and opinion on this budget. We are convinced that this will increase transparency and accountability, improve policymaking, and increase trust in the government. Public participation in the budgetary process has been shown to improve resource allocation and service delivery and a more stable and robust economy. By seeking input from citizens, we aim to better understand their local needs and preferences and allocate resources more effectively.

    “Going forward, Mr. President, we will also work to institutionalise pre-budget engagements with the executive to further improve and hasten the budget process. The House has already commenced interface with MDAs through the Sectoral Debates to understand the challenges facing government agencies and identify areas for legislative intervention. All of these efforts are geared towards ensuring that we provide the necessary legislative support to your administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “Mr. President, let me, on behalf of my colleagues in the National Assembly, assure you that we will give this bill the utmost priority it deserves. While we would give it accelerated consideration, we will diligently scrutinise it alongside Nigerians to ensure that when it is passed, it will be a budget that best addresses the most critical needs of our people.

    “Accordingly, we seek the cooperation of all heads of MDAs, especially during budget defence by committees. We shall thoroughly examine various aspects of the budget proposals, including economic feasibility, allocation and utilization of funds, and sustainability of proposed fiscal policies. This is essential for maintaining checks and balances, and ensuring that government spending aligns with national priorities and is conducted transparently and efficiently. Therefore, I urge all stakeholders to approach the deliberations on this budget with a sense of purpose and commitment to national development.

    “Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members of the People’s House, we must proceed with the huge task ahead. The next couple of weeks will be tough and demanding for us. But I do not doubt our capacity to effectively and speedily discharge our constitutional mandate. We must ensure that the budget when finally passed, meets the expectations of the people we represent. We must equally follow through the implementation process through our various oversight engagements.”

  • Abbas recommends privatisation of Nigeria’s refineries

    Abbas recommends privatisation of Nigeria’s refineries

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has recommended the privatisation of  oil refineries in the country to enable them function optimally.

    Abbas gave the recommendation on Thursday, while receiving the management of NNPCL led by the Group Managing Director, (GMD) Mr Mele Kyari in Abuja.

    He described the state of  refineries over the years as shameful ,adding  so much money  was being  spent on workers as  salaries and allowances for doing very little.

    “There is need to make these refineries have multi -dimensional uses, if there is no crude oil, are there other activities that can make the workers to be active so that why they earn is deserved? I need you and your management to look at how we can turn around these decades of losses.

    “One way to do so is to find a way to privatise these refineries; we have spent so much money and time deceiving ourselves that some businesses can be run by government.

    “In the case of the refineries, we have now realised that some sectors of NNPC business can only be handled by the private sector and our refineries are one of those.

    “The inadequacies will become manifest as soon as Dangote refinery comes on board because the competition will be there and inefficiencies of the refineries will be become more naked.

    “I want you to put it as part of your cardinal objectives; let us find ways to privatise our refineries so that they can be active ,so that in the near future, they will be able to compete with new refineries that will come up,” he said.

    Abbas said that the NNPCL is central to the economic development of Nigeria, pledging the commitment of the House of Representatives  to supporting the company to succeed.

    According to him ,the House is concerned about the high rate of oil theft as it is draining revenue, affecting forex availability and causing inflation in the country.

    The speaker said that the House had inaugurated a special committee on oil theft,to interface with stakeholders with a view to addressing oil theft in the country.

    Earlier, Kyari said that all refineries would  become fully operational and Nigeria would become a net exporter of petroleum products by the end of 2024.

    He noted that  subsidy was responsible for poor  activities  at government-owned  refineries over the years ,saying that the removal of subsidy was already attracting a lot of private sector investments.

    “I can confirm to you that by the end of December latest, we will start the Port Harcourt Refinery; early in the first quarter of 2024, we will start the Warri Refinery and by the end of 2024, Kaduna Refinery will come into operation.

    “This is the commitment we are giving today and you can hold us accountable on this.

    “In  2024, many  initiatives, including the rehabilitation of our refineries, and also the efforts of small- scale refiners, and the coming of the Dangote Refinery, will make Nigeria a net exporter of petroleum products.

    Read Also: Speaker Abbas laments neglect of Primary Health Care

    “We will no longer be talking about fuel importation by the end 2024, I am very optimistic that this will crystalise,” he said.

    Kyari said that  it was not the practice of the company to publish its financial statements  some years back  , but that the practice had changed, and all the company’s accounts from  2018 till date were now in the public space.

    Kyari put the expected government revenue from the company by the end of 2023 at N4.5 trillion, saying that NNPCL was  returning value to shareholders in line  with the objectives of the Petroleum Industry Act.

    Kyari said that the company had a robust supply plan assuring that there would be no shortage of fuel over the Christmas season and beyond ,and that no one could  hold the country to ransom. (NAN)

  • Speaker Abbas laments neglect of Primary Health Care

    Speaker Abbas laments neglect of Primary Health Care

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen on Wednesday, November 22, lamented the gross neglect of the primary healthcare system in the country which is supposed to provide affordable healthcare services to the people.

    The speaker spoke at a retreat for members of the House Committee on healthcare services, with an Improving Health Outcomes through Effective Legislations for Primary Health Care and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Abuja.

    Represented by Hon. Adequate Osaweru, the speaker said the House plans to build a strong partnership with development partners as well as effective legislation to improve primary healthcare.

    The speaker said it was unhealthy that Nigeria Primary Health Care (PHC) is not where it is supposed to be, where every citizen can have access to quality, affordable, and equitable healthcare services, regardless of their background or financial status.

    He said the parliament under his watch will do everything possible to right the wrong in the health system through Effective legislation as enshrined in the 2014 National Health Act.

    The speaker advocated effective collaboration among stakeholders for primary healthcare services to work.

    The chairman of the House Committee on Healthcare Services, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, said that despite its undeniable importance, PHC faces serious challenges ranging from dilapidated infrastructure, shortages of skilled health workers, limited demand for PHC services, gross underfunding and painfully, perceived lack of absorptive capacity leading to low budget execution and return of funds.

    Idahosa said these challenges hinder the health system’s ability to fulfil its potential, adding that effective legislation plays a central role in shaping and strengthening the health system through well-tailored and contextualized laws and policies.

    Other steps, he said include ensuring sustainable financing for healthcare, ensuring that it receives the resources it needs to provide quality services, leveraging lawmakers’ oversight function to expedite investments in the education, training, and retention of a competent health workforce and addressing the critical shortage of healthcare providers in underserved areas.

    He said the House will “empower individuals and communities to actively participate in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of PHC services, ensuring that they are responsive to local needs and priorities.

    He said: “Advocate for increased focus in technology and innovation to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and accessibility of health services, reaching the most vulnerable populations and bridging geographical divides.

    “The aim of the retreat is to address the critical issue that lies at the heart of human capital development and well-being, the pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through primary health care and the vital role of effective legislation in achieving this goal, particularly through the collaborative efforts of the executive and legislature.

    “Universal health coverage (UHC) is the vision of a world where everyone has access to quality, affordable, and equitable healthcare services, regardless of their background or financial circumstances.

    “Achieving UHC is not merely a noble aspiration; it is a moral imperative and a sound investment in our collective future. Why wouldn’t it be?

    “After all, a healthy population is a productive population, contributing to economic growth and social stability. Conversely, poor health hinders individual progress and strains economies, perpetuating cycles of poverty and underdevelopment.

    “Very importantly, primary health care, represents the cornerstone of UHC, providing the first line of defence against disease and the gateway to the basic minimum package of health services as enshrined in the 2014 National Health Act.

    “It is the first point of contact for individuals and families seeking care, providing preventive, curative, and rehabilitative services that address most health needs.”

    The lawmaker explained that their ability as legislators to shape the legislative landscape that governs health care and make decisions with profound impact on the lives of millions, ensuring that they have access to the quality health care they deserve, will be constrained by the inability to effectively collaborate with MDAs, donors partners, civil society organisations and other critical stakeholders.

    He said: “As the House Committee on healthcare services, we have resolved to take pragmatic steps to reverse some of the unsavoury issues in the health systems and we are beginning with engaging the MDAs and partners to collectively identify ways of working together to achieve collaborative advantages.

    Read Also: More investment in health can save naira, generate forex – Abbas

    “Therefore, I welcome you to this very important gathering themed: Improving Health Outcomes through Effective Legislation for Primary Health Care and Universal Health Coverage. I believe great insights will emerge from today’s conversations which will improve coordination and collaboration between the legislature and all champions of UHC”.

    The Director General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Dr Kelechi Ohiri, reiterated the mission of the NHIA to ensure financial access to quality healthcare for all Nigerians.

    Represented by Dr Yakubu Amade, Director of Standards and Quality Assurance, Dr Ohiri said it is imperative that stakeholders recognize the critical role played by both the legislative arm and the health agencies in transforming the healthcare landscape.

    According to him, bridging the gap between the legislature and health agencies is crucial for enacting robust policies that address the healthcare needs of the populace.