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Nigeria’s National Assembly, which includes the Senate and the House of Representatives, saw significant events throughout 2024. The two chambers resumed after the Christmas and New Year break on January 30 and held sessions until December 19, with a few recess periods. Here’s a summary of some key highlights:
1. Budget Padding Controversy
On March 12, Senator Abdul Ningi from Bauchi Central was suspended for three months after alleging that the 2024 budget was inflated by about N3 trillion. This claim sparked a point of order by Senator Adeola Olamilekan, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, who argued the allegation breached his privileges. Ningi, a member of the opposition PDP, was reinstated after serving two months and 16 days. He lost his position as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Population and the Northern Senators Forum, which were given to Abdulaziz Yar’adua.
2. Ndume’s Removal for Criticizing Tinubu
On July 17, Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South was dismissed as Senate Chief Whip after criticizing the administration of President Tinubu. The APC leadership, including Abdullahi Ganduje, demanded his removal. Ndume later apologized and was demoted to chair the Senate Committee on Tourism, a position he rejected due to lack of experience in the area.
3. Akpabio’s Gaffes
Senate President Godswill Akpabio made several controversial statements during 2024. On February 20, he incorrectly claimed that state governors received N30 billion from the federal government to alleviate hardships, a statement denied by governors. Akpabio later apologized. In July, he also misstated the official timing for Senate plenaries under former Senate President David Mark, which was disproven. His remarks about women senators were also criticized, leading to another apology.
4. Reshuffling of Committees
In July, the Senate made minor changes to its committees. After Ndume’s removal, Tahir Monguno became Senate Whip. New committee heads were appointed, including Adeniyi Adegbomire as Chair of the Judiciary Committee. The House of Representatives also underwent a reshuffling, with Abdulmumin Jibrin reassigned to the Housing Committee and Oluwole Oke taking over the Foreign Affairs Committee.
5. Loss of Five Members
The National Assembly mourned the loss of five members in 2024. Senators and House members, including Ekene Adams, Musliudeen Akinremi, Isa Dogonyaro, and Ifeanyi Ubah, passed away. Ubah, a key figure in the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream, died in London in July.
6. N70,000 Minimum Wage Bill
In July, both chambers passed the National Minimum Wage Bill, increasing the wage from N30,000 to N70,000 per month. President Tinubu signed the bill into law, and several states have started implementing the new wage.
7. Constitution Review
In February, Senate President Akpabio launched a 47-member committee to review the 1999 constitution.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio
The House of Representatives also began its own review. The process is expected to continue through 2026, with public hearings scheduled for next year.
8. Seniority Battle Over National Awards
In October, President Tinubu announced the conferment of national honours. Both Senate President Akpabio and Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun received the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), while House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin received the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR). This sparked a debate in the House, with members pushing for Abbas to receive the GCON as well. President Tinubu later revised his decision and awarded Abbas the GCON.
9. Tax Reform Controversy
The 2024 tax reform bills, including the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Tax Administration Bill, and others, faced strong criticism, particularly from northern Nigeria. Borno Senator Ndume led the opposition, citing concerns about the bills’ impact on the region. The Senate formed a committee to address these concerns, but the issues remain unresolved. Southern senators have called for broader consultations before proceeding with the bills.
10. Twice Visit of President Tinubu to NASS
President Tinubu visited the National Assembly twice in 2024. His first visit on May 29 marked Nigeria’s 64th anniversary, where he addressed the lawmakers and urged unity. His second visit was on December 18 for the presentation of the 2025 budget.
11. New Clerk for National Assembly
In November, the National Assembly Service Commission appointed Kamoru Ogunlana as the new Clerk to the National Assembly, set to begin his tenure on February 2, 2025. Andrew Nwoba was named Clerk of the Senate.
Projections for 2025
The constitution review process will continue, with public hearings planned across Nigeria. The tax reform bills are expected to be debated further, and the 2025 budget defense will take place early in the year.
