Abuja, Oct. 16, 2024 (TheGavel) – The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to promptly submit the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly, stressing the need for adherence to legal timelines.

The request followed a motion put forward by Rep. Clement Jimbo (PDP-Akwa Ibom) during a plenary session on Wednesday. Jimbo cited the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) of 2007, emphasizing its provisions for the prudent management of the nation’s resources and its role in promoting long-term macroeconomic stability.

“The Fiscal Responsibility Act also ensures transparency and accountability in fiscal operations within the framework of a medium-term fiscal policy,” Jimbo stated. He explained that the Act mandates the establishment of a Fiscal Responsibility Commission to oversee the enforcement of Nigeria’s economic objectives.

Jimbo highlighted a critical requirement under Section 11(1)(b) of the FRA, which compels the Federal Government to prepare and submit a Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for the upcoming three financial years to the National Assembly no later than four months before the commencement of the next financial year. He noted that the Federal Government’s delay in submitting these critical documents hampers the legislative body’s ability to carry out its constitutional functions effectively.

“Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, along with Section 30(1) of the FRA, provide the National Assembly with the authority to act through resolutions. Section 88(1) of the Constitution stipulates that, subject to other provisions, each house of the National Assembly has the power to pass resolutions,” Jimbo explained. “However, the time required for the National Assembly to properly execute its functions is being constrained by the executive’s non-compliance with Section 11(1/6) of the FRA.”

In response to the motion, Speaker of the House, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, directed the Committees on National Planning and Economic Development, Appropriation, and Finance to ensure compliance with the necessary legal requirements within two weeks.

This development comes as legislators push for a more transparent and efficient fiscal process ahead of the 2025 financial year.(NAN)

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