The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Abbas Tajudeen, expressed concern about the stagnant annual budget of the National Assembly, which has remained unchanged for 13 years. Despite the impact of inflation and its associated consequences, the budget has not been adjusted to accommodate the increased expenditure of the federal legislature.
In a statement released on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, the Speaker emphasized the need for budgetary provisions to support the rising expenditure. The statement was made during a courtesy visit from a delegation of the African Business Roundtable, led by Mr. Dotun Ajayi, the Executive Director (West Africa).
During the visit, Hon Abbas Tajudeen stated, “Our budget has remained static for 13 years, while our expenditure has continued to rise during this period. In fact, there were instances when the National Assembly budget was reduced from its 2011 levels.”
Furthermore, the Speaker highlighted the efforts made during the 10th House tenure to establish over 60 parliamentary friendship committees. These committees aimed to enhance relationships between the House of Representatives and other parliaments worldwide.
He added, “I am pleased to inform you that the House had already taken steps in line with your concerns several months ago. On July 27, we announced the membership of 43 parliamentary friendship committees to explore ways of enhancing our relations, particularly in business and other aspects, with them. Two weeks ago, we increased the number from 43 to 65. Just yesterday, we added Serbia, bringing the total to 66.”
Prior to the Speaker’s remarks, Mr. Dotun Ajayi drew attention to the recent coup in Niger Republic and its impact on engagements between European countries and West Africa. He highlighted that Niger’s relations with France were strained, and the French government was considering cutting all forms of assistance to West Africa as a result of the coup.
Ajayi suggested that the Parliament should collaborate with the President in dealing with this diplomatic issue. He further emphasized the importance of engaging the French Parliament and the European Union, as the EU had allocated 20 billion Euros for Sub-Saharan Africa and hoped that Nigeria’s engagement would enhance the country’s share of these funds.
