News
Allocation: National, State Assemblies To Spend N724 Billion In 2024
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The analysis of the 2024 budgets for the National Assembly and the 36 state assemblies, along with their affiliated agencies, reveals an estimated expenditure of about N724 billion for the fiscal year.
According to findings by The PUNCH, a significant portion of this budget, approximately N50 billion, is allocatedl for the payment ofl salaries and allowances to federal and statel lawmakers.
Within the federal andl state budgets, a total of N673.94 billion isl earmarked specifically for the operations of thel national and statel assemblies and their related agencies. However, it’s worth noting that the actuall allowances may surpass the disclosed figures due to undisclosed amounts allocated to various lawmakers.l
Within the federal and state budgets, a total ofl N673.94 billion is earmarked specificallyl for the operations of the national and statel assemblies and their related agencies. However, it’s worth noting that the actuall allowances may surpass the disclosed figures duel to undisclosed amounts allocated to variousl lawmakers.
An in-depth breakdown shows that Senate members, numbering 109, are slated to receive N8.67 billion in salaries and allowances, while the 360 members of the House of Representatives will receive N24.43 billion. Notably, certain allowances such as constituency allowance, duty tour allowance, estacode, recess, and severance gratuity are specified, contributing to the overall expenses.
Further scrutiny reveals that the Speaker of the House is set to receive an annual salary of N2.48 million, with the deputy speaker receiving N2.29 million annually. Similar salary structures are observed in state assemblies, with speakers and their deputies allocated respective amounts. Additionally, other members of both federal and state assemblies are allotted basic annual salaries, alongside a comprehensive set of allowances.
Moving beyond individual compensations, the budgets allocate significant funds to the operational aspects of the assemblies. For instance, the National Assembly’s budget includes provisions for office activities, envelope funding for the Senate and the House of Representatives, and allocations for affiliate bodies such as the National Assembly Service Commission and the National Assembly Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies.
In parallel, state assemblies receive substantial funding for their operations, with budgets varying across different states. Notably, some states allocate considerable sums to their assemblies, indicating the importance placed on legislative functions at the state level.
In response to these budget allocations, some state assemblies have expressed concerns about the adequacy of the funds allocated to them. For instance, the Ondo State House of Assembly has highlighted the insufficiency of the budget earmarked for its operations in 2024. This sentiment underscores the ongoing discussions surrounding assembly autonomy and the need for increased financial independence.
Overall, the analysis underscores the significant financial resources allocated to sustain the operations of both national and state assemblies, reflecting the critical role they play in governance and legislation at both levels of government.
By Gloria Ikibah
As part of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the House of Representatives is set to lead a historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024, in a bold effort to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.
The march, which begins at 8:00 AM, will see over 1,000 participants, including lawmakers and members of the public walk from the National Assembly to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja. The event will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action against GBV and greater protection for vulnerable groups.
Speaking about the initiative, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., GCON, said, “This march and the activities that follow are not mere gestures but a reflection of our determination to confront gender-based violence head-on. We are committed to building a society where justice, equality, and safety prevail for all Nigerians.”
In a statement by the House Spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi on Saturday in Abuja, he said, “The 10th House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to systemic reforms, collaboration, and accountability in the fight against gender-based violence.
“In addition to the march, the House has outlined key activities in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023–2027) to sustain awareness and action throughout the campaign period.
“Sash Demonstration Ceremony – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
“Convergence of State Assembly Speakers – Monday, December 9, 2024. A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative measures for combating GBV nationwide.
“National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 – Tuesday, December 10, 2024. The summit will focus on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives led by the House of Representatives”.
Naijablitznews.com reports that this year’s 16 Days of Activism aims to galvanise nationwide efforts and inspire collective action to protect human rights, ensure justice, and create a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).
President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.
The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.
He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.
The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.
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