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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.
News
Retired 85-year-old Col bags P.hd
A retired Colonel of the Nigerian Army, Bolaji Titilola Onafowokan, aged 85, is among the first set of doctoral degree students produced by the Tai Solarin University of Education, TASUED, Ijagun, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oluwole Banjo, disclosed this at the weekend, while briefing the press on activities to mark the 16th convocation ceremony of the university.
He said the first set of PhD holders to be produced by the institution totalled 67.
“I am happy to inform you that the university will, at this 16th convocation ceremony, graduate its first set of doctoral degree holders.
“They are 67 in number and the list included a retired Army Colonel, Bolaji Titilola Onafowokan, who is 85 years old. And he is getting his PhD in Educational Technology.
“I salute his courage and doggedness to pursue this dream of his. Even younger ones shy away from this kind of task.
27 First Class
“Also, out of the 4,140 graduating students, 27 have first class. We are also graduating 4 M.Phil, 275 Master’s degree and our best graduating student is Adedeji A. Adedamola with CGPA of 4.91.
“We are also giving honorary degrees to four distinguished Nigerians namely: Dr Taiwo Olayinka Afolabi, Prince Oluyemisi Adedoyin Shyllon, Otunba Jaiyeola Wasiu and Engineer Jubril Dotun Sanusi,” he stated.
Prof. Banjo, who is winding down his tenure as the VC of the first university of education in Nigeria, added that some projects would be inaugurated by the Visitor, Governor Dapo Abiodun.
“We are happy to say that within the last one year, we have done some projects to add to what we have on ground. We have expanded the Medical Centre and the fund used was from our internally generated revenue.
“We are also weaning ourselves of epileptic power supply as we have our own Independent Power Project. It is 800 kva which can be scaled up.
“Even as it is, it is enough for our needs. It is less expensive than what we pay monthly as electricity bills to the power firm serving this area,” he said.
The VC also disclosed that the Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, would deliver the convocation lecture titled, “From classroom to cloud: Leveraging digital literacy for national development.”
Vanguard News
News
OSUN: Adeleke Celebrates 2nd Anniversary With Novelty Match Between Lawmakers And Executives
Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke celebrated his administration’s Second Anniversary with a Novelty Match between the Osun State House of Assembly Members and the Cabinet members otherwise known as the Executives at the Ataoja School of Science on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
This match was Day (2) of the activities lined up for the second anniversary celebrations.
The match that ended 1-0 in favour of the Executive was full of excitements and funs.
Adeleke who presented the Cup to the winner attributed the success of his administration to the dedication, commitment and loyalty of members of his cabinet, the lawmakers, the Judiciary, the Civil Servants and all the residents of the State who showed their love for his administration.
He took a swipe at the opposition on the confusion in their camp, as they are asking among themselves on how Adeleke has been able to manage the affairs of his administration with massive infrastructural developments and good governance in two years, what they could not do in four years.
He said he was able to achieve in two years what others could not achieve in four years due to the fact that God is with him, “whoever traded with God will never suffer any loss, that is the secret of our success.”
“We have been able to reach this milestone without borrowing because we made the people the centre of our focus. When there is no way, there is always a way through God. We will not relent, from November 26, 2024 we will start commissioning our projects across the state.”
He added that on assumption of office Osogbo was dark but when I came in there was light everywhere.
“The only thing we can do to Osun electorates and the residents is to give them the dividend of democracy and that is what we are doing now.”
The program continues on Sunday, November 24, 2024 with Thanksgiving Service at the C&S, Oke-Gada, Ede from 10.00am prompt.
News
HoR to Lead March, Launch Initiatives Against Gender-Based Violence
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.
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