The Nigerian Senate, on Thursday, expressed concern over the low number of bills passed into law in recent years. Senate leadership acknowledged that the number of bills enacted may not be the only measure of legislative performance.
The Senate said members in the past year submitted around 477 bills and 25 of them were passed into law.
It is said that this shows his commitment to legislative activities.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele stated this in a statement celebrating the first 10th anniversary of the Senate.
Bamidele said, “Since being sworn in on June 13, 2023, the 10th Senate has introduced 477 bills. Of this number, 25 have been fully passed into law, while the others are still in the legislative process stage.
“While the percentage of bills that pass in full appears low – at 5.24 percent – the Senate’s focus is also on addressing other fundamental national priorities as mandated by the Constitution.
“In addition to legislative activities, the Senate has passed 115 resolutions that have significant consequences for economic development and national stability.
“This resolution stems from a proposal of national importance, sponsored by various senators after careful consideration.”
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He explained that the Senate is prioritizing solving “other issues that are very fundamental national priorities” that take up most of its time. These “obligations” are outlined in the Nigerian Constitution.
He said, “Many people might measure our performance based on the number of bills that are fully passed into law.
“There are various reasons that cause the low number of laws and regulations that are fully passed. This is mainly due to other issues which are very basic national priorities and are of concern to the Senate. In other words, this is simply out of necessity to fulfill other obligations as required by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.”
Apart from passing bills, the Senate also plays a role in confirming presidential candidates for various important positions. This includes appointments to the Federal Executive Council, Central Bank of Nigeria, and leadership roles in the Armed Forces, Police, and other key institutions.
Although the “fundamental national priorities” that divert attention from the bill’s passage are not explained further, the explanation suggests that the Senate may be focused on pressing issues that have an immediate national impact, in addition to its role in vetting presidential appointments.
This statement comes amidst public scrutiny of the Senate’s legislative output. It remains to be seen whether the explanation will satisfy concerns about legislative efficiency and the number of bills passed into law.
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