Senate President Bukola Saraki has disclosed that the Eighth Senate has passed 140 bills within two-and-a-half years.
Saraki also tasked lawmakers to expedite action on the consideration of the remaining economic recovery bills currently before them.
The Senate President made the call on Tuesday in his address to welcome senators from their end of year recess.
Out of 14 economic bills, only two have been passed by both chambers of the National Assembly.
According to the Senate President, the two laws: Secured Transactions in Moveable Assets Act and the Credit Reporting Act were partly responsible for Nigeria’s exit from economic recession in 2016.
The other economic bills yet to be approved by both chambers of the National Assembly include: Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Bill, National Inland Waterways Authority Bill, Petroleum Industry Governance Bill, Federal Roads Authority Bill, Nigerian Independent Warehouse Regulatory Agency Bill, Nigeria Railway Bill and Nigerian Ports and Harbours Authority Bill.
Others are: Nigerian Postal Commission Bill, National Roads Funds Bill, National Transport Commission Bill, National Development Bank of Nigeria Bill and Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) (Amendment) and Investment and Securities Act (Amendment) Bill.
“It is therefore imperative that we speed up consideration on the various bills on which legislative work remains outstanding – particularly economic bills. Calling for similar attention are the other parts of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) related bills still to be passed, namely: the Petroleum Industry Fiscal Bill and the Petroleum Host Community Bill,” Saraki noted.
The Senate President said lawmakers would not relent in their efforts to conclude work on the ongoing Constitution Amendment process and the 2018 budget.
“Currently, there are two major ongoing issues before us – namely the Constitutional Amendment process and the 2018 Appropriation Bill.
“It is encouraging to see that the Assemblies in the States have already started work on the Constitutional Amendment. I urge us all to keep a keen eye on developments on that front.
“With regard to the 2018 Budget, let me take this opportunity to give a word of encouragement to the Committees as they work to ensure the proper conduct of the process,” he said.
The Presiding Officer assured that the Senate would sustain its good relations and collaboration with the House of Representatives to ensure that all bills awaiting concurrence are passed early enough and presented to the President for assent.
“To this end, I urge you all to reach out to our counterparts in the House, so that we can fulfil the lawmaking function in the most expeditious manner. This will help streamline the process – and clear the way for the passing of various legislations – making for improved synergy and joined-up working between the two chambers,” he said.
OWEDE AGBAJILEKE, Abuja
