By Becky Usman
In a session on Thursday, the Nigerian Senate rejected a proposed bill aimed at enacting legislation to provide for constituency and other special projects in the annual national budget. The bill, sponsored by Senator Babangida Hussaini (APC Jigawa North-West), failed to pass its second reading during the plenary session.
Rather than endorsing the bill, the upper legislative chamber advocated for an augmentation of the funds allocated to lawmakers for constituency projects. Many senators voiced their support for the bill, using the opportunity to advocate for additional funds to drive projects within their respective constituencies, asserting that increased funds would facilitate the implementation of projects outlined in Nigeria’s annual budget.
Constituency projects have been a contentious issue marked by secrecy, misgivings, and misrepresentations. Senator Hussaini, in his lead debate, argued that constituency projects are an effective means of ensuring equitable development distribution across the country. He emphasized that these projects bring governance and the benefits of democracy closer to the grassroots.
The proposed legislation aimed to allocate specific portions of the federal annual budget to constituencies for infrastructural development, wealth creation, social development, and poverty alleviation. However, Senator Victor Umeh (LP Anambra Central) stirred controversy by asserting that the issue of constituency projects falls outside the legislative purview and is the executive’s responsibility. He suggested that if lawmakers desired a legal framework for constituency projects, a constitutional amendment would be necessary.
Despite the widespread support for the bill, Senator Umeh’s perspective added complexity to the debate, emphasizing the need for a constitutional amendment to address the legislative role in constituency projects. The bill faces setbacks as the Senate grapples with the question of whether it falls within the legislative mandate or requires constitutional changes.