June 24, (THEWILL) – The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill seeking to extend the implementation of the 2024 Appropriation Act from 30th June, 2025, to 31st December, 2025.
Titled: “A Bill for an Act to Amend the 2024 Appropriation Act to Further Extend the Capital Components of the Act From 30th June 2025 to 31st December 2025 and for Related Matters (HB.2404)”, the proposed legislation was passed for second reading after a voice vote.
Leading the debate at plenary on Tuesday, House Majority Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, represented by Deputy Majority Leader, Abdullahi Halim, solicited members’ support for the extension.
In his remarks, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen affirmed that the 2024 budget is not substantially funded.
After the passage of the motion, it was referred to the Committee on Supply for clause-by-clause consideration.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has withheld his assent to the National Assembly Library Trust Fund Establishment (Amendment) Bill 2025.
The bill passed by the National Assembly, had sought to establish the National Assembly Library Trust Fund.
The President’s decision was communicated in a letter addressed to Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.
The letter read: “I write to inform you of my decision to decline assent to the National Assembly Library Trust Fund Establishment (Amendment) Bill 2025.
“Notwithstanding the laudable objectives of the legislation, certain provisions contained therein go against the extant law and policies of the Federal Government of Nigeria as it relates to funding of agencies under the National Assembly, taxation of national entities, public service remuneration, as well as age and year of service, among others.
“If this bill becomes law, these provisions will establish an unsustainable precedent against the public interest.
“Further to the above, I will not be granting presidential assent to the bill.
“I hope that the House of Representatives will take necessary steps to fix the identified issues with the legislation.”
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
