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Reps To Prioritise 2025 Budget, Tax Reform Bills -Speaker

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The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has identified the 2025 Appropriation Bill and tax reform bills as key legislative priorities for the National Assembly this year.
Abbas, who spoke on yesterday in a welcome address delivered by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, following lawmakers’ resumption from the Christmas and New Year break, emphasised the importance of these reforms to Nigeria’s economic recovery and fiscal stability.
“Our legislative agenda for 2025 prioritises the passage of the Appropriation Bill and the Tax Reform Bills, both of which are pivotal to economic recovery and fiscal stability.
These reforms are essential for broadening the tax base, improving compliance, and reducing dependency on external borrowing,” Abbas stated.
He assured Nigerians that the House would ensure these reforms are implemented equitably, especially considering the needs of vulnerable citizens.
The Speaker also highlighted the need for meticulous scrutiny of the 2025 budget proposal to align with national objectives and deliver tangible benefits to the people.
He revealed that a Citizens’ Town Hall on the budget would soon be convened to promote transparency and inclusivity in decision-making.
On the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution, Abbas noted that the Constitutional Review Committee, led by Deputy Speaker Kalu, has made significant progress through extensive consultations and the review of over 350 memoranda submitted by the public.
“The outcomes of this process will address longstanding governance challenges and promote inclusivity, equity, and accountability,” he said.
Beyond constitutional amendments, Abbas reiterated the House’s commitment to advancing legislative frameworks on critical national issues, including gender equality, electoral reform, and energy infrastructure.
“Our role as custodians of the legislative process demands that we approach these tasks with resolve and an acute awareness of their implications for Nigeria’s development trajectory,” he added.
Abbas emphasised the importance of fostering accountability through initiatives such as the Open Parliament and the State of the House live chats, which provide direct engagement with citizens.
On collaboration with the executive arm of government, Abbas stressed the need for constructive engagement while maintaining the National Assembly’s independence.
“This partnership, built on mutual respect and a common vision, is essential for addressing the complex challenges our nation confronts,” he said.
As Nigeria observes Armed Forces Remembrance Day on Wednesday, Abbas urged citizens to honour the sacrifices of the country’s fallen heroes and the unwavering commitment of service members.
The Speaker concluded by urging lawmakers to renew their dedication to service, equity, and progress, saying, “2025 demands our best efforts and our unwavering focus on the mandate entrusted to us by the people. Let us work together to ensure that this year stands as a testament to the transformative power of effective governance.”

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Council Boss Sues For Love, Unity

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As Christians across the world celebrate the resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Administrator of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Council of Rivers State, Mr. Frederick Apiafi, has advised Nigerians to love one another.
Mr. Apiafi said the period should be used for sober reflection and demonstration of love, unity and  embracing the message of Easter.
This was contained in his Easter message and made available to media houses yesterday, saying that the resurrection of Jesus Christ has equally given birth to a new season of faith, hope , sacrifice and prosperity.
The administrator  further used the forum to call on all indigenes and those doing business in the Local Government Area to be their brothers’ keeper at all times.
“As we celebrate the crucifixion and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us  soberly reflect and demonstrate love and unity  particularly indigenes of Opobo/Nkoro,” he said.
Mr. Apiafi reiterated that welfare of workers and the good people  of  the  area would be paramount in his administration.

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Gunmen Abduct Six Travellers In Kwara

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Seven passengers travelling from Abuja to Kwara State were abducted on Saturday along Obbo-Ayegunle road in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Three children of the abducted victims were, however, later released by the unidentified kidnappers, according to reports reaching The Tide’s source in Ilorin yesterday.
The abduction occurred between 17:00-18:00 hours, while the passengers were on board a Sienna vehicle owned by Olumoh Express transport company, heading to Offa from Abuja.
All attempts made so far by the local vigilante to rescue the victims were unsuccessful.
Spokesperson of the state police command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the development.
“Armed hoodlums numbering about eight reportedly intercepted a Sienna bus registered FFA 50XD, heading to Offa from Abuja and forcefully abducted seven occupants including the driver.
“Upon receipt of the information, police operatives in collaboration with local vigilantes, responded swiftly to the scene.
“The vehicle was recovered to the nearest police formation. During a coordinated search of the surrounding bush, three children aged between two and 12 years were located and safely rescued.
“One of the children was able to give the police detailed information of her guardian who was contacted and the three rescued children have been reunited with their relatives,” the statement added.
The command said it has intensified efforts through discreet investigation, intelligence gathering and sustained bush combing to track down the perpetrators and secure the safe rescue of the remaining victims.
Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, reiterated the commitment of the command to the safety and protection of all residents, urging those with useful information to report through the established channels of the state police command.

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HYPREP Moves To Complete Ongoing Projects This Year

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The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP)  has set machinery in motion to complete ongoing projects this year in line with its new policy thrust.
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who gave this indication while addressing participants during the Project’s first quarter interactive session with Ogoni youths in Port Harcourt, said the agency is this year, drawing from a new policy thrust that prioritises timely completion of all projects within stated timelines.
The Project Coordinator noted that as a community-based project, HYPREP understands the urgency of protecting the environment and improving livelihoods in line with its mandate.
He disclosed that the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration(CEER) for example, is currently being painted,  as part of its final finishing works, stressing that HYPREP is ensuring that the centre is commissioned this year for public use.
According to him, the Technical Planning Committee for the CEER had  submitted its report which contains various recommendations for the operationalisation of the centre.
He further disclosed that the shoreline remediation project is at a completion rate of 39.4 percent, saying, HYPREP has in this area recovered, evaluated and treated over 937,000 litres of oily sludge from the mangrove sediment, as well as evacuated over 1.7million kilogrammes of solid waste from the Ogoni creeks.
According to him, the mangrove restoration project has reached 86 percent completion rate, while the monitoring of the planted mangrove grids is progressing well.
He said HYPREP has also initiated a practical framework for long-term monitoring to ensure the Project’s objectives are met.
The Project Coordinator said HYPREP has achieved significant milestones in the ongoing construction of new water facilities in Ogoni communities, stressing that it is determined to commission the new water facilities in the various communities in the third quarter of this year.
He assured the participants that HYPREP would commission water facilities  every two months in Ogoni communities.
Zabbey announced that the Creative Arts training for more Ogoni youths would begin in the second quarter of the year, while other array of interventions to support small and medium scale businesses would be rolled out in the coming weeks.
He revealed that the construction of the Ogoni Specialist Hospital has advanced to a completion rate of 70 percent, while that of  Buan Cottage Hospital has reached 93.8 percent.
He also disclosed that in March, the Project Coordination Office took delivery of the first batch of equipment and electrical parts for the Ogoni Power Project, and expects further deliveries in this second quarter.
Zabbey said HYPREP has also deepened its engagement with critical stakeholders, including Ogoni youths and women, adding that this periodic interactive session remains a key part of its yearly work plan to ensure that their voices are heard.
He hinted that some selected youth leaders would benefit from the second batch of the Ogoni traditional rulers and other key stakeholders workshop on mechanism for alternative dispute resolution.
At the interactive session, Dr Sorbarikor Lebura of the Rivers State University delivered a keynote address on how to be on the right side of history, and encouraged Ogoni youths to always strive to be on the right side of history through their actions.
On her part, HYPREP’s Head of Sustainable Livelihood, Mrs Josephine Nzidee told the participants that the project is working hard to close out on the training of 5,000 Ogoni youths and women by ensuring that all trainees get their starter packs.
She  assured persons living with disabilities in particular that HYPREP would provide more empowerment opportunities to them.
Also, the Head of Potable Water Unit, Mr Lucky Ikue announced that the Terebor water scheme, which had been out of use for some time now, due to technical glitches, would be functional soon, as the station manager has been relieved of his duties.

By: Donatus Ebi

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