North-central lawmakers in the 10th House of Representatives have made significant contributions in their first year, sponsoring a total of 146 bills
From June 2023 to May 2024, representatives from the north-central zone demonstrated their commitment to legislative duties by sponsoring 146 bills, which represent 12.4 percent of all bills introduced in the house. The status of these bills is as follows: 2 bills were passed/transmitted, 2 bills were consolidated, 1 bill was recorded as negatived, 14 bills are awaiting consideration, 9 bills are awaiting report, and 118 bills are awaiting a second reading.
Among the 51 lawmakers from the zone, 30 actively sponsored bills, while the remaining 21 did not participate in bill sponsorship. The zone is represented by only two female lawmakers. This highlights the need for more female participation in lawmaking within the zone. These female lawmakers are Rep. Akume Regina (APC) Gboko/Tarka federal constituency, Benue state, and Rep. Onuh Onyeche Blessing (APC) Ohimini/Otukpo federal constituency, Benue state.
Additionally, the north-central zone has one principal officer: Rep. Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims (APC), Ankpa/Omala/Olamaboro federal constituency, Kogi, who is serving as the deputy majority leader and has sponsored 2 bills during the review period.
READ ALSO: 10THNASSREPORTCARD: 16 senators from north central rake 85 bills in one year
Here is a further breakdown of the activities of the north-central zone per state.
BENUE
Benue had a total of 29 bills sponsored by 7 of its lawmakers. The bill progression is as follows: 4 bills are awaiting report, 24 bills are awaiting second reading, and 1 bill was recorded as negatived. The bills account for 19.9 percent of the zonal bills tally and 2.5 percent of the total house bills.
FCT
None of FCT’s 2 lawmakers sponsored any bill during the year in review. This lack of legislative activity is part of a broader trend observed in the 10th national assembly, where a substantial number of lawmakers failed to sponsor any bill during this first year.
KWARA
4 out of Kwara lawmakers sponsored a total of 25 bills. 1 of these bills was passed/transmitted, 23 are awaiting second reading, and 1 is awaiting consideration. The bills constitute 17.1 percent of the zonal bills and 2.12 percent of the total house bills.
KOGI
Kogi had 7 sponsored bills by 3 lawmakers. Of this number, 2 are awaiting report while 5 are awaiting 2nd reading. These bills make up 5 percent of the north-central zone bills tally and 0.59 percent of the total house bills.
NIGER
Niger has 6 sponsors who proposed 37 laws. Out of these 37 bills, 35 are awaiting 2nd reading, 1 is awaiting consideration while 1 was consolidated. The bills constitute 25.3 percent of the zonal bills and 3.14 percent of the total house bills.
NASARAWA
There were 4 bill sponsors in Nasarawa who sponsored 18 bills in total. 3 bills are awaiting report, 1 was consolidated, 12 are awaiting second reading, and 2 are awaiting consideration. These bills represent 12.3 percent of the north central bills tally and 1.5 percent of the total house bills.
PLATEAU
6 out of Plateau lawmakers sponsored a total of 30 bills. 1 of these bills was passed/transmitted, 19 are awaiting second reading, and 10 are awaiting consideration. The bills constitute 21 percent of the Zonal bills and 2.54 percent of the total house bills.
10th NASS Report Card: Read up on the performance of other senators and members of house and other specialized categories here
