Bills passage is an integral aspect of the lawmaking process as it ensures that the bill gradually progresses from the point of a conceived thought into an enforceable law that binds all citizens.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Rep. Akin Alabi, has shared his insights regarding the ongoing discussions about the pace of bills passage in the current assembly.
Rep. Alabi was one of the panelists in a virtual conversation hosted by OrderPaper in collaboration with Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria to mark the Global Legislative Openness Week (GLOW) 2024, titled Legislative Accountability 101: Let’s Talk 10th National Assembly’s First Year. This event, held on X, served as a platform for key stakeholders—including Members of Parliament (MPs), civil society, and citizens—to engage on critical national issues.
The GLOW edition featured notable speakers such as Opeyemi Adamolekun, Executive Director of Enough is Enough Nigeria, Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr., Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, and Mr. Oluseun Onigbinde, Global Director of BudgIT. The session was moderated by Oke Epia, Founder and Executive Director of OrderPaper Nigeria.
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Addressing the challenges of bills passage, Rep. Akin Alabi cautioned against rushing legislation, explaining that hasty decisions can lead to long-lasting negative effects on the country. He pointed out that Nigeria is currently grappling with the repercussions of certain laws that have become difficult to amend.
He advocated for a more deliberate approach to lawmaking, clarifying that each bill must navigate specific hurdles before becoming law. “There is no hurry in lawmaking. If you don’t follow due process, you won’t make effective laws for citizens,” he asserted.
Rep. Akin Alabi also emphasized that every representative deserves a voice in proposing bills, regardless of the subject matter, underscoring the importance of inclusivity in legislative processes.
