The stranding of the super eagles in Libya, incessant fuel hikes and tax bills are issues predicted on our Legislative Intelligence Forecast Entry (LIFE) this week
Nigerians have faced numerous challenges this past week, and as the National Assembly resumes for another legislative session, it is anticipated that the representatives will step up to address pressing issues affecting the nation.
Among the matters expected to dominate the lawmakers’ attention this week are the ongoing fuel price hikes, deadly road accidents, accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in public buildings, new rate regimes and charges from the ministry of solid minerals, the mistreatment of the super eagles at a Libyan airport, and controversial remarks about free food by senate president Godswill Akpabio.
- Recurring fuel price hikes
The continual surge in fuel prices across the country shows no signs of stopping. This has worsened living conditions, especially after the removal of the fuel subsidy and the naira’s devaluation. The situation escalated on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, when petrol prices jumped to N998 and N1,030 per litre in Lagos and Abuja, respectively, following the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPCL) decision to end its exclusive purchase agreement with Dangote refinery. The rise in fuel costs has driven up transport fares and food prices, making it increasingly difficult for Nigerians to provide for their families. The national assembly is expected to intervene in search of solutions.
- Debate on Tinubu’s tax reform bills
The debate on President Bola Tinubu four tax reform bills is expected to take centre stage this week in the national assembly. Tinubu had in a letter read during their respective plenary sessions by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, explained that the bills were crafted to align with president Tinubu‘s administration’s goals. The proposed bills include the Nigeria tax bill 2024, Tax administration bill, Nigeria revenue service establishment bill, and Joint revenue board establishment, bill.
- Ghastly road accidents
A series of fatal road accidents has claimed numerous lives and left many injured. In one such tragedy, a primary school pupil and her mother were among nine people killed in an accident in Oke-Elesin, Amuloko, Oyo State. The crash involved two trucks and two tricycles. In Lagos, three people lost their lives in a multiple-vehicle accident on the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway. Additionally, former Kaduna state governor, Ahmed Makarfi’s son, Faisal Makarfi, died in a road accident in Kaduna. Lawmakers are expected to address these incidents by urging the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant bodies to respond effectively.
- Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in public buildings
A motion led by Rep. Bashiru Dawudu (APC Lagos) calling for an investigation into the accessibility of public buildings for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) was postponed to allow for further legislative consultations. Given the importance of inclusivity for PWDs, this issue is likely to be revisited in the national assembly this week.
- New rate regime and charges by the ministry of solid minerals
- A motion regarding the recent review of royalty rates by the ministry of solid minerals development, which saw increases between 500 percent and 1,000 percent, was stepped down last week. Critics have called the new rates outrageous and ill-timed, warning that they could negatively impact the mining sector and the broader economy. The Senate is expected to take decisive action, particularly as the country seeks economic diversification.
- Super eagles’ ordeal in Libya
The Nigerian national football team faced severe mistreatment at a Libyan airport, leading to the Nigerian Football Federation’s (NFF) decision to withdraw the super eagles from a 2025 AFCON qualifier. Upon arrival in Libya, the team’s plane was diverted to a different airport, and players and officials, including NFF president, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, were left stranded for hours without food. The national assembly will likely address this situation and explore ways to uphold the nation’s integrity in international sports.
- Akpabio’s controversial free food gaffe
A video of Senate President Godswill Akpabio has stirred public outrage. In the video, Akpabio advised Nigerians to take advantage of free food wherever possible in the face of the economic hardship. His comments, which were met with laughter by fellow lawmakers, have sparked backlash from Nigerians who feel he is out of touch with their struggles. This is not the first time Akpabio’s statements have caused controversy, with a previous comment in July 2023 “Let the poor breathe” also widely criticized. Will the senate president again apologize to Nigerians and retract his statement?
