On Thursday, the Nigerian Senate commemorated the first anniversary of the 10th Senate, revealing that it has introduced approximately 477 bills over the past year, with 25 of these successfully enacted into law.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, in a statement marking the occasion, underscored the Senate’s dedication to legislative duties since its inauguration on June 13, 2023. “Since its inception, the 10th Senate has introduced 477 bills. Out of these, 25 have been fully enacted into law, while others remain at various stages of the legislative process,” Bamidele stated.
Despite the seemingly modest 5.24 per cent of bills becoming law, Bamidele highlighted the Senate’s broader focus on addressing critical national issues as mandated by the Constitution. “Beyond legislative activities, the Senate has passed 115 resolutions of significant consequence to economic development and national stability. These resolutions emerged from motions of national importance, sponsored by various senators after thorough consideration,” he explained.
Addressing potential concerns about the number of enacted bills, Bamidele clarified that legislative output should not be the sole measure of the Senate’s effectiveness. “Many may judge our performance by the number of bills fully passed into law. However, the low number of fully enacted legislations can be attributed to our focus on other pressing national priorities,” he noted. “This is purely due to the imperatives of attending to other constitutional obligations.”
In addition to legislative activities, the Senate has also been active in vetting key government appointees. Over the past year, the Senate has screened and confirmed 215 nominees for various political offices, including appointments to the Federal Executive Council, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and leadership positions in the Armed Forces, Police, and other critical agencies.
Bamidele also highlighted the Senate’s collaborative efforts with other branches of government. “In the last 366 days, we have strategically worked with key public institutions, particularly the executive arm, to uphold our core interests as a federation. We have ensured macroeconomic stability, promoted internal cohesion, and fostered unity among the diverse ethnic nationalities that constitute our nation,” he concluded.
This anniversary marks a period of significant legislative activity and underscores the Senate’s ongoing commitment to addressing both legislative and national priorities.