By Fatima Saka
The Senate Committees on National Planning and Economic Affairs have underscored the necessity to amend the legislation concerning an act, and a bill to modify the Act of Revenue, Population, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission to align with the current realities in the country.
Chairman Senate Committees on National Planning and Economic Affairs, Senator Yahaya Abubakar Abdullahi representing Kebbi North Senatorial District, articulated this on Wednesday as the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Finance, and Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission appeared before the joint committee of National Planning and Economic Affairs and Appropriation in Abuja.
Senator Abdullahi reiterated the committee’s commitment to formulating a law that will endure over time.
In an interview with the Chairman, Committees on National Planning and Economic Affairs emphasized that the ministry and the commission lack the resources to fulfill the obligations bestowed upon them by the Constitution.
“Hence, it is imperative for us to scrutinize their act to identify avenues for funding.
However, if we are to proceed, we must also consider the prevailing circumstances in Nigeria and ensure that we do not grant them powers beyond those stipulated in the Constitution.
“Despite our empathy for the Commission’s financial constraints, we are not inclined towards an irresponsible funding mechanism that disregards the realities of our country. It would be beneficial for them if we could provide them with sufficient resources to carry out their constitutional mandate.
“This is why we summoned the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Finance, to convene jointly. The range of issues that arose during the discussions prompted the committee to bring the three institutions together.
“This collaboration aims to establish a unified stance for the committee’s consideration.
“At present, we refrain from deliberating on specific figures; instead, we urge them to deliberate. Subsequently, the committee will convene to review all the inputs and exercise our authority to determine what is appropriate.
“The conclusions reached by the institutions will not be automatically endorsed; they will undergo thorough deliberation by the committee members. Subsequently, a report will be drafted for the full Senate’s review. The Senate retains the authority to either accept, amend, or reject our recommendations.”
