After a 30-day holiday, Members of the National Assembly have returned to the Federal Capital Territory.

Nigeria is currently grappling with widespread insecurity, with Plateau State experiencing a surge in killings. Additionally, the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS poses external security threats to the country.

On the economic front, the Naira is facing a downward trend against major currencies, currently trading at N1,450 against the dollar. This currency instability, coupled with other factors, has contributed to high inflation. As the National Assembly holds its first plenary session of the year, Nigerians are hopeful for debates and interventions on these pressing issues.

The following are some of the key issues awaiting the attention of the National Assembly:

Insecurity:

Insecurity has dominated headlines across the country, particularly in Plateau State, where ethnoreligious violence has resulted in loss of lives and displacement of residents. Armed robbery, kidnapping, and other crimes have also been on the rise in various parts of the country, affecting the constituencies of many lawmakers. However, previous motions and resolutions on insecurity have not yielded significant results, raising doubts about the effectiveness of legislative intervention.

Economy:

Persistent inflation in Nigeria has caused significant economic hardship for households. Despite promises by the Federal Government, many interventions, including the rollout of CNG buses and N35,000 disbursement to civil servants, are yet to materialize. Low oil production has prompted the Dangote Refinery to announce plans to import crude oil from the United States to meet production targets.

State Police and Constitution Amendment:

The National Assembly is expected to prioritize discussions on security, constitution amendment, electoral reforms, and legislative oversight. The increasing insecurity across the country has fueled calls for the creation of state police to address the menace.

Relocation of CBN departments and FAAN to Lagos:

Another important issue for the lawmakers is the proposed relocation of certain departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria to Lagos State. The northern Senate caucus has expressed concerns over this move, warning of potential consequences. There are also concerns about the perceived lopsided allocation of funds in the 2024 budget, with northern representatives urged to stand against any measures undermining the Northern region.

The lawmakers adjourned both chambers on December 30 after a special session where they passed the 2024 budget.