House of Representatives will on resumption of its legislative activities today (Tuesday) commence sectoral debate on development of real sector in line with the present administration’s plan to diversify the nation’s economy.
Following the approval of Speaker Yakubu Dogara, four ministers are expected to appear on the floor of the House between Tuesday, May 3 and 5, to present their different perspectives on four sectors.
They are: Lai Mohammed, minister of information, culture and tourism (Tuesday); Audu Ogbe, minister of agriculture (Wednesday); Kemi Adeosun, minister of finance, and Ogbonaya Onu, minister of solid minerals (Thursday).
According to Turaki Hassan, special adviser to the speaker on media and public affairs, “the sectoral debate is consistent with the eight Assembly’s legislative agenda and standing orders, and will address challenges facing different aspects of the Nigerian economy.”
Hassan said the first sectoral debate shall cover ‘Diversification of the Nigerian economy: Real sector development.’
Through the legislative ‘sectoral debates’ aimed at addressing various national problems, the House is expected to craft new laws or amend the “existing ones or generate recommendations on how to address the specific problem in question.
“The House will designate specific legislative sitting days or weeks in its calendar specifically for discussion on various problems facing the nation. Such identified themes, sectors, areas or problems include employment and job creation, health, education and social services; women, youths and children concerns; power/energy sector, oil and gas, science and technology; commerce and industry; transportation; telecommunications; agriculture; mining; manufacturing; diversification of the economy, finance, corruption, security matters, infrastructure and other initiatives of urgent national importance.
Modalities for carrying out the sectoral debates will be as approved by the House,” he explained.
According to him, Order XVI, Rule 3 (New Rule) also provides that “the House may engage in sectoral debates on issues of national importance as may be directed by the House or the Speaker.”
