After extensive deliberation, the Senate rejected a bill on Thursday that aimed to grant lawmakers increased authority in the allocation of funds for constituency projects.

This decision comes just ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presentation of the 2024 budget to the National Assembly.

Senator Hussaini Babangida Uba, the bill’s sponsor from Jigawa State, advocated for an institutional legal framework governing the funding of lawmakers’ constituency projects, believing it would expedite national development.

He argued that passing such legislation would provide greater control to legislators in both the upper and lower chambers, asserting that this model is effective in ensuring equitable development distribution globally.

During the debate, Senator Mohammed Monguno from Borno supported the bill, expressing dissatisfaction with the allocated N100 million for constituency projects, deeming it insufficient. However, Senator Victor Umeh of Anambra Central cautioned against lawmakers taking control of constituency projects, asserting that this responsibility lies with the executive and might require a constitutional amendment.

Senator Wasiu Eshilokun from Lagos clarified that while the legislature has appropriation powers, project execution falls under the executive’s purview, emphasizing that this distinction minimizes the potential for conflicting responsibilities.

Former Senate President Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan urged caution, suggesting a diplomatic approach with the executive through dialogue.

Despite the bill gaining traction among lawmakers, the Senate ultimately rejected it, citing the Constitution’s existing guarantees of the powers it sought to bestow upon the Senate.