The Nigerian Senate is working on a new bill that would make it compulsory for the President to deliver a yearly address to the nation on June 12, Democracy Day.
This bill also aims to move future presidential inauguration ceremonies from Eagle Square to the National Assembly Complex.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele shared these details in an interview on Tuesday, stating that the proposal will soon be presented.
The idea is to make June 12 more meaningful by having the President speak to Nigerians during a joint session of the National Assembly, giving the day a more official role in Nigeria’s democratic calendar.
Part of the bill will also change where new presidents are sworn in. Instead of using Eagle Square in Abuja, future inauguration events may be held at the National Assembly arcade if the bill is passed.
Lawmakers believe this will bring more unity between the executive and legislative arms of government during such national events.
The proposed law also includes a plan to stretch the timeline for completing projects funded in the 2024 national budget.
This will give room for more capital projects to be completed while preparing for the 2025 budget cycle.
Bamidele, who also serves as the deputy head of the Constitution Review Committee, gave updates on ongoing efforts to amend parts of the Nigerian Constitution.
He noted that while some progress has been made, public hearings will soon take place across different regions before final discussions are held by both chambers of the National Assembly.
The constitutional review is expected to be completed before the end of the third legislative year.
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