4 Reasons Nigerian Lawmakers Have Not Passed The Project Continuity Bill And 7 Reasons Why They Should Pass It Immediately

One of the major draw-backs that has impeded the growth of Nigeria as a nation is the lack of continuity in government policies and projects. Generally, around the globe, projects and policies are inherited and continued despite changes in leadership, birthing progress and obvious development.

A piece of legislation that should serve as an enforcer of continuity for progress in Nigeria is the Project Continuity Bill. It has been sponsored at the 7th and 8th National Assembly as Development Planning and Projects Continuity Bill.

The bill seeks to make development planning compulsory for all tiers of government in Nigeria and to create coherent and measurable targets in developmental initiatives in support of the attainment of vision 2020 which remains a dream even in 2021. 

The Project Continuity Bill, 2019 is currently being sponsored by Senator Barau Jibrin in the 9th National Assembly making it the 3rd assembly the bill would pass through.

Indeed, the benefit Nigerians stand to gain if this bill is passed into law is enormous and should be one that gets the support of Nigerian Lawmakers. The contrary is however the case, seeing the way the bill has dragged on for so long.

Four possible reasons why the bill is yet to be passed into law:

1. The duplicity of projects provides the opportunity to embezzle the government's funds: Embezzlement becomes easier when a new administration take-up new projects and abandon old ones. There have been several incidences of such where current and past political office holders are facing criminal trial over related matters.

2. Party Manifesto: Nigeria runs a multi-party democratic system which by implication means there are several political parties in existence. Each party has its party manifesto which party members are urged to implement. 

3. Malice and Political rivalry: With the numerous political parties in existence, there is bound to be political rivalry. The two main parties in the country have had a long history of political rivalry. There are also incidences of internal party rivalry which sometimes degenerates into lack of continuity of projects and policies.

4. Lack of selflessness and genuineness to serve the nation: The political trend in Nigeria makes it obvious that most political officeholders hold no genuine passion for selfless service to the nation. Many of them are simply there for the money and fame that come with being in power. 

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Here are seven reasons why the project continuity bill needs to be passed into law

1. The terrible culture of duplicating projects, programs, and policies by every administration will be permanently laid to rest.
2.  With the law in place, sentiments and political vendetta as a stumbling block to development will be eradicated.
3. This law would put an end to the overt lack of a developmental plan for the nation.
4. The development of the nation would become obvious to all and taxpayers will finally be able to realize the benefits of their tax money. 
5. The passage of the bill would be beneficial to Nigerians and not to any particular person or group.
6. Chances of embezzlement would be reduced to the barest minimum.
7. The law will ensure that the nation thrives on foreign investment when there is an enabling environment for such.

In conclusion, passing this bill into law in the 9th national assembly will stem the tide of project abandonment and in turn, the development of the country will become more pronounced for vision 2020 to thrive. Taxpayers will become more encouraged to pay their taxes since the use to which tax monies is used will become obvious. The bill is still on first reading.