House Resumes Plenary with Focus on Legislative Priorities, Security, and Economic Oversight
By Exponent Monday, May 5, 2025
As the National Assembly returns from recess, the House of Representatives is set to resume plenary on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, with a renewed commitment to pressing national priorities. The recess, which began in late March, coincided with the Eid-el-Fitr, Easter, and Workers’ Day holidays.
According to the representative Akin Rotimi Jr. spokesman, House of Representatives explained that at the heart of the resumption will be an address by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, who is expected to outline the legislative direction for the coming weeks. This follows the House’s recent milestone in passing the widely debated Tax Reform Bills, a core component of its 2023–2027 Legislative Agenda focused on economic growth and development.
Despite the suspension of plenary, legislative activities did not stall. Lawmakers actively engaged constituents nationwide and dispatched delegations to Enugu and Plateau States to commiserate with victims of recent attacks, signaling that legislative responses to these crises will be among the top items on the agenda.
Among the standout developments during the recess was the continuation of the Ad-Hoc Committee on Oversight of Governance in Rivers State, following a presidential proclamation of emergency. The 21-member committee, chaired by Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, held sessions with Sole Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.) to evaluate the situation in line with constitutional provisions.
The House also made significant headway in debt recovery. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) announced the recovery of over ₦11.49 billion from oil and gas companies on April 29, 2025. This follows an earlier ₦21.4 billion recovery in March, based on findings from Auditor-General reports and NUPRC data, bringing total recoveries to over ₦61.5 billion.
Looking Ahead: Key Legislative Priorities
- National Security and Economic Issues: In response to rising insecurity and economic hardship, the House will prioritise debates and legislation addressing these challenges.
- National Policy Dialogue: As the 10th Assembly approaches its midterm on June 13, 2025, the House will host its inaugural National Policy Dialogue on May 12, 2025. The event will feature a midterm report card presentation by the Speaker and strategic discussions with stakeholders from various sectors.
- Constitutional and Electoral Reforms: Work continues on constitutional amendments and reforms to the Electoral Act 2022. The Constitution Review Committee, led by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, recently held a technical retreat to review submissions and will soon embark on zonal public hearings.
- Legislative Agenda Implementation: The House will fast-track bills and reports from Standing and Ad-Hoc Committees that align with its legislative agenda, aimed at fostering responsive governance.
- Oversight and Accountability: Enhanced oversight of public institutions will be a central focus, with Committees expected to intensify efforts in monitoring compliance with legislative resolutions.
Motions Slated for Deliberation This Week Include:
- Investigation into electricity debts owed by MDAs and security agencies
- Provision of housemanship placements for medical graduates
- Measures to curb fuel importation and boost local refining
- Response to the Karu Bridge CNG explosion
- Subsidies for cancer treatment costs
- Expansion of JAMB CBT centres nationwide
- Enforcement of the Universal Basic Education Scheme
- Establishment and upgrade of NYSC orientation camps
- Audit of abandoned government properties
The House of Representatives reaffirms its dedication to fulfilling its constitutional mandate of legislation, oversight, and representation, in pursuit of peace, equity, and sustainable development for all Nigerians.
