The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, resumed from its 10-week Annual Recess to address critical issues of legislative governance and national representation in the discharge of its constitutional mandate of lawmaking, oversight, and representation.
Newly Elected Lawmakers Inaugurated
At the commencement of plenary, three new Members, victorious in recent bye-elections, took their Oaths of Allegiance and Membership, reinforcing continuity of representation in the House. The new Members are: Rep. Omosede Gabriella Igbinedion (APC, Edo), Rep. Rabiu Mukhtar (APC, Jigawa), and Rep. Fidelix Joseph Bagudu (APC, Kaduna).
Major Legislative Priorities
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, warmly welcomed Members back to the chamber after the Annual Recess, commending them for the unity of the House and the overwhelming support shown in advancing its shared mandate.
The Speaker highlighted urgent priorities for the coming months to include:
– Debate and voting on Constitution Alteration Bills and transmission of approved amendments to State Assemblies.
– Finalisation of electoral reforms through the Electoral Act Amendment Bill well ahead of the 2027 general elections.
– Security reforms, including the introduction of multi-level policing.
– Legislative measures to accelerate implementation of the Startup Act, vocational training hubs, and technology parks.
– Progressive legislation to promote renewable energy, enhance grid reliability, and attract private investment to stabilise power supply and stimulate economic growth.
Communication from the Executive
Speaker Abbas read a letter from President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, seeking the House’s approval for implementation of new external borrowing of ₦1,843,669,786,987.16 (equivalent of USD1,229,113,000.00 at the budget exchange rate of USD1.00/N1,500.00) in the 2025 Appropriation Act for part-financing of the budget deficit.
The request also covers:
– Refinancing of USD1,118,352,000.00 Eurobonds (7.625% USD1.118BN NOV 2025) maturing on November 21, 2025.
– Accessing aggregate external capital of USD2,347,465,000.00 (USD1.229bn and USD1.118bn) in the International Capital Market (ICM).
– Issuing a stand-alone debut Sovereign Sukuk of up to USD500m in the ICM, with or without credit enhancement (guarantee).
Public Petitions
Two petitions from Nigerians seeking justice and legislative redress were laid before the House by Rep. Dominic Ifeanyi Okafor (APGA, Anambra) and Rep. Patrick Umoh (APC, Akwa Ibom).
Matters of Urgent Public Importance
Irregular Tax Deductions for Civil and Public Servants
The House resolved to investigate irregular tax deductions and multiple bank charges affecting civil and public servants. An Ad-hoc Committee to be chaired by Rep. Kelechi Nwogu (PDP, Rivers).was constituted to probe their nature and utilisation.
– Motion Sponsor: Rep. Usman Bello Kumo (APC, Gombe)
Consumer Protection
The House resolved to direct the Federal Consumer and Competition Protection Council (FCCPC) to suspend implementation of the Digital, Electronic, Online, or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations 2025, pending proper consultation with relevant sector regulators and stakeholders.
– Motion Sponsor: Rep. Nnamdi Ezechi (APC, Delta)
National Identity Reforms
The House constituted a Conference Committee, chaired by Rep. Jimi Odimayo (APC, Ondo), on the Harmonisation of a Bill to repeal the National Identity Management Act, 2007 and to provide for the establishment of a National Identity Database, the National Identity Management Commission, and related matters.
Security
Curbing Banditry in Kwara State
The House commiserated with victims and communities affected by insecurity in Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency and other parts of Kwara State, and urged relevant security agencies to intensify deployments and coordinated security operations in the affected areas.
– Motion Sponsor: Rep. Tijjani Kayode Ismail (APC, Kwara)
Curbing Banditry and Cattle Rustling in Niger State
The House also tasked the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff to establish a Super Camp in Magama/Rijau Federal Constituency of Niger State to forestall frequent bandit attacks.
– Motion Sponsor: Rep. Shehu Saleh Rijau (APC, Niger)
Tribute
The House observed a moment of silence in honour of Miss Somtochukwu Maduagwu, an ARISE News Reporter whose life was tragically cut short following a robbery incident in Abuja on September 29, 2025. The House further called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances of her death and recognised her integrity, civic responsibility, and service to the nation.
