The House of Representatives has announced an extension of its ongoing recess, with the resumption of Senate and House now slated for Tuesday, 30 January 2024.
According to a statement in Abuja, the House spokesman and Chairman of House Committee on Media & Public Affairs, Akin Rotimi, the announcement follows a communication by the Clerk of the House of Representatives, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, to members on Friday, 12 January 2024.
He said: “I am directed to inform Hon. Members that the resumption date for both Senate and House of Representatives has been shifted upwards from Tuesday, 23rd January 2024 (earlier announced) to Tuesday, 30 January 2024, at 11:00 am prompt. All inconveniences are regretted”, the memo read.
The Green Chamber had on Saturday, 30 December 2023, proceeded on a 3-week recess, following its passage of the N28 trillion Appropriation Bill (now Act) for the 2024 FIscal Year, in line with its constitutional powers.
Prior to its recess, the House had since its inauguration in June 2023, considered a wide range of issues, including peace and security, social welfare, healthcare, education, infrastructure development, economic growth, and more.
With the instrumentality of robust debates, bipartisan collaboration, and sheer dedication to its constitutional responsibilities, the House passed crucial bills and adopted key resolutions that will shape the trajectory of the country in years to come.
At a special session held on 30 December for final consideration of the budget, speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, had extolled the dedication, unity of purpose, and willingness of members to engage in constructive debates instrumental to the legislative outputs recorded in the last six months.
“I extend my deepest appreciation to all of you and applaud your exemplary conduct, dedication, and devotion to upholding the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.
”Of note is the patriotism you all have demonstrated, making astonishing sacrifices to work even on weekends and during public holidays”, he said.
The speaker noted that 500 notions on pressing matters affecting the people were adopted, while 962 bills in the area of legislation had been received since inauguration, 120 of these bills have passed a second reading and are currently undergoing in-depth analysis at the committee stage.
Among notable bills passed during the period was the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill 2023 on 23 November 2023. It was assented to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Rotimi also stated that “during the recess, extensive legislative work has continued at the level of House committees, and members have been involved in constituency outreaches across the country.
“In line with its 8-point Legislative Agenda, the ‘People’s House’ has been responsive and remains committed in its efforts to ameliorate the living standards of our constituents and contribute to Nigeria’s overall peace and development”, he said.
