The House of Representatives convened for plenary on Thursday, May 7, 2026, presided over by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, addressing critical legislative, humanitarian, economic and national security matters, while advancing deliberations on key reform Bills and oversight activities of national importance.
During plenary, the House received notifications of defections involving six Members, with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the National Democratic Congress(NDC) recording three new Members each. In a separate development, reflecting ongoing political realignments within the Chamber.
The House also received three petitions from aggrieved citizens, reinforcing the legislature’s constitutional role as a platform for public grievance and democratic accountability.
On matters affecting host communities in the Niger Delta, the House adopted a Motion of Urgent Public Importance on the alleged stoppage of Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives and other actions by Oando Nigeria Plc affecting communities in Twon-Brass, Okpoama and Ewoma.
The Motion noted that following Oando’s acquisition of the operations of the former Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC/ENI), concerns emerged over declining community engagement, including prolonged electricity outages and restricted access to company leadership by host communities. Members expressed concern that the situation could worsen tensions in the region if left unresolved. Consequently, the House mandated its Committee on Corporate Social Responsibility to investigate the matter and report back for further legislative action.
The House also considered humanitarian interventions for returning internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Marte Local Government Area. Members urged the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, alongside the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to provide resettlement packages for displaced persons. The House further called on the North East Development Commission to provide 10,000 tents and support empowerment initiatives for returning women and youths, while urging the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to provide farming inputs and agricultural support kits to affected communities.
In furtherance of its oversight responsibilities, the House constituted an Ad-hoc Committee to investigate the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and telecommunications-related matters, to be chaired by Rep. Olumide Osoba.
Members also raised concerns over reported xenophobic attacks against Nigerians residing in South Africa during a Matter of Personal Explanation, calling attention to the safety and welfare of Nigerian citizens abroad.
On appropriation matters, the House received the Report of the Committees on Federal Capital Territory and Federal Capital Territory Area Council and Ancillary Matters on the 2026 Federal Capital Territory Statutory Appropriation Bill. The proposed legislation seeks to authorise expenditure totalling N2.285 trillion for the service of the Federal Capital Territory Administration for the 2026 financial year, covering personnel, overhead and capital expenditure components.
At the Committee of Supply, the House considered the Report of the Committees on Federal Capital Territory and Federal Capital Territory Area Council and Ancillary Matters on the Bill authorising withdrawals from the Statutory Revenue Fund of the Federal Capital Territory Administration Account for the 2026 financial year. The proposed expenditure totals N2,285,098,676,153, comprising N165.775 billion for Personnel Costs, N378.231 billion for Overhead Costs and N1.741 trillion for Capital Projects for the service of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, from January 1 to December 31, 2026, alongside one other item.
In its legislative business, the House read and passed a Bill seeking to amend the Electoral Act, 2026, to provide for flexible, reliable and technology-driven modes for the service of election petition processes, alongside nine other Bills.
The House also resolved to investigate debts owed to the Federal Government by state and non-state actors, agencies and parastatals within and outside Nigeria. To this end, an Ad-hoc Committee chaired by Rep. Oluwole Oke was constituted to undertake the investigation.
Concerned by the continued rise in the cost of construction materials nationwide, Members urged the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), to investigate possible anti-competitive practices, supply chain inefficiencies and market distortions contributing to escalating prices despite the availability of local raw materials.
At the Committee of the Whole, the House considered a Bill seeking to repeal the National Identity Management Commission Act, 2007, and enact a new National Identity Management Commission Act, 2026, aimed at strengthening the national identity database system and improving the registration and issuance of identity credentials. Five other Bills were also considered alongside it.
