The House of Representatives, at Wednesday’s plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, advanced key legislative business, considered matters relating to public finance, national security, agricultural development, and public sector reforms, while reinforcing its constitutional oversight responsibilities through the constitution of Ad Hoc and Conference Committees.
INAUGURATION OF NEW MEMBER
At the commencement of proceedings, the Clerk of the House administered the Oath of Allegiance and Membership to Rep. Shaibu Rabiu (APC), the newly elected Member representing Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency of Kano State. He succeeds the late Rep. Hassan Mohammed Danjuma, who represented the constituency until his passing on April 11, 2026.
FISCAL OVERSIGHT
The House resolved to investigate the reported inclusion of the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) in the 2026 Appropriation framework. Expressing concern over reports that budgetary provisions exceeding ₦1.3 billion were allocated to an entity not established by law, the House directed that no public funds be released to the entity pending the conclusion of its investigation.
To this end, the House constituted an Ad Hoc Committee, chaired by Rep. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi (APC, Plateau), to determine how the provision entered the budget process, verify the legal status of entities captured in the 2025 and 2026 Appropriation frameworks, and recommend measures to strengthen safeguards within the federal budgeting process.
BUDGET IMPLEMENTATION
The House also adopted a motion on the slow pace of budget implementation and the adverse impact of delayed fund releases on government programmes and service delivery. It subsequently constituted an Ad Hoc Committee, chaired by Rep. Abubakar Kabir Bichi (APC, Kano), to investigate the matter and make appropriate recommendations.
SECURITY
The House urged the Executive to intensify efforts to disrupt ransom financing and dismantle criminal financial networks. Members called for stronger financial intelligence coordination, stricter enforcement of anti-money laundering laws, enhanced oversight of financial institutions and intermediaries, and closer collaboration among security and regulatory agencies to combat kidnapping, terrorism financing, and organised crime.
STATE POLICE BILL
In furtherance of the Constitution (Alteration) Bill on State Police, the House constituted a Conference Committee, chaired by the House Majority Leader, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, to harmonise the House and Senate versions of the landmark legislation.
FOOD SECURITY
The House urged the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to establish a modern tuber and agricultural produce storage facility in Agyaragu Town, Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, to reduce post-harvest losses, strengthen food security, and improve farmers’ productivity and incomes.
BENUE INFRASTRUCTURE
The House also called on the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force and other relevant agencies, to revive the Ohimini/Otukpo Airstrip in Benue State, citing its strategic importance for security operations, humanitarian response, and agricultural logistics.
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESSION
As part of its legislative business, the House passed six Bills at Third Reading, debated the general principles of four Bills at Second Reading, which were subsequently referred to the relevant Standing Committees for further legislative scrutiny, and received five Bills for First Reading.
EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS
The House received two communications from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, transmitting the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and the Administration of Criminal Justice Bill, 2026, for the consideration of the National Assembly.
Members were also informed of the President’s decision to withhold assent to the Chartered Institute of Purchase and Supply Management of Nigeria (Establishment) Amendment Bill and the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (Amendment) Bill.
REPORT CONSIDERATION
At the Committee of Supply, the House considered and adopted the report of the Committee on Customs and Excise on the 2026 Budget proposal of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), approving a total expenditure of ₦1.295 trillion.
At the Committee of the Whole, the House also considered and adopted eight committee reports covering risk management functions in government agencies, regional development, national orientation, pensions, the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) Project, non-compliance and internal control weaknesses, stagnation of promotions in the public service, and public petitions.
The proceedings reflected the House’s continued commitment to prudent fiscal oversight, responsive lawmaking, institutional accountability, and the advancement of policies that promote national development and improve the welfare of Nigerians.
