The House of Representatives has announced an extension of its ongoing recess, with resumption of Members now slated for Tuesday, January 30, 2024.
This announcement follows a communication by the Clerk of the House of Representatives, *Dr. Yahaya Danzaria Esq.* to Members of the Green Chamber on Friday, January 12, 2024.
Danzaria according to a statement signed by Rep. Akin Rotimi Junior , chairman House committee on Information 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, 30th January, 2024 at 11:00am prompt. All inconveniences are regretted,”_ the communication read.
The Green Chamber had on Saturday, December 30, 2023, proceeded on a 3-week recess following its passage of the twenty-eight trillion naira 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 December 30 for final consideration of the Budget, Speaker of the House of Representatives, *Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen PhD,* had extolled the dedication, unity of purpose, and willingness of Honourable 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,”_ the Speaker remarked.
The Speaker noted that 500 Motions on pressing matters affecting the people were adopted, while 962 bills in the area of legislation have been received since inauguration,
One hundred and twenty (120) of these bills have passed Second Reading and are currently undergoing in-depth analysis at the Committee stage. Amongst the notable bills passed by the month in the period, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill 2023 was on 23rd November, 2023 assented to, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
During the recess, extensive legislative work has continued at the level of House Committees, and Honourable 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.
