The House of Representatives has embarked on an 8 weeks annual recess
The House of Representatives has adjourned legislative activities to 23rd September to observe its annual recess.
The deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over plenary, appreciated members for their sacrifices and patience to stay to the end of Wednesday’s plenary that lasted for about 6 hours.
The deputy speaker urged them to spend time with their constituents, adding that they may reconvene if there’s a need for an emergency session during the annual recess. “Send my regards to your families and communities.” he said
Kalu called on the Leader of the House, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, to move for the adjournment to September 23, 2025.
Earlier the House suspended its rules to observe executive sessions and held a celebratory session in honour of late President Mohammadu Buhari.
Buhari died on July 13 2025 at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness.
Reading the speech of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, the deputy speaker said: “We pause to honour the memory of a statesman who left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s legislative and democratic landscape, President Muhammadu Buhari.
“His passing at the age of 82 marks the close of a significant chapter in our nation’s history. As we reflect on his life, we do so with solemn gratitude for his service, particularly his contributions to the strengthening of this institution and the laws that will guide Nigeria for generations.”
Praising the late president’s friendliness and willingness to relate with the parliament, Speaker Abass said: “As a democratically elected president, he was our partner in governance whose respect for the national assembly’s role fortified our democracy. His commitment to the principle of separation of powers was resolute.
“He recognised the legislature as a co-equal arm of government, never seeking to dominate or undermine its authority. Instead, he fostered a partnership that enabled us to fulfil our constitutional mandate. His directive to his ministers and agency heads to prioritise appearances before our committees during budget cycles exemplified this respect.
“By insisting on their accountability to this House, he ensured that Nigeria returned to a disciplined fiscal process, reinforcing the oversight responsibilities entrusted to us.
“President Buhari’s tenure as president, from 2015 to 2023, was a period of unprecedented legislative productivity, a demonstration of his willingness to collaborate with the 8th and 9th National Assemblies.”
Abbas disclosed that under Buhari’s watch, 129 bills were signed into law, which he said was an impressive legislative record. “These were transformative laws that addressed long-standing challenges and reshaped Nigeria’s legal framework.” he said
He highlighted some of these “landmark achievements forged through the synergy between the executive and the legislature to include the Not Too Young to Run Act (2018), the Electoral Act (2022), and the Petroleum Industry Act (2021).
He further noted that Buhari assented to other critical laws that originated in the House, including the Police Act (2020), which modernised our policing framework for the first time since 1943; the Nigeria Startup Act (2022); and the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act (2018), among other reformative laws.
Several members took turn to eulogise the former president.
