The Green Chamber, Nigeria

: Thursday, May 7, 2026

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.

House of Representatives, National Assembly
Office of the House Spokesman

Press Statement
For Immediate Release

Workers’ Day 2026: House of Representatives Salutes Nigerian Workers, Reaffirms Commitment to Labour Dignity and Welfare

Abuja, FCT | Friday, May 1, 2026 - The House of Representatives extends profound commendation and warm solidarity to Nigerian workers, whose labour, sacrifice, and quiet resilience remain enduring pillars of national development on this occasion of International Workers’ Day 2026.

The 10th Assembly recognises the indispensable contributions of workers across all sectors, from public service and agriculture to industry, technology, education, healthcare, and the informal economy. It underscores the urgent need for inclusive and equitable workplaces, stronger worker well-being with particular attention to mental health, fair wages, and robust social protection, alongside sustained efforts to support the transition from informal to formal employment and strengthen the role of labour unions.

As climate-related challenges increasingly impact livelihoods, particularly in agriculture and construction, the House emphasises the need to strengthen workplace safety and adaptive protections, while advancing collaboration among government, employers, labour unions, and international partners to build a fair and sustainable future of work.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, in his message described Nigerian workers as crucial stakeholders in the national project, while commending them, especially under the auspices of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), for their service, patriotism, and contributions to national growth and development.

He further noted that the Federal Government will continue to prioritise the welfare and rights of workers, with particular emphasis on ensuring their safety in the workplace.

“I call on workers to continue to work with the government on nation-building, and urge them to remain patriotic and embrace dialogue over issues affecting them,” he added.

The House affirms that the strength of any nation is reflected in the dignity it accords its workers. We remain resolute in its constitutional mandate to safeguard the welfare of workers and promote a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria. A nation that honours its workers strengthens its future.

Happy International Workers’ Day.

Signed:
Rep. Akin Rotimi, mnipr
Spokesman, House of Representatives

As we step into May 2026, the House of Representatives reaffirms its dedication to people-focused legislation, responsive governance, and strengthened democratic institutions.

With a clear focus on national priorities, the House remains committed to advancing impactful reforms, deepening oversight, and delivering legislative outcomes that address the needs and aspirations of Nigerians.

This new month presents another opportunity to build on progress, drive meaningful change, and serve with purpose.

Cross Carpeting: Sixteen Members Defect as Total Reaches 137 in the 10th Assembly

The House of Representatives continues to witness shifts in its partisan composition, particularly in the period leading up to the National Assembly primaries. In recent weeks, a number of Members have cited internal leadership crises, divisions, and factionalisation within their respective political parties as reasons for their decisions to change party affiliation.

With the defection of sixteen Members across party lines over the past two weeks, the total number of defections recorded in the 10th Assembly since June 2024 has risen to 137. These movements cut across several states, including Imo, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Lagos, Niger, Osun, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) recorded the highest gains in this latest round, adding eight Members, followed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) with five. The Majority Caucus also recorded some losses, with three Members joining parties within the Minority bloc, reflecting a fluid and evolving political landscape within the Chamber.

In terms of losses, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) recorded the highest, with eight seats lost to other parties. Of these, five Members joined the APC, while the ADC and Accord Party gained one and two seats respectively. The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) recorded the second-highest losses, with four Members from Kano State defecting to the ADC.

Summary of Defections (Since July 2024)

Seats Gained by Parties:

* All Progressives Congress (APC) – 103
* African Democratic Congress (ADC) – 23
* Accord Party (AP) – 5
* Action Peoples Party (APP) – 2
* Labour Party (LP) – 2
* All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) – 1
* Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) – 1

Seats Lost by Parties:

* Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) – 82
* Labour Party (LP) – 26
* New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) – 18
* Young Progressives Party (YPP) – 3
* African Democratic Congress (ADC) – 1

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) remains the only party yet to lose any Member to defections in the 10th Assembly.

: Wednesday, April 29, 2026

The House of Representatives convened on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, for plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR. The sitting featured a broad legislative agenda, with significant progress recorded across lawmaking, oversight, and motions addressing pressing national issues.

In a major legislative milestone, the House passed four bills including a Bill establishing a Legislative Security Directorate in the National Assembly, and a Bill to increase the number of Judges in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory. The proposed Security Directorate will strengthen legislative security through a clear framework for its structure, functions, and personnel.

On electoral reform, the House considered and adopted two Reports from its Committee on Electoral Matters on Bills to amend the Electoral Act, 2026. The Bills aim to clarify jurisdiction in pre-election matters and introduce flexible, technology-driven mechanisms for the service of election petition processes. The amendments are expected to improve efficiency, reduce delays, and modernise electoral dispute resolution.

Further legislative activity saw three new bills read for First Reading, marking the commencement of their legislative process. The House also advanced, at Second Reading, a policy framework Bill seeking to establish a Fifty-Year National Economic Plan for Nigeria, alongside five other Bills. The proposed plan seeks to ensure continuity in national development and sustained implementation across administrations. Other Bills advanced include proposals to mandate the publication of financial and operational records of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and Government-Owned Enterprises (GOEs), as well as Bills to establish the National Defence College of Nigeria and the Naval Training Command to strengthen coordination of military training institutions.

Security concerns also featured prominently, as the House adopted a Matter of Urgent Public Importance on recurring insurgent attacks in Gombi/Hong Federal Constituency of Adamawa State. The House was briefed on recent coordinated attacks resulting in loss of lives, injuries, and displacement of residents, prompting calls for urgent intervention by security agencies to restore peace and safeguard affected communities.

In the exercise of its oversight responsibilities, the House received the Report of the Committee on Communications on the ₦479.5 billion budget of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for the 2026 financial year. The report outlines recurrent and capital spending, special projects, USPF transfers, and government remittances, highlighting the sector’s fiscal significance.

In addition, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, alongside the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), to ensure the completion and operationalisation of the Dogondaji Automotive Youth Training Centre in Sokoto State. The resolution emphasised maintaining public infrastructure and expanding opportunities for youth and skilled artisans.

The House also recorded shifts in its partisan composition, with two Members, Rep. Jakduwa Hassan Kaikaku (Yobe) and Rep. Bello Isah Ambarura (Sokoto), announcing their defection to new political parties, reflecting ongoing realignments within the legislature.

Overall, the sitting reaffirmed the House’s focus on institutional strengthening, reform, security, and inclusive national development.

House Shares Agenda for Wednesday, April 29, 2026

The House of Representatives, through the Committee on Rules and Business, has released the Order Paper for today’s plenary, outlining a substantive legislative programme as the 10th National Assembly progresses.

The day’s agenda features key legislative activities, including the consideration of bills, committee reports, and motions aimed at advancing governance, strengthening institutions, and addressing pressing national issues.

The full Order Paper, detailing the legislative business for the day, is attached.

Plenary Highlights: Tuesday, April 28, 2026

The House of Representatives on Tuesday convened in plenary, presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, advancing a broad spectrum of legislative, oversight, and representative actions in line with its constitutional mandate.

The House adopted key motions, including a resolution urging the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to extend the validity period for SIM card reallocation to eighteen months, alongside measures to strengthen transparency and security notifications. Lawmakers also called on the Federal Ministry of Works to incorporate the construction of flyovers and pedestrian bridges at critical points along the Kaduna Eastern Bye-Pass and the Kaduna–Zaria Highway to enhance road safety and improve traffic management.

Additionally, in a move aimed at deepening democratic representation, the House urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to restore six State Constituencies in Ado, Okpokwu, and Ogbadibo Local Government Areas of Benue State, and to conduct elections into the constituencies ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a significant boost to national infrastructure development, the House approved a $516.3 million syndicated loan from Deutsche Bank AG for the construction of Sections 1A and 1B of the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, in accordance with the recommendations of its Committee on Aids, Loans and Debt Management.

The House passed the Bill for the establishment of a Legislative Security Directorate, alongside nine other bills, thereby reinforcing the institutional security architecture of the National Assembly. In furtherance of equitable healthcare delivery, it also passed Bills seeking to establish Federal Medical Centres in Abia and Yobe States.

Lawmakers further approved the Bill establishing the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, along with two others, aimed at strengthening research capacity, innovation, and the industrial application of indigenous resources.

The House recorded robust legislative activity, with the NYSC Act (Amendment) Bill and ten other bills passing First Reading. At the Second Reading stage, the Bill to amend the West African Gas Pipeline Project (WAGP) Act, 2005, alongside two others, scaled through, reflecting ongoing efforts to refine the legal and fiscal framework governing regional energy cooperation. Additionally, eight reports from Standing Committees were laid before the House for consideration and further legislative action.

In keeping with its representative function, the House received six petitions from citizens seeking legislative intervention and redress on various grievances.

The partisan composition of the House recorded a shift as Rep. Muhammed Jajere defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), thereby increasing the numerical strength of the Majority Caucus.

House Shares Agenda for Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Legislative business resumes in the Green Chamber as the House of Representatives, through the Committee on Rules and Business, unveils the Order Paper for today’s plenary signalling a day of focused deliberations, key legislative considerations, and decisive parliamentary action.

From the introduction of bills to motions on critical national issues, today’s agenda reflects the House’s sustained commitment to responsive lawmaking and effective oversight of the 10th National Assembly.

The full Order Paper, detailing all items scheduled for consideration, is attached.

: 15 Legislative Proposals Pass First Reading in the House of Representatives

Members of the House of Representatives continues to advance targeted reforms across critical sectors, with fifteen (15) new bills introduced this week to strengthen governance, security, and socio-economic development.

Key Bills Introduced:
• National Health Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026 (HB.2739)
• Cybercrimes Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026 (HB.2740)
• Special Court for Terrorism, Banditry and Kidnapping (Establishment) Bill, 2026 (HB.2737)

The proposed legislation reflects sustained efforts by Members of the House to respond to emerging national priorities through impactful lawmaking.

: Thursday, April 23, 2026

The House of Representatives, at plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON., advanced key legislative and oversight actions across security, public health, electoral compliance, and inclusive governance. The session underscored its sustained commitment to national stability and institutional accountability.

In furtherance of inclusive governance, Members emphasised the urgency of passing the Special Seats for Women Bill, noting its importance to democratic legitimacy and national development. The House also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to comply with the judgment of the Court of Appeal by conducting elections in the restored Ukum II (Afia) State Constituency of Benue State, while extending this directive to other affected constituencies.

On security, the House urged the Chief of Defence Staff and relevant agencies to establish a permanent security outpost in Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency of Borno State. It further called for urgent federal intervention to address the persistent killings, kidnappings, and insecurity in Kachia/Kagarko Federal Constituency of Kaduna State.

In the exercise of its representative and oversight mandates, the House received three petitions from citizens as well as twelve reports from the Committee on Public Petitions, reaffirming its commitment to addressing public grievances through established legislative processes.

On legislative business, a Bill seeking to establish the National Institute for Public Health and Infectious Diseases, alongside three others, passed Second Reading. The House also constituted a Conference Committee on the Bill for the establishment of the Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, with Rep. Felix Nwaeke (APC, Rivers) appointed Chairman to harmonise positions between both Chambers of the National Assembly.

House Shares Agenda for Thursday, April 23, 2026

Legislative business resumes in the Green Chamber as the House of Representatives, through the Committee on Rules and Business, unveils the Order Paper for today’s plenary setting the tone for a full day of deliberations, key considerations, and parliamentary action.

From bills and motions to critical national conversations, today’s agenda reflects the House’s continued drive to advance its legislative mandate of the 10th National Assembly.

The full Order Paper, detailing all items scheduled for consideration, is attached.