After a 10-week annual recess, the House of Representatives reconvened on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, to tackle pressing issues of governance, oversight, and representation in line with its constitutional duties.
New Members Sworn In
Three newly elected lawmakers—Rep. Omosede Gabriella Igbinedion (Edo), Rep. Rabiu Mukhtar (Jigawa), and Rep. Fidelix Joseph Bagudu (Kaduna)—took their oaths of office following recent bye-elections, ensuring continued representation for their constituencies.
Speaker Outlines Legislative Agenda
Speaker Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, welcomed members back and outlined urgent priorities for the coming months, including:
Debate and voting on Constitution Amendment Bills, to be transmitted to State Assemblies. Electoral reforms through the Electoral Act Amendment Bill ahead of the 2027 polls. Security reforms, with emphasis on multi-level policing. Laws to boost technology and innovation, including Startup Act implementation and creation of tech parks. Renewable energy legislation to attract private investment and improve power reliability.
Presidential Communication
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in a letter read by the Speaker, sought House approval for new external borrowing of ₦1.84 trillion (USD 1.23bn) to partly finance the 2025 budget deficit and refinance maturing Eurobonds worth USD 1.12bn.
The President also requested authorisation for a USD 500m debut Sovereign Sukuk in the international market.
Public Petitions
Two citizens’ petitions seeking justice and redress were presented by Rep. Dominic Ifeanyi Okafor (Anambra) and Rep. Patrick Umoh (Akwa Ibom) for legislative consideration.
Key Motions and Resolutions
Tax Deductions Probe: The House resolved to investigate irregular tax deductions and multiple bank charges affecting civil servants. An ad-hoc committee chaired by Rep. Kelechi Nwogu (Rivers) was set up. (Motion by Rep. Usman Bello Kumo, Gombe) Consumer Protection: The House urged the FCCPC to suspend enforcement of the new Digital Lending Regulations 2025 pending stakeholder consultations. (Motion by Rep. Nnamdi Ezechi, Delta) National Identity Reform: A conference committee led by Rep. Jimi Odimayo (Ondo) was formed to harmonise the new National Identity Management Bill.
Security Concerns
Kwara State: The House sympathised with victims of recent attacks in Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency, urging intensified security deployments. (Motion by Rep. Tijjani Kayode Ismail, Kwara) Niger State: Lawmakers called for a military Super Camp in Magama/Rijau to combat banditry and cattle rustling. (Motion by Rep. Shehu Saleh Rijau, Niger)
Tribute
The House observed a minute of silence in honour of Somtochukwu Maduagwu, a young ARISE News reporter killed during a robbery in Abuja on September 29, 2025. Members praised her courage and commitment to civic responsibility and demanded a thorough investigation into her death.