House of Reps Announces 134 Standing Committees

Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives has inaugurated 134 standing Committees for the oversight function of the parliament.

Tajudeen Abbas charges the Committee’s to prioritise national interest far and above members’ personal desire.

After about 45 days in the life of the 10th House of Representatives, it now has the full compliments of 134 standing committees.

In his speech just before unveiling the leadership of the committees, Tajudeen Abbas calls on his colleagues to promote peace, order and national interest as they settle down to work.

He says given the high turn over of new legislators, there is need to build the capacity of newly appointed committee chairmen and their deputies.

Then, comes the moment the members have been waiting for.

The Speaker painstakingly announces the chairmen and deputies of the committees.

Kafilat Ogbara from Lagos chairs the Committee on Women In.

Former Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Wase, chairs the Committee on Federal Character, Former House Leader, Alhassan Ado-Doguwa is now chair, Committee on Petroleum Upstream, Former Deputy Leader, Peter Akpatason now chairs Aviation Committee, while former Appropriation Committee Chairman, Aliyu Betara oversees the Federal Capital Territory.

Among those who retain their chairmanship seats are James Faleke as Finance Chairman, Leke Abejide of Customs, Yusuf Gagdi of Navy, Tanko Sununu of Health Services and Sada Soli of Water Resources.

Osun lawmaker, Bamidele Salam now chairs the Public Accounts Committee and Kafilat Ogbara from Lagos is Chair, House Committee on Women Affairs.

After the end of its first session, the Speaker announces a six-week recess but says ad hoc committees may choose to continue their assignments in the course of the holiday.