Abuja: The Green Chambers of the Nigerian House of Representatives witnessed a significant development as the newly elected Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, constituted the standing committees. The Speaker announced an increase in the number of committees, raising it to 134, as opposed to the 110 committees formed during his predecessor’s tenure, Femi Gbajabiamila. The increase accounts for the creation of 24 new committees in the 360-member House.
Among the notable figures named as committee heads are former Deputy Speaker Idris Wase, Yusuf Gagdi, and Musa Betara, all of whom were involved in the speakership race against Mr. Abbas a few months ago. It is worth noting that both Gagdi and Betara withdrew from the race later on.
Idris Wase, representing the APC from Plateau, has been assigned the chairmanship of the less prominent committee on Federal Character. Meanwhile, Musa Betara, representing the APC from Borno, has been appointed as the chairman of the committee on Federal Capital Territory. On the other hand, Yusuf Gagdi will retain his position as the head of the committee on Navy, a position he held during Mr. Gbajabiamila’s tenure.
In a move that has caught attention, Mr. Abbas named Abubakar Bichi, who represents the APC from Kano, as the chairman of the crucial committee on Appropriations. He will be deputized by Idu Igariwey, who represents the PDP from Ebonyi. Additionally, James Faleke, a political ally of President Bola Tinubu and APC representative from Lagos, has retained his position as the chairman of the finance committee, a role he held in the ninth session under Mr. Gbajabiamila. His deputy, Abdulahi Saidu, who represents the APC from Niger, will also continue in his position.
Bamidele Salam, representing the PDP from Osun, will take charge as the chairman of the committee on Public Account, while Babajimi Benson, an APC representative from Lagos, has retained his position as the head of the committee on defense.
In another notable appointment, the former Leader of the House, Alhassan Doguwa, representing the APC from Kano, will now serve as the chairman of the committee on petroleum (Upstream).
The announcement of the new standing committees marks a crucial step in shaping the legislative agenda and overseeing various government functions. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas expressed his confidence in the capabilities of the committee heads and the members, emphasizing the importance of their roles in driving the nation forward.
As the House of Representatives begins its new session under Speaker Abbas’ leadership, all eyes will be on the functioning of these committees and their contributions to the nation’s progress.
