The Senate and House of Representatives on Tuesday, 14 January 2025 reconvened for its plenary session, marking the official commencement of the 2025 legislative session. Both chambers resumed plenary after the end-of-year recess for the Christmas and New Year holidays.
At the resumption of plenary in the Senate, the President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio (APC: Akwa Ibom) gave his welcome remarks underscoring the importance of the legislature in shaping Nigeria’s future. Sen. Akpabio called on lawmakers to approach the session with renewed dedication and a commitment to the welfare of citizens.
Sen. Akpabio stated that as the 2025 legislative session progresses, the Senate will prioritize the consideration and passage of all bills seeking to amend the Electoral Act, 2022. Similarly, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen (APC: Kaduna) in his welcome remarks highlighted the urgency of addressing pressing challenges, noting that the House of Representatives must work collectively to ensure that decisions are responsive to the needs of the people.
Hon. Tajudeen emphasized the need for cooperation with the executive to achieve the goals set out in the Legislative Agenda of the House of Representatives. In view of the on-going budget defence exercise, he stated that the key item on the legislative agenda will be the planned Citizens’ Townhall Meeting on the proposed 2025 Budget.
The first day of plenary activities in the Senate for 2025 saw the confirmation of executive appointments and approval of reports on bills. In the House of Representatives, several bills were considered for second reading and referred to the relevant committees for further legislative action. In recognition of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, lawmakers also discussed the need to address security concerns through legislative support for enhanced strategies and resource allocation for the security sector.
At the end of plenary, both chambers adjourned sitting to Tuesday, 28 January 2025 to allow Committees conclude work on the budget defence exercise. It would be recalled that the Senate and House of Representatives adjourned plenary for the holidays on Thursday, 19th December 2024.
