The Ninth House of Representatives Wednesday held its valedictory session to commemorate the end of its existence.
The House which was inaugurated in 2019 finally ended its legislative activities as the lawmakers recounts their experiences and performances throughout the four years.
The data released by the Chairman House Committee on Rules and Business of the ninth House Rep.Abubakar Fulata, shows that a total of
2,232 bills were processed by the National Assembly during the period under review.
These comprises t of 52 Executive bills, 163 bills from the Senate, and 2,017 members’ bills.
Rep. Fulata, who described the 9th Assembly as the most productive Parliament since the return of democracy, said: “
“Out of these bills awaiting second reading are – 2,197, bills referred to Committees – 581, bills reported by the Committee’s is 275, bills pending in the committee – 308, bills awaiting Committee of the Whole – 106, bills laid on table awaiting consideration – 64, bills passed – 510. Bills killed – negatives 13, and bills withdrawn by their sponsors 5.
He further revealed that the House also passed 2,000 motions, all these achieved with the leadership provided, while L thanking members and staff of the House Committee on Rules and Business as well as the Table Staff under the leadership of the Clerk of the House of Representatives, whom he noted were dedicated to their duties.
In Valedictory speech the Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, scored the 9th Assembly high despite the daunting challenges faced by Nigeria amidst outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, among others.
These include: passage of Electoral Act, Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), Return of budget cycle to January-December cycle, Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) and the Nigeria Start-Up Act, two critical legislations aimed at changing the way we do business in Nigeria by streamlining regulations, reducing red tape, and setting the conditions for the private sector to innovate, thrive and grow.
The Assembly also passed the Emergency Economic Stimulus Bill to grant companies a rebate on Companies Income Tax, suspend import duties on medicines, medical equipment, personal protective equipment, and other essential medical materials and defer mortgage obligations on residential mortgages by contributors to the National Housing Fund.
The House also passed Emergency Relief and Assistance Bill which seeks to provide a limited salary guarantee for low-income permanent employees of companies registered and operating in Nigeria, relieve legal consumers of electricity in Nigeria of the burden of electricity charges for a limited period and suspend for a fixed period, the implementation of the Value Added Tax (VAT) provisions of the Finance Act 2020.
The Speaker explained that the Ninth House of Representatives worked tirelessly to ensure Nigeria overcame the challenges confronting her as well as take advantage of the moment to achieve economic, social, and political transformations that benefit all the Nigerian people.
He also identified easy access to budgetary provisions as one of the high points of the ninth House.
“We made it easier for citizens to access details of budget expenditures so that they, too, can be part of the process of ensuring accountability in the administration of public funds. We did not yield our constitutional obligation to ensure faithful compliance with the letter and spirit of the Appropriation Act by the Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the government.
The Speaker also presented Certificates to all the 9 members of the Body of the Principal Officers of the 9th Assembly while other lawmakers collected their Membership certificates from the Clerk of House of Representatives from 2019–2023.
