ABUJA — A row has erupted between Nigeria’s two legislative chambers as the House of Representatives on Wednesday halted the consideration of all bills originating from the Senate, citing prolonged delays in concurrence for House-passed legislation.
The decision followed a motion raised by Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, who decried the lopsided legislative cooperation between both chambers. He noted that while the House frequently fast-tracks Senate-originated bills, the upper chamber has failed to reciprocate, leaving over 140 House bills in limbo.
Speaker of the House, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, echoed the frustration of lawmakers, revealing that no fewer than 146 bills passed by the House—including more than 10 sponsored by him—remain pending in the Senate, some for over six months.
“This is not acceptable. Unless we receive considerable assurance from the Senate, we will no longer consider their bills,” Abbas declared.
The tipping point came during the second reading of a Senate bill seeking to amend the Federal Orthopaedic Hospital Management Act to establish a new hospital in Obokun, Osun State. The motion, moved by House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, faced stiff opposition from members.
Rep. Dagomie Abiante (PDP, Rivers) criticized the Senate’s delay, revealing that two of his House-approved bills from early 2024 have yet to be acknowledged by the upper chamber. “Meanwhile, we continue to entertain and approve their bills,” he said.
In solidarity, Rep. Ahmed Jaha (APC, Borno) called on the House Committee on Rules and Business to engage its Senate counterpart to uncover the reasons behind the delays. He recommended suspending Senate-originated bills as a strategic move to demand fairness.
Despite attempts by Speaker Abbas to calm the situation and allow the contested bill to proceed, members overwhelmingly voted to step it down.
The House resolved to suspend further consideration of all pending Senate bills until progress is made on House legislation awaiting Senate concurrence.
