Overview
The House of Representatives is the lower chamber of Nigeria’s National Assembly, popularly known as the Green Chamber. It is made up of 360 members elected from constituencies across the country, representing the interests of the citizens at the federal level.
Members serve four-year terms and are responsible for making laws, approving the national budget, and overseeing the activities of the executive branch.
House Leadership
| Position | Name | State / Constituency |
|---|---|---|
| Speaker of the House | Hon. Tajudeen Abbas | Kwara |
| Deputy Speaker | Hon. Benjamin Kalu | Abia |
| Majority Leader | Hon. Julius Ihonvbere | Edo |
| Minority Leader | Hon. Kingsley Chinda | Rivers |
| Chief Whip | Hon. Usman Bello | Adamawa |
| Minority Whip | Hon. Toby Okechukwu | Enugu |
Principal Officers
The House also has several Principal Officers, including:
- Majority Leader
- Deputy Majority Leader
- Minority Leader
- Deputy Minority Leader
- Chief Whip
- Deputy Chief Whip
- Minority Whip
- Deputy Minority Whip
Functions and Powers
The House of Representatives is vested with the power to make laws, approve the federal budget, and oversee the executive branch. It represents the interests and welfare of the citizens and ensures accountability in governance.
Additionally, it can initiate impeachment proceedings, confirm appointments of senior government officials, and intervene in matters of national importance.
Committees
Since the Green Chamber equally operates the Committee System of Legislature, the 360 Members of the House are divided into several Special and Standing Committees based on their professional, educational, and other experiences. The Committees are chaired by Chairmen who are assisted by Vice Chairmen and other Committee Members. The Committees conduct Legislative assignments on behalf of the Chamber and report their findings along with recommendations to the entire House for final decision.
Aside from the discharge of its core mandate of lawmaking, representation, and oversight, the House of Representatives has been a stabilizing force in the promotion of the nation’s democratic ideals, good governance, and most importantly the resolution of industrial disputes between the Federal, State Governments, and the Labour Unions.