Senate, House of Reps Extend Recess, Announces New Date

The Nigerian Senate has announced a shift in its resumption date from the annual recess. Initially scheduled to return on September 17, 2024, lawmakers will now reconvene on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 11:00 AM.

This was confirmed through an internal memo issued by the Clerk of the Senate, Chinedu Akubueze, following instructions from Senate leadership.

The memo, titled “Change in Resumption Date from Summer Break,” reads:

“Dear Distinguished Senators, I hope this memo finds you well. Please be informed that the resumption date from the ongoing recess has been rescheduled from Tuesday, September 17, 2024, to Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 11:00 am. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.”

Senators began their seven-week recess in July, with an original return date set for September 17. However, the break has now been extended by one week.

In a related development, the House of Representatives has also postponed its resumption from the same date to September 24, 2024. A statement by Hon. Akin Rotimi, Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, cited the inauguration of the new board of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) and the formation of the Joint Senate/House Ad-hoc Committees on the Petroleum Industry investigation as reasons for the delay.

The decision to reschedule was communicated to House members through a memo from the Clerk of the House, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, following directives from the House Leadership.