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In the face of mounting public criticism over its ever-expanding number of standing committees, which has now reached a staggering 134, the House of Representatives has responded to the concerns raised by concerned citizens. This comes at a time when the country is grappling with economic challenges.

Appointed by Speaker Rep. Tajudeen Abbas in June, these 134 committees have been entrusted with the responsibility of managing the affairs of the 10th House of Representatives. It is worth noting that the appointment of these committees has sparked debate among Nigerians, leading to questions about the duplication of functions among them.

Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Rep. Akin Rotimi, addressed these concerns during a conversation with the House of Reps Press Corps in Abuja.

Rotimi acknowledged that there were valid concerns about the potential duplication of functions among the committees. However, he explained that the approach taken by the 10th assembly differed from that of previous assemblies.

Comparing the numbers, Rotimi revealed that in the ninth assembly, under former speaker Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, there were 109 standing committees. Former Speaker Yakubu Dogara constituted 96 committees in the eighth assembly, while the seventh assembly had 89.

However, in this current 10th assembly under Speaker Abbas, the number of standing committees escalated to 134, which has raised eyebrows among Nigerians.

It is vital to note that Nigerians have voiced concerns over what they perceive as an excessive number of committees, especially in light of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to reducing the cost of governance. This concern is further amplified given the recent surge in fuel prices and the associated economic challenges faced by the country.

Responding to these concerns, Rotimi, who also serves as the house’s spokesperson, emphasized that the decision to form 134 standing committees was made after careful consideration. The aim is to ensure effective representation and efficient governance for the Nigerian people.

Furthermore, Rotimi pledged that the house would continue to hold weekly press briefings with parliamentary reporters, underscoring the importance of transparency in the leadership of the 10th assembly.

In addition to defending the number of committees, Rotimi highlighted the house’s dedication to legislative activities. He pointed out that the house had processed numerous bills and motions, with over 300 motions considered and approximately 1,800 bills at various stages of progress.

The House of Representatives remains committed to its duty of representing the interests of the Nigerian people, and it is through these various committees that they aim to address the multifaceted challenges facing the country.