By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has dissolved all its Adhoc Committees with immediate effect, citing the expiration of the period given to them to complete their assignments and submit their reports.
The directive was issued by the Clerk of the House, Sidi Ibrahim, on the instruction of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen. 
In a statement addressed to chairmen and members of all Adhoc Committees, Ibrahim said the dissolution followed repeated calls for the committees to conclude their assignments and submit their reports in line with the Standing Orders and established practice of the House.
He said: “I am directed by the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, to inform all Honourable Members that all Ad Hoc Committees of the House stand dissolved with immediate effect.”
The Clerk said only two Adhoc Committees had sought and obtained extensions after earlier announcements directing committees to conclude their assignments.
“This directive is sequel to earlier announcements urging Ad Hoc Committees to conclude their assignments and submit their reports in line with the Rules and established practice of the House. Following those announcements, only two Ad Hoc Committees sought and were granted extension of time in compliance with Order Eighteen Rule 5 of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives. The two-week extension granted has since elapsed”, he added.
He reminded lawmakers that Adhoc Committees were established for specific purposes and within defined periods, stressing that they were not designed to operate indefinitely.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Honourable Members are reminded that Ad Hoc Committees are temporary Committees of the House established for specific and time-bound mandates. They are not intended to subsist indefinitely beyond the purpose and period for which they were constituted”, he said.
Ibrahim further cited Order Eighteen, Rule 11, Paragraph 5 of the Standing Orders, which sets out limitations on the time within which committees are expected to submit their reports.
“In accordance with Order Eighteen, Rule 11, Paragraph 5, of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives which provides for ‘Limitations as to time of Reports’, Committees are required to submit their reports within the time allotted. Having exceeded the time allotted, the continued existence of the Ad Hoc Committees is no longer tenable”, he stated.
The dissolution took effect from Friday, 28 August 2026, with the Clerk directing all affected committees to immediately stop operating in their respective capacities.
Chairmen of the dissolved committees were also directed to hand over outstanding reports and other documents relating to their assignments.
“Consequently, with effect from Friday 28th August 2026, all Ad Hoc Committees of the House stand dissolved; and activities being carried out in the name of such Committees shall cease forthwith.
“Chairmen of the affected Committees are directed to forward all outstanding reports, working documents, records, and other materials relating to their assignments to the Office of the Clerk, House of Representatives for safekeeping.
“Honourable Members are kindly requested to take note and ensure strict compliance, please”, he stressed.
