The House of Representatives is the lower chamber of Nigeria’s National Assembly and has 360 members elected from federal constituencies. Its major duties include:
1. Making laws on matters within the Exclusive and Concurrent Legislative Lists.
2. Initiating and debating bills before they become law.
3. Passing the annual Appropriation (Budget) Bill with the Senate.
4. Approving government expenditure through appropriation legislation.
5. Representing the interests of constituents in their federal constituencies.
6. Conducting oversight of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
7. Investigating public institutions to expose corruption, inefficiency, or waste.
8. Holding public hearings on bills and national issues.
9. Receiving and presenting petitions from citizens.
10. Screening and confirming presidential nominees for offices where the Constitution or an Act of the National Assembly requires it.
11. Amending the Constitution together with the Senate and state Houses of Assembly.
12. Approving taxation and revenue-related laws.
13. Approving government borrowing where required by law.
14. Monitoring the implementation of government policies and programmes.
15. Approving declarations of a state of emergency when presented by the President.
16. Ratifying international agreements and treaties through the legislative process where required.
17. Participating in impeachment proceedings against the President or Vice President as provided by the Constitution.
18. Creating or modifying federal laws establishing government agencies and institutions.
19. Protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerians through legislation and oversight.
20. Promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance by ensuring that public officials comply with the law and that public resources are properly managed.
These responsibilities are derived from the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), particularly Sections 4, 58–89, and related provisions.
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