Speaker ends activities of temporary committees after expiration of deadlines for completing assignments and submitting reports

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has ordered the immediate dissolution of all ad hoc committees of the lower chamber, bringing their activities to an end with effect from August 28, 2026.

The directive was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Clerk of the House, Sidi Ibrahim, and addressed to the chairmen and members of the affected committees.

According to the Clerk, the Speaker took the decision following the expiration of the deadlines earlier given to the committees to complete their assignments and submit their respective reports to the House.

“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 directive stated.

Ibrahim explained that the affected committees had previously been instructed to conclude their assignments within the stipulated timeframe.

He said only two of the ad hoc committees requested additional time to complete their responsibilities, adding that the requests were granted through a two-week extension.

However, the extension has now expired, according to the Clerk, leaving no justification for the committees to continue operating.

“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,” Ibrahim said.

“They are not intended to subsist indefinitely beyond the purpose and period for which they were constituted.”

The Clerk further reminded lawmakers that the decision was in line with the Standing Orders of the House, particularly Order 18, Rule 11, Paragraph 5, which provides for limitations on the time allowed for committees to submit their reports.

The dissolution means that the affected committees are no longer authorised to continue investigations, hearings, consultations or other assignments for which they were established.

Ad hoc committees are commonly constituted by the House to handle specific matters requiring focused attention, including investigations, policy reviews, oversight assignments and other issues referred to them by the chamber.

Unlike standing committees, they are established for particular purposes and are expected to cease functioning once their mandates are completed or the period approved for their work expires.

The Speaker's directive therefore formally brings the activities of all such committees to a close, following the failure to conclude their assignments within the approved timelines.

Members of the dissolved committees are expected to await further directives from the House on any outstanding matters arising from their previous assignments.