On Wednesday, May 29, 2024, the Nigerian Senate and House of Representatives will hold a joint sitting to commemorate 25 years of uninterrupted democracy and legislative activity in the country.

This landmark event is the first of its kind since the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1999, with the two chambers typically only convening jointly for the President’s budget presentation.

According to a statement issued by the National Assembly management, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will deliver an address during the joint sitting. The President is also slated to inaugurate the new National Assembly Library as part of the celebrations.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, along with other notable dignitaries, will be in attendance. These include the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq; the Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume; and the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

Additional attendees will include the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike; the Clerk to the National Assembly, Alhaji Magaji Tambuwal; and the Senior Special Assistants to the President for both the Senate and the House, among others.

The joint sitting will feature commemorative lectures themed “25 Years of the National Assembly: Lessons & Opportunities.” Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, former Speaker of the 9th House (2019-2023), will present a paper titled “Reflections on the House,” while Senator David Mark, President of the 6th and 7th Senate (2007-2015), will speak on “Reflections on the Senate.”

Additionally, former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar will deliver a paper on “Reflections on the Journey to Democracy.”