By: Binta Jaiteh
The National Assembly on Friday officially concluded its inaugural ordinary session for the 2025 legislative year in full compliance with sections 98 (1) (b) of the 1997 Constitution and the detailed guidelines set forth in Orders 13 (5) and 54 (1) of its standing orders.
The motion to adjourn the House sine die was proposed by Billay Tunkara, the member for Kantora cum the House majority leader.
Throughout the session, the Assembly meticulously examined and adopted the Records of Votes and Proceedings from each day’s sittings, fulfilling the requirements of Order 35 (2) of the Standing Orders. The session was marked by dynamic discussions, as Members of Parliament (MPs) engaged in oral question-and-answer sessions with the Honorable Ministers, who addressed inquiries related to their portfolios, departments, and agencies, in accordance with Standing Order 41.
A significant highlight of the session came with the successful tabling, consideration, and ratification of the Mutual Visa Exemption Agreement for Diplomatic and Service Passport Holders between The Gambia and the United Arab Emirates. Introduced by the Honorable Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad, this important agreement was ratified enthusiastically, symbolizing a strengthening of international relations.
The majority leader took pride in the legislative progress made during the session, emphasizing the passage of several critical bills. These included the Elections Bill, 2021; the Criminal Procedure Bill, 2020; and the Criminal Offences Bill, 2020, all of which were championed by the Honorable Attorney General and Minister for Justice. The session also saw the introduction of the Interpretation (Amendment) Bill, 2024 by the Subsidiary Legislation Committee. Other notable bills passed included The Gambia Legal Metrology Bill, 2025, presented by the Honorable Minister for Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment, and The National Security Council Bill, 2023, led by His Excellency the Vice President.
In addition, the session witnessed the introduction of The Students Revolving Loan Scheme Bill, 2025; The National Research and Innovation Fund Bill, 2024; and The Gambia Tertiary and Higher Education Trust Fund Bill, 2024, all advocated by the Honorable Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology.
Tunkara described the passage of the Criminal Offences Bill, 2020, and the Criminal Procedure Bill, 2020, as particularly historic.
“These groundbreaking laws, once assented to by the President and gazette, will replace the outdated Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure, which have been in place for nearly 92 years since their enactment in 1933. This is a transformative achievement for our criminal justice system,” he declared.
In a reflective tone, the Majority Leader called for renewed commitment and responsibility from all members. “Despite the challenges we face, we cannot neglect our fundamental duties, especially in attending sittings. It is vital for the dignity of this Assembly that we maintain a quorum during proceedings. Let us continue to reflect on our responsibilities and carry them out with diligence and sincerity,” he concluded.