As Nigeria marks 26 years of unbroken democracy, the Speaker of the House of Representatives Mr. Tajudeen Abbas says Nigeria has recorded unprecedented successes.
He made the disclosure at the Joint sitting of the National Assembly to mark twenty six years of Nigerian democracy.
He said that over the past 26 years, the National Assembly has served as the guardian of democratic institutions.
He said that within two years, the House has reviewed 2,263 bills. Of these, 65.3% have passed Second Reading, while 186 have been successfully passed.
” A total of 51 bills have received presidential assent, marking an unprecedented milestone for any President in his first two years. Congratulations on that feat, Mr. President.
” Our legislative efforts have yielded measurable progress on multiple fronts. In security, we allocated ₦6.11 trillion (11.1%) of the 2025 budget to the security sector. The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria Act, 2023, signed by the President, has set Nigeria on the path to self-reliance in arms production and logistics.
” Similarly, the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act 2024 has tightened regulatory loopholes in arms control. It is expected to significantly reduce the illicit circulation of small arms and light weapons.
” On the economic front, we supported the removal of subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange windows. We courageously passed legislation targeted at tax reforms.
” Cumulatively, these actions, along with the bold decisions of the President, are boosting investor confidence, increasing federal revenue, and augmenting state allocations. In April 2025, Nigeria met its OPEC production quota of 1.486 million barrels per day. This is the first time Nigeria has met its target since 2021.
” Through legislative measures, we have supported and accelerated the President’s infrastructure revolution. Funding for infrastructure rose to 8.16% in 2025, sustaining 440 ongoing road projects, including the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano corridor and the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway.
“In the social sector, allocation to education increased from 5.7% in 2021 to at least 8.2% in 2023/2024. The Student Loan Act has empowered over 500,000 students,” Mr. Abbas said.
He said that with Mr. President, with legislative support, has established ten new universities, polytechnics, and specialised institutions.
” This is the highest of any President in his first term. We are committed to providing funding to these institutions to ensure a smooth take-off. Health allocations increased to 5.46% in 2024, resulting in the revitalisation of 4,000 primary healthcare centres and clinics nationwide. We also supported the implementation of a ₦70,000 minimum wage to reinforce social protection,” he said.
Mr. Abbas also noted that the House of Representatives has actively conducted oversight of executive agencies to ensure that laws are implemented and that development funds are allocated properly.
” The House Public Accounts Committee has reported recoveries exceeding ₦61.5 billion in outstanding debts owed to the Federal Government by oil and gas companies.
“We have also deepened transparency through our biannual Youth and Women’s Town Halls, an annual live televised citizens’ interactive session, and the annual House Open Week. We are excited to announce that the next Open Week is scheduled for July.
“Our parliamentary diplomacy has flourished with the establishment of 82 friendship groups, fostering legislative ties with global partners. Collaborations with CSOs, including UNDP, PLAC, UN Women, KAS, and YIAGA Africa, have enhanced our expertise and promoted inclusion. Notably, the 10th House has partnered with the UNDP, resulting in a Memorandum of Understanding to mobilise ₦50 billion over four years for the Parliamentary Development Project, thereby strengthening the capacity of Members,” he said.
He explained that the 10th House has proven to be a ‘House with a Human Face.
” In March 2025, Members donated ₦705 million, equivalent to half their salaries over six months, to support the President’s relief programme for vulnerable Nigerians. The House also contributed ₦650 million to provide housing for the families of deceased Members and former leaders. Furthermore, individual Members donated over ₦500 million to support communities in Kaduna, Enugu, Anambra, Oyo, Niger, Borno, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory, assisting displaced persons affected by banditry and communal violence.
“Furthermore, as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, the 10th House extendeddedicated support to our traditional institutions, recognising their vital role in community leadership and cohesion. We provided 40 new vehicles to traditional rulers across six geopolitical zones to enhance community engagement”. Mr Abbas said.
He expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for conferring the national honour of GCON upon the Office of the Speaker following pleas by Members and for expanding the National Security Council to include the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House.
” While we celebrate our successes, we remain acutely aware that it is not yet Uhuru.
“As we enter the second half of our term, our determination is unequivocal: to expedite and finalise the constitutional amendment process by December 2025. Some of our priorities include special reserved seats for women, formal constitutional roles for traditional rulers, and legal backing for a 35% affirmative-action gender policy.
“We appeal to the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and the Progressive Governors’ Forum to advocate for these essential reforms at the state level,” he said.
He added that while progress is evident, it is time to ‘wave your magic wand’ once more: to break the cycle of underperformance by shifting from an over-reliance on thermal and hydroelectricity to a diversified energy mix.
Confidence Okwuchi