Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Abbas Tajudeen, says the 10th National Assembly has been the most productive since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
Mr. Abbas made the remark on Tuesday in Abuja while delivering his resumption address as the National Assembly reconvened after a two-month recess.
He said that “despite political and economic challenges, a midterm review showed that the 10th House of Representatives recorded remarkable legislative outputs and outcomes.”
The Speaker said; “Between June 2023 and mid-2025, the House considered 2,263 bills, passed 237, and secured Presidential assent for 50 covering power reform, student loans, cybersecurity, tax policy, and regional development.
“Our oversight has become more rigorous with ongoing investigations and financial recoveries. Constructive collaboration with the Executive has also enabled timely budgets, aligned reforms, and effective policy outcomes while preserving the legislature’s independence.”
The Speaker said the 10th Assembly had reached a pivotal midpoint in its tenure and must intensify efforts to deliver meaningful impact.
According to him, “Nigerians expect deliberate legislative actions that improve their daily lives in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda aimed at stabilising the economy, enhancing security, and attracting investment.”
Mr. Abbas said lawmakers used the recess to engage with their constituents, listen to their concerns, and gather insights for informed legislative decisions.
He noted that recent national indicators showed cautious optimism, citing a fifth consecutive month of decline in headline inflation, a gradual easing of food inflation, the restoration of UAE visa services and Emirates flights, and continued gains in the fight against insurgency and abductions.
However, he acknowledged that Nigerians still face high living costs, underemployment, and insecurity in some areas — challenges he described as opportunities for targeted legislative action.
On upcoming legislative priorities, Speaker Abbas listed constitutional amendments and the Reserved Seats Bill for women as top agenda items.
He said; “Eighty-seven proposals on devolution of powers, local government autonomy, judicial reform, and socio-economic rights await debate and voting.
“We must complete these votes and transmit approved amendments to State Assemblies before the end of December.”
On gender inclusion, Mr. Abbas urged members to support the Reserved Seats Bill, which seeks to increase women’s representation in parliament.
“Currently, women hold fewer than 5% of seats in the National Assembly. The bill proposes additional seats contested exclusively by women without affecting the current 109 Senate or 360 House seats. This historic step will help Nigeria improve its poor global ranking in female representation,” he said.
The Speaker also reaffirmed the House’s commitment to security reforms, particularly the debate on multi-level policing and the creation of state police through constitutional amendment.
He commended members for their unity and cooperation, describing it ‘as vital to advancing the House’s shared mandate.’