The National Assembly yesterday said those who describe it as a “rubber stamp “ were making a mistake.
The Assembly argued that such critics needed to understand that its collaboration with the Executive was a strategic way of ensuring seamless delivery of safeguarding democracy and promoting development.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele clarified this in a statement on the mid-term of the 10th National Assembly. House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas spoke on the House’s posture at a lecture on ‘Legislating Under Pressure: The Realities of Law-making in Nigeria’ at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
They both highlighted the achievements and goals of the 10th National Assembly, saying the parliament has done well.
The Senate Leader said the current National Assembly has recorded some accomplishments and begun to chart the road ahead for Nigeria’s democratic future.
In a comprehensive midterm statement released to reporters yesterday in Abuja, Bamidele described the occasion as a moment of reflection, both on Nigeria’s journey away from military rule and the work still needed to entrench representative governance.
“Reaching this midterm milestone is not just symbolic. It is a call to reflection—on our democratic gains, the sacrifices made, and the road still ahead,” the Senate Leader said.
Bamidele, who is representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, acknowledged the significant challenges faced by the 10th Assembly.
He emphasised that they stemmed not from internal failings but from the complexities of national recovery in a difficult era.
But the Senate Leader said the Assembly had embraced its legislative role with a sense of responsibility, working under intense public scrutiny and criticism.
Responding to frequent criticisms branding the legislature as a “rubber stamp,” he defended the Assembly’s strategic choice of collaboration with the executive arm of government.
Bamidele argued that the adversarial posture of previous Assemblies often hampered governance, while the 10th Assembly has pursued constructive engagement without compromising its constitutional independence.
This approach, he said, has yielded tangible results: between June 2023 and June 2025, the legislature enacted or amended 108 laws aimed at improving lives and securing Nigeria’s future.
Commenting on the 10th National Assembly’s Landmark Legislation and Economic Reforms, Bamidele identified two standout legislative achievements were the Student Loan (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2024, and the Tax Reform Bills, 2025.
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The student loan law, facilitated through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), according to him, has already received over one million applications, with more than 500,000 students granted institutional and upkeep loans.
Bamidele said this reflected “real progress in human capital development”.
The Senate Leader said the tax reforms — currently awaiting presidential assent — are projected to boost investor confidence and economic growth.
If implemented effectively, he stressed, the reforms could raise Nigeria’s GDP from $363.8 billion to $1 trillion by 2030.
Bamidele noted a significant increase in legislative activity within the Senate.
According to him, a total of 983 Bills were introduced in two years — 477 in the first session and 506 in the second, representing a 6 per cent rise.
He said: “More importantly, Bill passage jumped by 232 per cent, from 25 Bills in 2023/2024 to 83 in 2024/2025. The number of Executive Bills passed also doubled, from 13 to 26.
“Performance in the legislature goes beyond numbers. The National Assembly’s expanded oversight responsibilities and its responsiveness to citizen concerns.
“Petitions handled rose from 50 to 80 within a year, while 215 executive appointments were confirmed during the first session.”
Looking ahead, Bamidele said the 10th National Assembly would focus on stabilising the fiscal and monetary environment, securing lives and infrastructure, and reducing inflation.
He emphasised the need for constitutional reform to correct long-standing structural imbalances in the federation.
Zonal public hearings organised by the Constitution Review Committee will soon commence, promising to be inclusive and participatory.
He said an electoral reform was also high on the National Assembly’s agenda.
“We must work together to build a political structure that reflects our aspirations and protects our democracy,” Bamidele added.