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Tag: Abbas Tajudeen

  • Parliamentary diplomacy: Speaker Abbas as Nigeria’s salesman

    Parliamentary diplomacy: Speaker Abbas as Nigeria’s salesman

    • By Leke Baiyewu

    As the year 2025 winds down, it is another season of reflections and retrospection. Looking back, it is safe to say the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, had a great legislative year. He spent a significant part of the outgoing year to combine his legislative leadership with the job of a Nigeria’s salesman. He used every international opportunity to sell Nigeria—the world’s most populous Black nation. This, he did, to complement the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who is Nigeria’s marketer-in-chief and whose administration is aggressive on Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs).

    What Speaker Abbas is doing is called parliamentary diplomacy: parliament-to-parliament negotiations and interventions on key issues affecting two or more countries, or agreements that are mutually beneficial to the countries involved. As President Tinubu and the Executive arm of the Nigerian Government engage other presidents and countries, the Nigerian Parliament—the House of Reps—backs it up with lobbying at the legislative level.

    Speaker Abbas attended some key international conferences, using the fora to tell the world what Nigeria is doing right, with resolutions that have significant benefits for the country. He used the opportunities to market Nigeria to the world. That is taking legislative diplomacy to a higher level.

    The latest of such international engagements was the 3rd General Assembly of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL), Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco, between December 12 and 14, 2025. It was themed ‘Legislative Leadership and Parliamentary Diplomacy in a Changing Global Order.’

    Addressing the audience of parliamentarians drawn from across Africa on recent global geopolitics and economic dynamics, Speaker Abbas said, “Nigeria’s approach reflects this conviction. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our government has pursued reforms intended to stabilise the economy, attract investments, and strengthen national security. These reforms require legislative backing and sustained cooperation with partners.”

    Speaking of Africa in the global midst, he added, “Nigeria continues to work with ECOWAS, the African Union, and neighbouring countries to tackle security threats. We also support the strengthening of continental institutions so that Africa can negotiate from a position of clarity and unity.”

    Within the House of Representatives, the Speaker noted that the Nigerian Parliament has taken deliberate steps to deepen legislative leadership and expand parliamentary diplomacy. He said Nigeria has also expanded its network of parliamentary friendship groups to promote engagement with strategic partners. These groups, he noted, have enabled sustained dialogue with parliaments in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

    Earlier in November 2025, Speaker Abbas was in China to participate in the China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2025, on the invitation of the Chinese Government. As part of his interventions during a meeting with the Premier of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Li Qiang, the Speaker called on the Chinese Government “to support Nigeria’s bid under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council in the spirit of solidarity and shared prosperity.”

    He said, “Considering Nigeria’s relevance in African and global affairs, this bid, if successful, will not only benefit Nigeria and China but also the entire world.” He also noted, “At home, the Nigerian legislature is pursuing reforms that align with this vision. We are strengthening public finance laws, revising trade and tax codes, and promoting innovation-friendly regulation. These efforts make Nigeria a more predictable partner and a safer destination for investment.”

    While highlighting the critical role parliamentary diplomacy plays in fostering enduring relations, Speaker Abbas proposed the establishment of a Nigeria-China Legislative Cooperation Framework to “institutionalise regular dialogue between the National People’s Congress and the National Assembly of Nigeria on issues of governance, transparency, and innovation.”

    The Speaker also highlighted three frontiers where partnership between Nigeria and China could be instituted in an attempt to define the future. First is in the area of technological sovereignty. Second is green industrialisation. Third is human capital exchange.

    At the opening ceremony of the Expo held at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre, Shanghai, China, the Speaker told the gathering that the Nigerian Government under President Tinubu is implementing bold reforms that are stabilising the economy, enhancing investor confidence, and improving the ease of doing business. He also stated that the Nigerian National Assembly is working assiduously to back the reforms through strong legislation.

    In October, Speaker Abbas signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the People’s National Assembly of Algeria, which seeks to establish strong parliamentary exchanges, strengthen democracy, rule of law, and other legislative interventions mutually beneficial to Nigeria and Algeria. He signed the MoU with the President of the Algerian Parliament, Boughali Ibrahim, upon his arrival in Algiers for a working visit on October 20. It was signed “based on the historical bonds of friendship between the Algerian and Nigerian peoples, as well as their shared values and principles.”

    On Day 2 of his official visit to Algeria, Speaker Abbas met with the Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad, and African Affairs, His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Attaf, during which he called for a review of the visa policy between Nigeria and Algeria towards a better bilateral relationship between the two African countries. He specifically recommended that both Nigerian and Algerian Parliaments work towards a bilateral visa facilitation framework, including visa-free access for diplomatic and official passport holders and streamlined visa processes for ordinary citizens, business leaders, students, researchers, and cultural exchanges.

    The Speaker also reaffirmed Nigeria’s legislative support and commitment to the successful completion of the massive Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline Project, while assuring the Algerian minister of Nigeria’s willingness to mobilise support for the project from other West African parliaments whose countries are involved in the project.

    Noting that both Nigeria and Algeria are members of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), the Speaker highlighted how parliamentary cooperation can support the removal of legislative barriers to trade, such as customs duties and visa challenges for businesspeople. He also stressed the need to combat regional security challenges in the Sahel caused by terrorism, climate change, and political instability, while emphasising the need for parliamentary strategy and legislative support towards military and regional cooperation.

    Before the Algerian trip, Speaker Abbas was at the First General Meeting of the Asian–African Parliamentary Council held between September 8 and 9, 2025, in Beirut, Republic of Lebanon. There, he called for trade and investment frameworks between Africa and Asia, especially for green energy and digital economies. He also stated that the proposed Asian-African Parliamentary Council, which he approved, will enable African and Asian parliaments to address shared challenges and amplify the voices of Asia and Africa in global affairs.

    Addressing African-Asian lawmakers at the Lebanese Parliament, the Speaker marketed Nigeria and the Tinubu-led administration. “We aim to foster parliamentary cooperation to address shared challenges and enhance our collective resilience. We are interested in discussions on justice and sustainable development, which align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The agenda supports initiatives such as environmental sustainability policies, climate resilience projects, and poverty alleviation efforts. We also highlight the importance of international blocs, building on our recent acceptance as a BRICS partner country in January 2025, to foster South-South cooperation and economic opportunities with Asian nations.”

    Speaker Abbas stressed that Nigeria has championed decolonisation and partnerships through forums such as the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), and the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD). He said, “Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria has further strengthened its efforts. In 2024, we entered into a strategic partnership with China focused on agriculture and infrastructure. Additionally, Nigeria signed MoUs with India in 2023 to enhance trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Nigeria aims to expand these initiatives through this Council and seeks to improve legislative oversight.”

    Another case in point was when Speaker Abbas contributed to the debate on ‘The Role of Parliaments in Shaping Our Digital Future’ at the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament organised by the International Parliamentary Union (IPU)/United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. He proposed a Global Parliamentary Forum on Artificial Intelligence.

    The Speaker said, “Nigeria is dedicated to promoting digital rights, safety, and inclusion through proactive legislation. We have implemented key laws, such as the Nigeria Data Protection Act and the amended Cybercrime Bill, which strengthen confidence in our digital infrastructure and update our legal framework to meet modern challenges. Our digital transformation is not solely about technology; it prioritises empowering people, expanding access, and protecting rights. Through efforts like the National Assembly Open Week, we have connected with citizens, especially youth, via digital platforms to encourage participation.”

    Having worked round the clock in 2025 to market Nigeria to the world through parliamentary diplomacy, Speaker Abbas is poised to do even more in this new year 2026.

    •Baiyewu is the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, House of Representatives.

  • Zamfara bomb explosion cowardly, Speaker Abbas laments

    Zamfara bomb explosion cowardly, Speaker Abbas laments

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has condemned in strong terms the bomb explosion on road users in Zamfara State, leading to the death of seven persons.

    Suspected terrorists reportedly planted an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) along the Magami–Dansadau highway in the Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State on Saturday, killing passengers travelling in a bus.

    While describing the incident as cowardly, the speaker said it is unfortunate that it was carried out shortly after the Nigerian and American Governments launched a joint operation against terrorism in the country, with strikes on terrorists’ hideouts in parts of the north-west.

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    The Speaker vowed that terrorism, banditry, and other crimes against the state will be resisted, adding that new strategic security measures were introduced by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to check criminal activities.

    Speaker Abbas also stated that Nigerians, more than ever before, have remained undaunted and more supportive of the government in tackling threats to life and property.

    The Speaker restated the commitment of the House, and the National Assembly by extension, to providing legislative and budgetary backing towards achieving a safe and secure Nigeria.

    Speaker Abbas prayed to Allah (SWT) for the repose of the souls of the victims.

    He equally extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the people, and the government of Zamfara State over the unfortunate incident. 

  • Abbas: APC cannot afford fragmentation ahead 2027, says party must remain united

    Abbas: APC cannot afford fragmentation ahead 2027, says party must remain united

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen reflected on the rapid growth of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and concluded that the leadership of the party must do everything possible to avoid fragmentation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The Speaker who spoke at the National Executive Committee Meeting of the APC said the party strives to maintain a fair balance between the old and new members which he said is now a strategic imperative.

    According to him, if the current growth of the party is not handled with sensitivity, fairness, and institutional discipline, it can lead to fragmentation, adding that “fragmentation is a luxury the party cannot afford as we look towards 2027.”

    The Speaker asked the party to create models and strategies on how to manage its new and old members and codify the achievements of the ruling party, while proposing three things the APC must do to remain a united ruling party.

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    He said, “allow me to turn directly to the question of party unity. At our caucus meeting yesterday, I made a point that bears repeating at this NEC. Today, the All Progressives Congress is not the same party it was in 2015 or even in 2019. We are a governing coalition that continues to grow. We have founding members who built the party through sacrifice. We also have new members who have joined us because they see the APC as the vehicle of national stability and progress.

    “Managing this balance between old and new members is now a strategic imperative. If not handled with sensitivity, fairness, and institutional discipline, it can lead to fragmentation. Fragmentation is a luxury the party cannot afford as we look towards 2027.

    “Cohesion does not mean uniformity. It means inclusion, respect for contribution, and clear rules that bind everyone equally. NEC has a critical role in ensuring that integration is deliberate, grievances are addressed early, and party structures remain authoritative.”

    Speaker Abbas said further that from comparative experience in advanced democracies that parties lose power not primarily because of opposition strength, but because of internal disorganisation and unresolved factionalism. “Unity, therefore, is not a slogan. It is a system. This is why I respectfully propose three practical steps for our party.”

    The first approach, he said, is to institutionalise a simple APC Governance Delivery Dashboard: a quarterly snapshot that tracks cost of living indicators, security outcomes, job creation initiatives, and key social interventions. Not for propaganda, but tor internal discipline. Parties that govern well measure themselves honestly before the public does it for them,” he stated.

    According to him, the second approach is to formalise a Legislative Executive Programme Grid: a clear mapping between our manifesto commitments, the bills before the National Assembly, and the budget lines that fund them, saying “this ensures coherence. It prevents policy drift. It allows our candidates and officials to speak with one voice across all levels of government”.

    The third approach he said is to strengthen internal democracy without weakening governing capacity, insisting that “disagreements are inevitable in a large coalition like ours. What matters is process. Clear rules. Timely dispute resolution. Respect for party organs. In mature democracies, parties lose not because they disagree, but because they allow disagreements to become public disorder”.

    The Speaker stressed that candidates’ quality also deserves urgent attention, saying “weak candidates do not merely lose elections. They undermine governance and erode party credibility. Training, ethical standards, and basic policy literacy should be seen as national assets, not optional extras.

    “As we prepare for the next phase of governance and electoral competition, let us remember that Nigerians are watching less what we say and more what we deliver. The All Progressives Congress must remain a party that wins power and earns trust. A party that governs with discipline. A party that sees institutions not as obstacles, but as instruments of national renewal.”

    He said the House of Representatives appreciates the efforts of the President at rebuilding the country, saying in a period of profound economic adjustment and inherited structural constraints, the President has “demonstrated resolve, clarity of purpose, and confidence in democratic institutions.”

    He added that the reforms “have been difficult but necessary, with the legislature working to stabilise them through law, oversight, and representation.”

    The Speaker noted, “In mature democracies, reform relies on legislative partnership, which this administration has deliberately fostered.”

  • Africa must speak with coherence, act with unity in global politics, others —Speaker Abbas

    Africa must speak with coherence, act with unity in global politics, others —Speaker Abbas

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen has stressed the need for African countries to speak with one voice and respond in unity to the changing dynamics of global politics.

    Speaker Abbas, who spoke at the 3rd General Assembly of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL) in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco, said African parliament has a critical role to play in advancing the continent’s interests and priorities in the changing world order.

    Speaker Abbas said that the global order was “at an inflexion point,” adding that power is diffusing across old and emerging centres, while economic competition has intensified.

    He said new technologies are reshaping production, security, and social life, just as conflicts within and between states continue to displace communities and disrupt fragile regions.

    He stressed that supply chains are shifting, climate pressures are increasing, non-state actors have become more agile, and institutions once considered stable are now under strain.

    He said, “Africa stands within this shifting architecture, facing both risks and possibilities. Our continent is young, resource-rich, and strategically positioned. Yet we also face threats that exploit institutional fragility, weak regional coordination, and uneven global influence.

    “For Africa to secure its interests, our parliaments must understand the changing order and respond with foresight. Legislative leadership must become a tool for resilience. Parliamentary diplomacy must evolve into a strategic instrument for advancing African priorities.”

    He added, “This changing global landscape affects Africa in many ways. It shapes food systems, energy markets, and access to technology. It influences security cooperation, migration flows, and the ability of states to tackle terrorism and organised crime. It determines the extent to which African voices are heard in global debates on trade, health, and climate.

    “More than ever, Africa must speak with coherence and act with unity. Our parliaments cannot be observers. We must be active participants in shaping outcomes.”

    According to him, legislative leadership in this context demands “strong institutions that hold the executive accountable, protect public finances, and drive inclusive growth.” 

    He also said it requires laws that give confidence to investors and create opportunities for youth, stressing that it calls for parliaments that reflect the aspirations of citizens and defend constitutional values.

    “The Nigerian Parliament has placed these obligations at the centre of its work and continues to strengthen the tools that enable oversight and reform.

    “Parliamentary diplomacy has also become essential. It allows legislatures to engage peers, build alliances, and project national positions with credibility. It supports conflict prevention and regional stability. It enhances mutual understanding. It deepens economic and security partnerships.

    “For Africa, parliamentary diplomacy is not optional. It is a strategic necessity. Nigeria’s approach reflects this conviction. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our government has pursued reforms intended to stabilise the economy, attract investments, and strengthen national security. These reforms require legislative backing and sustained cooperation with partners.

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    “Nigeria continues to work with ECOWAS, the African Union, and neighbouring countries to tackle security threats. We also support the strengthening of continental institutions so that Africa can negotiate from a position of clarity and unity.”

    Within the House of Representatives, Speaker Abbas noted that the Nigerian parliament has taken deliberate steps to deepen legislative leadership and expand parliamentary diplomacy.

    He also stated that Nigeria strongly supports CoSPAL and has worked with the secretariat to ensure its effective take-off, including the provision of office space and initial staffing.

    While expressing appreciation to his predecessor, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila for spearheading CoSPAL as its pioneer chairman, Speaker Abbas stressed that Nigeria considers the body as an essential platform for African parliamentary cooperation and a vehicle for strengthening collective voice.

    The Speaker added, “Nigeria has also expanded its network of parliamentary friendship groups to promote engagement with strategic partners. These groups have enabled sustained dialogue with parliaments in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.”

  • Abbas: we are making steady progress

    Abbas: we are making steady progress

    House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen yesterday said  the country was making steady progress in the fight against insecurity as a result of the bold steps taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the resilience of the  Armed Forces.

    He spoke at at the Renewed Hope Empowerment Programme and distribution of empowerment materials to his constituents in Zaria, Kaduna State,

     Abbas said empowerment is a pillar of national security, adding that:  when communities are strong, criminals lose ground.

    Items distributed to farmers, entrepreneurs, artisans, and communities include 50 tractors, 92 combine threshers, 4,000 solar-powered water pumping machines, 1,920 grinding machines, 450 petrol-water pumping machines, 1,500 fertiliser applicators, 1,500 knapsack sprayers, 1,700 deep freezers, and 1,400 industrial sewing machines.

    He said: “When farmers have the tools they need, production rises. When young people have livelihoods, they turn away from violence. When women gain financial strength, families become stable. Today’s distribution is part of our answer to a national challenge. It is our local contribution to the wider effort to secure this country,” he said.

    The two-day empowerment series began on Saturday with the groundbreaking of major legacy projects that will transform learning.

    The Speaker who also donated about 25 SUVs to traditional leaders said the government will continue “placing tools directly in our people’s hands,” adding that “empowerment is most meaningful when it reaches families.”

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    He stressed that empowerment is most meaningful when it strengthens livelihoods and builds resilience from the ground up.

    He said: “This two-day programme is part of our commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It is a continuation of the vision to build prosperity from the bottom upward. It aligned with our work in the House of Representatives. It reflects our belief that every community deserves visible development, practical development and evelopment that improves daily life.

    “Our nation still faces serious security challenges. Many communities across the north continue to confront threats. Farmers have been attacked; traders have suffered losses; families have endured hardship. Yet progress is being made. This progress stems from the bold actions of President Tinubu, the courage of our security forces and the resilience of our people.”

  • Nigeria making steady progress in fight against insecurity, says Speaker Abbas

    Nigeria making steady progress in fight against insecurity, says Speaker Abbas

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, said on Sunday that the country was making steady progress in the fight against insecurity as a result of the bold steps taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the resilience of the Nation’s Armed Forces.

    Speaking at the Renewed Hope Empowerment Programme and distribution of empowerment materials to his constituents in Zaria, Kaduna State, Speaker Abbas said empowerment is a pillar of national security. The Speaker explained that when communities are strong, criminals lose ground.

    Items distributed to farmers, entrepreneurs, artisans, and communities include 50 tractors, 92 combine threshers, 4,000 solar-powered water pumping machines, 1,920 grinding machines, 450 petrol-water pumping machines, 1,500 fertiliser applicators, 1,500 knapsack sprayers, 1,700 deep freezers, and 1,400 industrial sewing machines.

    He said, “When farmers have the tools they need, production rises. When young people have livelihoods, they turn away from violence. When women gain financial strength, families become stable. Today’s distribution is part of our answer to a national challenge. It is our local contribution to the wider effort to secure this country,” he said.

    The two-day empowerment series began on Saturday with the groundbreaking of major legacy projects that will transform learning.

    The Speaker who also donated about 25 SUVs to traditional leaders said the government will continue “placing tools directly in our people’s hands,” adding that “empowerment is most meaningful when it reaches families.”

    He stressed that empowerment is most meaningful when it strengthens livelihoods and builds resilience from the ground up.

    He said, “This two-day programme is part of our commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It is a continuation of the vision to build prosperity from the bottom upward. It aligned with our work in the House of Representatives. It reflects our belief that every community deserves visible development, practical development and development that improves daily life.

    “Our nation still faces serious security challenges. Many communities across the north continue to confront threats. Farmers have been attacked; traders have suffered losses; families have endured hardship. Yet progress is being made. This progress stems from the bold actions of President Tinubu, the courage of our security forces and the resilience of our people.”

    Speaker Abbas explained that the traditional leaders were recognised for being the custodians of culture and first responders in times of conflict, saying “they mediate disputes; they calm tensions; they safeguard the unity of our communities. These vehicles will enhance their mobility and will strengthen their roles. They will help them reach communities more quickly. They will support their vital work in peacebuilding and conflict prevention”.

    The Speaker stated that the items represent a philosophy of development that places people at the centre and also reflect the belief that economic growth must start at the household level, stressing that they show commitment to grassroots prosperity.

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    He said, “When we empower the family, we empower the community. When the community grows, the nation becomes stronger.”

    He said while there was investment in education and skills on Saturday, he invested in livelihoods and empowerment on Sunday.

    The Speaker said, “It is a complete strategy. It is a plan that addresses the needs of youth. It supports women. It strengthens farmers. It uplifts traditional leaders. It expands opportunities for traders. It touches every sector of our community.

    “The Renewed Hope Agenda is about opening doors. It is about rebuilding trust. It is about restoring confidence. It is about showing that the government can deliver. It is about ensuring that every Nigerian feels seen and supported. What we are doing today is an expression of that national vision in our local community.

    “We must remain united. We must remain calm. We must remain confident. We must stay resilient. Challenges will come, but we will overcome them together. The people of Zaria have always been strong. You have always been peaceful. You have always been patient. You have always been hardworking. These qualities will always carry us forward.

    “We will continue to attract federal projects to Zaria. We will continue to attract investments. We will continue to support our farmers and our industries. We will continue to improve roads and schools. We will continue to empower our people. We will continue to defend the interests of this constituency in the National Assembly. We will continue to work with the President for the progress of our country.”

  • 2027: Reps Speaker Abbas inaugurates Tinubu support group in Zaria

    2027: Reps Speaker Abbas inaugurates Tinubu support group in Zaria

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Abbas Tajudeen, at the weekend inaugurated the old CPC members Tinubu Support Group for Northern Kaduna Senatorial District, as part of efforts to galvanize grassroots mobilization ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

    Addressing members shortly before inaugurating the officials in Zaria, the Speaker urged them to work tirelessly and remain steadfast in delivering on the mandate entrusted to them.

    Dr. Tajudeen noted that the defunct CPC tradition remained strong within the governing party, producing influential figures across the country.

    According to him, the old CPC bloc boasts governors, about 30 members of the House of Representatives and seven ministers in the current administration.

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    “We thank Allah and we thank the old CPC,” he said, assuring the group of his continuous support. “We will do everything possible to assist you to perform to expectation.”

    Those inaugurated include Alhaji Abubakar Hayatu (Sarkin Sudan) as Chairman; Umar Tsaibu, Secretary; Surajo Musa, Vice Chairman; Abubakar Maiwada, Treasurer; Idris Abubakar, PRO; Ibrahim Musa, Youth Leader; Hajiya Aisha Abdullahi, Women Leader; and Abdullahi Soja, Assistant PRO.

    Others are Aliyu Haruna, Welfare Officer; Musa A. Musa, Organising Secretary; while Aliyu Santana, Aminu Ahmad Rahama and Adamu Turaki were inaugurated as elders of the group.

    The Speaker added that similar groups for Central and Southern Kaduna Senatorial Districts would be inaugurated soon.

  • Tinubu’s reforms working for Nigeria’s development – Speaker Abbas

    Tinubu’s reforms working for Nigeria’s development – Speaker Abbas

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has said that the reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since assumption of office, have been working for Nigeria’s development.

    He, however, said that though the reforms “have been tough, but necessary. They require patience and “demand sacrifice.”

    Speaker Abbas said the reforms have brought about “gradual stabilisation of exchange rates, improved fiscal discipline, growth in agriculture, better revenues for states, and a return of investor confidence. These improvements show that the path we are on is the right one.”

    The Speaker was speaking at the presentation of utility vehicles to some traditional rulers in the Southern part of Nigeria in Lagos on Sunday, which he facilitated through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). 

    It was the second time the Speaker extended such gesture to the traditional institutions in the South, having done the first one in May this year, where six royal fathers benefited.

    Previous beneficiaries nationwide included first-class and second-class traditional rulers across Ekiti, Ogun, Osun, Edo, Delta, Ebonyi, Imo, Sokoto, Kaduna, Niger, Taraba, Nasarawa and the FCT, among others.

    The beneficiaries of Sunday’s gesture are the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, the Onikate of Ikate; the Paramount Ruler of Okobo Land in Akwa Ibom; Igwe Fidelis Ogbu of Enugu; Igwe Dr. Robert C. of Anambra, Oba Arole-Agbala of Ondo, among others.

    The Speaker said the “interventions were not acts of convenience, but “a recognition of the indispensable contributions of our traditional leaders to peacebuilding, conflict mediation, religious harmony, cultural preservation and community development.

     “We remain firmly convinced that the cultural and traditional pillars of Nigeria must be supported, respected, and empowered because a stable nation begins with strong, trusted institutions at the grassroots.

    “These vehicles are not gifts of comfort. They are tools for duty. They enhance the mobility and effectiveness of leaders who remain the first and most trusted point of contact for millions of our citizens.

    “Traditional rulers are essential for conflict resolution, local intelligence, community mobilisation, and cultural stability. When they lack mobility, their ability to respond to emergencies, support development initiatives, and liaise with the government is limited. Enhancing their capacity is, therefore, a strategic investment in peace, order, and grassroots governance.”

    The Speaker maintained, “Stable and credible traditional institutions are not a luxury. They are essential pillars of national cohesion. Supporting them does not compete with investments in schools, hospitals, or infrastructure. On the contrary, our action reinforces those investments by ensuring that communities are stable, organised, and receptive to development.

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    “More importantly, our intervention aligns fully with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which places strong institutions and community-rooted leadership at the heart of national renewal.”

    Speaker Abbas stated that it is in recognition of the critical role traditional rulers play that the National Assembly is pursuing a constitutional amendment to define and protect such role.

    He said the President Tinubu administration shares the conviction that the traditional institution is critical to the country’s development, which was why the President has consulted royal fathers across the country.

    “He has invited them into major conversations on security and development. He has acknowledged their stabilising influence in moments of tension. His Renewed Hope Agenda recognises that national progress must begin in communities and harness the credibility of natural leaders. It is within this same spirit of reform and partnership that the broader economic measures of his administration must be understood.”

    The Speaker underscored the need to protect the gains already achieved as Nigeria cannot afford to reverse its progress, noting, “The reforms underway must be completed, consolidated and carried forward beyond 2027. This requires unity of purpose and consistent leadership. 

    “I therefore call on our revered traditional rulers to lend their voices, their influence, and their moral authority to ensure continuity in the years ahead, so that the work we have started is not abandoned midway.”

    He assured that the House would remain steadfast partners and allies who would continue to champion constitutional safeguards that protect and elevate the traditional institution.

  • Speaker seeks stronger ties with Algerian parliament

    Speaker seeks stronger ties with Algerian parliament

    Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the People’s National Assembly of the Algeria to establish strong parliamentary exchanges, strengthen democracy, rule of law and other legislative interventions mutually beneficial to Nigeria and Algeria.

    Abbas signed the MoU with the Speaker of the People’s National Assembly of Algeria as part of his working visit to Algeria and is “based on the historical bonds of friendship between the Algerian and Nigerian peoples as well as their shared values and principles”.

    The two parliaments reached the agreement, “recognising the importance the parties attach to strengthening the friendly and close relations between the two parliamentary bodies”.

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    Both parties also reaffirmed the commitment to “promoting democracy and the rule of law, guided by the principles and rules of international law, and the Charter and principles of the African Union, with a view to promoting exchanges in the legal field and other parliamentary activities”.

    The bilateral agreements in the MoU partly read: “The parties shall contribute to strengthening parliamentary cooperation between the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria and the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a view to developing relations between the two countries in the future.

    “The parties shall work actively to strengthen parliamentary cooperation through exchanges of official visits and coordination between parliamentary committees of both countries; ensuring parliamentary support for development programs between the parties; establishing a joint framework for parliamentary support and capacity building; exchanging expertise and knowledge; and encouraging the implementation of various development programmes.”

  • Speaker Tajudeen seeks strong parliamentary ties, medical exchanges with Cuba

    Speaker Tajudeen seeks strong parliamentary ties, medical exchanges with Cuba

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has called for strong parliamentary diplomacy between Nigeria and Cuba that will fast-track a framework for medical exchanges, academic recognition, joint research, and targeted investments between the two countries.

    The Speaker spoke when a delegation from Cuba, led by Hon. Fernando González Llort, a hero of the Republic of Cuba, member of the National Assembly of the People’s Power of Cuba (ANPP), and President of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the People’s (ICAP), on a courtesy visit.

    He said such parliamentary diplomacy must yield tangible outputs that will lead to the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), ratified agreements, and funded programmes.

    Represented by his Deputy, Benjamin Kalu, the Speaker lauded diplomatic ties between both countries, calling for the deepening of bilateral relations.

    He said, “Nigeria’s foreign policy, guided by the principles of African solidarity and cooperation across the Global South, continues to prioritise partnerships that promote peace, development, and shared prosperity. The 10th Assembly is committed to advancing this through laws that enable economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and global dialogue.

    “We also recognise Cuba’s legacy of parliamentary solidarity, from decolonisation struggles to calls for global equity. It is both strategic and moral to formalise collaboration where our legislatures can deliver, through law-making, institutional strengthening, and parliamentary diplomacy that yields real benefits for our peoples.

    “Our tools are laws, oversight, and convening power. The Nigeria–Cuba Parliamentary Friendship Group provides a platform to fast-track frameworks for medical exchanges, academic recognition, joint research, and targeted investments.

    “Parliamentary diplomacy must yield real outputs: MOUs, ratified agreements, and funded programmes. Bilateral trade between our countries is minimal.

    “According to UN Comtrade reports, Nigeria’s imports from Cuba were just US$2,380 in 2024. Yet our cultural ties run deep in music, sports, and literature. Let us convert this affinity into opportunities for artisans, agri-entrepreneurs, and creative industries.

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    “Education, Skills, and Youth Exchange Nigeria’s demographic dividend depends on skills for the 21st century. Scholarships in Cuba, paired with Nigerian internships and reciprocal placements, can produce professionals fluent in international cooperation.

    “Cuba’s record is proven: over 1,200 doctors in 21 ‘Henry Reeve’ brigades and tens of thousands still deployed worldwide. Joint training, health expertise exchange, and co-developed treatments can strengthen Nigeria’s health systems.

    “Nigeria prioritises affordable medicines and vaccine capacity. Cuba’s biotech, including the Abdala COVID-19 vaccine (92% effective against severe disease in published studies), shows what is possible.

    “Partnerships in research, tech transfer, and pilot manufacturing can boost vaccine production, protect public health, and create jobs while advancing Africa’s self-sufficiency. Nigeria sees this relationship not as a one-way street but as a balanced exchange.

    “We value Cuba’s achievements in health, biotechnology, and education, while Cuba can benefit from Nigeria’s 200 million-strong market, rich resources, vibrant creative industries, and continental leadership.

    “From energy and agriculture to pharmaceuticals, tourism, sports, and culture, the opportunities are diverse and compelling. This is true reciprocity: Cuba brings tested knowledge, Nigeria offers scale and opportunity, and together we can uplift our peoples and the wider Global South.”

    While emphasizing the benefits of the relationship between two blue countries, Speaker Abbas said the visit should mark the beginning of concrete frameworks between the Nigerian Parliament and Cuba’s National Assembly.

    “The path ahead requires candid conversations on capacity, financing, and mutual benefit. Our agreements must guarantee technology transfer, fair protection of intellectual property, and local value chains that translate into jobs, clinics, and stronger universities.

    “Let this visit be more than protocol; it must mark the beginning of concrete frameworks between the Nigerian Parliament and Cuba’s National Assembly, and a people-to-people compact linking Abuja to Havana, Lagos to Santiago, and even Bende to Camagüey.

    “As lawmakers, we stand ready to advance the legislative instruments, whether in cultural diplomacy, trade, or education, that will give this partnership lasting form”, he said.

    Earlier in their separate remarks, the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Miriam Morales Palmer, and the visiting Cuban parliamentarian, Hon. Fernando González Llort, lauded the relationship between Nigeria and Cuba, saying they are working on issues of mutual interest to both countries.

    Llort extended the invitation of the parliament to the Deputy Speaker to visit Cuba to enable them to exchange views on parliamentary diplomacy and other issues of mutual interest and benefits.