Tag: Abbas

• Reps’ town hall meetings begin in Katsina June  27 

At the  Nasarawa State University lecture, Speaker Abbas canvassed a legal framework and Development Fund (CDF) for constituency projects management.

He also revealed that the House would commence Town Hall meetings in the geopolitical zones, with the first in  Zaria in   Katsina State on June  27 and 28. 

Abbas, who did not shed light on the legal framework for constituency projects,  suggested that the CDF should be modelled after those of  India and Kenya.   

“Such a fund would not only reduce ad-hoc demands on legislators but also enable them to focus on their core constitutional duties while ensuring that constituents benefit from clear and tangible support,” he said.

   Abbas also called for the establishment of a Legislative Communications Bureau with professional and social media experts to counter misinformation and highlight lawmakers’ contributions to national development.

On the relationship between the National Assembly and the Executive, he  said, instead of confronting the Executive through “public hostility,” the 10th House  adopted a model based on “quiet negotiation and institutional safeguards.”

The Speaker added that informal consultations between legislative and executive leaders facilitate early address of potential conflicts without undermining parliamentary procedure.

Read Also: FG reports N6.9tn revenue in first four months of 2025

“This approach has helped preserve legislative autonomy while ensuring smoother budget processes.

  Abbas said it was a known fact that open confrontation never yields positive results. 

   “Under my leadership, the 10th House of Representatives has pursued a more balanced approach. Rather than reverting to subservience or open defiance, we emphasise dialogue, consensus, and inclusive leadership,’’ he explained.

Abbas said the key reforms in the 10th House include strengthening legislative caucuses and encouraging debates on contentious issues before plenary sessions, promoting the Whip’s office as a mediator rather than an enforcer, and cultivating a collegial atmosphere through open and frank discussions and peer mentoring.

He also said that the House remained committed to “amending or rejecting proposals that do not serve the public interest while also promoting policy coherence in an era of high public expectations and economic uncertainty.

  “We are, therefore, a more confident and forward-looking legislature that values both collaboration and independence. Through structured engagement, performance monitoring, and inclusive dialogue, the National Assembly is redefining its role as a partner in governance and a credible watchdog over the public purse,”  the Speaker said.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, and his deputy, Benjamin Kalu, have expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident that claimed the lives of 22 athletes from Kano State.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Speaker Abbas described the incident as heartbreaking, noting that the athletes were part of the Kano State contingent returning from the recently concluded National Sports Festival in Ogun State.

According to reports, the accident occurred along the Zaria-Kano Expressway when the vehicle conveying the athletes plunged into a river, killing 22 people and injuring several others.

Speaker Abbas extended his prayers for the repose of the souls of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to those who were injured.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased athletes and the Kano State Government at this moment of grief.

“This is one unfortunate incident too many. May Allah give their families the fortitude to bear these irreparable losses,” the Speaker said, urging the relevant authorities and the Kano State Government to take measures to prevent reoccurrence.

Speaker Abbas also called for the immortalization of the deceased athletes, saying they paid the supreme price in the line of duty.

The Speaker equally extended his condolences to all sport loving Nigerians, the National Sports Commission, among others.

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In his own statement signed by his Special Assistant, Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, Deputy Speaker Kalu expressed sadness over the death of members of the Kano State contingent returning from the National Sports Festival in Ogun State.

According to reports, the athletes died in a road accident 50KM to Kano while returning from the just concluded festival held in Abeokuta.

The Deputy Speaker in a condolence message described the death of the young athletes as painful, heartbreaking and a devastating blow to the nation.

He noted that the late athletes through their passion, dedicated themselves to excellence in sports, for a brighter future for the nation, saying that their good deeds will never be forgotten.

Kalu extended his condolences to the deceased families, Kano State Government, National Sports Commission and all sport enthusiasts, praying to God to give them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen said on Wednesday that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated good leadership and courage in leading the nation and taking critical decisions since assumption of office.

The Speaker said the President has showed an avowed commitment from the first day he assumed office when he “vowed to lift the economy by six per cent annually, rationalise the foreign exchange market, generate jobs, and confront insecurity.

While congratulating the President on the occasion of his second year anniversary in office, the Speaker recalled the journey under Tinubu in the past two years — May 29, 2023, to May 29, 2025 — noted that Nigeria is on track under the APC-led administration.

Speaker Abbas urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Tinubu-led administration as the President implements his bold reforms for both short and long terms gains.

He said “these commitments have formed the cornerstone of our policy thrust, yielding numerous bold interventions that have reshaped Nigeria’s fiscal foundations and positioned the country for sustainable progress”

He commended President Tinubu for removing the petrol subsidy during his inauguration speech, describing it as “a policy that once drained over $10 billion each year, realising savings exceeding ₦1 trillion within two months.

“At the same time, this administration harmonised exchange rates, aligning the Naira with market forces. This strategy, while triggering short-term inflationary pressures, has since drawn well over six billion US dollars in foreign inflows and restored confidence in the currency.

“Today, the World Bank confirms that the real GDP growth for 2024 reached its highest level since 2015, driven by a resilient non-oil sector and fortified public revenues. 

“The appropriation of ₦54.99 trillion for 2025 reflects the National Assembly’s conviction in these revenue projections and underscores this administration’s commitment to health, education, and infrastructure.”

Speaker Abbas said further that, “Nigeria has steered inflation, once surging past 40 per cent, down to 23.7 per cent through a meticulous rebasing of our statistical framework, signalling that the initial price shocks are abating.

Read Also: Abbas withdraws Compulsory Voting Bill

“Meanwhile, foreign-exchange reserves have climbed beyond US $40 billion, anchored by record oil output exceeding 2.3 million barrels per day and steady capital inflows. This financial buffer underpins the resilience of our economy against global shocks and reinforces the stability of the Naira.”

He praised the President’s infrastructural agenda, which has he said has gained momentum, citing the recent economic and nuclear energy pact with China that has unlocked collaboration in solar research and electric-vehicle assembly, while the Belt and Road partnership is already modernising ports, roads, and power projects nationwide.

“From the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to the Lagos–Ibadan standard-gauge railway, these projects are generating employment, integrating markets, and demonstrating that APC governance delivers tangible transformation.”

On security, the Speaker said President Tinubu has injected fresh resolve into Nigeria’s defence architecture. 

He said further that “The House’s swift approval of emergency measures in Rivers State earlier this year demonstrates our commitment to protecting critical assets and maintaining order.

“Complementary legislation to empower the nascent Nigerian Forest Security Service will harness local knowledge to secure rural frontiers and safeguard our natural resources. 

“Yet, we know that bold reforms come at a cost for ordinary Nigerians. That is why the President reinstated conditional cash transfers to 12 million vulnerable households and launched the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation to expand formal lending to women and young people.

“His recent approval of ₦32.7 billion for the National Social Investment Programme means that fifteen million households now receive direct support. This demonstrates that economic adjustment and social protection can be managed together.”

He said the partnership and collaboration between the Executive and the Legislature in the past two years have made the 10th National Assembly to be unarguably the most fortunate since the return to democracy in 1999.

Speaker Abbas said the President has unequivocally recognized the vital role of the National Assembly in grassroots development, working tirelessly to ensure that the Legislature’s ability to respond to the needs of the constituents is significantly strengthened by providing increased budgetary allocations for constituency projects.

“This deliberate partnership between the Presidency and Parliament has empowered Senators and Members to deliver tangible improvements in health, education, and infrastructure.”

• Speaker bows to pressure

• From Tony Alone, Abuja

House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas has withdrawn an electoral reform Bill seeking to amend the Electoral Act to provide for a minimum of six years imprisonment against citizens who refuse to vote during general elections.

The Special Adviser to the Speaker on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdillahi Krishi, announced in a statement that the Bill was withdrawn following extensive consultations with stakeholders.

The Bill, which Abbas co-sponsored with Daniel Asama Ago, passed the second reading on May 20 and has attracted public outcry from across the country.

The statement said: “From the outset, the Bill was introduced with the best of intentions, which is to bolster civic engagement and strengthen our democracy by encouraging higher voter turnout.

“Compulsory voting has long been practised with notable success in other countries, like Australia, Belgium, and Brazil, where it has helped sustain participation rates above 90 per cent, while other nations, like Argentina and Singapore, have also implemented similar measures to foster inclusivity at the ballot box.

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“Nevertheless, the Speaker acknowledges that lawmaking is ultimately about the people it serves and that any reform must respect individual freedoms and public sentiment.

“Rather than compel participation, he is committed to exploring positive incentives and innovative approaches that will make voting more attractive and accessible to all Nigerians.

“This withdrawal will allow for time to further dialogue on how best to cultivate a culture of voluntary participation that honours both our democratic ideals and the rights of our citizens.”  The Bill sought to amend Section 46 of the Electoral Act to make it mandatory for persons of voting age in the country to vote at every national or state elections.

The Bill said: “It shall be mandatory for all registered voters who have attained the ‘majority age’ of 18 and above to vote in all national and state elections.

“A person who has attained the ‘majority age’ of 18 and above who refused to perform his civic duty to vote commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of not more N100,000 or imprisonment for a term not more than six months.”

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has withdrawn the electoral reform bill seeking to amend the electoral act to provide for a minimum of six years for those who refuse to vote during general elections.

Special adviser to the speaker on media and publicity, Musa Abdillahi Krishi, said in a statement that the bill was withdrawn after following extensive consultations with a broad spectrum of stakeholders.

The bill, co-sponsored by the Speaker with Daniel Asama Ago, passed through second reading in the House on Tuesday, May 20 and has attracted public outcry from across the country.

He said, “From the outset, the Bill was introduced with the best of intentions, which is to bolster civic engagement and strengthen our democracy by encouraging higher voter turnout.

“Compulsory voting has long been practised with notable success in countries such as Australia, Belgium and Brazil, where it has helped sustain participation rates above 90 per cent, while nations like Argentina and Singapore have also implemented similar measures to foster inclusivity at the ballot box.

“Nevertheless, the Speaker acknowledges that lawmaking is ultimately about the people it serves, and that any reform must respect individual freedoms and public sentiment.

Read Also: Davido, Cubana Chief Priest visit Speaker Abbas

“Rather than compel participation, he is committed to exploring positive incentives and innovative approaches that will make voting more attractive and accessible to all Nigerians.

“This withdrawal will allow time for further dialogue on how best to cultivate a culture of voluntary participation that honours both our democratic ideals and the rights of our citizens.”

The bill sought to amend section 46 of the Electoral Act to make it mandatory for persons of voting age in the country to vote at every national or state election.

It said, “It shall be mandatory for all registered voters who have attained the majority age of 18 and above to vote in all national and state elections.

“A Person who has attained the majority age of 18 and above who refuses to perform his civic duty to vote commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of not more than ₦100,000 or imprisonment for a term not more than six months.”

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has said that the National Assembly would work towards strengthening the Public Procurement Act to ensure that only registered architects participate in government-funded projects.

Speaker Abbas said this has become necessary given the proliferation of unregistered practitioners, the influx of foreign firms bypassing statutory partnerships, and the underrepresentation of architects in public procurement and urban policy formulation.

The Speaker said such issues undermine quality, safety, and the cultural relevance of our built environment, adding that the Parliament was committed to creating an enabling environment for all professionals to thrive.

Special Adviser to the Speaker on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, said in a statement that the Speaker spoke at an event where he was conferred with the honorary Fellowship of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (FNIA) by the Governing Council of the Institute, led by the NIA President, Arc. Mobolaji Adeniyi.

Former president, Goodluck Jonathan, and Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State, were also conferred with the Fellowship of the NIA at the event.

Speaker Abbas paid tributes to the Nigerian architects, “whose vision shapes our nation’s built environment. Architecture, as both art and science, embodies our shared values of transparency, inclusivity, and progress.

“This recognition underscores the shared mission of the legislature and architecture: to build environments where citizens can engage, prosper, and live with dignity.

Read Also: Speaker Abbas: Lawmaking alone not enough without implementation, oversight

“Under my leadership, the 10th House of Representatives has considered over 2,000 bills since June 2023, including critical legislation such as the establishment of the Nigeria Climate Change Fund and amendments to the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission Act. These initiatives reflect our commitment to resilient infrastructure, sustainable urban development, and a greener future.

“The federal government’s promise to deliver 20,000 affordable housing units nationwide and revitalise 26 pilot communities through urban renewal underscores this commitment.

I am aware of the challenges highlighted by the Nigerian Institute of Architects, particularly the proliferation of unregistered practitioners, the influx of foreign firms bypassing statutory partnerships, and the underrepresentation of architects in public procurement and urban policy formulation.

“These issues undermine quality, safety, and the cultural relevance of our built environment. To address these challenges, the National Assembly will work to strengthen the Public Procurement Act to ensure that only registered architects participate in government-funded projects.

“We are also committed to empowering oversight committees to enforce professional registration and building codes effectively. Furthermore, we intend to appropriate necessary resources for continuous professional development, capacity building, and research collaborations.

“Our engagement will extend to convening public hearings with the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON), the Nigerian Institute of Architects, and the Ministry of Housing to resolve regulatory conflicts and ensure meaningful cooperation between local and foreign firms.

“I truly believe that we can create a partnership that respects our architectural heritage while also promoting sustainable development throughout Nigeria.”

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, said on Thursday that the continued discriminatory dichotomy between HND and university degrees has, for decades, unfairly limited the prospects of polytechnic graduates, despite their rigorous training and technical acumen.

The Speaker said the dichotomy has contributed to the underemployment and professional marginalisation of a significant segment of the nation’s workforce.

Speaking at a public hearing organised by the House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education, the Speaker said amending existing laws to address this imbalance is an act of justice and pragmatism, ensuring all graduates are evaluated on the strength of their competencies, not based on outdated institutional hierarchies.”

The Speaker said the proposed legislations transcend the boundaries of bureaucratic reform as they serve as deliberate instruments of transformation aimed at reshaping the educational landscape of the nation and seeks to democratize access to quality education in science, vocational training, creative arts, entrepreneurship, and business development.

According to him, the vision of the bill’s advance is that of a society where education is not merely an academic pursuit, but a vital engine for economic revitalisation, upward mobility, and sustained national advancement.

He said the public hearing aligned with the core objectives of the House legislative agenda and with Nigeria’s long-term strategy for cultivating a resilient, technically proficient, and entrepreneurially empowered workforce.

He said, “In an era characterised by global competitiveness and rapid technological evolution, it is no longer sufficient for our educational institutions to produce mere degree holders without problem-solving skills; they must produce solution providers, individuals armed with the skills and knowledge required to drive innovation and catalyse development.

“The strategic importance of technical and entrepreneurial education in today’s knowledge-driven economy has never been more pronounced. As such, the 10th House of Representatives remains committed to advancing policy reforms that position technical and vocational education at the forefront of Nigeria’s socio-economic renewal.

“This commitment reflects the resolve of the National Assembly to support the transformation of our educational institutions into practical, career-oriented hubs capable of meeting contemporary labour market demands.

“Modernizing technical education is not only a developmental imperative, but also a social one. It directly addresses the urgency of equipping young Nigerians with practical skills, enhancing their employability, and empowering them to be self-reliant contributors to the national economy.

“The Bill proposing the establishment of the Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition in Hawul is particularly strategic. It seeks to counteract the severe socio-economic disruptions caused by the insurgency in Borno State through structured educational intervention, youth empowerment, and skills training.

“Indeed, in the face of high youth unemployment, economic stagnation, and the lingering consequences of insecurity, such an initiative represents a bold, responsive approach to human capital development in the Northeast. By offering practical training in trades, technology, and innovation, this institution can serve as a pillar of renewal, fostering self-sufficiency and discouraging youth dependence on governmental palliatives or social welfare schemes.

“More significantly, it offers a preventive mechanism against social vices such as idleness, drug abuse, and other deviant behaviours that often emerge in the absence of purposeful engagement.

Read Also: How porous borders expose Nigeria to insecurity, by Speaker Abbas

“The Bill to amend Section 3(2) (B), the Second Schedule, and Section 31 of the Federal Polytechnics Act, CAP. F17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, seeks to correct inconsistencies and conflicting provisions that have, over time, impeded the smooth implementation of the principal Act.

“Legal precision is foundational to sound legislative drafting, and this amendment is a clarifying measure to enhance the legal integrity of the governing framework for our polytechnic institutions.

“In the same vein, the additional Bill proposing further amendments to the Federal Polytechnics Act is designed to expand the scope and authority of polytechnic institutions nationwide. It introduces reforms aimed at strengthening their governance, deepening stakeholder representation, and fostering inclusivity in institutional administration.

“Among the transformative goals of this Bill is the proposal to harmonise the Higher National Diploma (HND) with university degrees by transitioning HND qualifications to a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) status. This adjustment is not merely symbolic as it addresses a longstanding disparity that has disadvantaged countless polytechnic graduates in the labour market.

Speaker Abbas maintained that education remains the linchpin of any nation’s sustainable development strategy, adding that the House will continue to prioritise legislative interventions that expand access to quality education at all levels.

He said, “We will also intensify our engagement with both public and private stakeholders to encourage innovative partnerships, promote alternative funding models, and secure enduring improvements in the management and performance of our educational institutions.

“Through our legislative oversight function, we shall ensure that accountability, transparency, and institutional integrity remain non-negotiable standards in Nigeria’s education sector. The credibility of our interventions depends not only on the laws we enact but on our ability to monitor and encourage their implementation effectively.

“In addition to legislative reform, we must acknowledge the crucial role of the private sector in advancing technical and entrepreneurial education. Public-private partnerships can catalyse infrastructure development, curriculum modernisation, and the provision of cutting-edge equipment and digital resources.

“This requires synergy between industry needs and academic training to ensure that our educational institutions produce graduates who are not only employable but also capable of creating enterprises that generate employment for others.

“Moreover, it is imperative that we situate our efforts within a broader global context. Across the world, nations are investing heavily in STEM and vocational education as strategic tools to navigate the complexities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Nigeria cannot afford to lag.

“We must embrace global best practices while tailoring solutions to our local realities. Through sound legislation, we can position our technical institutions as centres of excellence that respond to both domestic imperatives and international standards.”

 Chairman of the House Committee on Polytechnnics and Higher Technical Education, Fuad Kayode Laguda said Nigerians can acquire knowledge and skills in social sciences, art, humanities, technology, science, and entrepreneurship, vocational and technical education with the passage of these Bills.

…decries lack of data on work place accident

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has emphasized the National Assembly’s responsibility to promote workplace safety in Nigeria through effective legislation.

Speaking at an event to mark the 2025 World Day for Safety, themed “The Legislative Perspective: Safety First, Building a Safer Future for All Nigerians”, the Speaker expressed concern over the lack of comprehensive records on workplace accidents in the country.

He noted that despite alarming global statistics from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), which reports about 2.3 million work-related deaths annually, Nigeria still falls short in tracking and addressing such incidents effectively.

The event was organised by the House Committee on Safety Standards.

Speaker Abbas said the event is particularly significant in the lives of workers across the globe as “it reminds us of the need to guarantee the safety of workers against occupational hazards and fatalities. 

In societies where life is not given the right premium and consideration, workers are exposed to various occupational accidents and dangers.”

He said “for those of us in the Parliament, we owe Nigerian workers the obligation to protect and ensure their safety in the workplace through appropriate legislation. In our oversight functions, we must ensure that extant laws are respected. Perhaps that is the reason this theme is tied to the legislative perspective of safety and the future. 

“As you are aware, the observance of the World Day for Safety began in 2003 by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) as a framework to regularly remind us of the importance of prioritizing workplace safety and health to protect workers’ wellbeing and promote sustainable development. 

“Through this annual event, we are called upon to raise awareness about the importance of occupational safety, encourage employers and workers to take proactive measures to prevent injuries at the workplace. 

“This call arises from the ILO’s perspective that about 2.3 million workers lose their lives every year from workplace injuries and health hazards, with about 160 million non-fatal injuries. 

“In Nigeria, data on the workplace injuries and fatalities suffered by Nigerians may not be reliable because of a lack of comprehensive documentation. What many regard as data are reports from some organizations with high risk exposure, like the petroleum and mining sectors. Even at that, the data is neither comprehensive nor reliable. 

“The last time such data was recorded was between 1994 and 2001. An online report quoting from the ILO source only showed that the most recent fatalities were 238 fatalities and 3461 injuries in the construction industry between 2014 and 2016. 

“However, a recent study of health sector injuries conducted at the Federal Medical Center in Asaba, showed that out of 167 health workers, comprising 7 doctors, 100 nurses and 20 taboratory workers, a total of 88, about 52.7 percent reported experiencing needle pricks while 89, representing 53.3 percent reported blood splash incidents. 

“While this may not seem to constitute a serious workplace injury, the enormity of the hazard health workers face comes to reality in the face of outbreaks like Ebola, COVID 19, and HIV, and other such transmissible diseases. 

“Recall that Dr. Amevo Adadevoh, OON, and Justina Ejelonu, a nurse, Jost their lives in August 2014 after contact with an Ebola patient whom they prevented from leaving the hospital. Also, many construction workers have become victims of 3 workplace injuries, both fatal and non-fatal in some cases, some 

workers have become permanently disfigured from injuries sustained at the workplace. 

“The causes of workplace injuries in construction sites have been linked to unsafe acts and unsafe working conditions, Including lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), rain gear, hoisting equipment, appropriate scaffolds, and ladder protections. These, among many others, expose workers to hazards and accidents.” 

Read Also: Abbas to MDAs, others: be prudent with public funds

He said further that “most public buildings and workplaces in Nigeria are design – built, and opened for public use without safety checks. Apart from the installation of fire extinguishers at strategic locations in some public buildings and offices, rarely do you see such buildings adequately marked with reflective tapes that could guide against workplace injuries, both fatal and non-fatal. in some cases, some 

workers have become permanently disfigured from injuries sustained at the workplace. 

“The building code, for instance, encompasses structural integrity, fire safety measures, electrical installations, and accessibility standards. Compliance with this code is therefore crucial to achieving and safeguarding public safety and health as well 

as protecting property and promoting sustainable development. 

“As the constitutionally empowered law-making body in the country, the House of Representatives is poised to cause the necessary review of existing laws and seek ways to streamline and make them more effective in safeguarding public health and safety. 

“It is our commitment as the 10 House’ of Representatives to prioritize the interests of the Nigerian people in the lawmaking process. To this end, we shall do all that is legislatively permissible, as captured in our 10 ‘Legislative Agenda, to engage with members of the public through our open and inclusive legislative process, and harness views and suggestions on the best ways to make the existing laws more effective in addressing noncompliance questions to public safety’ and health, especially, in public buildings.”

Chairman of the Committee David Idris Zacharias said the event is a reflection of the growing recognition of the importance of safety in every sphere of our lives—from our homes, to our workplaces, and on the roads. Today, we embark on an important journey that will help us build a culture of safety that is long Overdue in our country. 

He said “World Day for Safety is celebrated globally as a call to action—an opportunity for communities, businesses, and governments to reflect on the state of safety and to create pathways for improvement. The decision to mark this day here in Nigeria is not just symbolic, it is a strategic declaration of intent.

“It sends a strong message that safety is no longer an afterthought or a reactive measure. It is now a priority, and it must be embedded in the very fabric of our society. 

“As we gather here today for the first-ever celebration of the World Day for Safety Conference in Nigeria, we take a step toward institutionalizing safety within every sector of our economy. We take a bold step toward a future where safety standards are universally respected, consistently enforced, and continuously improved. 

“Today is not just about discussing problems—it is about forging solutions. It is about recognizing the challenges, understanding their root causes, and developing sustainable and collaborative approaches tat will lead to tangible progress in safety standards. The government plays a pivotal role in shaping the safety landscape of any nation.” 

He said the Nigerian government is committed to playing its part in ensuring that safety regulations are not only introduced but effectively implemented. 

He said “from the Workplace to the environment, from infrastructure to healthcare, safety standards are at the core of every regulatory measure we are putting forward. in the past, safety was often viewed as something secondary—something to think 

about only after an incident occurred. 

“But this must change. Safety must be prioritized, embedded in every policy, and Included in every planning phase of our national projects. Whether it’s construction Safety, road safety, occupational health and safety, environmental safety, OF food Safety, these are not peripheral issues. 

“They are integral to the economic and social well-being of every Nigerian. While this conference is a great milestone, we must not lose sight of the challenges we face. As Nigeria continues to grow and modernize, our cities and infrastructure face significant pressure. Our population ts rapidly increasing, and with that, the demand for services, transportation, and urbanization continues to grow. 

He stressed that the Nigerian government recognizes that it cannot work alone in this mission. We must partner with businesses, industries, labor unions, safety experts, NGOs, and, most importantly, the Nigerian people.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi said legislation is central to navigating the digital frontier responsibly; ensuring that innovation does not erode the foundational rights, dignity, and welfare of the Nigerian worker. 

The Ministry he said welcomes this dialogue and emphasises that the safety of our workers must be anchored on secure technologies, sound data protection, and inclusive policy frameworks that uphold International Labour Standards. 

The Minister said “while we acknowledge the efforts of all parties toward improving occupational safety and health in Nigeria, we must also be mindful of the need for coordination, social partnership, and the avoidance of duplicative mandates. The National Occupational Safety and Health Management system requires a harmonised approach, rooted in the principles of tripartism — where government, employers, and workers’ organizations collaborate as equal partners. 

“This ensures that policies are not only technically sound but also practically enforceable and socially inclusive. The Ministry remains committed to engaging constructively with the National Assembly, social partners, and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that emerging legislative proposals, including the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Bill, reflect a unified, robust, and forward-looking national strategy that balances innovation with worker protection. 

“We recognize that bureaucratic processes have at times delayed the comprehensive review of the Labour Laws, nevertheless, Year 2024 marked significant progress with the publication of Nigeria’s revised OSH Country Profile and the Federal Executive Council’s approval of landmark OSH regulations such as the Construction Safety Regulations 2024 – now gazetted and publicly accessible.

“Moreover, as the statutory authority, the Ministry has led the development of the Occupational Safety and Health Bill which has been crafted through our distinctive Tripartite Plus framework engaging government, organized labour, employers’ associations, and technical experts, to bring about legislation that balances global standards with our national context. 

“With this foundation of collaboration and recent regulatory successes, we reaffirm our determination to see the advancement of this Bill and count on the continued partnership of all stakeholders to make this a reality.” 

• ‘He is to ensure restoration of full democratic governance in Rivers’

House of Representatives Speaker Abbas Tajudeen explained yesterday that the primary assignment of the Administrator of Rivers State, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas was to ensure that the basic functions of governance were met during his stay in office.

Abbas also said that the administrator must be transparent and accountable in his actions since he would be relating with the National Assembly on all matters that pertain to peace order and the running of the state.

The Speaker dismissed insinuation in some quarters that the National Assembly’s intervention in the Rivers political logjam was an instrument of political vendetta.

He spoke while inaugurating a 21-man  ad hoc committee to oversight Ibas in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution which confer legislative power in the state on the National Assembly during emergency rule.

The committee which is headed by House Majority Leader  Julius Ihonvbere has  Ali Isa (deputy chairman); James  Faleke,  Isiaka Ibrahim, Idris   Wase, Aliyu  Betera and  Sada Soli as some of its members.

Others are  Iduma-Enwo Igariwey, Shehu   Rijau, Wole Oke, Akarachi  Amadi, Patrick Umoh, James Barka, Alex Egbona, Isa Anka, Amos Daniel, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, Onuh  Blessing, Fatima Talba, Chris Nkwonta and  Ebibake  Enenimiete.

Read Also: Speaker Abbas: Rivers Administrator must uphold governance until democracy is restored

Abbas said that the National Assembly would monitor the implementation of federal directives and policies in Rivers state, ensure that the caretaker administration adhered to the law, and protect public interests while facilitating the re-establishment of full democratic governance in the state.

He explained that when state institutions are suspended, the intervention of the National Assembly is always needed to ensure continuity in governance.

He told the committee members that Nigerians anxiously want to know if the   National Assembly can live up to the high expectations placed upon it.

Abbas said:  “On 18 March 2025, the President and Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, declared a six-month State of Emergency in Rivers State. This decisive action was taken out of genuine patriotism and a deep concern for the security and welfare of both the people of Rivers State and our country as a whole.

“In his address, the President emphasised that his intervention was driven by the imperative to restore peace and to ensure that governance continues unhindered.

“His declaration was based on the provisions of Section 305 of the Constitution   (as amended) and followed careful deliberation in the face of grave crises threatening public order.

“The President’s extraordinary actions were not taken lightly. They reflect a profound sense of duty and responsibility and a recognition that when democratic institutions falter, decisive action is necessary to protect the interests of the nation. This same sense of duty underpins our proceedings today.

“Our actions today are grounded in Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which confers upon us the authority to make laws for any state whose elected legislative body is unable to perform its statutory functions. 

“The administrator is required to operate with the highest level of transparency and accountability, reporting directly to the National Assembly on all matters that pertain to the peace, order and good government of the State as prescribed by the Constitution.

“The sensitivity and gravity of this assignment cannot be overemphasised. The state of emergency in Rivers State has generated widespread interest across the nation, and the eyes of all Nigerians are upon us as they await to see if the National Assembly can live up to the high expectations placed upon it.

“Therefore, the task before this committee is not routine; it is a mission of national significance that will serve as a litmus test for our commitment to democratic principles and constitutional governance.’’

 He charged the committee to ‘’monitor every aspect of the caretaker administration’s conduct, scrutinise public expenditures, and ensure that all federal directives and policies are implemented as intended.’’

The committee is also expected to regularly report its findings to the  ‘’in a transparent manner, enabling us to continuously assess the impact of the emergency measures and to take further legislative action if necessary.

“The National Assembly’s intervention in Rivers State is not an instrument of political vendetta but a constitutional necessity. It embodies our collective duty to safeguard peace, security, and the rule of law.

“We act not out of partisan interests but in the earnest service of a united and prosperous Nigeria. The eyes of all Nigerians are upon us… to rise to this historic challenge with courage, integrity, and determination.