Tag: Speaker Abbas

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has said that nearly half of Nigeria’s population has been pushed into poverty due to climate-induced disasters, economic hardship, and the ongoing fight against banditry.

Speaking at the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments in Geneva, Switzerland, Abbas highlighted the devastating impact of desertification and flooding on livelihoods, particularly in rural communities.

Despite these setbacks, he affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace, justice, and prosperity through strong parliamentary leadership.

The Speaker called for Africa’s proper representation in the United Nations’ decision-making structures, stressing that the continent — home to over 1.4 billion people — should not be sidelined.

“Africa bears the heaviest impact of global crises,” he said, citing the conflicts in Sudan, military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, and the disproportionate effects of climate change on the continent, despite Africa contributing only 4% to global emissions.

Abbas also used the platform to highlight the Nigerian parliament’s efforts under his leadership to promote gender balance in politics and governance, as well as its embrace of legislative diplomacy and global parliamentary cooperation.

Themed “World in Turmoil: Parliamentary Cooperation and Multilateralism for Peace, Justice, and Prosperity for All,” the conference convened parliamentary leaders from across the world to chart solutions to pressing global challenges.

He said, “Nigeria’s parliamentary resolve extends to global advocacy. We call for urgent reform of the UN Security Council and Bretton Woods system to reflect Africa’s 1.4 billion-strong demographic reality, moving the continent from the margins to the centre of global decision-making.

“In this turbulent era, the 10th House of Representatives and the Nigerian National Assembly align themselves with global parliaments to forge a future where cooperative multilateralism triumphs, delivering peace, justice, and inclusive prosperity for all.”

He disclosed that the 10th House, under his leadership, champions multilateral cooperation, establishing numerous parliamentary friendship groups to achieve this objective, adding that through ECOWAS, the Nigerian parliament counters democratic disruptions by advocating for parliamentary oversight to restore constitutional order.

He maintained that the leadership of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL) has fostered continental collaboration on trade, security, and democratic norms, amplifying Africa’s voice.

Read Also: 55% of Nigerian youth unemployed or underemployed due to skill gaps — Speaker Abbas

He said: “Domestically, we align global commitments with local needs and priorities. Nigeria’s review of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) targets a 10 per cent export boost by 2030.

“In the face of the climate crisis, we advocate for the implementation of the Climate Change Act (2021) amendments, demanding that the $100 billion global climate finance pledge be fulfilled. We scrutinise loans, champion transparent tax regimes, and challenge an inequitable financial order.

“Inclusion is our cornerstone. The Reserved Seats for Women Bill tackles Nigeria’s 7% female parliamentary representation gap, fostering gender equity. The Students’ Loan Act (2024) empowers 1.2 million youth annually with access to education, addressing social inequities exacerbated by global turmoil.

“Our digital governance laws, including the Nigeria Data Protection Act (2023) and AI regulation bills, harness Nigeria’s $5 billion tech ecosystem for equitable innovation, ensuring technology serves the public good.”

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has described the coalition adopting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a platform ahead of the 2027 elections as a desperate alliance driven by power seekers without a clear ideology.

Speaking during the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, Abbas warned party leaders not to take the challenge lightly, stressing the need for the APC to respond proactively.

He said the coalition’s objective appears to be a replication of the 2015 APC merger, but cautioned that without strong ideological grounding, such efforts are unlikely to succeed.

The Speaker urged the APC to focus on strengthening internal unity by addressing grievances and rewarding loyalty to prevent division within its ranks.

His Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, said Abbas emphasised that effective party management and inclusivity will be critical to sustaining APC’s dominance in 2027.

He said, “Since our last (APC NEC) meeting, the opposition has undergone seismic shifts. The PDP is fracturing due to leadership tussles and defections, with many members joining either the APC or a new opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). This coalition from former PDP, APC, and Labour Party players plots to challenge us in 2027.

“While this poses a challenge, it is a desperate coalition attempting to replicate our 2013 APC merger. Their unity appears opportunistic, and their lack of a clear ideology weakens their appeal compared to our proven and tested governance.

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“Smaller parties, such as the Labour Party and the NNPP, are clearly in decline. The Labour Party’s momentum has drastically diminished. The NNPP buckles beneath bitter bickering and internal conflicts. The ADC is desperately courting other parties, such as the SDP and PRP.

“Amidst all these, the APC must remain vigilant, preparing for a potentially united opposition in 2027. The APC’s dominance is clear, but complacency is not an option. The formation of the ADC coalition necessitates a proactive response. We must strengthen internal cohesion by addressing grievances and rewarding loyalty, ensuring no faction feels sidelined.”

The Speaker said the APC NEC meeting took place “at this critical moment for the party and nation,” adding that since the last meeting in February, Nigeria’s political landscape has undergone significant shifts, necessitating a strategic response.

He said further that the APC has navigated a smooth leadership transition following the resignation of its National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, on June 27, 2025, and the election of his successor, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, under the guidance of President Tinubu.”

While stating that the APC’s maturity in managing this transition without rancour underscores members’ unity and discipline, Speaker Abbas said the party’s strength has continued to grow, bolstered by defections from opposition parties.

 “These defections affirm the APC’s credibility as the party of choice for progressive Nigerians. I warmly welcome our new members and assure them of our commitment to good governance,” he said.

Speaking on the activities of the House, the Speaker explained that in the past two years, the APC-dominated House of Representatives has passed a record number of bills, with 57 of them signed into law by President Bola Tinubu, which he rated “a record achievement.”

He added that the parliament’s rigorous oversight ensures the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda, reflecting strong synergy between the executive and legislative branches.

He said, “President Tinubu’s reforms have stabilised the economy, with reserves rising from $4 billion in 2023 to over $40 billion in July 2025. Inflation has decreased, with food inflation dropping by 7.02 percentage points from June 2024 to June 2025. We must build on these gains, share the facts with Nigerians, and highlight the hard work that has made these achievements possible.

“Mr. President, fellow party members, as we deliberate today on the challenges ahead, I recommend that we establish a high-level strategy committee to neutralise the coalition. We must expose them for what they are: a recycled, ambition-driven group lacking fresh ideas. At the same time, we must intensify outreach to all geopolitical zones.

“As we prepare for the next battles, our internal organisation needs to be beyond reproach. That means conducting our party congresses and primaries with the utmost fairness and transparency.

“Additionally, we must prioritise the inclusion of youth and women in party leadership, as these groups constitute a significant portion of the electorate that we must inspire. If the opposition is promoting a narrative of “new and young” (though ironically many of their champions are not young), we can counter this by genuinely empowering a new generation within the APC.”

The Speaker stated that the implications of recent developments boil down to a simple truth: “The APC must not rest on its laurels.”

He added, “We have the advantage, but we must work twice as hard to keep it. We must be united, performance-driven, people-centric, and clever in our politics. If we do so, no opposition alliance can defeat us because we will have the trust of the majority of Nigerians. We must rally around President Tinubu’s visionary leadership, publicising his achievements to inspire confidence.”

Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen has described a return to grassroots development as a strategic pathway to restoring Nigeria’s lost glory in international sports.

Speaking at the distribution of sports equipment to Principal Officers and members of the House Committee on Sports for their various constituents, the Speaker disclosed that plans were underway to establish a National Sports Academy for sustainable sports development in the country.

He recalled that as a student and when he began his career as a teacher in the 1970s, there existed regular inter-primary and secondary school sports competitions, adding that a lot of big names in Nigerian sports emerged through participation in school sports.

He said it was at the grassroots level that the nation can identify the best of the best, people who have talent are identified young in such competitions.

“The time has come with the dwindling fortune of Nigeria in the sports sector, particularly in the last appearances at the Olympic Games, where we came back without a medal.

“It is unacceptable for a country of over 200 million people to go for completions and come back without a medal.

“At the last Olympics, Saint Lucia, with a population of less than 100,000 people, won a gold medal, but Nigeria, with over 200 million came back with nothing; it is unacceptable.

“I have put in the budget to build a National Sports Academy with all outdoor and indoor games for children of secondary school age who are identified through grassroots competitions, and will be admitted to continue their sports development.

“I believe that at the end of the day, this initiative will bring a lot of international stars that Nigeria will be proud of,” he said.

According to the Speaker, one way to regain Nigeria’s glory is to discontinue the current system where athletes are picked based on who they know and return to grassroots competitions.

While asking members to prioritise sports in their constituency development projects, the Speaker said rather than focusing on skill acquisition centres or clinics, which may not achieve long-term goals due to lack of funding, building a sports centre and organising competitions will never go wrong.

The speaker said that sports will not only engage youths gainfully, but it will also spark development and revenue generation at the constituency level for the country as a whole.

He commended the committee for achieving the feat in a space of six months, which is the first of its kind in the history of the National Assembly.

Chairman House Committee on Sports, Kabiru Amadu, commended President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the National Assembly for the 288 per cent increase in the sports sector budget from ₦29 billion in 2024 to ₦113 billion in 2025.

He said that the aim behind the distribution of the equipment is to empower communities with the tools needed to foster talent, build discipline, and strengthen social ties through sports.

Amadu said the distribution will benefit 3,260 teams across the country as each state will receive between 80 to 120 sets of footballs and jerseys, distributed through the committee members and House leadership.

“Our goal is to build a sustainable sports ecosystem starting at the grassroots, where champions are discovered, talents nurtured, and characters built.

“Investing in grassroots sports means investing in the dreams of our young people; sports have the power to transform lives, but for too long, the focus has been on elite athletes. Today, we begin to change that narrative.

“These items are not just physical equipment; they are symbols of opportunity, empowerment, and national progress,” he said.

The chairman urged all members to ensure the equipment reaches the intended beneficiaries, stressing that the impact will be measured not by quantity but by the lives transformed and talents discovered.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mr Shehu Dikko, emphasised the need to change Nigeria’s sports from being competition-driven to development-driven.

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He said that the era where sports federations come to get money to participate in competitions must stop, to focus on sports development.

He said that all that was needed to be done to guide the process, ensure necessary reforms and legislation are done.

Dikko said the aim is to make sport cleaner, more profitable and attractive to the private sector to complement the efforts of the government.

“The final outcome we expect is to make sports the driver of the economy, to create two to three million jobs annually and earn foreign exchange; we want to make sports an international asset that will bring social life together and make the country proud,” he said.

The NSC helmsman said that a bill that will restructure the entire sports ecosystem in the country was on the way to the House.

He explained that the bill seeks to create all the necessary agencies and development funds to run sports.

He urged all the members to support the bill when it finally comes to the floor of the house, saying that it is the game-changer of the Nigerian sports

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, said on Tuesday that the creation of Regional Development Commissions for the six geopolitical zones in the country is to ensure that every region feels a genuine sense of belonging in the Nigerian project.

The Speaker reaffirmed the commitment of the House to support the commissions, adding that the House will continue to insist on fairness, regional inclusion, and sustained engagement with those at the grassroots.

Represented by his Deputy, Benjamin Kalu, the Speaker was speaking while inaugurating the House Committees on South-South Development Commission, South-West Development Commission, and North-Central Development Commission.

They emphasised that the commissions are crucial in bridging the gap between local realities and national policy, adding that their success will be measured by the tangible benefits they bring to ordinary Nigerians and charged the committees to maintain strong oversight on the commissions to ensure accountability and transparency.

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He said, “Let me begin by reaffirming that the 10th House stands ready to provide full backing to all regional development commissions across the six geopolitical zones. These Commissions were not created for decoration, and they are expected to function as active bridges between local realities and national policy.

“The inauguration we are witnessing today signals the beginning of serious work that must translate into practical gains. We expect these Committees to maintain strong oversight, propose responsive legislation, and hold the implementing agencies accountable for results.

“As we inaugurate these Committees, let us bear in mind that regional development is not an isolated project; it is part of a national effort to build a Nigeria that works for all. Every region must feel a genuine sense of belonging in the Nigerian project. That is why this House will continue to insist on fairness, regional inclusion, and sustained engagement with those at the grassroots.

“I also urge the Committees to pay close attention to issues of accountability, equity, and responsible oversight. The real measure of your success will be in the visible improvements you help bring to the lives of ordinary Nigerians, especially the youth, women, and rural dwellers who often feel left behind.

“We must ensure that these development commissions become platforms for action, not bureaucracy. The decisions you take today must be guided by both present demands and future consequences. We are not just planning for today; we are laying the foundation for the generations that will come after us.

‘Let us think boldly, act responsibly, and work with the seriousness this moment demands. The National Assembly will continue to play its part in ensuring that every region has the tools, the voice, and the platform to thrive”.

Speaker Abbas charged the Committees to work in tandem with the State governments and other relevant stakeholders to achieve the desired results.

He said, “Beyond legislation, these Committees must work hand-in-hand with State Governments, traditional institutions, civil society groups, and development partners to implement homegrown strategies that respond to real needs.

“We cannot afford to work in silos. National unity grows stronger when all parts of the country see progress in their own communities. This is not the time for isolated achievements; it is the time for joined-up action with results that reach the people directly”.

Chairman of the House Committee on the South-South Development Commission, Julius Pondi, said the inauguration of the committees is the beginning of a renewed commitment, an enduring promise of hope and progress for millions of citizens across the South-South geopolitical zone.

Pondi said although the region has long been acknowledged as the economic engine of the nation, historically, it has been underserved, adding that the region was now poised to claim its rightful place in Nigeria’s development narrative.

He said, “The establishment of the South-South Development Commission stands as a watershed moment, born of relentless advocacy, thoughtful consultation, and a shared resolve to confront the environmental degradation, socio-economic exclusion, and infrastructural neglect that have plagued the region for decades.

He said the Commission embodies the collective will to translate the principles of equity, justice, and sustainable development into tangible and measurable outcomes as well as signals a bold and necessary step toward reversing long-standing injustices, ecological damage, widespread unemployment, infrastructural decay, and inadequate social services.

He further noted, “As a Committee, our responsibilities transcend ceremonial functions. We are resolute in our mandate to provide vigorous legislative oversight, ensure transparency and accountability, and champion the strategic vision necessary to actualise the Commission’s mission.

“We shall scrutinise budgets, evaluate policies, track project implementation, and facilitate meaningful collaboration across all levels of government, private stakeholders, and development partners.

“We are committed to forging strong partnerships with federal ministries, state governments, civil society, and, most critically, the communities and people of the South-South. Our vision is to see the region rise as a model of environmental renewal, economic vitality, and inclusive prosperity, founded on sustainable innovation, resilient infrastructure, and people-centred development.

According to him, the key focus areas of the committee include the remediation of oil-polluted environments, youth empowerment, access to quality healthcare and education, renewable energy solutions, climate resilience, and the creation of sustainable livelihoods.

He said the committee will advocate for the full activation and utilisation of critical statutory funding instruments, such as the Remediation Fund and the Decommissioning and Abandonment Fund, as enshrined in the Petroleum Industry Act of 2022.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has dismissed claims that the 10th Assembly is a rubber stamp of the Executive, insisting that the House has adopted a strategy of dialogue and consensus in its dealings with the presidency on national issues.

Speaking on Monday during a public lecture titled “Legislating Under Pressure: The Realities of Lawmaking in Nigeria” at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, the Speaker explained that confrontation with the Executive has historically yielded no tangible benefits for Nigerians.

“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,” Abbas said.

He highlighted key reforms introduced in the 10th House, including the strengthening of legislative caucuses, encouraging robust debates on contentious issues before plenary, repositioning the Office of the Whip as a mediator rather than an enforcer, and fostering a collegial environment through frank discussions and peer mentoring.

According to Abbas, these reforms are aimed at promoting informed participation, shared responsibility, and collective accountability among lawmakers.

He further stated that rather than resorting to “public hostility” towards the Executive, the current House has embraced “quiet negotiation and institutional safeguards.” Informal consultations between legislative and executive leaders, he said, help resolve emerging tensions early without compromising parliamentary processes.

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

He said the House remains 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.”

According to him, the 10th House has ensured that committee roles and legislative privileges are distributed more fairly across party lines, regions, and groups, thereby reducing feelings of exclusion that often incite rebellion or discord. 

He said: “This approach, grounded in persuasion, fairness, and shared ownership, aligns with practices in other hybrid democracies such as South Africa, Canada, and India. 

“By redefining party loyalty as principled coordination rather than blind conformity, the 10th House strengthens Nigeria’s legislative culture and lays the groundwork for a more stable, responsive, and inclusive democratic institution.”

Speaking on strategic reforms and policy recommendations for the Nigerian legislature, the Speaker said m to effectively address the growing representational pressures on legislators, a strategic reform agenda is essential to transform these demands into structured, accountable systems. 

While recommending 

the establishment of a legal framework for constituency projects, the Speaker said should be a Constituency Development Fund which should draw inspiration from successful models in India and Kenya, where the Fund would allocate annual resources to each member, distributed based on publicly available criteria and subjected to independent audits. 

“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.

The Speaker also disclosed that the House has adopted regular Legislative Town Halls in each geopolitical zone, with the one for the northern region scheduled for this weekend in Zaria on the 27th and 28th of June 2025.

Other measures, the Speaker noted, include enhancing public education. “I propose that we adopt South Africa’s model of a state-funded Public Education Office to offer tours, multilingual learning materials, and regular provincial hearings. Plans are underway to expand televised plenaries beyond the current Thursday live transmission,” he posited.

He stressed thatbgreater transparency is essential, adding that implementing electronic voting and publishing roll-call votes online will enable constituents to assess their representatives with concrete data. 

He said oversight functions must also be strengthened through structured collaboration with anti-corruption agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

“We can emulate India by establishing formal joint working groups with relevant agencies. This will ensure that investigations are guided by intelligence and yield actionable outcomes,” he noted.

He also called for the establishment of a Legislative Communications Bureau staffed with professional media and social media experts to counter misinformation and highlight lawmakers’ contributions. He said supporting this with more training for journalists on legislative processes and budget analysis will enhance the quality of their reporting.

 Speaker Abbas also stressed the need for ongoing civic education to clarify the roles of lawmakers and to shift development responsibilities back to local governments through continued devolution, thereby reducing pressure on federal legislators.

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He said: “It is clear that legislating under pressure is not an abstract idea but a daily reality for Nigerian lawmakers. These pressures are rooted in the country’s political history, institutional limitations, and increasing public demands. 

“Legislators are expected to act as both national policymakers and local development agents, often compensating for inadequate local governance structures and addressing community needs. Representation in Nigeria entails a constant negotiation between constitutional duty and the immediate realities of public expectations.

“Comparative insights from countries such as India, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, and the United States reveal that, while legislative pressure is a common feature of democratic systems, it can be effectively managed through robust institutions. 

“These countries have adopted innovations such as audited constituency development funds, publicly funded constituency offices, educational outreach programmes, and clear rules that promote transparency and accountability.

“These practices offer valuable lessons for Nigeria to adapt to enhance legislative performance and foster public trust. The 10th House of Representatives has taken significant steps to address the pressures discussed through legislative reforms, enhanced transparency, improved public engagement, and a more structured approach to oversight and budgeting.”