Tag: Speaker Abbas

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has warned that Nigeria’s porous borders expose the country to external threats from the West African subregion, underscoring the urgent need for stronger national cohesion and coordinated security efforts.

Delivering a lecture on Tuesday at the National Defence College, Abuja, during the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) engagement with Course 33 participants, Speaker Abbas stressed that Nigeria’s security challenges cannot be isolated from those of its neighbours.

Speaking on the topic ‘National Resilience and Security in the 21st Century’, the Speaker highlighted the importance of regional collaboration, including joint patrols, ECOWAS standby force initiatives, and cross-border strategies like grazing corridors, in boosting resilience and safeguarding West Africa.

He noted that national security and resilience are increasingly shaped by regional dynamics, including insurgencies in the Sahel, political instability in countries like Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as well as economic vulnerability, public health emergencies like Ebola and COVID-19, and the worsening impacts of climate change.

He said, “Yet, African societies consistently demonstrate adaptability, from post-conflict recovery in Rwanda and Sierra Leone to navigating economic hardship. The African Development Bank’s 2022-2026 Strategy emphasises that strengthening institutions, communities, and investments collectively builds shared resilience”

At the continental level, the African Union’s Peace and Security Architecture — with its early warning systems, mediation efforts, and standby force — alongside initiatives such as the Great Green Wall and ECOWAS drought resilience plans, highlights the need to address security, environmental, and development challenges in a coordinated manner.

He said ECOWAS has repeatedly acted to contain crises, deploying missions in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Ivory Coast, and leading the 2017 Gambian intervention to uphold election results under Nigerian leadership.

“A wave of recent coups now tests the sub-region’s commitment to constitutional governance, prompting sanctions, negotiations, and proposals for a dedicated ECOWAS standby force to deter unlawful power seizures”, he said. 

Abbas stressed that economic integration measures, such as plans for a common currency, solidarity funds, and coordinated health procurements during the pandemic, further bolster regional stability by facilitating resource flows.

In his words, “An effective resilience strategy follows three integrated phases: mitigation, adaptation, and recovery. Mitigation employs proactive measures, such as flood defences, robust building standards, preventive diplomacy, and deradicalization programs, to reduce risks before they occur. 

“Adaptation acknowledges that some shocks are unavoidable and builds capacity to cope through drought-resistant crops, emergency communications drills, and diversified energy sources. 

“Recovery restores and strengthens communities and systems through relief efforts, infrastructure rebuilding, the reintegration of affected populations, and economic stimulus, while embedding lessons learned to address future vulnerabilities. By treating these phases as a continuous cycle, each recovery informs better mitigation and adaptation, ensuring that past crises guide future security planning.”

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

The Speaker highlighted how Nigeria’s key policy frameworks now follow an integrated cycle of mitigation, adaptation, and recovery. He said the National Disaster Management Framework mandates preparedness at every level and a coordinated response and recovery under the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), working with local and international partners.

He maintained that the National Adaptation Plan provides a long-term roadmap to reduce climate vulnerabilities, while the National Security Strategy unites prevention, protection, and crisis response across all ministries, agencies and civil society in a whole-of-society model.

“To strengthen this integration, Nigeria could further intensify joint scenario planning and an annual national risk assessment, in which finance, health, agriculture, environment, and defence present shared threat registers and align their mitigation, adaptation, and recovery measures. This is similar to the UK’s National Resilience Framework and its National Risk Register.

“Achieving true resilience also requires political will and resources for less visible prevention work, as well as a culture of preparedness among citizens, businesses, and communities. 

“By preventing what it can, preparing for what it cannot prevent and recovering swiftly from unavoidable shocks, Nigeria can ensure each crisis becomes an opportunity to build a safer, stronger nation,” he said.

He said what emerges clearly is a powerful conclusion that “national resilience and national security are mutually reinforcing and together form the bedrock for addressing the challenges of the 21st Century and safeguarding the welfare of citizens.

 “National strength depends on prevention, endurance, and quick recovery across all sectors to protect and empower citizens. Success is demonstrated by minimal loss and rapid restoration through early warning systems, economic resilience, or cyber defence, along with long-term improvements in health, education, and equity.

“A society-wide approach, supported by strong legislation and citizen engagement, will ensure that our resilience bolsters our security, and our security in turn fosters our resilience, thereby securing Nigeria’s future.”

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has emphasised that the mere passage of laws does not automatically lead to meaningful development, stressing the importance of proper implementation and oversight.

Speaking on Monday at the inaugural National Policy Dialogue on the Legislative Agenda of the 10th House, Abbas said that while the House has enacted several laws, it has also strengthened its oversight functions to ensure that these laws are effectively implemented for the benefit of Nigerians.

He noted that a cordial relationship between the Legislature and the Executive has been key to advancing the House’s legislative agenda, enabling collaborative progress on national priorities.

The Speaker explained that the legislative agenda was carefully crafted with an awareness of the country’s pressing challenges, aiming to address the critical needs of the Nigerian people.

Abbas further stated that the House committed from the outset to maintain ongoing engagement with citizens, provide regular performance updates, and adapt its plans in response to public feedback. 

He described the policy dialogue as a fulfilment of that promise, setting the stage for the forthcoming Open NASS Week, a platform designed to foster transparency, encourage scrutiny, and showcase the House’s midterm performance.

According to him, the event’s objective is not only to highlight achievements but also to openly assess areas needing improvement, in line with the principles of openness and democratic participation.

“As we approach the midpoint of our tenure, it is important to reflect on our journey so far,” the Speaker said.

He said, “when the 10th House was inaugurated in June 2023, Nigeria faced significant challenges. The economy was weak, and there were pressing development and security crises. The populace was understandably frustrated and losing hope in democracy’s ability to meet their aspirations.

“This was followed by the shock of the removal of fuel subsidies, which exacerbated economic hardships and increased public anxiety. We recognised that extraordinary times required an extraordinary response from the legislature.

“From the onset, the House dedicated itself to creating and implementing the most ambitious legislative agenda in our history. Designed to deliver good governance, this agenda aims to restore hope in democracy for our people. 

“The Legislative Agenda was not crafted in isolation. Following extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including Ministries and Agencies, civil society, and development partners, we produced a comprehensive roadmap to guide our lawmaking, oversight, and representation from 2023 to 2027.

“We also took special care to align our priorities with the “Renewed Hope” agenda of the President Tinubu-led administration, ensuring synergy between the legislative and executive arms of government. 

“Thus, our agenda embodies collaborative governance by engaging in dialogue with the Executive. This approach allows us to fulfil our independent mandate while ensuring that our legislative actions support national objectives and address the pressing needs of our citizens.

“The agenda encompasses eight broad priority areas that address Nigeria’s diverse needs. These include strengthening good governance, enhancing national security, revitalising the economy, reforming our laws, and promoting social development. It also advocates for inclusion through an open Parliament, directs foreign policy in the national interest, and tackles climate and environmental sustainability”.

He stressed that the impact the 10th House has made thus far is largely due to the deliberate, strategic, and focused execution of this agenda and have remained focused and resilient in pursuing these goals, even when unforeseen issues arose.

The Speaker said further that the agenda was designed with the flexibility to respond to emerging crises, adding that even as new challenges have arisen, we have adapted swiftly without losing sight of our long-term goals. In short, we did not simply announce an ambitious agenda and hope for the best; we put in place the mechanisms and political will to implement it.

Looking back, Speaker Abbas said “two years later, I am proud to report that these efforts have yielded results. In terms of legislative output, this House has been extraordinarily proactive and productive. We have introduced a record number of bills and a volume of legislative proposals that is unprecedented at this stage of any Assembly. 

“More important than quantity, however, is the impact: these bills and motions are geared towards the critical reforms our country urgently needs. Already, many of significant bills that we passed have received presidential.

“The laws we have enacted span various sectors. These include legislation to modernise and strengthen the power sector, establish a long-awaited federal audit framework for greater financial accountability in government, and create agencies critical to effective governance. 

“We have also passed legislation to bolster security by improving the control of small arms and light weapons. Additionally, we have enacted laws to advance social welfare, including those promoting public health and addressing gender-based violence. Furthermore, we have enacted legislation establishing regional development commissions to further devolve more power to the geopolitical zones.

“Importantly, we did not shy away from tackling tough, long-standing issues. We reformed our economy, modernised our tax laws, recognised crypto assets, and broadened securities definitions. 

“We have enacted critical legislation such as the Anti-Doping Law, the Student Loan Law, and the Data Protection Law to drive change, secure our communities, and protect the welfare of our people. We will continue to act with courage and determination.

“Beyond lawmaking, we have vigorously exercised our constitutional role to conduct oversight. We recognise that passing laws is not enough; we must also ensure they are implemented faithfully and that government actions are subject to scrutiny. 

“In the past two years, the House has engaged in robust oversight of the Executive branch, holding ministries, departments, and agencies accountable to foster accountability and transparency in governance. Our committees have diligently investigated issues of public concern, from examining the management of economic reforms to assessing the state of national security efforts. 

“On multiple occasions, the House has recovered billions of Naira for the government through the efforts of the Public Accounts Committee. We have summoned officials to explain the expenditure of public funds and the execution of policies, insisting that the dividends of democracy reach the citizens as intended.

The Speaker also said that the House has embraced innovation and evidence-based approaches to improve legislative governance and commissioned a study to gauge public perception of the National Assembly and to understand citizens’ expectations. 

He said “the findings of that study were enlightening, confirming, for example, the public’s demand for effective laws and a stronger emphasis on oversight and representation. It also recommended greater transparency, regular town halls, and better communication of our activities. We took these lessons to heart.

“The very idea of a policy dialogue was born from the desire to create a platform facilitating three-way interactions among the legislature, the executive, and citizens. Our goal through these platforms is to institutionalise constructive feedback loops within the governance process. Significantly, too, we desire for all our lawmaking and oversight to be evidence-based and respond to the real needs of our constituents.

“While we take pride in the progress we have made so far, we approach this mid-term review with humility. We acknowledge our imperfections and the areas where work remains. Indeed, we may not be where we ought to be, but we have certainly achieved significant milestones in our legislative work. 

“The 10th House is on the right path; yet, we understand that the quest for good governance is a continuous journey rather than a destination.

Read Also: Speaker Abbas loses mother-in-law

“We have passed bills awaiting concurrence and implementation, launched oversight inquiries that call for decisive follow-up, and identified parts of our agenda that need an extra push. We embrace these challenges openly and turn them into catalysts for greater progress. True accountability means celebrating our wins, confronting our shortcomings, and committing to do even better.

“This administration has demonstrated a deep commitment to constructive engagement, recognising that the true strength of democracy lies not in conflict, but in collaboration. As the saying goes, “where two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers”. In the same way, “where the legislature and the executive fight, it is the people that suffer”. 

“President Tinubu’s openness to the perspectives of the National Assembly and his readiness to listen and act on our collective insights have been instrumental in fostering policies that reflect the aspirations of the Nigerian people.

“This mutual respect and partnership between the Executive and the Legislature have enabled us to navigate challenges, enact transformative legislation, and drive meaningful development. It testifies to the power of dialogue, shared vision, and collective action”.

Former Deputy Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara also harped on the need to implement laws made by the parliament as well as the legislative agenda. 

Dogara said no matter what is written in the legislative agenda, it will not being development, but what is done to the agenda, adding that the implementation of the agenda will reflect the choices made by stakeholders. 

He said by organising the dialogue, the House has showned that the House was prepared to open their doors to the public for scrutiny. 

Speaker Abbas Tajudeen has lost one of his mothers-in-law, Hajiya Rahmatu Bello Mukaddas.

She died on Thursday night at 85.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the Speaker in Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi, Krishi said Hajiya Rahmatu, who was the mother to Hajiya Hussaina — the Speaker’s first wife was buried at the Tukur-Tukur cemetery in Zaria after Jumma’at prayers on Friday

Read Also: JUST IN: Speaker Abbas loses mother-in-law

Abbas attended the burial with the Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, Minority Whip, Hon. Ali Isa and some district heads from the Zazzau Emirate, clerics, among many others.

The Speaker described the late Hajiya Rahmatu as a woman of virtue who was a mother to all, noting that she spent her life uplifting the lives of others.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of our mother, Hajiya Rahmatu Bello Mukaddas, who was more than a mother-in-law to me.

“She lived a virtuous life worthy of emulation. Not only was she a peacemaker, she was also a symbol of unity. She lives behind a legacy of selflessness, tolerance, and love,” the Speaker said.

Speaker Abbas prayed to Allah (SWT) to accept the soul of the late Hajiya Rahmatu Bello Mukaddas and make Jannatul Firdaus her final abode.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen has lost one of his mothers-in-law, Hajiya Rahmatu Bello Mukaddas, who died on Thursday night at the age of 85.

A statement signed by the special adviser to the speaker in media and publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, said Hajiya Rahmatu, who was the mother of Hajiya Hussaina, the Speaker’s first wife, was buried at the Tukur-Tukur cemetery in Zaria after Jumma’at prayers on Friday

Speaker Abbas attended the burial alongside the Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, Minority Whip, Hon. Ali Isa, some district heads from the Zazzau Emirate, clerics, among many others.

The Speaker described the late Hajiya Rahmatu as a woman of virtue who was a mother to all, noting that she spent her life uplifting the lives of others.

Read Also: Abbas: Kalu, a dependable partner

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of our mother, Hajiya Rahmatu Bello Mukaddas, who was more than a mother-in-law to me.

“She lived a virtuous life worthy of emulation. Not only was she a peacemaker, she was also a symbol of unity. She lives behind a legacy of selflessness, tolerance, and love,” the Speaker said.

Speaker Abbas prayed to Allah (SWT) to accept the soul of the late Hajiya Rahmatu Bello Mukaddas and make Jannatul Firdaus her final abode.

 …to provide electricity for 300 million Africans by 2030

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has declared that Nigeria is taking a continental leadership role in Africa’s energy transition, with an ambitious goal to help provide electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030.

He disclosed this on Monday while delivering the keynote address at the opening of the First Legislative Conference and Expo on Renewable Energy, held in Lagos.

The event was organised by the House Committee on Renewable Energy, chaired by Hon. Afam Ogene, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Speaker Abbas praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of a \$1 billion financing initiative for the Rural Electrification Agency in December 2024, describing it as a significant step toward achieving energy access for underserved communities.

He also highlighted Nigeria’s active participation in the Mission 300 Initiative — a collaborative energy access programme with the World Bank and the African Development Bank — as a testament to the country’s dedication to clean, sustainable, and inclusive power solutions across the continent.

“This initiative is a strong demonstration of Nigeria’s leadership on the continental stage,” Abbas said.

“On the continental stage, Nigeria has assumed a leadership role. Through our participation in the Mission 300 Initiative with the World Bank and the African Development Bank, we are working to provide electricity to three hundred million Africans by 2030.

“While progress has been made, the road ahead requires sustained effort. The success of this transition depends on coherent actions across all institutions. Legislators must establish sound legal foundations. The executive must implement with integrity and urgency. The private sector must invest in innovation and scale. Civil society must foster awareness, inclusion, and accountability. This conference, therefore, provides an opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment,” he said.

Abbas urged that the momentum built so far should not be allowed to dissipate and urged that the resolutions should lead to concrete outcomes, including model legislation, greater investments, and the adoption of new technologies.

The Speaker used the platform to reaffirm Nigeria’s internal strides toward a clean energy transition. He highlighted the legislative reforms championed by the 10th House of Representatives, including the recent establishment of a Standing Committee on Renewable Energy, which coordinates national efforts in expanding access to clean power.

Read Also: Abbas: Kalu, a dependable partner

“Our legislative agenda recognises energy reform as central to our national priorities. Strategic Objective 8.5 aims to promote renewable energy development while ensuring access, efficiency, and environmental responsibility,” he said.

Among recent legislative milestones, he cited the House’s passage of new tax reform bills that eliminate Value Added Tax (VAT) on renewable energy components and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) technologies. These reforms, he said, are designed to stimulate private investment and enhance affordability in the clean energy sector.

He said the House is also working to provide legal backing for Nigeria’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Policy (REEEP) of 2015, a framework that seeks to boost renewable energy adoption, curb greenhouse gas emissions, and improve energy efficiency nationwide.

Speaker Abbas noted that the urgency to transition to clean energy is no longer optional, citing global energy trends that show a decisive shift toward renewables. He noted that in 2024, renewable energy accounted for over 92 percent of new global power generation capacity, driven primarily by solar and wind, bringing the world’s total installed capacity to over 4,448 gigawatts, a 15% year-on-year increase.

He also referenced international investment figures from 2023, where $1.7 trillion of the $2.8 trillion total global energy investment was directed toward renewable energy, energy efficiency, and electric mobility.

“This is a structural reorientation of the global energy economy,” Abbas said. “Nigeria must align with this reality to stay relevant, competitive, and environmentally responsible.”

He pointed to legislative successes in countries such as Egypt, Germany, and members of the European Union, where robust legal frameworks have accelerated clean energy expansion. He called for African parliaments to emulate such examples through strong laws, decentralised energy strategies, and support for independent power producers.

Speaker Abbas commended the Tinubu administration for key energy policy reforms, particularly the Electricity Act of 2023, which devolved control over the power sector to sub-national governments, thus encouraging localised energy solutions and private-sector participation.

He said of the $1 billion approved by the President Tinubu, $750 million is earmarked for expanding solar access in underserved areas, resulting in the deployment of 124 mini-grids and over 25,000 solar home systems, benefiting more than 200,000 Nigerians.

“Such bold investments are game-changers,” the Speaker said. “They show what is possible when policy, financing, and legislation align.”

The Speaker reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to its Energy Transition Plan, which lays out a path to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. He also welcomed the launch of the Nigeria Carbon Market Activation Policy in March 2025, aimed at unlocking climate finance and enhancing project viability.

He emphasised that legislative support, policy innovation, and private-sector engagement are all required for the success of Nigeria’s green transition.

Abbas said that legislators must enact and enforce strong legal foundations, while the executive branch must implement these policies with urgency and integrity.

“The private sector must invest boldly, and civil society must foster awareness, inclusion, and accountability,” he added.

He urged participants to take full advantage of the conference to develop concrete resolutions, model legislation, and partnerships that will deliver tangible results.

“Let us not lose the momentum we’ve built,” Abbas said. “Let this conference be remembered not just for the conversations it sparked but for the change it inspired,” he said.

Speaker Abbas underscored the importance of continental collaboration. He lauded the participation of fellow African parliamentarians and emphasised the value of cross-country learning in strengthening regional capacity for renewable energy development.

Chairman of the House Committee on Renewable Energy, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, called for urgent action.

He emphasised that Nigeria’s continued reliance on fossil fuels, despite its vast reserves, has failed to provide reliable electricity, stifling economic growth and productivity.

Ogene acknowledged that while fossil fuels are vital to the economy, the country must diversify its energy sources to ensure sustainability and reduce dependence on non-renewable resources.

“The persistent power supply challenges we face are not just a technical issue, they are a barrier to our national development. To move forward, we must embrace renewable energy as a critical component of our energy strategy,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of legislative action, Ogene pointed to the House’s recent steps to ensure government agencies transition to renewable energy sources for their operations.

He also revealed that the Committee had launched investigations into the management of past renewable energy investments, emphasising the need for accountability and transparency in future projects.

“The transition to renewable energy is not just about power generation; it’s about creating economic opportunities, especially for our youth. Every solar panel and clean energy initiative represents potential jobs and skills development,” Ogene added.

Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana, Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, said the Conference was not just a testimony to the increasing urgency to address energy challenges, but also a call to policymakers, legislators, investors, community and innovators to take action towards shaping a sustainable energy future.

Represented by Ghana’s First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Bernard Ahiafor, he called on African legislators to play a central role in driving the continent’s transition to renewable energy, emphasising that sustainable energy is vital for Africa’s development and climate goals.

Ahiafor applauded Nigeria’s efforts in convening stakeholders to identify legislative and policy gaps in the renewable energy sector. He stressed the need for inclusive policies that attract investment, expand energy access, and support local industries.

Citing global data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), he noted that over 80% of new electricity capacity in 2023 came from renewable sources, signalling the rapid pace of the global energy transition.

However, he cautioned that Africa remains underpowered, with more than 600 million people still without access to electricity despite holding 60% of the world’s best solar resources.

He spotlighted Ghana’s progress in the sector, including utility-scale projects like the 50MW solar PV farm and the sub-region’s first floating solar plant.

He also highlighted Ghana’s off-grid initiatives and favorable policies like net metering, tax incentives, and green financing through programs such as SUNREF and the Green Climate Fund.

Ahiafor emphasised the importance of legislative backing in energy reform, referencing Ghana’s Renewable Energy Act and other key laws.

He also reiterated Ghana’s commitment to international agreements like the Paris Accord and Sustainable Energy for All.

He urged African nations to work collaboratively across borders to power homes, schools, and industries with clean, affordable energy, stressing that a just and inclusive transition is essential to ensure no community is left behind.

The UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Elsie Atafuah, said the cost of inaction was too high.

She said the world is reorganising around energy, minerals, and climate security, adding that the next superpowers will be those who master the green value chain.

Atafuah said Nigeria has the people, the resources, and the influence to lead, but leadership requires courage, vision, and legislative action.

She said today, the world stands at a critical moment with rising planetary challenges such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity stress, geopolitical realignments amid even more significant

Atafuah said this is a defining moment for Nigeria’s development journey, where energy is not only a development necessity but a cornerstone of economic competitiveness, national security, and global positioning.

She said as countries across Africa and around the world make bold strides to secure their energy futures and critical mineral assets, the choices Nigeria makes today will shape its trajectory for decades to come.

She said UNDP and the United Nations stand ready to support, through scalable solutions, policy design, technical assistance, financing models, and strategic partnerships.

She urged that the Conference should mark the deepening of Nigeria’s energy and mineral economy, clean, competitive, and globally relevant.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, admitted on Thursday that the current economic challenges in the country were weighing down and pressing hard on the shoulders of the average Nigerian, leading to the inability to provide for the family.

Speaking through the Chairman of the House Committee on Labour and Employment, Adegboyega Adefarati, at the 2025 May Day celebration in Abuja, the speaker said the challenges occasioned by the reforms introduced to address age-long economic mismanagement and disarticulations were beginning to yield results.

While paying tributes to the indefatigable and long-suffering Nigerian worker who has continued to serve this nation with pride, dignity, and honour, the speaker said that even when the conditions haven’t been so good, the workers have remained faithful to the course of the Nigerian nation.

Speaker Abbas said, “It is only proper and deserving that we recognise and honour you for your numerous contributions in different sectors towards the political, economic, and social development of this nation. When we honour labour, we honour the nation because, behind every successful nation are the hands and sweat of labourers/workers”.

He said all Nigerians have felt the weight of economic challenges pressing down on our shoulders as a result of reforms to address age-long economic mismanagement and disarticulation.

He said further that “the rising cost of living has made it increasingly difficult to provide for our families. Yet, despite these hardships, your spirit remains unbroken. You continue to show up every day with dedication and commitment to your work with the hope that our collective creativity would transform challenges into opportunities—that’s the true spirit of labour.

“It must be admitted that while the last two years have been challenging for all Nigerian families, we have begun to witness and appreciate the wisdom of the government in embarking on economic transformation to restore our nation to the path of growth and development.

“The late Dr. Ogbonnya Onu, former Minister of Science and Technology, had said that trees shed their old leaves, allowing new ones to grow to withstand the demanding circumstances of harsh weather. Snakes often discard their old skin so that new skin can grow, to be healthier and stronger. Indeed, economic growth is a complex process that requires resilience to achieve inclusive growth.

“The policies of the government in the last two years have been championed to liberate Nigeria from economic struggle to inclusive growth, and a journey of economic growth demands sacrifices and commitment. You have been champions of this growth as workers, and it is noteworthy that some appreciable positive results are being recorded as a result of the policies.

“Nigerian workers have proven themselves to be the engine room and main drivers of the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. You have been instrumental in pushing government policy to deliverable dividends. You have strengthened your faith and belief that our country will be greater. You are the reason why the government is working”.

He commended the leadership of the labour unions for their tenacity in advocating for workers’ rights and standing firm against injustices, while fighting tirelessly for better working conditions and fair wages, with the efforts paying off in the enactment of a new national minimum wage act and in securing wage awards for workers.

Speaker Abbas said the House of Representatives and indeed the National Assembly will continue to stand by the Nigerian workers to ensure that laws that guarantee good governance and impact on the people are enacted.

According to Abbas, issues affecting the Nigerian workers have received considerable attention from the National Assembly over the years and will continue to feature prominently in the legislative priorities of the parliament.

He said, “As your representatives, our legislative agenda is committed to ensuring that we defend the mandate you entrusted to us by making laws for good governance, proper representation, and oversight of the executive.

Read Also: Speaker Abbas: effective communication key to government’s public acceptance

“I assure you that the House, which we have dubbed ‘The People’s House,’ is committed to embarking on legislative actions that will enhance the welfare of workers and make life more meaningful for them. This is our contract with the people of Nigeria, and we do this because we know that without workers, there is not much we can achieve.

“The House of Representatives is always ready to engage with the Nigerian workers through your leadership to fashion out more creative ways we can use our legislative mandate to create a better life for workers. The House is open to receive you in your House, anytime.

“We have, as part of our legislative agenda, the Open National Assembly Week, during which we open our doors for one week for citizens and our constituents to interact directly with us and give us feedback on our performance. The next National Assembly Open Week, organised by the House of Representatives, comes up from 1st to 4th July, 2025. We expect to receive you in the House of Representatives to have a direct interface with you.”

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, and stakeholders in the electoral process have backed the bill seeking the establishment of an independent authority to register and regulate the funding of political parties in the country.

Tajudeen said the country must find ways to make party politics serve the purpose of politics, not wealth creation for its managers.

He spoke at a Technical Workshop for the House Committee on Political Party Matters on the Political Parties Bill (HB 1862) organised by Yiaga Africa and suppprted by the European Union with partnership from the Kukah Centre on Monday in Abuja.

The speaker, who was represented by the member representing Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency, Ishaya Lalu, said: “The Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) has the power to register political parties, but there is a need to strengthen the legislation. In some instances, political party funding in Nigeria is taken over by wealthy individuals as investments. Those who make the investments, either as businessmen or politicians, hijack the political parties or impose candidates on the parties during the electoral process. There cannot be a democracy where there is no internal democratic process through which candidates for election emerge at the level of the political parties.

“It therefore follows that as we review our party registration and regulation processes, we must also be able to fashion the new logic that support whatever decision that we must take in advancing the bill for an act to provide for the establishment of an independent authority for the registration, regulation and funding of political parties in Nigeria.”

According to the speaker, the registration and regulation of political parties will promote transparency and accountability, separate the regulatory function from government control, and domicile it in an independent body that will not be partisan in holding political parties accountable for things like campaign financing and the sources.

He added: The decision of the House to initiate discussion through the consideration of the Bill is a response to the popular demand that political parties should function as true agents of democratic consolidation in our nation.

“The registration of political parties entails regulation to ensure discipline and financial management limits. It is trite that those who register political parties must also find reasons to regulate their activities, especially their funding.

“This Bill is meant to bridge these gaps in our legislation. The Bill proposes that the registration and regulation of political parties will promote transparency and accountability, separate the regulatory function from government control, and domicile it in an independent body that will not be partisan in holding political parties accountable for things like campaign financing and the sources.

“It has also been said that such regulations will promote fairness and impartiality as an independent body will strictly apply the rules and continually mete out punishment for transgressions. This is expected to promote public trust in the political party system and improve governance as the people will become active funders of their political party. Perhaps, too, it will reduce corruption.”

Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo said the bill, when passed into law, would reform the party syste in the country.

Itodo appealed to the lawmakers to ensure its passage.

“The bill is an attempt to reform our party system to deliver on good governance, accountability, and transparency,” he added.

Itodo emphasised Nigeria’s strategic position on Africa’s politics, warning that weak political parties undermined democracy.

“Our parties are built around individuals, not institutions, making them easily captured,” Itodo said, advocating for stronger systems to ensure ideological coherence and public participation.

Executive Director of The Kukah Centre, Atta Barkindo, described the bill as a timely opportunity to strengthen internal democracy and institutionalise overdue reforms.

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“The quality of political party operations directly impacts the integrity of our elections,” he said.

Chairman of the House Committee on Political Matters, Zakari Nyampa, noted that unregulated primaries often lead to crises within parties.

“This bill is key to ensuring accountability, transparency, and proper regulation of political party funding,” he said, underscoring its importance for Nigeria’s evolving democracy.

Also speaking at the event, National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Yusuf Dantalle called for greater public engagement on the bill, noting that it has yet to be uploaded online for scrutiny.

He stressed the need for stakeholders to thoroughly assess the legislation to ensure it reflected citizens’ aspirations.

“IPAC plans to convene a General Assembly to discuss the bill and present its position to the National Assembly,” he added.

Following stronger tariffs imposed on foreign commodities by the United States of America, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen has stressed the need for stronger bilateral relationship between Nigeria and China. 

Addressing a delegation from the China People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in his office on Friday, the Speaker cited the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation as viable options for Nigeria following the ongoing global trade war.

The CPPCC delegation, led by the Vice-Chairman, Mr. Hu Chunhua, paid a courtesy call on the Speaker.

The Speaker said: “In the face of evolving global trade dynamics, exemplified by the recent imposition of tariffs by the United States that have affected our non-oil exports, it is imperative that we diversify our trade partnerships. Enhancing our economic ties with China presents significant opportunities for our nation.

“In this regard, Nigeria is equally enthusiastic about deepening cooperation through platforms such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. These initiatives provide promising avenues for expanding trade, fostering investment, and promoting knowledge exchange.”

Speaker Abbas stressed that as the world witnesses China’s remarkable economic transformation, “we find in its experience a model of inspiration, particularly in the areas of industrial policy, poverty reduction and technological innovation.”

He said the National Assembly is dedicated to building enduring institutional ties with key Chinese legislative bodies, including the China People’s Political Consultative Conference and the National People’s Congress. He said this collaboration will enable mutual learning on legislative reforms, effective constituency representation, and democratic innovation.

Speaker Abbas said the results of China’s recent ‘Two Sessions’, with their focus on inclusive development, scientific advancement, and environmental sustainability, present substantial common ground for both nations.

He reaffirmed the resolve of the House to the “noble pursuit of parliamentary diplomacy”, while noting that the legislative endeavours of the parliament remains pivotal in supporting Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives. 

He said, “by further strengthening our cooperation with China, we are better positioned to attain our shared aspirations for modernisation, peace, and prosperity.”

Speaker Abbas stressed that enduring and strategic partnership between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China lies at the core of the countries’ international relations. He noted that their collaboration spans vital sectors such as infrastructure, trade, health, and education.

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“The recent elevation of our relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is clear evidence of the mutual trust and resolve cultivated by the interactions between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Xi Jinping. 

“Nigeria’s steadfast support for the ‘One China Principle’ reflects our deep-rooted belief in the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, and we remain devoted to dialogue and cooperation as the means to address complex global challenges,” he said.

Earlier, the Vice-Chairman of the CPPCC, Mr. Chunhua, recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, visited China last September, where the host president and the visiting president announced strategic partnerships.

“China stands ready to work with Nigeria on the agreements signed by the two presidents and resolutions of the Beijing Conference,” Chunhua said, while expressing the commitment of his country to prioritising issues of common interests between China and Nigeria.