The Speaker said 87 constitutional amendment proposals, covering devolution of powers, local government autonomy, and judicial and socio-economic reforms, would be concluded and transmitted to state assemblies before December.
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, on Tuesday outlined key priorities for the 10th House as it resumed plenary after the 2025 annual recess, emphasising constitutional review, electoral reforms, gender inclusion, and security restructuring.
Welcoming members back, Abbas said the House had reached “a pivotal midpoint” and must build on its achievements. “The Nigerian people look to us for more; they expect deliberate action that improves their daily lives,” he said.
He described the 10th House as the most productive since 1999, noting that between June 2023 and mid-2025, it considered 2,263 bills, passed 237, and secured presidential assent for 50, including those on student loans, power reform, cybersecurity, and tax policy.
Abbas said collaboration with the executive under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope government had produced timely budgets and aligned reforms while maintaining legislative independence.
He noted that inflation had declined for five consecutive months to 20.12 per cent and that diplomatic progress had restored UAE visa services and Emirates flights. However, he admitted that Nigerians still face hardship, calling for “targeted legislative actions” to address high living costs and insecurity.
The Speaker said 87 constitutional amendment proposals, covering devolution of powers, local government autonomy, and judicial and socio-economic reforms, would be concluded and transmitted to state assemblies before December.
He also pledged to finalise amendments to the Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 polls, including provisions to curb violence, improve access for persons with disabilities, streamline dispute timelines, and promote single-day voting and inclusive party primaries.
Abbas highlighted the Reserved Seats Bill for Women, which proposes new seats to be contested exclusively by women. “Women currently hold fewer than 5% of seats in the National Assembly. Supporting this bill will shape how history and our daughters remember us,” he said.
On security, he called for action on multi-level policing and amendments to the Police Act to allow states greater control over recruitment and deployment of community police under federal oversight.
He reaffirmed the House’s commitment to job creation and power reforms, urging support for the Startup Act, renewable energy, and technology-driven initiatives.
Abbas praised members for maintaining unity and stability within the 10th Assembly and urged them to stay focused. “Nigerians will judge us not by party affiliations but by the results we deliver,” he said. “The tasks ahead are demanding but achievable.”