Electoral, Security, and Economic Reforms Remain Our Priority – Speaker Abbas …Says Reps Demonstrate Maturity and Unity as House Resumes Plenary

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has outlined key legislative priorities as the House resumed plenary on Tuesday after its annual recess.

Speaker Abbas emphasized that the House would focus on reviewing the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act, while giving top attention to security and economic reforms in the coming months.

In his welcome address, the Speaker stated that the responsibilities before the legislature are substantial and that progress made so far remains incomplete. He noted that Nigerians would ultimately judge the lawmakers not by their political affiliations but by the results they deliver.

Highlighting urgent legislative priorities, Speaker Abbas said, “Our attention must turn to several pressing issues, chief among them being the constitutional amendment. Eighty-seven proposals touching on devolution of powers, local government autonomy, judicial reform, and socio-economic rights await debate and voting.”

He recalled the national public hearing on the constitutional amendment held on September 22, 2025, describing it as “well-attended and highly successful,” reflecting broad national interest and public support. He urged members to ensure that the approved amendments are transmitted to state assemblies before December, ahead of the election period.

On electoral reforms, Speaker Abbas said the House is determined to finalise the process well before the 2027 general elections. “The Electoral Act Amendment Bill aims to strengthen measures against violence, improve access for persons with disabilities, clarify timelines for resolving disputes, and reduce ambiguities that affected the last elections,” he stated.

He added that the goal is to make elections less contentious and more democratic by reducing costs through single-day voting and promoting inclusivity in party primaries. He further explained that related constitutional amendments would establish an Electoral Offences Commission, with the aim of producing a new Electoral Act that will stand the test of time.

The Speaker also identified the Reserved Seats Bill for women as a major legislative priority, urging members to support what he called a “historic step.” He said, “We are all HeForShe in advancing gender inclusion, and how we vote on this bill will define how history and our daughters remember us.”

On security, Speaker Abbas reaffirmed that reforms in the sector remain central to the House’s agenda, saying that the debate on multi-level policing must move from theory to decisive legislative action. While maintaining that state police remains an option, he stressed the need to strengthen community policing through a review of the Police Act, 2020.

He observed that current provisions overly centralise authority and limit local responsiveness, suggesting that recruitment, training, and deployment of community police officers should be devolved to states under federal oversight. This, he said, would enhance security responsiveness while maintaining national standards.

The Speaker also highlighted economic recovery and job creation as core elements of the House’s agenda. He called for the speedy implementation of the Start-up Act, establishment of vocational training hubs, and promotion of renewable energy initiatives to stabilise power supply and attract private investment.

“Nigerians expect deliberate action that improves their daily lives,” he said, adding that the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has introduced reforms to stabilise the economy, enhance security, and attract investment—efforts that require legislative collaboration, oversight, and sound policymaking.

Speaker Abbas described the 10th House as “the most productive since 1999” based on its midterm assessment, citing that between June 2023 and mid-2025, the House considered 2,263 bills, passed 237, and secured presidential assent for 50. These, he said, covered areas such as power reform, student loans, cybersecurity, tax policy, and regional development.

He noted that the House has strengthened citizen engagement through the House Open Week, town halls, media briefings, and digital tools, while improving oversight through ongoing investigations and financial recoveries.

According to him, the cooperative relationship between the Legislature and the Executive has enabled timely budget passage and effective policy implementation without compromising legislative independence.

Speaker Abbas observed that recent economic indicators show cautious optimism, citing a decline in headline inflation to 20.12 percent and easing food inflation. He also commended diplomatic efforts that restored UAE visa services and Emirates Airlines operations, reopening avenues for trade and travel.

He praised security agencies for their efforts in disrupting insurgent networks and rescuing abducted citizens, but acknowledged that challenges such as high living costs and insecurity persist. He called for targeted legislative interventions to address these issues and improve citizens’ welfare.

The Speaker commended members for engaging their constituents during the recess, describing such interactions as “the essence of representation” that provides valuable insights for legislative decisions.

He also expressed appreciation for the unity and cooperation among lawmakers, noting that the 10th House has demonstrated maturity, stability, and responsible leadership.

“We have maintained cohesion in a diverse chamber through inclusive decision-making, transparency, parliamentary diplomacy, and effective floor management,” he said. “I urge us to remain united and continue to address emerging issues through dialogue to ensure that the House stays strong and focused on delivering for the Nigerian people.”

Signed:
Leke Olatunji Baiyewu
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker,
House of Representatives,
Federal Republic of Nigeria.