House of Reps Speaker Presents Agenda as 10th N’Assembly enters last lap

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen,  has reeled out priority legislation before the parliament as the 10th House enters its last lap.

 

Top of the agenda of the House is the conclusion of the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution and the consideration and passage of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP) as well as the 2027 Appropriation Bill.

 

The 10th Assembly, which was inaugurated on June 13, 2023, with a 4-year lifespan, entered its last legislative lap on Tuesday.

 

As the National Assembly resumed plenary on Tuesday after its annual recess, Speaker Abbas, in his welcome address to members of the House, noted that the lawmakers have “resumed at a consequential moment.”

 

He said, “Our immediate priorities are therefore clear. First, we must bring the constitutional review process to a responsible conclusion. The State Police Bill, the Reserved (Legislative) Seats for Women Bill, and other outstanding alteration bills require sustained engagement with the Senate and the State Houses of Assembly.

 

“Second, the House will focus on preparations for the 2027 budget. We urge the Executive to submit the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework promptly to allow sufficient time for thorough consideration and lay a sound foundation for the timely passage of the Appropriation Bill.

 

“Third, the House will give prompt and careful attention to the bills and requests transmitted by the President. These include the National Research Development Fund Bill and the request received today for the domestication of the Geneva Conventions and their relevant protocols. This latest request carries particular national and diplomatic significance. It will strengthen the protection of civilians, wounded persons, and prisoners during armed conflict. I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this bold and timely move.

 

“Fourth, we must safeguard the electoral process. The Electoral Act must be faithfully applied, and the Independent National Electoral Commission must receive the lawful support required to perform its duties. Every public institution involved in the elections must act with neutrality, competence, and restraint.

 

“Fifth, committees must clear outstanding reports and bills awaiting action. Important proposals should not expire because they remained unattended. To accelerate this work, I propose a focused 100-day legislative programme. Committees should clear outstanding reports within defined timelines. Tuesdays and Thursdays should give priority to major bills and urgent national business. Attendance at plenary and committee sittings must improve.”

 

Speaker Abbas added, “I also propose the publication of our full Legislative Scorecard and Legacy Report before the end of this Assembly. Nigerians should be able to compare our commitments with our performance.”

 

While stating that “we have entered the fourth and final stretch of the Tenth Assembly,” the Speaker stated that “this is the proper time to examine our record and define the work that remains.”

 

By the middle of June 2026, the Speaker said, the House had received 2,747 bills and passed 363. He noted that the rate of passage rose from about 7 per cent in the first session to approximately 26 per cent in the third. “We also processed hundreds of motions and public petitions,” he added.

 

Measured against the House’ Legislative Agenda, Speaker Abbas said internal assessment indicates that the House has completed approximately 65 to 70 per cent of its principal milestones.

 

The speaker, however, pointed out that these figures are significant, “but volume alone does not define legislative success.”

 

He said, “A law must solve a problem. A motion must lead to action. An investigation must protect the public interest. Oversight must improve the management of public resources. Our true record lies in the effect of our work on the lives of Nigerians.”

 

He also noted that political activity is increasing, as the timetable for the 2027 general elections is in place, while candidates have emerged, campaigns have begun, and Nigerians are watching their political leaders and democratic institutions closely.”

 

While stating “our conduct must justify their confidence,” the Speaker said a debate may be vigorous “but it must remain responsible,” adding that “political competition must not displace our constitutional duties.”

 

Speaker Abbas further noted that the political season has brought realignments and defections across party lines, stating that “These are common in an active democracy. We must neither fear them nor become consumed by them.”

 

He added, “Whatever our political affiliations or personal ambitions, we remain members of one House. We are bound by one Constitution and one oath. The campaign must never become more important than the country.”

 

The Speaker emphasised that “the months ahead will be brief, and the demands of the political season will be considerable.” He therefore called on every member of the House to attend plenary and committee sittings “faithfully.”

 

“Legislation and oversight must not be abandoned for the campaign trail. Our constituents elected us for a full term, and they deserve a full term of service,” Speaker Abbas said.