Reps Speaker Declares 10th House Most Productive Since 1999

By Oluwakemi Kindness

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has declared the 10th House the most productive since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.

He made the comment while setting a bold reform agenda as lawmakers resumed plenary after their 2025 annual recess.

Addressing members on Tuesday, Abbas said the 10th Assembly had achieved historic legislative productivity, with 2,263 bills considered, 237 passed, and 50 signed into law since June 2023.

The legislations, he said, span critical sectors such as power reform, student loans, cybersecurity, tax policy, and regional development.

He noted that the House’s midterm review reflected “meaningful but incomplete progress,” stressing that Nigerians expect more tangible results from their representatives.

“The people look to us for deliberate action that improves their daily lives,” Abbas said, pledging stronger oversight and constructive engagement with the Executive.

Outlining key priorities for the months ahead, the Speaker announced that 87 constitutional amendment proposals—covering devolution of powers, judicial reform, and local government autonomy, will be debated and transmitted to State Assemblies before December 2025.

He also committed to completing electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections, aimed at reducing violence, cutting costs, and ensuring greater inclusiveness in party primaries and voting.

In a historic appeal, Abbas urged lawmakers to back the Reserved Seats Bill for Women, which seeks to create additional elective seats exclusively for women without altering existing ones.

“We are all HeForShe in advancing gender inclusion. How we vote on this bill will shape how history and our daughters remember us,” he said.

The Speaker also called for decisive action on multi-level policing, proposing constitutional and legal amendments to empower states in security management while maintaining national oversight.

On the economy, he identified job creation, SME support, and power sector stability as central to recovery efforts, urging faster implementation of the Startup Act and promotion of renewable energy investments.

Abbas commended members for maintaining unity and discipline despite national challenges, describing the 10th House as a model of stability and responsible leadership.

He urged lawmakers to sustain mature debate, evidence-based oversight, and a non-partisan commitment to national development.

“Nigerians will judge us not by party affiliations but by the results we deliver,” the Speaker concluded. “The House of Representatives is an institution entrusted with shaping the nation’s future and protecting the rights of its people.”