The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, on Wednesday, expressed the readiness of the federal parliament to focus on the security and socio-economic challenges facing Nigerians.
In his address to members of the House as the National Assembly resumes from annual recess, the Speaker listed some steps already taken by the House and the tasks ahead of the legislature.
He said: “Before the recess, we made commendable legislative achievements, passing critical bills and conducting oversight functions that have positively impacted the lives of our citizens. With 1,351 bills introduced and 89 passed, the 10th House has made significant progress. Our efforts have addressed vital sectors such as electricity, healthcare, and financial accountability.
“But as we look forward, we must maintain momentum. In the coming months, we will prioritise economic reforms, youth empowerment, healthcare, infrastructure, and education.
As the House reconvened, Speaker Abbas said he was “confident we are ready to address the significant tasks ahead.” He added: “Our nation is facing critical challenges, but I salute your dedication to the service of Nigeria. Let us remain united and focused on our shared mission for national progress and prosperity.”
While stating that “we cannot ignore the devastating security incidents that have afflicted various communities in recent months,” Speaker Abbas said, “Our heart goes out to the families of the victims and to the communities who have endured these unspeakable losses.”
The Speaker asked that a minute of silence be observed in honour of the memory of those who lost their lives “and to renew our commitment to preventing such tragedies in the future.”
He said: “On the economic front, Nigeria has demonstrated resilience and potential for recovery despite facing inflationary pressures and a high cost of living. Notably, the nation achieved a commendable 3.19% GDP growth in the second quarter of 2024, with robust contributions from sectors like services and financial institutions, according to reports from the National Bureau of Statistics. This growth occurred in a challenging global economic environment and underscores the efforts to improve the economy.
“While unemployment and currency depreciation remain concerns, international organisations like the IMF have acknowledged Nigeria’s efforts to diversify its economy and improve fiscal stability, signalling optimism for sustainable growth in the coming years.”
Speaker Abbas added: “Security challenges remain a significant concern, particularly in the North. However, substantial progress has been made in combating the insurgency, with military operations successfully neutralising over 150 terrorists and major bandit kingpins, according to recent reports from the Nigerian Armed Forces.”
As legislators, Speaker Abbas noted that members of the House are “key architects in shaping Nigeria’s future.”
He stated: “Our role transcends lawmaking; it is about safeguarding the welfare of citizens, promoting inclusive development, and ensuring good governance.
“Therefore, every bill we pass, and every debate we hold, must reflect the will of the people. Our actions in this chamber bear significant responsibility for the development and stability of Nigeria. Let us all approach our duties with renewed vigour, mindful of the aspirations of the millions of Nigerians we represent.”
However, while undertaking their constitutionally assigned roles, the Speaker said the lawmakers must remain mindful that the progress we aspire to can only be realised through strong collaboration with the Executive.
He also said that while safeguarding our independence as a legislative body, the House was committed to working in harmony with the Executive for the greater good of Nigeria.
Speaker Abbas explained that the joint efforts are vital to securing economic stability, enhancing security, and fostering national development. “This partnership is anchored on mutual respect, transparency, and a shared vision for the future of our nation,” he added.
The Speaker also stated that “the economic challenges facing our nation require urgent legislative action, and the House is committed to passing laws that drive recovery, attract investments, create jobs, and provide immediate relief through targeted social welfare programs.”
He said the house will support the vulnerable populations by advancing youth empowerment and ensuring access to education through the Student Loan Scheme. He extended the commendation of the House to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Federal Executive Council for approving the Economic Stabilisation Bills, which offer tax relief for businesses generating employment, personal income relief for workers, and suspend burdensome taxes on small businesses and vulnerable groups.
“The House of Representatives is fully prepared to receive these bills and expedite their passage to ensure timely implementation and economic stability,” the Speaker stated.
Speaker Abbas also said: “Security remains a top priority for this House. The safety and well-being of every Nigerian are non-negotiable. We will continue collaborating with the Executive and relevant agencies to combat insecurity in all its forms.
“Legislative reforms will be prioritised to strengthen our security institutions, ensuring they respond more to emerging challenges. We commend the President for signing the Counter-Terrorism Bill into law, marking a crucial step in strengthening our collective fight against insecurity across the nation.
As previously committed, the House of Representatives will hold a high-level Legislative Security Summit in the final quarter of the year. This summit will address Nigeria’s urgent security challenges by bringing together key stakeholders, including the Executive, security agencies, policy experts, and civil society organisations.”
Speaker Abbas noted that the focus will be on legislative reforms to strengthen the capabilities of our security institutions, improve inter-agency collaboration, and optimise the use of intelligence in tackling insurgency, banditry, and other security threats.
“In addition, the summit will explore approaches to community policing, securing borders, and integrating advanced technology into national defense,” he said.