Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, on Tuesday called on lawmakers to prioritize national duty over political campaigning as the House resumed plenary following its annual recess and the completion of Chamber rehabilitation works.
Addressing principal officers, lawmakers, and guests in the newly restored Chamber, Speaker Abbas unveiled a focused 100-day legislative programme aimed at concluding major constitutional amendments, preparing for the 2027 budget, and passing critical bills before the end of the Tenth Assembly.
?Reflecting on national developments during the recess, the Speaker highlighted encouraging macroeconomic indicators, noting economic growth above 4 per cent, inflation falling to 15.39 per cent, external reserves rising to 54.7 billion dollars, and a trade surplus exceeding 20 trillion Naira in the first half of the year.
He stressed, however, that these statistical gains must be converted into tangible benefits for citizens, including affordable food, job opportunities, accessible credit, and dependable public services.
Expressing deep condolences to families affected by recent security incidents in Borno and Ondo, as well as severe flooding in Enugu and Abia, Abbas reaffirmed the House’s commitment to supporting security agencies while insisting on strict oversight and accountability.
?With political activities accelerating ahead of the 2027 general elections, Speaker Abbas cautioned lawmakers against allowing party realignments, defections, or campaign commitments to undermine their legislative duties.
He emphasized that whatever political affiliations or personal ambitions members hold, they remain bound by one oath and one Constitution, declaring that the campaign must never become more important than the country.
To maintain momentum into the final stretch of the Assembly, he directed committees to clear outstanding reports within strict timelines and designated Tuesdays and Thursdays to focus on major bills and urgent national business.
?Key priorities for the House in the coming months include bringing the constitutional review process to a responsible conclusion, particularly the State Police Bill and the Reserved Seats for Women Bill.
The House is also preparing to consider the Executive’s Medium Term Expenditure Framework ahead of the 2027 Budget and process vital executive submissions, including the National Research Development Fund Bill and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's request to domesticate the Geneva Conventions to strengthen civilian protections during conflict.
Speaker Abbas noted that the House has already achieved approximately 65 to 70 per cent of its legislative agenda milestones and announced plans to publish a full Legislative Scorecard and Legacy Report before the end of the term to enable Nigerians to measure performance against commitments.
