Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has urged Nigerians to take active interest in the country’s democracy by following and appreciating the parliamentary activities of the National Assembly.
Dr. Abbas made the appeal while declaring open the 2026 National Assembly Open Week and presenting the third-year scorecard and performance review of the House of Representatives in Abuja.
The three-day event, themed “Three Years of the 10th Assembly in Advancing Transparency, Inclusion and Reforms,” features a series of activities aimed at promoting citizens’ engagement with the legislature.
The Speaker encouraged Nigerians to cultivate the habit of monitoring parliamentary proceedings and other legislative engagements to better understand the workings of the National Assembly.
He urged citizens to study bills and legislative proposals before passing judgment on the activities of the parliament, noting that informed public participation would strengthen democratic governance.
Dr. Abbas stressed that the House welcomes constructive criticism, describing it as an essential tool for effective lawmaking.
According to him, the ultimate goal of the House is not merely to pass numerous laws but to build a nation where every Nigerian, regardless of location, enjoys equal protection under the law.
The Speaker disclosed that within the last three years, the House had received 2,747 bills, out of which 363 had been passed, while 72 had received presidential assent and become law.
He described the House’s three-year scorecard as a record of partnership, noting that executive policies must undergo legislative scrutiny and appropriation processes before becoming law.
On security, Dr. Abbas welcomed the rescue of the kidnapped teachers and students in Oyo State, saying the development demonstrates that Nigerian security forces are making progress in addressing insecurity.
He also revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has transmitted an executive version of the State Police Bill to the National Assembly, containing more comprehensive provisions than the earlier version passed by the House.
The Speaker assured Nigerians that the House of Representatives would give the proposed legislation the necessary attention in the interest of national security and development.
The opening ceremony of the 2026 National Assembly Open Week was attended by several dignitaries, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Health, Muhammad Ali Pate; former Speakers Aminu Bello Masari, Patricia Etteh, and Yakubu Dogara, among others.
COV: Tsibiri.
