NEWS REPORT
House to Prioritise Electoral Reforms, Security, Welfare — Speaker ABBAs
…as Reps return from recess, unveil digital upgrades and anniversary events
May 6, 2025
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has declared that the House will prioritise electoral reforms, national security, and citizens’ welfare as legislative sessions resume following the Sallah and Easter recess.
Addressing lawmakers during Tuesday’s plenary, Speaker Abbas said the Green Chamber is set to expedite key legislation aimed at enhancing the lives of Nigerians. He listed priority areas to include electoral reform, economic development, education, healthcare, and security.
“We must now move decisively to expedite the consideration and passage of critical bills that directly impact Nigerians’ stability, prosperity, and well-being,” the Speaker stated. He emphasised the urgency of passing the much-anticipated electoral reform bill, which he described as “fundamental to strengthening our democratic processes.”
Speaker Abbas also announced a series of activities to mark the upcoming second anniversary of the 10th House. These include a Public Policy Dialogue on May 12 in Abuja, a Citizens’ Engagement and Media Roundtable in June, and zonal media engagements in Kaduna and Lagos. The House Open Week, slated for July 1–4, will further foster public interaction and transparency, while a live media chat will allow the leadership to update citizens on legislative priorities and receive public feedback.
“These activities are not merely ceremonial,” he told lawmakers. “They reflect our values as the People’s House and offer critical platforms for evaluating our work, refining our agenda, and projecting our collective vision.”
On institutional upgrades, Abbas highlighted the enhancement of digital infrastructure within the chamber to improve legislative processes. He also lauded recent legislative achievements, including the passage of Tax Reform Bills aimed at boosting revenue and simplifying compliance.
Addressing national security, the Speaker condemned recent killings in Borno, Plateau, Benue, and Kwara States, as well as renewed terrorist activity in the North-East. He extended condolences to affected families and called for increased investment in intelligence, surveillance, and coordination among security agencies.
Abbas also referenced the House’s response to political unrest in Rivers State, pledging cooperation with the Senate to establish a high-level Reconciliation Committee to restore peace and democratic order in conflict-prone regions.
Looking ahead, the Speaker reaffirmed commitment to the ongoing constitutional review process, noting that the House Committee has been actively engaging stakeholders across the country. “Our goal remains clear: to commence and complete the constitutional amendment process in good time, with broad consensus and outcomes that reflect the will of the Nigerian people,” he said.
Signed:
Musa Abdullahi Krishi
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
