By Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Abbas Tajudeen, has called on Nigerians to take a more active interest in the country’s democratic process by closely following the activities of the National Assembly.
He made the appeal on Wednesday in Abuja while officially declaring open the 2026 National Assembly Open Week and presenting the House of Representatives’ three-year performance scorecard.
The three-day event, themed “Three Years of the 10th Assembly in Advancing Transparency, Inclusion and Reforms,” is aimed at promoting openness in the legislature and strengthening public participation in the lawmaking process.
Speaking at the event, Abbas encouraged citizens to monitor parliamentary proceedings and carefully examine proposed legislation before forming opinions about the work of lawmakers. He noted that a better understanding of the legislative process would enhance accountability and deepen democratic governance.
The Speaker also stressed that the House welcomes constructive criticism, describing public feedback as an important part of building a responsive and effective legislature.
Highlighting the achievements of the 10th House over the past three years, Abbas disclosed that lawmakers have received a total of 2,747 bills. Of that number, 363 have been passed by the House, while 72 have received presidential assent and are now laws.
According to him, the scorecard reflects the House’s commitment to working collaboratively with the executive arm of government while fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities of lawmaking, oversight, and appropriation.
On security, the Speaker welcomed the rescue of the abducted teachers and students in Oyo State, describing the development as encouraging and a testament to the efforts of Nigeria’s security agencies.
He further revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has transmitted a revised Executive State Police Bill to the National Assembly. Abbas said the new proposal contains more comprehensive provisions than the earlier version previously considered by the House and assured Nigerians that lawmakers would give it the necessary legislative attention.
The opening ceremony attracted several prominent government officials and former leaders of the House of Representatives, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate; and former Speakers Aminu Bello Masari, Patricia Etteh, and Yakubu Dogara, among other dignitaries.
