…unveils 100-day legislative plan, say House has passed 363 of 2,747 bills received
By Gloria Ikibah 
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has warned lawmakers against allowing political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections to distract them from their legislative responsibilities.
Abbas gave the warning on Tuesday as the House resumed plenary after its annual recess, urging members to remain focused on lawmaking and oversight despite increasing political activities and realignments ahead of the polls.
He said Nigerians expected their elected representatives to discharge their constitutional duties responsibly, stressing that political competition must not take precedence over national interest.
“Our conduct must justify their confidence. Debate may be vigorous, but it must remain responsible. Political competition must not displace our constitutional duties,” the Speaker said.
Abbas said the 10th Assembly had entered the fourth and final stretch of its tenure, making it necessary for lawmakers to assess their performance and prioritise outstanding legislative business.
He disclosed that, as of mid-June 2026, the House had received 2,747 bills and passed 363, while its bill passage rate rose from about seven per cent in the first session to approximately 26 per cent in the third.
The Speaker, however, cautioned against measuring legislative success solely by the number of bills passed, arguing that the real test was their impact on Nigerians.
“These figures are significant, but volume alone does not define legislative success. A law must solve a problem. A motion must lead to action. An investigation must protect the public interest. Oversight must improve the management of public resources. Our true record lies in the effect of our work on the lives of Nigerians,” he said.
Abbas added that the House’s internal assessment showed it had completed approximately 65 to 70 per cent of the principal milestones in its Legislative Agenda.
100-day legislative plan
To accelerate outstanding work before the end of the Assembly’s tenure, the Speaker proposed a focused 100-day legislative programme.
Under the plan, committees are expected to clear pending reports within defined timelines, while Tuesdays and Thursdays would be prioritised for major bills and urgent national matters.
He also called for improved attendance at plenary and committee sittings, warning that lawmakers must not neglect their duties in favour of electioneering.
“The months ahead will be brief, and the demands of the political season will be considerable. I call on every Honourable Member to attend plenary and committee sittings faithfully. Legislation and oversight must not be abandoned for the campaign trail. Our constituents elected us for a full term, and they deserve a full term of service,” he said.
Abbas also proposed the publication of a comprehensive Legislative Scorecard and Legacy Report before the end of the 10th Assembly to enable Nigerians to assess the lawmakers’ performance against their commitments.
State police, reserved seats for women bills top agenda
The Speaker identified the conclusion of the constitutional review process as one of the House’s immediate priorities, highlighting the proposed State Police Bill, the Reserved Seats for Women Bill and other outstanding constitutional amendment bills.
He said the House will sustain engagement with the Senate and State Houses of Assembly to advance the proposals.
The preparation of the 2027 budget is another priority, with Abbas urging the Executive to submit the Medium Term Expenditure Framework promptly to allow adequate time for legislative scrutiny and timely passage of the Appropriation Bill.
He also promised prompt consideration of bills and requests transmitted by President Bola Tinubu, including the National Research Development Fund Bill and a request received on Tuesday for the domestication of the Geneva Conventions and their relevant protocols.
Abbas described the request on the Geneva Conventions as significant for Nigeria’s international obligations and the protection of civilians and other persons during armed conflicts.
“This latest request carries particular national and diplomatic significance. It will strengthen the protection of civilians, wounded persons and prisoners during armed conflict. I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this bold and timely move,” he said.
Abbas urges accountability over increased revenue
The Speaker also called for greater accountability in the management of public funds, particularly at the sub-national level, following an increase in government revenues.
He said Nigeria’s economy had continued to expand, with growth above four per cent, while inflation fell to 15.39 per cent in August from 23.14 per cent a year earlier.
He added that foreign reserves reached $54.7bn in September, their highest level since 2009, while the country recorded a trade surplus of more than ₦20tn in the first half of 2026, almost twice the figure for the corresponding period in 2025.
While describing the figures as encouraging, Abbas said the gains must translate into improved living conditions.
He added that increased public revenue placed greater responsibility on governments to deliver better infrastructure and essential services.
“These gains are encouraging, but the work is incomplete. Our task is to convert greater economic stability into affordable food, productive employment, accessible credit and dependable public services.
“Higher revenue must produce better roads, stronger schools, safer communities and more effective healthcare,” he said.
Abbas also cited emerging investment commitments in ports, power, agriculture and industry, including the proposed $7bn Gateway Deep Seaport and Blue Marine Economic Zone, which he said could create jobs, increase exports and strengthen Nigeria’s position in African trade.
Speaker raises security, flood concerns
Reflecting on developments during the recess, Abbas expressed concern over reports of abducted schoolchildren in Borno, attacks and displacement in parts of Ondo State, as well as destructive flooding and erosion in Enugu and Abia states.
He sympathised with affected communities and called for prompt relief and lasting protection for victims.
“Our security agencies will continue to receive the support they need, while remaining accountable for the resources and authority placed in their hands,” he said.
The Speaker also said the House will continue to scrutinise the implementation of the 2025 budget following its decision on 29 September to extend the capital component of the Appropriation Act to 31 December.
He explained that the extension was intended to protect ongoing projects and prevent the waste of public investment, but warned that it must lead to faster implementation rather than further delays.
“The extension must produce faster implementation and measurable results. It must not excuse further delay. The House will continue to examine releases, timelines and performance,” he said.
Electoral process must be protected
With political activities gathering momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, Abbas urged lawmakers and public institutions to safeguard the electoral process.
He said the Electoral Act must be faithfully implemented and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) given the lawful support required to perform its duties.
Abbas also called on lawmakers to put national interest above party affiliations and personal ambitions, warning that the election season must not undermine the work of the House.
“Every public institution involved in the elections must act with neutrality, competence and restraint.
“Whatever our political affiliations or personal ambitions, we remain members of one House. We are bound by one Constitution and one oath. The campaign must never become more important than the country,” he said.
He called for continued cooperation among the legislature, executive and judiciary, while urging civil society, professional bodies, the media and constituents to hold the House accountable.
“The final phase of an Assembly reveals its character. This is when political interests sharpen and attention begins to shift elsewhere. We must remain focused.
“Let the record show that the Tenth House completed its priority legislation, strengthened oversight, and served the Nigerian people until the final day of its mandate,” Abbas said.
