The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has announced that the lower chamber of the National Assembly plans to unveil its legislative agenda upon resumption from recess. Mr Tajudeen made this statement during the opening of a two-day retreat for the leadership of the 10th National Assembly in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom on Friday.
The retreat, organized by the National Institute for Democratic Legislative Studies and inaugurated by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, aims to provide a platform for reflection and engagement for members of the House.
Focusing on Citizens’ Engagement and Progress
Speaking about the upcoming legislative agenda, the Speaker emphasized that it is bold, ambitious, and rooted in the interests of the people. He emphasized that citizens’ engagement is crucial for representative democracy, which in turn drives progress, wealth creation, and inclusivity in the country.
The legislative agenda will be based on strategic objectives that reflect the House’s determination, commitment, and dedication to meet the aspirations of the citizens.
Highlighting the House’s Efforts
The Speaker also discussed the House of Representatives’ efforts to improve legislative governance and contribute to national development. He mentioned engagements with labor unions and trade unions to address their challenges, as well as initiatives to enhance the welfare of youth, women, excluded persons, and vulnerable groups in sectors such as education and health.
Emphasizing the Need for Innovative Engagement
Mr. Tajudeen acknowledged the need for more innovative engagement in the 10th House of Representatives, especially since most committee chairs are new and many committee members are also new to their roles. He stressed the significance of their oversight activities, and announced the creation of committees on monitoring and evaluation to ensure an efficient and vibrant legislature. The first committee will supervise the implementation of the legislative agenda, while the second committee will oversee the activities of the standing committees.
Contributing to President Bola Tinubu’s 8-Point Agenda
The retreat also provides an opportunity for the House to reflect on and engage with members regarding their collective contribution to President Bola Tinubu’s 8-point agenda, as expressed in the Renewed Hope Agenda. The Speaker expressed his appreciation for the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) for choosing topics that reinforce the need for the 10th National Assembly to operate as one legislature, drawing its initiatives from a central perspective.
The Speaker described the retreat as timely and commended NILDS for providing the platform where valuable ideas and experiences can be shared to strengthen their capacity to serve the people.
Challenges Faced by the 10th National Assembly
Mr. Tajudeen acknowledged that the 10th National Assembly has faced significant challenges. It experienced the highest legislative turnover since 1999, with a majority of new members being elected. He also noted the diverse composition of the 10th National Assembly, with formidable memberships from multiple political parties.
As the House of Representatives prepares to resume after the annual recess, the legislative agenda and the outcomes of this retreat will play a crucial role in guiding their future actions and policies.
NAN
