ABUJA – In a landmark event at the National Assembly Complex, the Speaker of the Nigerian’s Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, presented the one-year scorecard of the 10th House of Representatives during the inaugural House Open Week, 2024.

He said, This unprecedented public evaluation marks a significant milestone in the 25 years of Nigeria’s democracy.

The Speaker made the assertion while delivering his welcome remarks at the commencement of the 2024 Open Week of themed “Improving Inclusion Through Citizens Engagement” holding at the National Assembly complex.

Addressing the audience, Speaker Tajudeen stressed the critical role of an open parliament in fostering transparency, trust, and accountability between the legislature and the public. He underscored the House’s proactive efforts to engage citizens through town hall meetings, public hearings, and stakeholder engagements, ensuring that legislative processes are inclusive and reflective of the people’s aspirations.

“This House Open Week provides a unique opportunity to engage directly with the public, fostering a culture of accountability and mutual respect. By opening our doors, we invite scrutiny and dialogue, which are essential for improving governance and strengthening democratic institutions,” Tajudeen said.

The performance review revealed notable achievements in the first year of the 10th House. A record 1,351 bills were introduced, with 89 passed, showcasing the House’s commitment to legislative efficiency. Key legislative successes include the Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, the Federal Audit Service Act (Amendment) Bill, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, and the Federal Fire and Rescue Service Bill.

Highlighting the House’s dedication to economic empowerment, public safety, and governance, the Speaker pointed to significant bills such as the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Bill and the Niger Delta Development Commission Act (Amendment) Bill. These aim to enhance national security and regional development.

Additionally, the House conducted 107 oversight visits to various Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and projects across the nation. Public petitions and conflict mediation efforts, including successful dialogues with the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Nigerian Medical Association, were also highlighted as crucial components of the House’s accountability mechanisms.

Speaker Tajudeen praised the harmonious relationship between the 10th House of Representatives and other government branches under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, attributing it to the positive impact on legislative achievements.

Despite celebrating these milestones, Tajudeen called for ongoing efforts to address remaining challenges and emphasized the need for sustained citizen engagement to ensure effective governance and a resilient democracy.

The event also featured expressions of gratitude to House committees, civil society organizations, and partners such as Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), and YIAGA Africa for their contributions to the successful hosting of the House Open Week and the production of the Scorecard.

In conclusion, Speaker Tajudeen reaffirmed the House’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in legislative processes, aiming to build a more inclusive and responsive legislature.

“By doing so, we aim to strengthen the democratic process and build a more inclusive and responsive legislature. We believe sustained engagement with citizens will lead to more effective governance and a stronger, more resilient democracy,” he stated.

This historic event underscores the 10th House’s dedication to being accountable to the Nigerian people, marking a significant step towards more open and participatory governance in Nigeria.

In the same vein, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu said that the lawmakers have a responsibility to understand the nation’s urgent needs and address them accordingly.

He said: “On behalf of the House of Representatives, I warmly welcome you all to the Open Week 2024. As the People’s House, we understand the importance of transparency and public engagement. This week is dedicated to engendering a more inclusive and democratic legislative process that truly reflects our constituents’ needs and voices.

“I must highlight that the visionary leadership of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass PhD, the Iyan Zazzau, deserves immense praise. This inclusive approach, ensuring all voices are heard, is a model for effective governance. The hard work and ingenuity of the entire 10th House leadership is truly commendable. It is a privilege to collaborate with them in delivering the transformative potential of the 8-point legislative agenda.

“This 8-point agenda focuses on strengthening good governance by promoting transparency, accountability, and the rule of law; improving national security to ensure the safety of all Nigerians; modernizing and strengthening our legal framework; stimulating economic growth and job creation; investing in education, healthcare, and other essential services;generations enhancing public participation in the legislative process; promoting Nigeria’s interests on the global stage; and protecting our environment for future generations.

“An open legislature is not just about engagement, it is about data-driven decision-making. We, as your representatives, have a responsibility to
understand the nation’s most immediate needs and address them accordingly. This requires a meticulous approach, utilizing data and prioritizing models that reflect the pulse of our nation.

“Planning without facts has historically led developing nations like ours down a path of retrogression. Openness and data-driven decision-making will ensure our legislative actions are tailored to the evolving needs of the
people we serve.

“This Open Week is a testament to our commitment to transparency and public engagement”.

The Deputy Speaker also revealed that the House has carried out 107 oversight visits on the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government to ensure that the programmes and policies of government are effectively implemented.

“The House also conducted a commendable 107 oversight visits and inspections across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) nationwide. This commitment to oversight ensures that government programs are implemented effectively, efficiently, and in line with legislative intent. Notably, the House Committee on Health Institutions conducted a significant portion of these visits, focusing on assessing the performance of the 2023 budget implementation and capital project execution”, he said.

Kalu also stated that the 10th in the last one year has introduced over one thousand bills and motions, surpassing the previous assemblies since the return of democracy in 1999.

“While some of the bills have since received the presidential assent, others are however on various stages of law enactment procescess.

“Some of the key bills included the Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023; the Federal Audit Service Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023; the Niger Delta Development Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023; the South East Development Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2023; the Nigerian Medical Research Council (Establishment) Bill, 2023 and the Access to Higher Education Act, 2023 (Student Loan Act).

“Let me take a moment to acknowledge the remarkable achievements of the 10th House during its first year. We witnessed the introduction of a record-breaking 1,351 bills, showcasing our commitment to legislative efficiency and effectiveness. This surpasses the number of bills introduced in the first session since 1999. Additionally, the House considered a staggering 679 motions, demonstrating our active engagement on a wide range of issuesissues”, Kalu said.