WorldStage— Nigeria’s House of Representatives resumed legislative duties today, Tuesday, 13 October 2026, following its 2026 annual recess.
At the resumption, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, welcomed lawmakers back to the Hallowed Chamber with a comprehensive address outlining critical national priorities and legislative agendas for the upcoming session.
Delivering his welcome remarks, Abbas commended the members of the 10th House for their sustained unity and dedication to the shared mandate of delivering democratic dividends to all Nigerians.
He emphasized that the annual recess provided a vital window for lawmakers to actively engage with their constituents, gather critical feedback, and observe firsthand the impact of parliamentary decisions on everyday citizens
A central pillar of the Speaker’s address focused on advancing key legislative reforms, with a heavy emphasis on the ongoing constitutional review process.
Abbas stated that the House will prioritize debate and voting on crucial Constitution Alteration Bills.
These amendments cover critical areas of national development, including: Devolution of powers and strengthening local government autonomy, Comprehensive judicial reforms to enhance the administration of justice, Expanded inclusion of women and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in parliament, and Institutionalization of fundamental socio-economic rights.
The Speaker set a firm timeline, directing that approved constitutional amendments be transmitted to State Houses of Assembly by December 2026 to ensure early concurrence ahead of upcoming electoral periods.
Addressing institutional reform, Speaker Abbas cautioned lawmakers against the proliferation of bills aimed at establishing new government agencies.
He maintained that the legislative focus must shift toward strengthening existing institutions to curb the high cost of governance and improve bureaucratic efficiency.
Abbas also rejected lingering public perceptions that the National Assembly serves merely as a “rubber stamp” for executive proposals.
He clarified that swift presidential assent on critical pieces of legislation is the result of rigorous, months-long committee work, deep stakeholder consultations, and thorough parliamentary scrutiny behind the scenes.
On national security, the Speaker paid tribute to the Nigerian Armed Forces, commending recent successes against internal security threats and insurgencies.
He reaffirmed the lower house’s unyielding commitment to funding and supporting security agencies to protect the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians.
Addressing the logistics of the parliament, Abbas provided an update on the ongoing renovations of the National Assembly complex.
While acknowledging the current discomfort of using ad-hoc meeting arrangements, he assured lawmakers that structural progress is steady and plenary sessions are expected to fully transition back to the main, upgraded House of Representatives Chamber by early next year.
The Speaker urged citizens to actively participate in the governance process by attending public hearings and studying bills.
He reminded the lawmakers that the trust reposed in them by the electorate requires a renewed sense of purpose, patriotism, and accountability to steer the nation through its current socio-economic landscape.
