The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, has reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th Assembly to uphold the highest standards of transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in its legislative duties.

Tajudeen made the pledge on Monday in Abuja at the opening of a one-day national dialogue on the 10th House Legislative Agenda, organised to commemorate the second anniversary of the current House.

The event was convened by the House Committee on the Implementation of the Legislative Agenda in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) and a non-governmental organisation.

The Speaker noted that the House’s legislative agenda was developed after extensive consultations with stakeholders and development partners, and covers eight broad priority areas designed to address Nigeria’s pressing needs.

“These include strengthening good governance, enhancing national security, revitalising the economy, reforming laws, and promoting social development,” he said. “It also advocates for an open and inclusive Parliament, directs foreign policy towards national interests, and tackles climate change and environmental sustainability.”

Reflecting on the progress made so far, Tajudeen stated that the House has been exceptionally proactive and productive, with a record number of bills introduced and legislative proposals put forward.

“More important than quantity, however, is the impact of these bills and motions. Many of the significant bills we passed have already received presidential assent,” he said. “As we stand at the halfway point of our tenure, there is much to be proud of, yet much more to achieve. The House will continue to uphold the highest standards of transparency, inclusivity, and accountability, and maintain the legislative courage needed to enact critical reforms.”

Former Speaker of the House, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, commended the 10th Assembly for its strides in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy. Dogara, who served as Speaker of the 8th Assembly, emphasized the need for deliberate implementation of laws and motions passed by the House.

“No matter how well-crafted the legislative agenda is, if deliberate actions are not taken to implement it, it will not translate to meaningful development,” Dogara cautioned.

In his remarks, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr. Muhammad Dingyadi, called for the House’s collaboration in advancing labour laws. He urged lawmakers to prioritise the speedy passage of key labour bills, including the Labour Standards Bill, Collective Labour Relations Bill, and the Occupational Safety and Health Bill.

“When enacted, these bills will reposition Nigeria’s labour administration system, create a more investment-friendly environment, enhance productivity, and ensure social justice,” the minister said.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of PLAC, Mr. Clement Nwankwo, acknowledged the House’s efforts in advancing democracy over the last two years. He, however, tasked lawmakers to prioritise laws that address poverty, insecurity, and the establishment of state police.

Nwankwo also highlighted the under-representation of women in governance, noting that women hold only 4 percent of seats in the House and 3.7 percent in the Senate. He urged the House to intensify efforts to improve women’s participation in governance and also pursue electoral and judicial reforms, as well as the protection of human rights amidst increasing reports of abuses.