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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The House of Representatives has dismissed claims by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) that the 10th Assembly is failing to meet its legislative agenda, insisting it has “surpassed expectations with robust legislative activity, public engagement, and oversight” in less than two years.
Reacting to the report, Hon. Phillip Agbese (APC, Benue), Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs in an exclusive interview with Pointblanknews.com said the article grossly underrepresented the achievements of the current House.
“We welcome every form of assessment and most importantly appreciate critical ones like the article in question. Nevertheless, as a House populated by intellectuals and led by academics like Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, PhD, GCON, and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, PhD, CFR, it is only just that we set the records straight,” Agbese stated.
Highlighting some legislative milestones, Agbese revealed that between June 2023 and March 2025, over 2,100 bills were introduced, with 198 passed under intense legislative scrutiny.
“In the first session alone (June 2023–June 2024), 1,351 bills were processed and 89 passed, matching the record set by the 7th Assembly. 16 bills have already been signed into law, including the 2024 Appropriation Act, Electricity Act (Amendment), Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, Student Loans Act, Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act, and the National Anthem Act, 2024,” he said.
According to Agbese, the 10th House’s agenda spans eight priority areas covering social reform, governance, inclusion, and economic development. “We have hosted extensive citizen and stakeholder dialogues, including a National Dialogue on State Policing, discourse on security and good governance, retreats on Petroleum Industry Reform Act and Tax Modernization, Citizens’ Townhalls on Electoral Reforms, and Youth Summits,” he said.
In his words, “The House also held 502 committee meetings, conducted 57 familiarization visits to MDAs, and initiated 31 investigative hearings across 21 committees to promote accountability. On fiscal responsibility, the lawmaker said the House allocated ₦6.11 trillion (11.1% of the 2025 budget) to the security sector in response to prevailing national challenges. The Constitution Review Committee, chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, also held extensive citizen engagements in early 2024, reflecting the House’s commitment to inclusive and impactful constitutional reforms.
“We continue to act as The People’s House, leveraging bills, motions, and oversight to serve Nigerians diligently. Our performance should be measured not by idealistic benchmarks alone, but by the substantial, real-world progress achieved across all legislative fronts,” Agbese said. “While we remain open to scrutiny, we respectfully affirm that the 10th House of Representatives has not only fulfilled but in many respects exceeded expectations within less than two years.”
Agbese further maintained that AdvoKC Foundation’s article raised some salient points which aligns with the 10th House of Representatives’ commitment to a transparent and open parliament.
However, he disagreed with the claim that the House has failed to implement its Legislative Agenda. Launched in June 2023, the agenda is a comprehensive four-year plan built on eight key priorities: strengthening good governance, improving national security, law reform, economic growth, social sector reform, inclusion, open parliament, and environmental sustainability.
“The Legislative Agenda represents a solemn commitment to Nigerians, and the House has surpassed this commitment within just two years of the 2023–2027 timeline. We have introduced 2,263 bills, with 65.3% passing second reading, 186 successfully passed, and around 51 receiving presidential assent. These figures reflect an unprecedented legislative output compared to previous assemblies,” he added.
He also commended the Speaker’s strides in advancing the Open Parliament initiative, which has made legislative processes more transparent and participatory. “The House began with the critical task of earning public trust in its work. In just two years, we have not only made substantial progress but have exceeded the objectives outlined in our Legislative Agenda,” Agbese affirmed.
Under the stewardship of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, “the 10th House has passed landmark laws such as the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria Act, 2023; the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act, 2024; the Electric Power Sector Reform (Amendment) Bill, 2023; the Federal Audit Service Bill, 2023; the National Assembly Library Trust Fund Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024; the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2024; the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024; the National Anthem Bill, 2024; and the Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicine Council of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2023.
“Speaker Abbas has played a transformative role in reshaping Nigeria’s legislative landscape. His academic rigor, visionary leadership, and commitment to inclusivity have fostered trust and strengthened the legislature’s bond with the people. Initiatives like the Open NASS Week and Citizens’ Town halls reflect his resolve to make the National Assembly more accessible, transparent, and accountable, ” he stressed.