By Msugh Ityokura, AbujaThe Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas has proposed a 100-day legislative programme to accelerate priority bills, clear outstanding committee reports and strengthen oversight as the 10th National Assembly enters its final phase.
Abbas made the proposal on Tuesday while addressing lawmakers at the resumption of plenary after the 2026 annual recess at the National Assembly, Abuja.
He said the House was resuming at a critical moment as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections intensified, urging lawmakers to remain focused on their constitutional responsibilities.
Abbas disclosed that the House had received 2,747 bills and passed 363 as of mid-June 2026, adding that its legislative passage rate rose from about seven per cent in the first session to approximately 26 per cent in the third session.
He, however, warned that legislative performance should not be measured by numbers alone, insisting that laws, motions and investigations must deliver tangible benefits to Nigerians.
“A law must solve a problem. A motion must lead to action. An investigation must protect the public interest,” he said.
He also urged the Executive to submit the Medium Term Expenditure Framework for the 2027 budget promptly, saying early submission would allow adequate scrutiny and facilitate timely passage of the Appropriation Bill.
Abbas said the House would give prompt attention to presidential requests, including the National Research Development Fund Bill and a request to domesticate the Geneva Conventions and their relevant protocols, which he said would strengthen protections during armed conflicts.
The Speaker proposed that Tuesdays and Thursdays be devoted to major bills and urgent national business, while urging committee chairmen to clear outstanding reports within defined timelines. He also announced plans to publish a comprehensive legislative scorecard and legacy report before the end of the Assembly.
Abbas expressed concern over security challenges, including reports of abducted schoolchildren in Borno, attacks and displacement in Ondo, and destructive floods and erosion in Enugu and Abia.
He also warned that extending the capital component of the 2025 Appropriation Act to December 31 must result in faster project execution and measurable outcomes.
“The months ahead will be brief, and the demands of the political season will be considerable,” Abbas said, urging lawmakers not to abandon plenary and committee duties for campaigns.
He added that the final phase of the Assembly must be defined by completed priority legislation, stronger oversight and sustained service to Nigerians.
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