Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has unveiled a 100-day legislative programme for the final phase of the 10th House, directing lawmakers to accelerate work on pending legislation, strengthen oversight and remain focused on their constitutional responsibilities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abbas also warned members against allowing political campaigns, defections and realignments to distract them from their legislative duties, insisting that Nigerians elected them to serve for the full duration of their mandate.
The Speaker gave the charge on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, while delivering his remarks as the House resumed plenary after its annual recess and the rehabilitation of the National Assembly chamber in Abuja.
He said the House was resuming at a “consequential moment” as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections intensify, urging lawmakers to ensure that political competition does not overshadow their constitutional responsibilities.
“Debate may be vigorous, but it must remain responsible. Political competition must not displace our constitutional duties,” Abbas said.
He noted that the 2027 election timetable was already in place, with candidates emerging and campaigns underway, stressing that the conduct of political leaders and democratic institutions would be closely watched by Nigerians.
Nigeria’s economic gains
The Speaker acknowledged recent improvements in the Nigerian economy, citing growth of more than four per cent, a decline in inflation to 15.39 per cent in August from 23.14 per cent a year earlier, and an increase in external reserves to $54.7 billion in September.
He also noted that the country recorded a trade surplus of more than N20 trillion in the first half of the year, describing the developments as encouraging but insufficient.
According to him, the priority should now be to translate macroeconomic gains into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens through affordable food, productive employment, accessible credit and reliable public services.
Abbas also pointed to renewed investor interest in sectors including ports, power, agriculture and industry.
He specifically cited the proposed $7 billion Gateway Deep Seaport and Blue Marine Economic Zone as a potential catalyst for job creation, increased exports and Nigeria’s position in African trade.
The Speaker said improved public revenues at the federal, state and local government levels had equally increased the responsibility of governments to deliver better services.
“Higher revenue must produce better roads, stronger schools, safer communities and more effective healthcare,” he said.
Abbas demands stronger response to insecurity, disasters.
The Speaker also expressed concern over security and humanitarian challenges recorded during the legislative recess.
He cited reports of abducted schoolchildren in Borno, attacks and displacement in parts of Ondo, as well as flooding and erosion in Enugu and Abia.
Abbas sympathised with families and communities affected by the incidents, saying they required immediate relief and sustainable protection.
He pledged continued legislative support for security agencies but stressed that such support must be accompanied by accountability for the resources and powers entrusted to them.
House extends 2025 capital budget
The Speaker also defended the House’s decision on September 29 to extend the implementation of the capital component of the 2025 Appropriation Act to December 31.
He said the extension was intended to protect ongoing projects and prevent public investments from being abandoned or wasted.
However, he warned that the extension must result in faster project implementation and measurable outcomes rather than become an excuse for further delays.
Abbas said the House would continue scrutinising releases, implementation timelines and the performance of government projects.
2,747 bills received, 363 passed
Reviewing the performance of the 10th House, Abbas disclosed that by mid-June 2026, the House had received 2,747 bills and passed 363.
He said the rate of passage had increased from about seven per cent during the first session to approximately 26 per cent in the third session.
The House, he added, had also processed hundreds of motions and public petitions.
But Abbas cautioned that the number of bills passed alone could not be used to measure legislative success.
“A law must solve a problem. A motion must lead to action. An investigation must protect the public interest. Oversight must improve the management of public resources,” he said.
He disclosed that an internal assessment showed that the House had completed approximately 65 to 70 per cent of the principal milestones contained in its Legislative Agenda.
State Police, women’s reserved seats top legislative priorities
Abbas identified the conclusion of the ongoing constitutional review as one of the immediate priorities of the House.
He specifically mentioned the State Police Bill, the Reserved Seats for Women Bill and other outstanding constitutional alteration bills, which require further engagement with the Senate and State Houses of Assembly.
The Speaker also directed the House to intensify preparations for the 2027 budget.
He urged the executive arm to submit the Medium Term Expenditure Framework promptly to give lawmakers sufficient time for thorough consideration and ensure timely passage of the Appropriation Bill.
House to consider Geneva Conventions domestication
Abbas disclosed that the House would also give prompt consideration to bills and requests transmitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Among them is the National Research Development Fund Bill and a request received on Tuesday for the domestication of the Geneva Conventions and relevant protocols.
He described the Geneva Conventions request as having significant national and diplomatic implications, saying its domestication would strengthen the protection of civilians, wounded persons and prisoners during armed conflicts.
The Speaker commended President Tinubu for the initiative.
Abbas demands neutrality ahead of 2027 elections
The Speaker also urged lawmakers and public institutions to protect the credibility of the 2027 electoral process.
He said the Electoral Act must be faithfully implemented while the Independent National Electoral Commission must receive the lawful support required to discharge its responsibilities.
“Every public institution involved in the elections must act with neutrality, competence and restraint,” he said.
Abbas further directed House committees to clear outstanding reports and bills awaiting action, warning that important legislative proposals should not be allowed to lapse because of administrative delays.
Lawmakers to face tighter attendance, performance scrutiny
As part of efforts to accelerate legislative business, Abbas proposed a focused 100-day programme.
Under the plan, committees are expected to clear outstanding reports within specified timelines, while Tuesdays and Thursdays would be prioritised for major bills and urgent matters of national importance.
He also called for improved attendance at both plenary and committee sittings.
In another accountability measure, the Speaker proposed the publication of the House’s full Legislative Scorecard and Legacy Report before the end of the 10th Assembly.
He said the report would enable Nigerians to assess the House’s commitments against its actual performance.
‘Campaign must not become more important than country’
Addressing the wave of political defections and realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, Abbas said such developments were normal in a democracy but warned lawmakers against allowing them to consume the attention of the House.
“Whatever our political affiliations or personal ambitions, we remain members of one House. We are bound by one Constitution and one oath. The campaign must never become more important than the country,” he said.
He described the current period as the “fourth and final stretch” of the 10th Assembly and urged lawmakers to use the remaining time to consolidate their achievements.
The Speaker acknowledged that the House had faced disagreements, intense debates and political pressure but said it had nevertheless maintained its institutional unity.
He commended the leadership, committee chairmen and members, the Minority Caucus, National Assembly management and staff, as well as the media, for their contributions to the work of the legislature.
Abbas also called on lawmakers to attend plenary and committee sittings faithfully, warning that legislative and oversight responsibilities must not be abandoned for campaign activities.
“Our constituents elected us for a full term, and they deserve a full term of service,” he said.
He further called for cooperation among the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary, while stressing that such cooperation must respect the constitutional independence of each arm of government.
As the 10th Assembly enters its final phase, Abbas said its conduct during the remaining months would determine its ultimate legacy.
“The final phase of an Assembly reveals its character,” he said, urging lawmakers to remain focused despite the increasing political pressure ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said the House must ensure that the final record of the 10th Assembly reflects completed priority legislation, stronger oversight and sustained service to Nigerians “until the final day of its mandate.”