The 2025 Appropriation and the Tax Reforms Bills currently pending in the National Assembly are among the parliamentary objectives for 2025, according to Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen.
He added that several structural, systemic, and foundational flaws in the polity will be addressed by the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution.
Speaker Abbas emphasized the 10th House’s commitment to legislative interventions that address the nation’s socioeconomic and political issues in his welcoming speech to the plenary on Tuesday, the day the National Assembly returned from the Christmas and New Year holiday.
In the speech that Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu gave on his behalf, the Speaker stated, “Our legislative agenda for 2025 prioritises the passage of the Appropriation Bill and the Tax Reform Bills, both of which are pivotal to economic recovery and fiscal stability. These reforms are essential for broadening the tax base, improving compliance, and reducing dependency on external borrowing. The House will ensure that these reforms are equitable and considerate of the needs of all Nigerians, particularly the most vulnerable.”
Speaker Abbas said while the House engages with the 2025 budget of the Federal Government and other legislative goals, “we must remain meticulous in our scrutiny, ensuring that every proposal aligns with national objectives and delivers tangible benefits to the citizenry.”
He pointed out that the budget’s proposed Citizens’ Town Hall will strengthen inclusivity and openness in our decision-making procedures.
The Speaker added that the Constitutional Review Committee, led by the Deputy Speaker, is still making excellent strides.
“The extensive consultations and rigorous review of over 350 memoranda demonstrate the depth of public engagement in shaping our nation’s foundational document,” he said.
The results of the process “will address longstanding governance challenges and promote inclusivity, equity, and accountability,” according to Speaker Abbas.
He stated, “Besides constitutional amendments, the House is committed to advancing legislative frameworks that address critical national issues, including gender equality, electoral reform, and energy infrastructure. As custodians of the legislative process, we must approach these tasks with resolve and an acute awareness of their implications for Nigeria’s development trajectory.
“One of the key mandates of the legislature is to promote accountability. Nigerians look to us for transparent, responsive, and results-oriented leadership. The success of initiatives such as the Open Parliament and the ‘State of the House’ live chats underscores the value of direct engagement with the public. These platforms will remain integral to our efforts to foster trust and demonstrate our commitment to the ideals of representative democracy.”
The National Assembly must maintain its institutional independence while emphasizing that cooperation with the Executive branch of government is equally important. However, in order to accomplish our common goal of national advancement, the lawmakers must continue to interact positively with other branches of government.
“This partnership, built on mutual respect and a common vision, is essential for addressing the complex challenges our nation confronts,” he stated.
Speaker Abbas asked members of the House to “renew our commitment to the principles of service, equity, and progress,” noting that “Nigerians have legitimate expectations, and rightly so.”
He added, “Our citizens aspire to a safer, more prosperous nation, where opportunities flourish, and governance reflects the highest standards of integrity and accountability.
“We should embrace these expectations not as burdens but as the driving force behind our collective mission. By working with purpose, unity, and resolve, we can transform challenges into opportunities and aspirations into realities.”
Speaker Abbas reminded the public to remember the sacrifices made by the departed heroes and the steadfast dedication of our military members as Nigeria commemorates Armed Forces Remembrance Day tomorrow.
According to him, the House will keep fighting for their well-being and making sure their efforts to our country receive the credit and assistance they merit.
The Speaker stated, “Honourable colleagues, 2025 demands our best efforts and our unwavering focus on the mandate entrusted to us by the people. Let us work together to ensure that this year stands as a testament to the transformative power of effective governance.”