The House of Representatives has taken a significant step towards increasing transparency and citizen engagement by hosting a live interactive session with Nigerians. This historic event, the first of its kind in the National Assembly’s history, was televised live on two national televisions, NTA and Channels TV. Speaker Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen led the session, which aimed to inform the public about the parliament’s activities from January to December.
The Speaker emphasized the importance of “speaking with the people” rather than just “speaking for the people.” This shift in approach demonstrates the House’s commitment to listening to citizens’ concerns and incorporating their feedback into the legislative process. The session featured a panel consisting of key members, including the Deputy Speaker, Majority Leader, and Minority Leader, who answered questions from the audience on various topics, including the economy, security, education, and healthcare.
The event was attended by various stakeholders, including representatives from the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers. Former speakers of the House, Rt. Patricia Olubunmi Etteh and Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, also participated in the session. The Speaker-led panel addressed questions from the audience, providing insights into the House’s activities and plans.
One of the key takeaways from the session was the Speaker’s disclosure that 11% of the bills sponsored by House members in 2024 focused on infrastructure. However, he noted that implementation by the Executive branch could be a challenge. Speaker Abbas also emphasized the need for the government to increase revenue to expand infrastructure development.
The House plans to continue this live citizens’ engagement biannually, with the next session scheduled for June 2025. This commitment to regular engagement demonstrates the House’s dedication to transparency and accountability. As Speaker Abbas noted, “We delivered that promise less than a week ago. I want to assure Nigerians that this kind of engagement will be taking place twice in a year.”
The session also highlighted the House’s efforts to increase inclusivity, including the introduction of sign language during plenary sessions to cater to Nigerians with hearing difficulties. The lawmakers assured the audience of more engagements with stakeholders and plans for youth and gender-friendly budgets.
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