Reps determined to grant full LG autonomy — Speaker Abbas

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, on Tuesday, reiterated the determination of the parliament to grant full and operational autonomy to the Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria.

He also said that the reform of the judiciary is on the priority list to enhance their independence, efficiency and accountability.

Speaker Abbas gave the assurance in Abuja while delivering his keynote address at the ‘Learning, Dissemination and Inception’ event organised by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) and the Partnership to Engage, Reform, and Learn (PERL) project with the theme ‘From PERL to PACE: Learning to Sustain Democratic Governance in Nigeria’.

He said that the reforms were outlined in the 10th Legislative Agenda of the House.

Represented by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Speaker Abbas said that the engagement offered a good opportunity to reflect and evaluate the critical lessons learned from the FCDO’s interventions, which he said, have played an instrumental role in advancing democracy and governance in Nigeria, particularly within the legislature.

He said: “As we approach the mid-term of the 10th Assembly, our commitment to collaboration with civil society organisations remains steadfast. We are working diligently to deliver on key areas outlined in our Legislative Agenda, particularly constitutional review judicial, and electoral reforms.

“Our Committees on Constitution Review and Electoral Matters are fully engaged, with ongoing support from PLAC and the FCDO. We are determined to ensure these reforms strengthen our democratic institutions and contribute to developing a more just and equitable society.

“One area of particular concern is the local government system, a vital but often neglected tier of governance. As our Legislative Agenda outlines, we are committed to ensuring that local governments have full financial and operational autonomy. These reforms are essential for empowering local governments to serve their communities effectively and restoring public trust in grassroots governance.

“Judicial reform is another priority for the House of Representatives. While the recent salary increment for judicial officers is commendable, our focus remains on broader reforms that will enhance the judiciary’s independence, accountability, and efficiency. These reforms, including constitutional amendments and stricter oversight of the judicial appointment process, are crucial for upholding the rule of law and fostering economic development.”

Speaker Abbas further assured the commitment of the House towards improving the lives of the citizenry through the enactment of all-inclusive legislations.

“The 10th National Assembly remains focused on this approach, continuously seeking ways to improve the lives of our citizens through responsive and inclusive lawmaking.

“A notable example of our commitment to engaging with citizens was convening the Citizens’ Town Hall on the 2024 Appropriation Bill. This event provided a platform for direct dialogue between lawmakers and the public, enabling legislators to understand the citizens’ priorities better and reflect them in the budget. This initiative also highlights the broader challenge of diminished public trust in government institutions in Nigeria and across Africa. We are gradually rebuilding confidence in the legislative process by facilitating such engagements.

“As we reflect on the successes of the FCDO’s PERL project, we must also acknowledge the invaluable lessons learned. Continuous capacity building, inclusive stakeholder engagement, and strategic partnerships are critical to maintaining our progress in the National Assembly. While the PERL project may have been concluded, the knowledge and experience gained will serve as a foundation for future achievements. The House of Representatives is committed to institutionalising and sustaining these gains,” he said.

Speaker Abbas also commended the efforts of the numerous development partners towards deepening democratic practice in Nigeria.

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