The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has extended his felicitations to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, on the occasion of his 70th birthday.
Speaker Abbas stated that the Sultan, serving as the spiritual leader of Nigeria’s Muslims in his roles as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and head of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), stands as a symbol of leadership, unity, and patriotism.
The Speaker commended the revered Muslim leader for leveraging his leadership to foster peace and stability among Nigerians across religious, ethnic, and political divides.
The Speaker highlighted how the Sultan has consistently offered wise counsel to the political class and has never hesitated to speak truth to power when needed.
While praising Sultan Abubakar for being an inspiration to many kings and princes, Speaker Abbas said the Muslim leader’s style is worthy of emulation by all who desire purposeful leadership.
The Speaker prayed to Almighty Allah (SWT) to grant the Sultan more grace, blessings, longevity, and sound health as he continues to guide Muslims in Nigeria towards service and worship of the Creator.
Speaker Abbas expresses sorrow over demise of Khalifa Sheikh Muhammad Gali
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has expressed sorrow over the passing of the renowned Islamic scholar Khalifa Sheikh Muhammad Gali bin Sheikh Yahuza Zaria.
The late Khalifa Sheikh Muhammad Gali, a distinguished Tijjaniyya leader from Zaria, tragically passed away in an accident on Thursday.
The late Islamic scholar, aged 90, passed away alongside two of his sons—Sheikh Malam Sukairaj and Alaramma Mal. Ibrahim Rayyahi—as well as a grandson, Dr. Suraj Sukairaj. They were on their way to attend a Maulud programme at Zuntu when they had an accident.
In a condolence message through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, on Saturday, the Speaker described the late scholar’s passing as both painful and heartbreaking.
Speaker Abbas recalled the life of the late Khalifa Sheikh Muhammad Gali Zaria, emphasizing that he was a devoted Muslim who devoted decades to teaching and advancing Islam throughout Nigeria and beyond.
The Speaker said the late Islamic scholar lived a life worthy of emulation, noting that he was a peacemaker, a symbol of unity, and an exemplary community leader.
Speaker Abbas offered sincere condolences to the family of the late scholar, as well as to the people of Zaria, the Tijjaniyya family, and the whole Muslim Ummah over this devastating loss.
He prayed to Allah (SWT) to have mercy on the souls of the late Khalifa Sheikh Muhammad Gali bin Sheikh Yahuza Zaria, his two sons, and his grandson, and to grant them Jannatul Firdaus as their eternal resting place.
Speaker Abbas mourns Sokoto boat mishap victims, calls for safety on waterways
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has commiserated with the families of passengers who lost their lives in a boat accident on Thursday in Sokoto State.
Speaker Abbas described the mishap as “unfortunate and painful,” in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi.
The accident reportedly happened when a boat carrying 77 passengers, including men, women and children, reportedly capsized in Gorau community in the Goronyo Local Government Area of the state.
The Sokoto State Police Command had confirmed that 46 corpses had been recovered, with 15 passengers rescued alive, while rescue operations were still ongoing, as emergency responders were still searching for the 16 others.
The Speaker lamented the devastating impact of the accident and the grief it has caused various families.
Speaker Abbas therefore called for a thorough investigation of the mishap by relevant authorities to determine the factors responsible. He also called for the enforcement of safety regulations and adherence to rules by operators on the waterways.
The Speaker prayed to Allah (SWT) to grant the deceased Jannatul Firdausi, and the safe rescue of the remaining passengers. He extended his condolences to the people and the government of Sokoto State.
2027: Nigeria committed to free, fair elections, Speaker Abbas assures IRI
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has said the Federal Government is committed to free, fair, and credible general elections in 2027, adding that the House is providing legislative backing to the democratic process.
Speaker Abbas made this known when hosting a delegation from the International Republican Institute (IRI) on a courtesy call at his office in Abuja. He was represented by the House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere.
The IRI says it is “supporting political freedom and democratic dignity in more than 100 countries.” Led by the IRI President, Dan Twining, the delegation had a former Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Bush Administration, Jendayi Frazier; African Regional Director for IRI, Jenai Cox; Deputy Director, West and Central Africa for NDI, Sophia Moestrup; West Africa Regional Program Director for IRI, Sentell Barnes; IRI Senior Governance Advisor, Sunday Alao; and Long-term Election Analyst, Austin Akers, as members.
The Speaker noted how President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, called to congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke, who was candidate of the opposition Accord Party in the recent governorship election in Osun State, for winning the poll even before his victory speech.
Speaking through Prof. Ihonvbere, the Speaker noted that the election has been widely acclaimed to be successful despite initial fears.
“It simply shows that our democracy is growing,” Speaker Abbas said while commending the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for supervising the exercise.
While the Speaker described the reported violence before the election as painful, he expressed hope that such would not be recorded before the 2027 general elections.
“I really believe it is a work in progress,” he said, adding that “we are not there yet, but we have made a lot of progress.”
The Speaker emphasised that electoral reforms are still ongoing, highlighting that implementation of regulatory laws is another hurdle to be crossed, saying, “We have to deal with the human factors.”
While speaking for the direct primary mode, Speaker Abbas said it allows the emergence of popular candidates. “Let’s allow every card-carrying member of a political party to participate in a primary,” he said, citing the case of a godfather or moneybag who can afford to sponsor an aspirant and mobilise delegates to their candidate for an election.
The Speaker also noted how communities rotate legislative seats to address issues of local representation, which often leads to high turnover of lawmakers at the parliament.
“We have tried as much as possible to strengthen INEC,” the Speaker said while stating that, “There are still a lot of issues concerning democratising political space. We are doing our best here. We are doing everything possible to strengthen institutions.”
Speaker Abbas also decried low representation of women in the parliament, saying there are only 15 women among the 360 members of the House and four among the 109 senators.
“In the House, we are very strong in pushing for what is called ‘special seats for women,’” he said.
The Speaker stressed the need to democratise the political space to create equal opportunities in politics and participation in government.
Responding to a question on security ahead of the general elections, the Speaker said safety is part of the major considerations ahead of the polls. “The security situation as of today has improved significantly as compared to three years ago,” he said.
On the public’s accessibility to the parliament, Speaker Abbas stated that “this House of Reps particularly has been more open to the public and civil society than any before it.”
He listed a series of periodic events and stakeholder engagements organised by the House as well as several CSOs working with the legislature as technical partners.
Speaker Abbas called for more public education on democracy and its institutions, especially the National Assembly. He decried the misconception about the parliament, saying, “In the eyes of the public, the National Assembly is working when it is in conflict with the Executive arm of the government.”
He, however, stated that Nigeria has achieved more with the cooperation and collaboration between the Legislature and the Executive. “We are getting better results,” he declared.
Earlier, the IRI President, Dan Twining, said the Institute has observed about 300 elections around the world and has been monitoring polls in Nigeria since 1999.
Twining said the visit to the House was part of IRI’s engagement with key Nigerian stakeholders to assess readiness for the forthcoming elections.
The IRI President noted that the Institute observed the primaries conducted by political parties and how candidates for the elections emerged, disclosing that the body had earlier met with the National Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, who “welcomed us to Africa’s largest democracy.”
Twining disclosed that the IRI would soon address a press conference based on information from stakeholders, observations made, and its recommendations, with another pre-election press conference to be held later in November.
Adeleke’s victory shows President Tinubu is pro-democracy — Speaker Abbas
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has congratulated Governor Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke on his reelection for a second term in the governorship election held on Saturday, saying it proved that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is a true democrat.
As declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Accord Party garnered 511,067 votes to win the election, while the APC got 444,815 and the ADC secured 17,180 votes, among others.
Speaker Abbas stated that the victory by the opposition Accord Party has only proved that democracy thrives under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. He added that Nigerians should expect more credibility in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.
The Speaker states that the All Progressives Congress (APC) under President Tinubu has allowed opposition parties to test their popularity in free and fair elections, as witnessed in Osun State.
Speaker Abbas, in a congratulatory message issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, urged Governor Adeleke to justify the mandate given to him by the Osun people and let it translate to dividends of democracy for them.
The Speaker also commended other candidates in the election for proving their mettle, saying their active participation in the electoral exercise has further advanced and strengthened democracy in Nigeria, noting that history will be kind to them.
Speaker Abbas equally commended INEC, security agencies, and members of the National Youth Service Corps who served as ad hoc staff, and others who played significant roles in the conduct of the election.
Speaker Abbas reaffirms House commitment to stand by honest investors in Nigeria
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th House to stand by every honest investor in Nigeria, stressing the need for the country to prioritise industrialisation and scale up domestic production.
Speaker Abbas also stated that the country must not only produce raw materials, especially in the agricultural sector, but also process them for local consumption, food security, and economic growth.
The Speaker stated this at the inauguration of the maize flour and maize grits plant at the Zazzau Industrial Park and Industries (ZIPI) built by Simkay Foods Limited in Zaria, Kaduna State, on Saturday.
Speaker Abbas, who lauded the initiative and massive investment by Simkay Foods Limited, stated that “a nation that cannot feed itself cannot defend itself.”
“Let me speak directly to other investors watching today. Come. Follow the example of Simkay Foods. The House of Representatives will stand behind every honest investor who bets on Nigeria.”
He said, “Why does this plant matter? Let me count the ways. The first is industrialisation. For too long, Nigeria has sold what it grows in its raw form. We grow the maize, and others grind it. We produce the crop, and others capture the profit. That must end. A nation becomes rich not by what it grows alone, but by what it makes. Every bag of flour milled here is value that stays in Nigeria. Every tonne of grits produced here is wealth that stays with our people.
“The second is food security. Maize is life in this country. It is tuwo in our homes. It is pap for our children. It is feed for our poultry and our livestock. A modern plant like this one does three things at once. It reduces waste, because harvested maize now has a ready buyer. It stabilises prices because processed food stores longer than raw grain. And it puts safe, quality food on Nigerian tables. A nation that cannot feed itself cannot defend itself. This plant is therefore not just an economic asset. It is a national security asset.”
He added, “The third is the agricultural value chain. Think of the journey of a single maize cob. A farmer plants it in the village. A trader moves it. This factory mills it. A distributor carries it. A shopkeeper sells it. A mother cooks it. That is one chain, and every link in it is a livelihood. This plant gives our farmers what they need most: a guaranteed market. When farmers know the factory will buy, they plant more. When they plant more, they earn more. When they earn more, rural poverty retreats. From farm to factory to fork, this chain carries prosperity.
“The fourth is employment. This plant will employ our people directly, on the factory floor and in its offices. But count the indirect jobs too. The farmers who will supply it. The drivers who will serve it. The mechanics, the welders, the loaders, the traders.”
Speaker Abbas pointed out that one factory feeds hundreds of households beyond its gates. “To our young people, hear me well. Jobs do not fall from the sky. They are built, brick by brick, in places like this,” he said.
The Speaker added, “The fifth is private-sector investment. Government alone cannot create the jobs Nigeria needs. No government anywhere can. The private sector builds factories, and it is the government’s duty to make building easy. That is why the People’s House passed the new tax laws that took effect in January—laws that deliberately favour manufacturers and producers. That is why we support policies that reward those who make things in Nigeria.
The sixth, Speaker Abbas stated, is northern economic development. While noting that “the North holds the largest expanse of arable land in this federation,” the Speaker stated that the region’s maize belt “can feed the nation and supply industry beyond it.”
He stated, “What we have lacked is not land or labour, but processing capacity close to the farm gate. That is changing. The North West Development Commission is now in place. The AKK gas pipeline is bringing energy for industry through our region. Roads and rail are being rebuilt. This plant joins that movement. Let it be one of many. The North must not only feed Nigeria. The North must process what it grows, and prosper by it.”
The Speaker saluted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, saying his reforms are restoring confidence in the economy. He also saluted the Kaduna State Government for creating the conditions that welcome investors. “When government builds the road, and the investor builds the factory, the nation moves forward,” he noted.
On the part of the legislature, Speaker Abbas gave his assurance that the House will continue to make laws that protect Nigeria’s industry. “We will oversee the agencies whose duty it is to support you. And where policy stands in the way of production, we will move it out of the way. Oversight is not optional; it is our duty to the Nigerian producer.”
Speaker Abbas empowers 1,000 constituents with start-up kits, capital
…says ‘expect projects after projects’
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, on Saturday empowered 1,000 of his constituents with business start-up kits and capital, noting that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has trickled down to them.
Speaker Abbas said this while addressing constituents at the distribution of household and micro-enterprise support equipment with seed capital to 1,000 beneficiaries in his Zaria Federal Constituency, Kaduna State.
He said, “My dear people, leadership is not measured by noise. It is measured by the lives it lifts. Today, 1,000 families will go home with tools, with capital, and with dignity. That is the politics I believe in. That is the covenant between Zaria and her representatives. By the grace of God, we shall keep renewing it. Project after project. Year after year.”
At the event, the beneficiaries were given Point-of-Sale (POS) machines, tables, chairs, and umbrellas, as well a seed capital of N100,000.
He said, “Some may ask: why POS machines? Why tables, chairs, and umbrellas? The answer is simple. Small businesses are the engine of Nigeria’s economy. They produce almost half of our national wealth. They provide most of our jobs. Think of the POS agent under her umbrella at the Kwarbai market. She serves people the big banks have forgotten. She feeds her family with honest work. So what we give today is not charity. It is capital. It is a stake in the economy we are building together.
“To the 1,000 beneficiaries, I have a charge for you. The N100,000 in your hands is seed money, not spending money. Plant it. A seed eaten today is a harvest lost tomorrow. But a seed planted in Zaria soil always grows. So guard your equipment. Keep honest records. Let your small table grow into a shop. Let your shop grow into a business. Let your business employ others. That is how one thousand beneficiaries become ten thousand livelihoods. We shall return next year. Let us find your businesses standing.”
He added, “And remember this. Today does not stand alone. It is one chapter in a long book that we are writing together. Before today, 2,400 of our people received direct financial support to trade and to grow. Our farmers and youth received tractors, fertilizers, tricycles, and motorcycles. We have renovated more than 110 primary schools and 40 secondary schools.
“Every year, we pay WAEC, NECO and JAMB fees for thousands of our children. Our N5 billion scholarship scheme has reached about 30,000 students. We attracted an Education City of N80 billion, bringing four new tertiary institutions to this ancient seat of learning. We built a 100-bed specialist hospital and new primary health centres.
“Only last November, we broke ground on six new projects at once, including a Women’s Development Centre and a new College of Agriculture. My people, none of this fell from the sky. It came through your mandate. Today’s one thousand beneficiaries now join that story.”
While Speaker Abbas thanked President Tinubu for “rebuilding our economy with courage” and that “history will thank him for it,” he also appreciated the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, CON, saying, “Kaduna is fortunate to have him. And Zaria knows it.”
The Speaker said, “This work in Zaria mirrors what is happening across Nigeria. President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is reaching ordinary homes. Student loans are keeping the children of the poor in school. A new credit scheme is opening loans to ordinary workers. There is a new minimum wage. The new tax laws protect small businesses like the ones born here today. In the People’s House, we passed these laws. And we watch over them. Because a law that does not reach Gyellesu or Kufena is not yet finished work.”
Speaker Abbas went on to explain why his constituents should vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the coming general elections, citing various developmental and empowerment projects.
“Now let me speak to you plainly, as your son. Why should Zaria vote APC? Why should Kaduna? Why should the North? I will give you plain reasons. It is this APC government that created the North West Development Commission to rebuild our region. It is this government laying the AKK gas pipeline through our lands, bringing industry and jobs. It is this government rebuilding the road from Abuja through Kaduna to Kano and keeping the trains running.
“It is this government whose reforms are funding the projects you see. Here at home, an APC governor has made Kaduna safer and better than it has been in years. And do not forget the seat at the table. Your own son is Speaker of the House of Representatives. That seat carries weight. It brought the Education City. It brought the hospital and the scholarships. It brought this very ceremony. A tree bears fruit where it is planted. And this tree is planted in APC soil.
“So, I will say it clearly: If you want these interventions to continue, vote APC. Vote APC from top to bottom. Vote APC for President. Vote APC for Governor. Vote APC for the Senate and for the House. Vote APC for the State Assembly and for your councils. When the whole ladder stands together, projects move faster from Abuja to Zaria. Do not break the ladder halfway. In 2027, judge us by the evidence. Then vote the evidence,” he said.
Speaker Abbas urges implementation of Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency Act as President Tinubu signs bill into law
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has urged all relevant government agencies to promptly initiate actions for the full implementation of the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency Act, 2026, following its signing into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
The bill, sponsored by Speaker Abbas, aimed to repeal the Nigerian Shippers’ Council Act, Cap. N133, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and establish the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency to ensure effective economic regulation of Nigerian ports while safeguarding the interests of shippers, service providers, and users of regulated port services. With the President’s assent, it has now been enacted as an Act of Parliament.
The legislation represents one of the landmark achievements of the 10th National Assembly. It reflects the Speaker’s commitment to legislative excellence, institutional reform, and sustainable economic growth, according to a press statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, on Thursday.
Recall that the bill underwent a rigorous and inclusive legislative process, including extensive stakeholder consultations and a public hearing. It was passed by both Chambers of the National Assembly and subsequently assented to by the President.
The Act provides a robust legal and institutional framework to ensure effective economic regulation of Nigerian ports by fostering transparency, competitiveness, and efficiency in port operations; protecting the rights and interests of shippers, service providers, and other port users; and aligning Nigeria’s port regulatory system with global best practices, thereby enhancing the ease and cost-effectiveness of doing business.
Despite receiving presidential assent, the Act has yet to be fully operationalised. Any further delay would undermine the legislative intent of the reform, prolong the exposure of port users to arbitrary charges and operational inefficiencies, and deny the nation the anticipated benefits of increased revenue, improved trade facilitation, and stronger investor confidence in the Marine and Blue Economy sector.
The Speaker therefore urges the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, in collaboration with all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government, to take the necessary administrative, institutional, and financial measures for the prompt implementation of the Act. This should include the formal transition to, as well as operational empowerment of, the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency to discharge its statutory mandate effectively.
The full implementation of the Act is critical to unlocking the economic potential of Nigeria’s ports, reducing the cost of doing business, strengthening trade competitiveness, and positioning Nigeria as the leading maritime and logistics hub in West and Central Africa.
The statement noted that the Speaker reaffirmed the 10th House’s commitment to exercising the necessary legislative oversight to ensure this landmark legislation, along with others assented to by the President, is fully implemented and achieves its intended goals for the benefit of the Nigerian people.
2027: Market President Tinubu’s performance based on facts and figures, Speaker Abbas urges Door-to-Door Movement
…says it’ll be a disservice for Nigerians to vote another president other than Tinubu in 2027
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has urged the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement to campaign for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term bid based on his administration’s performance statistics.
While declaring that it will be easy to sell the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate to Nigerians and secure well over 10 million votes for the President, Speaker Abbas stated that the re-election campaign will rest on facts and figures, showing how the Tinubu administration has made remarkable progress since taking over in 2023.
This is just as the Speaker warned that it will be a great disservice for Nigerians to vote for another presidential candidate after enduring the programmes and policies of the Tinubu administration, only for another President to reverse them.
The Speaker said this in Abuja on Wednesday when he hosted the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement led by its National Coordinator, Comrade Sunday Adekanbi Asuku, on a courtesy visit to his office.
With High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, as the Founder/Grand Patron, PBAT Door-to-Door Movement seeks to mobilise nationwide support and secure at least 10 million votes for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
Speaker Abbas said, “I am glad that in your speech, you mentioned the approach and the methodology of your campaign, to make it differ from what it used to be in the past, where people made noise with no substance. This is a campaign that should be guided by facts and figures. Let people see and feel what the government has accomplished in the past three years.
“And it will not be a difficult thing because we all know what this government has done in all the 36 states of the federation. So, it will be a campaign that will be guided principally by wisdom, issues, maturity, and facts and figures. Once you stay on course with these five noble things that I mentioned, you cannot get it wrong.”
Speaker Abbas, who noted that “there is no establishment at the national level that is closer to the grassroots than the House of Reps,” said the parliament remains a major pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.
He added, “I assure you we will continue to be part of the ambassadors that will continue to enlighten the people about the wisdom of continuity, because in a country where over 40 out of 60 years of its existence was managed badly, no president or leader, no matter how good they are, will correct the wrongs of the past within four years.
“So, it will be a very terrible mistake for Nigerians to reverse the modest gains that we have recorded from 2023 to date. People have sacrificed because of the policies that have been brought on board to solve those historic, decadent policies. People have paid prices for it. So, for us to now pick somebody to discard, all those sacrifices and modest achievements will not be justice to ourselves.”
Earlier, Comrade Asuku said the “thank you visit” was at the instance of Tompolo. He commended Speaker Abbas for supporting the inauguration of the Movement.
He said, “It is safe to say that this Assembly—this House—is one of the best that Nigeria has witnessed in recent times. This is because we have a father, an erudite scholar; we have a square peg in a square hole, and I can attest to the fact that with a fine brain like you at the helm of affairs in the House, Nigeria will be in safe hands.”
While noting that the Movement is made up of organic supporters of President Tinubu, Asuku described the President as “a leader who is confronting our fears head-on.”
Stating that “this government has done well,” he said members of the Movement have taken it upon themselves and will stop at nothing to ensure electoral victory for President Tinubu.
Asuku, however, stated that the Movement is not out to drive a parallel campaign leadership with the APC. He said that is why the support group seeks to involve people like Speaker Abbas to “get your blessings and mentorship.”
He said, “This Movement will stop at nothing until we can galvanise nothing less than 10 million votes from our own angle. We don’t really know what the APC as a party will bring, but at the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, we will at least beat our chest that, yes, we are mopping up nothing less than 10 million votes for Mr. President. This is because the APC under his leadership has done well.”
Present when the Speaker received the Movement were Majority Leader of the House, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere; Deputy Leader, Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims; Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka; and Chairman, House Committee on South-South Development Commission, Hon. Julius Pondi.
