Speaker Abbas felicitates Interior Minister Bunmi Tunji-Ojo on birthday
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has extended his felicitations to the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, as he celebrates his birthday on May 1.
Speaker Abbas, in a congratulatory message issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, described Tunji-Ojo as “one of the stars that the House has sold to the Federal Executive Council.”
The Speaker noted Tunji-Ojo’s excellent service to Nigeria as a member of the House, and how the former lawmaker has shone even brighter as a minister and member of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet.
While highlighting the reforms that Tunji-Ojo has caused in the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and other agencies under the ministry, Speaker Abbas said the interior minister’s performance has boosted the image of the country globally.
The Speaker said Tunji-Ojo remains a good ambassador of the legislature in the executive arm of the government, adding that the House is proud of him.
Speaker Abbas wishes Minister Tunji-Ojo longevity and the grace to carry on with his service to the country.
Workers’ Day: Speaker Abbas commends labour for contributions to nationhood
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has congratulated the labour force in Nigeria as they celebrate International Workers’ Day, describing them as crucial stakeholders in the national project.
Speaker Abbas commended the workers, especially under the auspices of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), for their service, patriotism, and contributions to the growth and development of the country.
The Speaker, in a message issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, said the Federal Government will continue to prioritise the welfare and rights of workers. He particularly noted that the government will continue to ensure their safety at the workplace.
While calling on workers to continue to work with the government on nation-building, Speaker Abbas urged them to remain patriotic and embrace dialogue over issues affecting them.
Reps approve Speaker Abbas’ bill to create security think-tank for the Armed Forces
The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill seeking to establish the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre, a think-thank for Nigeria’s military and paramilitary forces aimed at enhancing capacity, discipline, and excellence.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, sponsored the legislation, titled ‘A Bill for an Act to Establish the Joint Doctrine Warfare Centre to enhance the Coordination and Effectiveness of Military Operations of Armed Forces of Nigeria, by Integrating the Capabilities of Its Respective Services; and For Related Matters (HB. 2741).
The proposed Joint Doctrine Warfare Centre is to generate ideas and propose mechanisms that can strengthen the country’s security architecture in response to the emerging security issues, according to a press statement by the Speaker’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi.
Leading the debate on general principles on the bill on behalf of the Speaker, Hon. Daniel Asama Ago said the proposed centre seeks to provide for a comprehensive framework for the development, validation, and dissemination of joint military doctrines across the armed forces and initiate and coordinate interdisciplinary studies on multi-domain operation.
He added that the think-tank, which has the defence ministers, service chiefs, and security experts in the private sector as members, would integrate warfare strategies and emerging threats and provide strategic direction for enhancing synergy, defence and security operations; evaluate operational requirements; and liaise with national defence academics, international partners, and international research institutions on joint doctrine, simulation technologies, and warfare concepts.
He said, “My respected colleagues, as we are all aware, Nigeria faces complex security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, and cyber warfare, requiring strategic doctrinal coordination among the Armed Forces. The absence of a dedicated institution for joint military doctrine formulation has created operational gaps and limited interoperability among the services.
“This bill seeks to address this deficiency in Nigeria’s defence architecture by providing an institutional and legal framework to the recently established Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre as a think-tank and centre of excellence for doctrine development and warfare strategy, addressing the need for integrated doctrine development, unified command thinking, and joint operational planning.”
He added, “This bill is strategic and timely, addressing Nigeria’s evolving security threats and promoting interoperability among the Armed Forces. It establishes a permanent platform for defence research, simulation, and policy coordination, enhancing national security sustainability.”
The key aspects of the centre include: modernising Nigeria’s approach to hybrid, asymmetric, and transnational threats; strengthening interoperability among the Army, Navy, and Air Force; enhancing defence research and strategic studies; and fostering regional and international defence cooperation.
“This bill seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s defence architecture, promoting synergy, preparedness, and military excellence. The Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre will serve as the intellectual and operational hub for defence coordination, doctrine formulation, and integrated warfare planning.
“I therefore urge my respected colleagues to support that this bill be read for a second time and referred to the relevant committee for further legislative action, please. I so move.”
Lawmakers unanimously voted in support of the bill when put into voice vote. And the bill was thereafter referred to the Committee on Defence for further legislative action.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, felicitates the Director-General/Chief Executive, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote, who celebrates her birthday on Tuesday.
Speaker Abbas, in a congratulatory message to Coker-Odusote through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, lauded the NIMC boss for her passion and dedication to public service.
While noting her strides as General Manager of the Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA), the Speaker said Coker-Odusote has continued to record excellence at NIMC.
Speaker Abbas said Coker-Odusote’s leadership of the NIMC has further strengthened the argument for more women in politics and governance in Nigeria.
The Speaker stressed that Coker-Odusote has not only inspired leadership and patriotism among women and youths but also proved that the country has human resources and talents to develop and grow.
Speaker Abbas wished Coker-Odusote longevity, sound health, and grace to excel in her service to the nation.
Parliamentary diplomacy: Speaker Abbas initiates Nigeria-Algeria power, education deals
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has initiated collaborations between Nigeria and Algeria on power and education through inter-parliamentary relations between the two countries.
While hosting the Algerian Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, His Excellency Hocine Mezoued, Speaker Abbas recalled that the Nigerian delegation, which he led to Algeria in October 2025, had bilateral agreements with top officials of the Algerian government, especially on Nigeria’s power sector.
The Speaker recalled that Ambassador Mezoued invited the House to Algeria during his first visit, leading to the visit to the North African country in October 2025, “and we had a very fantastic outing.”
He said, “We discussed too many matters of mutual interest between the parliaments of Nigeria and Algeria. We came up with several resolutions, some of which we are still trying to fine-tune and develop, and extended a letter of invitation as well to the Speaker of the Algerian Parliament to also visit Nigeria. It was part of the agreements.”
Speaker Abbas disclosed that part of the agreements was the extension of scholarships to Nigeria. “We were told that it was something that we would be able to conclude within a month… it is almost six months now or more. We are yet to bring a closure to that particular issue,” he said.
The Speaker, however, added, “We are appealing, since all the scholarships are usually coming through your embassy here in Nigeria, that you please take this as a very important request. That issue of scholarships is still very fresh. We in the parliament are very passionate about it, and we are looking to redeeming or fulfilling that particular pledge taken in Nigeria.”
Speaker Abbas also recalled discussions about the establishment of mini grids in Nigeria, which are a major source of energy in Algeria.
Speaking on the contest for the leadership of the APU, the Speaker said Nigeria would be willing to support the Algerian candidate for the presidency.
He said, “Concerning the requests that you made concerning the presidency of the African Parliamentary Union, I want to assure you as a person, I am 100 per cent in support of you, but I need to also consult my parliamentary brothers to ensure that we are all in support of you as a group and legislature.
“But, you can take it from me that, for me as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, I am in complete agreement with and support of the candidature of your person. Within the next few days and week, we will engage with all the relevant parliamentary representatives to push the agenda.”
Speaker Abbas noted that he might invite Ambassador Mezoued again to formally address a larger audience of parliamentary stakeholders.
The Speaker thanked Ambassador Mezoued for visiting him the second time within one year and for being “a good friend to the Nigerian parliament and government.” He also stated the willingness of the Nigerian Parliament to lobby other African legislatures for the Algerian candidate.
Speaker Abbas condoled the Algerian Ambassador over the demise of his predecessor.
Earlier, Ambassador Mezoued said his two visits to the Speaker in one year were majorly about “the best ways and means to develop cooperation between our two countries.”
The Algerian Ambassador extended the condolences of the people and the government of Algeria over the demise of the Nigerian Ambassador-designate to Algeria, Mohammed Lele, a career diplomat from Kano State. “We deeply mourn the significant loss,” he said, adding that the embassy has scheduled a condolence visit to the deceased’s family and community.
Ambassador Mezoued also commended Speaker Abbas for the creation of Nigeria-Algeria Parliamentary Friendship Group, which he said has strengthened diplomatic ties between the countries.
While the Algerian Ambassador assured Speaker Abbas of the scholarships for the 2026/2027 academic session, the envoy said a delegation from Nigeria will visit Algeria on energy and power.
“Nigeria will be a priority for us,” Ambassador Mezoued stated, urging the Speaker to kick-start the process through the Nigerian Minister of Power.
Speaker Abbas, Gbajabiamila, others pay tributes to late aide, Chamberlain, as burial rites begin
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, and the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, on Thursday, paid tributes to Dr. Chamberlain Nnamdi Dunkwu, the late Deputy Chief of Staff to the Speaker.
Speaker Abbas, in his tribute at the Service of Songs held in honour of the late Dr. Chamberlain at St. Matthew’s Church (Anglican Communion), Maitama, Abuja, declared, “I will never forget Chamberlain throughout my life.”
At the service were several members of the House, including the House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere; Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda; Minority Whip, Hon. Ali Isa; Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi; Chairman, Committee on Rules and Business, Hon. Francis Waive; Chairman, Committee on Army, Hon. Aminu Balele Kurfi; Chairman, Committee on Solid Minerals, Hon. Jonathan Gaza Gbefwi; Chairman, Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akin Rotimi, among many others. The wife of the Speaker, Hajiya Fatima Abbas Tajudeen, also attended the session.
Dr. Chamberlain, who passed away on March 7, 2026, was a Special Assistant to Gbajabiamila in the 9th Assembly, and later became the Deputy Chief of Staff (Members’ Affairs) to Speaker Abbas in the current 10th Assembly.
Speaker Abbas recalled countless encounters with Dr. Chamberlain, which exemplified the deceased’s loyalty, commitment, service, and sacrifices. He said for almost three years of his speakership, he worked closely with Dr. Chamberlain every day.
“I have learnt a lot from this gentleman. His humility is without any comparison. I have been in politics for quite a long time; I’m in my 60s. I’m in a house of God; it is not a place to campaign. Chamberlain is one of the few exceptional human beings that I have come across in the journey of my life that I have found with tremendous humility,” he said.
The Speaker, who described the House as “one of the most difficult institutions to manage,” with 360 people coming from diverse backgrounds, different geographies, and civilisations, stated that to manage each of them with their diversity “is not a small thing.”
“Chamberlain has been one of those who assisted me tremendously, ensuring that the House functioned and functioned well,” he stated.
While recalling how observers asked about the stability in the House despite the political and socio-economic issues in the country, which “could have otherwise triggered problems and instability,” Speaker Abbas said he tells the people that “beside me, there are other people who, behind the scene, help in no small way in supporting the leadership of the House, and the number one person among them was Chamberlain.”
In his tribute, Gbajabiamila said he had yet to come to terms with Dr. Chamberlain’s departure. “Today, this is going to be absolutely short; short because speakers, politicians, and, indeed, men are not meant to show emotions or break down. But I think if I stay here longer than I ordinarily would—because there is so much to say about Chamberlain—I would betray that belief and break down,” he said.
The Chief of Staff to the President added that, “Let us be comforted by the fact that it is not always how long you live but how well,” noting that for almost 10 years that he knew Dr. Chamberlain, “he lived a very good life.”
After his bid for speakership failed in 2015, Gbajabiamila recalled how Dr. Chamberlain became his “unofficial DG” of the campaign for his second attempt in 2019, leading to his record-making victory. “He was my tutor in many ways,” the ex-Speaker said about the deceased having so much connections with members of the 9th House.
He added that Chamber went on to campaign for Abbas Tajudeen, who won the speakership seat in 2023 and broke his record of highest votes.
Gbajabiamila said, “He made my work so easy. The Speaker, seated right here, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, inherited him when I left. It is unfortunate. I feel very sorry for Speaker Abbas because to preside over 359 other members of the House requires not just your personal gait or capacity to manage men and women; it requires somebody like Chamberlain by your side. So, I feel for you, Mr. Speaker. Your work just got more difficult.”
The Chief of Staff to the President also recalled how he used to refer to Chamberlain as the 361st member of the House.
The vicar of the church, Ven. Dr. Syrenius Okoriko, in his exhortation, said the most important question that the attendees should ponder over was, “How would you be remembered? When you are gone, what would people say about you?”
While noting that “death is a leveler of all humans” regardless of their statuses, Ven. Okoriko urged the congregation to emulate the good examples set by the late Dr. Chamberlain.
Bridging revenue gap central to fiscal stability—Speaker Abbas
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has stated that Nigeria can bridge the gap between the national budget and expenditure with sustained revenue generation.
Speaker Abbas noted that bridging that gap through sustainable revenue is central to fiscal stability.
Giving his goodwill message at the inauguration of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, the Speaker highlighted some economic reforms caused by the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, especially relating to revenue generation and taxation.
Speaker Abbas pointed out that the challenge now is to sustain and deepen NRS’ performance.
He said, “This is particularly important when considering the scale of national expenditure. Nigeria’s budget has expanded significantly, with projections exceeding ₦50 trillion and rising commitments to infrastructure, security, education, and social services.
“The gap between what the nation seeks to achieve and what it currently earns remains substantial. Bridging that gap through sustainable revenue is central to fiscal stability.
“The question, therefore, is not whether revenue must increase; it is how it increases.”
The Speaker noted, “Three issues will determine that outcome. The first is consistency. Revenue administration loses credibility when outcomes depend on discretion rather than rules. The NRS must demonstrate that its processes are stable across sectors, regions, and categories of taxpayers.
“The second is visibility. A modern tax system cannot operate as a closed structure. Data, processes, and decisions must be intelligible, not only to government but to those who are subject to it. This is central to compliance.
“The third is restraint. The authority to collect revenue must be exercised with discipline. Overreach may produce immediate gains, but it weakens trust and compliance over time. These are not operational preferences. They are institutional requirements.”
Speaker Abbas said the emergence of the NRS, formerly the Federal Inland Revenue Service, must be understood within that context. “It is not only a renamed institution; it is a repositioned one, with a broader mandate and higher expectations.”
He also noted that the performance of the NRS recently has been notable. “In 2025, collections exceeded target, reaching over ₦28 trillion, with significant growth driven by non-oil revenues,” he said, adding that, “This reflects not only improved systems but also a shift towards voluntary compliance and better coordination.”
Speaker Abbas stated that institutions reveal themselves not only through laws or leadership but also through the systems they sustain over time.
While saying the building invites a different kind of reflection, the Speaker noted, “It is not simply about scale or design. It is about whether Nigeria now possesses the institutional discipline to convert authority into consistent outcomes.”
Speaker Abbas emphasised that for many years, Nigeria’s revenue system struggled less from a lack of effort than from a lack of coherence. “We operated multiple regimes, overlapping mandates, and fragmented legal frameworks. The result was predictable: high effort, low yield, and limited public confidence.”
What has changed under the Tinubu administration, the Speaker stated, is not only the policy direction but also the underlying logic of the system.
He said, “The reforms have sought to align rules, institutions, and incentives within a single framework. The 2025 Tax Reform Acts represent that shift in its clearest form. They reorganised the architecture within which revenue is generated, assessed, and enforced, and provided the basis for a more integrated system.”
To the Nigerian public, Speaker Abbas noted that it is important to address the concerns that have accompanied the reform. “Taxation is not an abstract concept. It affects daily life, enterprise, and opportunity. The intention of this new regime is not to increase hardship, but to improve structure. It seeks to broaden the base, reduce leakages, and ensure that obligations are more evenly distributed. It is also designed to protect those at the lower end of the income scale while improving collection efficiency in areas where compliance has historically been weak,” he said.
While noting the role of the National Assembly does not end with the passage of laws, as it extends to observing how those laws function in practice, the Speaker declared that the House will continue to engage the NRS through oversight, ensuring that the intent of reform is preserved in implementation.
“We are also conscious that the effectiveness of the Service will depend on its interaction with broader economic systems. The integration of technology, the expansion of the tax base, and coordination across agencies will require continued legislative attention and support,” he said.
Speaker Abbas concluded by stating that a revenue system is ultimately a relationship between the state and its citizens, as it reflects what is demanded, how it is enforced, and what is delivered in return. He added that the headquarters, in its permanence, “suggests a system that intends to endure.”
The Speaker stressed, “Endurance, however, will depend less on the structure we commission today and more on the discipline that guides its operation.”
Hon. Muhammad Hassan’s passing a tragic loss, Speaker Abbas mourns Kano Rep
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has expressed shock over the demise of the member representing Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency of Kano State, Hon. Muhammad Danjuma Hassan.
Hon. Hassan, who passed away on Friday evening after an illness, was 66 years old.
The Speaker, who described Hon. Hassan’s passing as shocking, unfortunate, and painful, said he was a brilliant, hardworking, and experienced lawmaker. He noted that the deceased served his constituents and the nation diligently and passionately.
While noting that Hon. Hassan would be sorely missed for his sterling performance on the floor of the House, Speskrr Abbas lamented that the deceased has left a huge vacuum in other legislative posts and functions outside the chambers.
The Speaker prayed to Allah (SWT) to grant Hon. Hassan Jannatul Firdaus and comfort his family, constituents, the people, and the government of Kano State.
Until his demise, he served as the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary. He was also a member of several other committees, including Public Petitions, Aviation, Solid Minerals, Constitution Review, and Treaties, Protocols & Agreements.
Hon. Hassan was elected into the House in 2023 on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has felicitated the richest African and Chairman of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, on his 69th birthday, describing him as an undaunted businessman.
In a congratulatory message issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Speaker said Dangote has remained the leader of Nigeria’s private sector and one of the drivers of the country’s economy through his multi-billion-dollar investments.
Speaker Abbas particularly cited the Lagos-based Dangote Petroleum Refinery, one of the world’s biggest petrochemical facilities, which has become a buffer for Nigeria’s economy against the global impact of the US/Israel-Iran war.
While saluting Dangote’s doggedness, the Speaker commended him for his belief in Nigeria and the courage to invest locally. This, Speaker Abbas noted, has made the billionaire industrialist one of the most patriotic citizens of the country.
Speaker Abbas prayed to Allah (SWT) to continue to strengthen, guide, and inspire Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
Speaker Abbas to Christians: Emulate Jesus Christ, pray for Nigeria
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has congratulated Nigerian Christians as they celebrate Easter, which marks the end of Lent and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Speaker Abbas, in his Easter message issued by his Special Advisor on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, on Saturday urged Christians to observe and emulate the teachings of Jesus Christ, whom he described as a “perfect role model for all.”
He also enjoined Christians to continue to pray for Nigeria and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, even after the Lent period.
The Speaker noted that prayers have indeed attracted divine intervention to socio-economic, political, and religious issues that have torn other nations apart.
Speaker Abbas noted that Easter signifies sacrifice, selflessness, obedience, and love, stressing that these are virtues that Nigerians should imbibe for the peace and stability of the country.
He also called for mutual respect among people of all faiths and tribes, describing the coincidence of the 2026 Ramadan and Lent as “a divine arrangement to foster unity of purpose among Muslims and Christians in Nigeria and beyond.”
Speaker Abbas wished Christians happy Easter celebrations.
