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).

Speaker Abbas felicitates Aliko Dangote at 69

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.

Speaker Abbas congratulates Radio Nigeria at 75

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has congratulated the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) on its 75th anniversary, saying the state-owned media organisation has boosted the image of the country over the years.

The FRCN (Radio Nigeria) is reputed to be the largest radio network in Africa, with 47 FM stations and six zonal stations in Ibadan, Yenagoa, Enugu, Maiduguri, Makurdi, and Kaduna.

Speaker Abbas, in his congratulatory message to Radio Nigeria through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, said FRCN has indeed lived up to its slogan of “uplifting the people and uniting the nation.”

Speaker Abbas emphasised the significant role of state-owned media like the FRCN, especially at a time when fake news, misinformation, and disinformation are rife. He added that Radio Nigeria has continued to foster unity, peace, patriotism, and nation-building among Nigerians.

While congratulating the board, management, and staff of FRCN, the Speaker urged the media organisation to continue to maintain the broadcasting and journalism standards. He also called for continued propagation of national values, especially among the youth.

Plateau killings call for reflection, decisive action—Speaker Abbas

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has expressed his sympathy to the people of Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, describing the attack on them by suspected terrorists as gruesome and heinous.

Scores of people were reported killed and many injured, with property destroyed during the attack.

Speaker Abbas called for decisive action by the Federal Government and its forces, stating that Nigeria cannot leave its citizens at the mercy of criminals and non-state actors.

The Speaker, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, said the attack and mass killings at Angwan Rukuba call for sober reflection by all stakeholders and a collective response to crimes and criminality.

While emphasising that protection of life and property is the primary responsibility of the government, Speaker Abbas called for better collaborations, especially between the federal and sub-national governments, the government, and the people, as well as inter-agency cooperation.

The Speaker condoled families of those killed in the attack, while commiserating with the Angwan Rukuba community, the people, and the government of Plateau State.

Speaker Abbas prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims.

Speaker Abbas pays tribute to President Tinubu at 74

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has eulogised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who celebrates his 74th birthday on Sunday.

Speaker Abbas, in his congratulatory message, paid glowing tributes to President Tinubu, describing him as a pro-democracy hero, freedom fighter, philanthropist, public administrator, political strategist, and “builder of people across divides.”

While noting that President Tinubu paid his dues on his political journey, the Speaker said the President has continued to build a great network of progressive Nigerians whose mission and vision is to create a country that the citizens are proud of.

A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, said the Speaker noted that the experiences President Tinubu garnered across the private and public sectors reflect in his stewardship of the country, leading to his sterling performance in office.

Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration, Speaker Abbas said Nigeria is recording far-reaching reforms and realignment of its resources for the betterment of the people and for generations to come.

The Speaker added that when President Tinubu assumed office, he confronted the challenges facing the country head-on with unprecedented courage, taking tough decisions, which have since started yielding fruitful results and taken Nigeria to the path of growth and development.

Speaker Abbas had acknowledged the Tinubu administration’s transformation of the country in his remark at the APC National Convention on Friday night when he said, “Today, the foundations are being reset. Revenues to states have improved. Transparency has increased. Infrastructure is advancing. Security coordination is strengthening. These are not isolated steps. They are part of a clear direction.”

The Speaker also noted how President Tinubu’s leadership has made the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) the most popular political party in the nation’s history.

He urged Nigerians to pray for President Tinubu, saying citizens across political, religious, and ethnic divides stand to benefit from the current administration.

Speaker Abbas wished President Tinubu longevity and vitality, with the courage to carry on with the repositioning of Nigeria beyond 2027.

He prayed to Allah (SWT) to grant the President the wisdom, grace, and grit to steer the wheel of Nigeria towards propriety, peace, and unity.

2027: Speaker Abbas seeks continuity for President Tinubu, National Assembly members

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to check the high turnover of lawmakers in the National Assembly, listing the consequences for the federal parliament and democracy as a whole.

Addressing delegates and other stakeholders of the APC at the party’s National Convention in Abuja on Friday night, the Speaker stated that the legislature should be part of the journey of the current administration, stressing that the National Assembly oversights the programmes and policies of the government.

The Speaker noted that the reforms by the APC administration, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, are “not a sprint” but a journey, a commitment that “requires continuity.”

He said, “This is why I say that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must continue this work beyond 2027. Not for sentiment. Not for convenience. But because the work has begun, it must be completed. Because the foundation has been laid, and it must be built upon. Because the path has been chosen, and it must be sustained.”

Speaker Abbas, however, stated that if the APC was to sustain that path, “continuity must not be limited to the executive alone. It must extend to the legislature.”

He said, “Mr. President, Your Excellencies, our Governors, I make this appeal with urgency. As we commit to continuity at the executive level, we must also secure stability within the legislature. The high turnover of Senators and Members over the years has come at a cost to governance, to lawmaking, and to public resources spent on constant training and retraining. Experience is lost. Institutional memory is weakened. Momentum is broken.

“We cannot continue to start every cycle afresh and expect consistent progress. The legislature is not separate from this journey. It is a partner in it. We legislate for the same reforms. We oversee the same programmes. We defend the same national interest.

“I, therefore, urge deliberate efforts to support the return of committed and performing legislators, so that together, the executive and the legislature can sustain this path and complete the work we have begun.”

The Speaker pointed out that the push for continuity is “the discipline of progress,” saying, “This is how nations move forward without losing ground. We cannot change direction in the middle of the journey. We cannot abandon progress halfway. We cannot trade certainty for uncertainty.”

He added, “Our task as a party is clear. We must translate strength into results. We must translate policy into impact. We must translate leadership into trust. Where we govern, we must deliver. Where we lead, we must show results. Where we stand, we must stand together.”

Speaker Abbas also noted that the North-West stands today as “a clear example of our strength,” while the geopolitical zone remains united under the APC. “It reflects confidence, structure, and direction,” he said.

The Speaker, however, noted, “But strength brings responsibility. What we have gained must be sustained. What we have built must be strengthened. What we have achieved must be expanded.”

Speaker Abbas said that the North-West would “not falter,” as the zone understands the weight of the moment. He said, “We will organise. We will mobilise. We will deliver the block votes. The same applies across every zone where our party holds ground. This is not the time for division. This is the time for unity. This is the time for action.”

To the new National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC, the Speaker said the members’ emergence will reflect the party’s confidence in their competence and capacity to lead at this moment.

“Our great party is large and still growing, with depth, diversity, and rising expectations. With that strength comes scrutiny. There are those who expect us to fracture. There are those who hope we will implode under the weight of our own size. That must not happen.

“It must be prevented through careful management, disciplined coordination, and constant engagement. Integrating both long-standing and new members, maintaining unity, and managing competing interests will require steady leadership. You must organise with clarity. You must engage with purpose. You must mobilise with consistency,” he advised.

While Speaker Abbas stated that “the road ahead will demand discipline and sacrifice,” he noted that “it will reward consistency, courage, and commitment.” He stressed, “History remembers those who stood firm and built for the future. Let us be remembered as that generation.”