Speaker Abbas calls for reforms in power, mining sectors

Abbas who spoke at the joint session of the National Assembly, NASS with the president for democracy day celebration stated that the hous will soon commence a review of the mining Act, 2007.

He urged the president to use the political will with which he removed subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) and regularisation of the foreign exchange market to achieve a stable power supply for the country.

“Mr. President, I would be remiss in my responsibility to you if I conclude my brief remarks without also offering some useful recommendations on the way forward. You have demonstrated remarkable resolve in removing the fuel subsidy and allowing the Naira to float. Now, we require an equally decisive intervention in our power sector.

“While progress is evident, it is time to ‘wave your magic wand’ once more: to break the cycle of underperformance by shifting from an over-reliance on thermal and hydroelectricity to a diversified energy mix. We must embrace renewable and clean energy sources, such as solar, wind, and even nuclear, to ensure a reliable and sustainable national grid.

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“Secondly, developing the solid minerals sector is essential for Nigeria’s economic diversification. While we have some existing geological data, it lacks the precision and quality needed to support large-scale exploration.

“To complement executive actions, the House of Representatives will immediately commence an urgent review of the 2007 Mining Act to allow subnational entities to operate within the profitable limits of the law while enhancing oversight and mitigating security risks. If pursued with discipline and clarity, these reforms will position solid minerals as a strategic pillar of our national economy.”

Speaker Abbas also noted that the ceremony marked 26 uninterrupted years of democracy and the second year anniversary of the 10th National Assembly.

Over the past 26 years, he noted the National Assembly has served as the guardian of the nation’s democratic institutions.

“In 2006, we rejected the third-term bid; in 2010, we invoked the doctrine of necessity to ensure uninterrupted governance; and we have championed constitutional and electoral reforms,” he said.

The Speaker also noted that within two years, the House reviewed 2,263 bills. Of these, 65.3 per cent have passed Second Reading, and 186 have been successfully passed, while a total of 51 bills have received presidential assent, “marking an unprecedented milestone for any President in his first two years.”

Abbas also noted that the House has actively conducted oversight of executive agencies to ensure that laws are implemented and that development funds are allocated properly. “The House Public Accounts Committee has reported recoveries exceeding ₦61.5 billion in outstanding debts owed to the Federal Government by oil and gas companies,” he announced.

Part of the civic engagements with stakeholders, he noted, include biannual Youth and Women’s Town Halls, an annual live televised citizens’ interactive session, and the annual House Open Week. He said, “We are excited to announce that the next Open Week is scheduled for July. Mr. President, we would be honoured if you could join us and officially declare the event open.”

He said: “In March 2025, Members donated ₦705 million, equivalent to half their salaries over six months, to support the President’s relief programme for vulnerable Nigerians. The House also contributed ₦650 million to provide housing for the families of deceased members and former leaders.

“Furthermore, individual members donated over ₦500 million to support communities in Kaduna, Enugu, Anambra, Oyo, Niger, Borno, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory, assisting displaced persons affected by banditry and communal violence.”

He added: “Furthermore, as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, the 10th House extended dedicated support to our traditional institutions, recognising their vital role in community leadership and cohesion. We provided 40 new vehicles to traditional rulers across six geopolitical zones to enhance community engagement.”

As the lawmakers enter the second half of their term, Speaker Abbas said the House’ determination is unequivocal to expedite and finalise the constitutional amendment process by December 2025.

He noted that some priority legislation include special reserved seats for women, formal constitutional roles for traditional rulers, and legal backing for a 35 per cent Affirmative-Action gender policy.

“We appeal to the Chairmen of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and the Progressive Governors’ Forum to advocate for these essential reforms at the state level,” he said.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly, in a historic move at the joint session, passed a resolution urging the president to address Nigerians from the federal parliament every June 12 to mark the Democracy Day.

The resolution followed the unanimous adoption of a motion moved by Speaker Abbas in his closing remarks at the joint session.

The National Assembly had invited President Tinubu to the ceremony. In recognition of the significance of the legislature to democracy, the President addressed Nigerians from a joint session of the National Assembly.

However, following President Tinubu’s decision to address Nigerians through the parliament, Speaker Abbas moved that the ritual be institutionalised.

“In conclusion, Mr. President, permit me one final, earnest appeal. Today’s ceremony has been truly magnificent, and you have achieved what past Assemblies could only dream of an annual address by the President to a joint session of the National Assembly.

“By accepting our invitation, you have made history. I respectfully urge that we now institutionalise this address as an annual event.

The President of the Senate, Senator Akpabio, GCON, then seconded the motion and put it to voice vote, which was unanimously adopted by the lawmakers at the joint session.

President Tinubu, had earlier after his address, decorated the President of the Senate and the Speaker with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) medal. The President had conferred the second-highest national honour on the two Presiding Officers last October.

The President also conferred various national honours on different individuals, some of which were done posthumously.