In a recent address, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas backs legislative fortification in driving governance reforms essential for Nigeria’s development. Abbas stressed that a capable and well-supported legislature is pivotal for advancing democracy and fostering accountability across various sectors. Speaking at the presentation of the Parliamentary Development Programme at the National Assembly in Abuja, he underscored the importance of institutional investment in legislative capacity to align with Nigeria’s development goals.
The Parliamentary Development Programme, launched with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aims to enhance the effectiveness of lawmakers. Abbas stated that bolstering the legislature ensures its ability to deliver on reform-focused agendas aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, addressing national challenges in governance, infrastructure, and security.
Legislative Fortification: The Bedrock of Democracy
Abbas argued that a strong and resilient legislature forms the foundation of vibrant democratic governance. Without it, achieving sustainable reforms becomes elusive. He explained that the legislative branch plays a central role in enacting laws, providing oversight, and holding the executive accountable. Abbas emphasized that “strengthening the legislature is an investment in the stability of democracy,” as the National Assembly is pivotal to lawmaking and effective governance.
Despite the importance of legislative functions, Abbas highlighted the historical underdevelopment of Nigeria’s parliament compared to other branches of government. He pointed out that limited resources and high turnover rates among legislators hinder continuity, weakening institutional memory necessary for long-term governance improvements.
Continuous Capacity Building to Address Governance Challenges
Abbas further stressed the importance of continuous capacity building for lawmakers to address gaps caused by turnover in the 10th National Assembly, where 281 of the 360 members are new. He noted that frequent legislative changes disrupt institutional knowledge, complicating efforts to sustain progress. Capacity-building initiatives under the Parliamentary Development Programme aim to equip new legislators with the tools needed to engage effectively from the outset.
According to Abbas, investing in training and institutional development ensures that the legislature can deliver impactful reforms, particularly in areas like infrastructure development, economic stability, and national security.
Kalu Calls for Gender-Responsive Budgeting and Inclusive Finance Reforms
At the same event, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu stressed the importance of inclusivity in public finance reforms and budget oversight. Kalu called for targeted reforms, including gender-responsive budgeting, to address Nigeria’s multidimensional poverty crisis, which currently affects 133 million citizens, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. He highlighted that marginalized groups—such as women, youth, and impoverished communities—remain underrepresented in decision-making processes, contributing to governance gaps.
Kalu urged international partners like the UNDP to empower Nigeria’s legislature with tools for budgetary transparency, helping it align policies with the needs of vulnerable populations. He noted that strengthening public trust in the legislature requires both stakeholder engagement and effective advocacy, emphasizing that good governance must reflect the voices of all citizens.
The Importance of Local Ownership and Collaborative Governance
Kalu also emphasized that sustainable parliamentary development hinges on local ownership. He advocated for empowering members of parliament to set priorities through multi-party reform committees. This approach allows legislators to align their work with Nigeria’s governance needs while strengthening institutional independence. He further stressed that development partners must foster trust in parliamentary institutions to ensure effective governance and accountability.
Kalu explained that collaboration between the executive, legislature, civil society, and the media is essential for driving reforms. He argued that without transparency and accountability, meaningful progress in national development would remain unattainable.
Conclusion: Explore Solutions at Genderpedia
The call for legislative fortification by Abbas, along with Kalu’s push for gender-responsive budgeting, highlights the critical role of the legislature in driving reforms that can reshape Nigeria’s governance landscape. Investing in parliamentary development ensures that the legislature remains capable of enacting policies essential for national progress and inclusivity. To explore more documents on governance, public finance, and legislative reforms, visit Genderpedia.ng/shop and discover a wealth of resources tailored to Nigeria’s development needs.
