Abbas: We’ll utilise every legislative instrument to address poverty, promote development

Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives, says the green chamber will utilise every legislative tool to address poverty in the country.

Abbas spoke on Tuesday at the unveiling of the legislative agenda of the 10th house of representatives in Abuja.

The legislative agenda was considered and adopted by the lower legislative chamber last week.

Abbas said the legislative agenda is designed towards meeting the “yearnings and aspirations” of Nigerians.

“We are dedicated to fostering an environment that promotes sustainable economic growth, and development,” he said.

“We shall use every legislative tool at our disposal to create jobs for our teeming youths, address the challenge posed by poverty, improve infrastructure, ensure top quality and affordable healthcare and provide security for all Nigerians.”

The speaker said the legislative agenda would promote partnership with President Bola Tinubu’s administration to facilitate good governance for Nigerians’ benefit.

“Our agenda encompasses a range of eight critical issues, designed to provide the necessary legislative support to the eight-point agenda of the executive,” he said.

“These issues include strengthening good governance, economic development, improving national security, law reform, economic growth and development, social sector reform and development, inclusion and open parliament, influencing foreign policy and climate change, and environmental sustainability.”

He asked all the standing committees of the house to integrate the agenda into their work plans, while members should ensure that bills and motions are in tune with the provisions of the agenda.

“The adopted structure indicates short, medium and long-term milestones and key performance indicators to track progress easily. The implementation framework is designed to allow for flexibility in responding to emerging issues or crises,” he said.

Abbas said a legislative agenda monitoring and implementation committee has been constituted to ensure “religious implementation” of the agenda.

“Let us work tirelessly to fulfil our mandate with integrity, diligence, and a deep sense of patriotism,” he said.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio and George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), were among the dignitaries who graced the unveiling.