Ahmad Lawan: Marking 25 years of unblemished parliamentary service

Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, one of Nigeria’s most prominent political figures, this year marks a significant moment in his career—25 years of unblemished service in the Nigerian parliament. From his humble beginnings in the House of Representatives to becoming President of the Senate, Senator Lawan’s parliamentary journey has been one of exceptional public service, legislative excellence, and passion for national development.

Early Beginnings in the House of Representatives

Senator Ahmad Lawan’s parliamentary journey began in 1999, when Nigeria returned to democratic governance after years of military rule. He was elected to represent the Bade/Jakusko Federal Constituency of Yobe State in the House of Representatives under the platform of the All People’s Party (APP), which later became the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP). His election came at a critical time in Nigeria’s history, as the country sought to rebuild its democratic institutions and address the challenges of governance.

During his tenure in the House, Lawan as a strong voice for the opposition, quickly established himself as a diligent and forward-thinking legislator. He served on several key committees, including Appropriations, Education, and Agriculture, where he contributed to the formulation of policies aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians.

Transition to the Senate: A Broader Platform for Service

In 2007, Ahmad Lawan transitioned to the Senate, representing Yobe North Senatorial District. His election to the upper chamber of the National Assembly marked the beginning of a new chapter in his legislative career. Over the years, he has been re-elected multiple times, owing to the trust and confidence his constituents have in his leadership.

As a Senator, Lawan has championed numerous initiatives aimed at addressing the socio-economic challenges facing Nigeria. He has been a vocal advocate for education, agriculture, and security, sectors that are critical to the nation’s development. His legislative contributions include sponsoring bills and motions that have had a profound impact on national policy and governance.

Leadership Roles and Legislative Achievements

Between 2007 and 2019, Senator Lawan, held several key positions in the Senate, including Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts. As the Public Accounts Committee Chairman, a position he held for 8 years, Senator Lawan demonstrated a keen ability to oversee government expenditures and ensure accountability during the period when the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) held sway under the administrations of the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and former President Goodluck Jonathan between 2007 and 2015. He was appointed by former Senate President David Mark, who was President of the 6th and 7th Senate, respectively, to chair the committee in both assemblies.

On the 10th of January 2017, Senator Lawan emerged as the Leader of the 8th Senate, after his nomination by Senators of the All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus in the upper legislative house. His deep understanding of parliamentary procedures, coupled with his commitment to national development, made him a natural choice for the leadership position.

The 8th National Assembly, which spanned from 2015 to 2019, was a critical period in the nation’s legislative history. At the heart of this assembly was Senator Ahmad Lawan, who was known for his pragmatism and ability to ensure collaboration. He played a critical role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the Senate during the period of significant political and economic challenges.

As Senate Leader, Lawan was responsible for coordinating legislative business, ensuring the passage of critical bills, and maintaining harmony among senators. His leadership style was characterized by a focus on consensus-building, transparency, and a commitment to the rule of law. These qualities positioned him as a unifying figure in a sometimes fractious legislative environment.

During his tenure as Senate Leader, Senator Lawan spearheaded several initiatives that had a lasting impact on Nigeria’s governance and development. One of his most notable achievements was his role in the passage of the national Budget, which experienced delays due to disagreements between the executive and legislative arms of government. Lawan’s diplomatic approach and ability to mediate between conflicting interests were instrumental in resolving the impasse.

Another significant accomplishment was his advocacy for the diversification of Nigeria’s economy. Recognizing the over-reliance on oil revenues, Lawan championed legislative measures to support agriculture, solid minerals, and other non-oil sectors. His efforts contributed to the development of policies aimed at boosting economic growth and creating jobs for millions of Nigerians.

Between 2018 and 2019, Senator Lawan also played a key role in addressing the security challenges facing the country. As Chairman of the Senate Adhoc Committee to Review the nation’s Security Infrastructure, he pushed for legislative interventions to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, including the approval of funds for the procurement of military equipment and the enhancement of intelligence-gathering capabilities. His commitment to national security was further demonstrated by his active participation in oversight functions to ensure the effective implementation of security-related policies. He also on several occasions bravely led the Senate Adhoc panel on visits to troubled areas and communities in some northern states, including Zamfara and Benue, amongst others, plagued by kidnappings, banditry and killings caused by farmer-herder conflicts.

The 16-man Adhoc Committee led by Senator Lawan organised a National Security Summit in 2018, and came up with recommendations contained in a comprehensive 36-page report on its fact-finding investigations into the security challenges across parts of the country; and the state of the nation’s security assets. The report, which was adopted by the Senate upon its consideration during plenary, was sent to the executive arm for implementation by the federal government of Nigeria. Other legislators who were members of the Adhoc Committee at the time were: Senators Yahaya Abdullahi, Emmanuel Paulker, Joshua Lidani, Abubakar Kyari, Barnabas Gemade, Abdullahi Adamu, Olusola Adeyeye, Biodun Olujimi, Samuel Egwu, Enyinnaya Abaribe, late Rose Oko, Magnus Abe, Ibrahim Abu, George Akume, Sha’aba Lafiagi, and late Jeremiah Useni.

A Bridge-Builder and Team Player

The 8th National Assembly was marked by occasional tensions between the executive and legislative arms of government, as well as within the Senate itself. Senator Lawan’s ability to maintain a cordial working relationship with all stakeholders as Leader of the Senate was one of his greatest strengths. He consistently emphasized the importance of collaboration and mutual respect, often reminding his colleagues that the ultimate goal was to serve the Nigerian people.

Lawan’s leadership was particularly crucial in advancing unity within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Despite internal disagreements and power struggles, he worked tirelessly to ensure that the party’s legislative agenda remained on track. His efforts helped to stabilize the Senate and prevent the kind of gridlock that could have derailed critical reforms.

In 2019, Senator Lawan reached the pinnacle of his parliamentary career when he was elected President of the 9th Senate, the highest legislative position in Nigeria. As Senate President and Chairman of the 9th National Assembly, he laid the foundation and worked tirelessly to foster collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government, ensuring that the National Assembly plays its constitutional role in nation-building. Under his leadership, the Senate passed critical legislation, including the Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contract Bill; and the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), both of which were stalled for decades. Also passed was the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, which strengthened Nigeria’s electoral process. The National Assembly under Lawan’s leadership achieved a feat yet to be attained by any other Assembly since 1999 till date – with the restoration of the budget cycle to the January to December timeline for 4 consecutive years, between 2020 and 2023.

A Legacy of Service and National Development

Senator Ahmad Lawan’s 25 years in parliament have been marked by a steadfast commitment to the principles of democracy, good governance, and national unity. His ability to traverse the complexities of Nigerian politics while maintaining a focus on the needs of his constituents and the nation at large speaks to his exceptional leadership acumen.

Beyond his legislative achievements, Senator Lawan is widely regarded as an astute statesman, a bridge-builder and unifying figure in Nigerian politics. His approach to governance emphasizes inclusivity, dialogue, and the pursuit of common ground, qualities that are essential in a diverse and complex nation like Nigeria.

Tabiowo, Media Adviser to Senator Ahmad Lawan, writes from Abuja.