By Paul Effiong, Abuja

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas has reiterated parliament’s determination to grant full and operational autonomy to local government areas in Nigeria. 

The speaker gave the assurance yesterday in Abuja while delivering a keynote address at the ‘Learning, Dissemination and Inception’ occasion organised by UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, FCDO, in collaboration with Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, PLAC, and the Partnership to Engage, Reform and Learn, PERL, project.

Abbas, who was represented by his Deputy, Benjamin Kalu, also stated that judicial reform is on the priority list, to enhance their independence, efficiency and accountability. 

According to him, the reforms were outlined in the 10th Legislative Agenda of the House. 

Abbas explained that the engagement offered a good opportunity to reflect and evaluate the critical lessons learned from FCDO’s interventions, which according to him, played an instrumental role in advancing democracy and governance in Nigeria, particularly within the legislature.

“As we approach the mid-term of the 10th Assembly, our commitment to collaboration with civil society organisations remains steadfast. We are working diligently to deliver on key areas outlined in our Legislative Agenda, particularly constitutional review, judicial and electoral reforms. 

“Our Committees on Constitution Review and Electoral Matters are fully engaged, with ongoing support from PLAC and FCDO. We are determined to ensure that these reforms strengthen our democratic institutions and contribute to developing a more just and equitable society.

“One area of particular concern is the local government system, a vital but often neglected tier of governance. As our Legislative Agenda outlines, we 

are committed to ensuring that local governments have full financial and 

operational autonomy. These reforms are essential for empowering local 

governments to serve their communities effectively and restore public trust 

in grassroots governance,” he said.

The speaker assured of the commitment of the 10th House towards improving the lives of the citizenry through the enactment of all-inclusive legislations. 

“The 10th National Assembly remains focused on this approach, continuously seeking ways to improve the lives of our citizens through responsive and inclusive lawmaking.

“A notable example of our commitment to engage with citizens was convening the Citizens’ Town Hall on the 2024 Appropriation Bill. This event 

provided a platform for direct dialogue between lawmakers and the public, 

enabling legislators to understand citizens priorities better and reflect 

them in the budget. 

“This initiative also highlights the broader challenge of diminished public trust in government institutions in Nigeria and across Africa. We are gradually rebuilding confidence in the legislative process by facilitating such engagements.” 

By Paul Effiong, Abuja

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas disclosed yesterday that Nigeria needs to invest $3 trillion over the next 30 years to bridge the gap in infrastructure. 

Abbas made the disclosure during the flag-off ceremony for the construction of the access road from Ring Road 1 by N16 to Judges’ Quarters in Abuja.

He also said road network, power supply, housing, healthcare and education sectors are some of the critical areas in urgent need of attention.

The speaker, who was represented by his Deputy, Benjamin Kalu, informed that the infrastructure deficit in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, is more glaring, as the city’s population continues to grow at an annual rate of five percent, thereby putting pressure on the existing facilities.

He, however, commended the administration of President Bola Tinubu for prioritising infrastructural development. 

He also assured that the House will give the necessary legislative backing to the FCT administration, more so, strengthen its oversight functions to ensure that government delivers on its determination to elevate the status of Abuja. 

“Here in Abuja, the infrastructure deficit is more glaring as the city’s population continues to grow at an annual rate of five percent. This puts pressure on existing facilities and highlights the need for more access roads, housing and essential services to cater to the needs of residents.

“Under the leadership of President Tinubu, there have been commendable initiatives aimed at addressing this infrastructure deficit. These initiatives show that government understands the role that infrastructure plays in national development and is committed to making the necessary investments.

“As the legislature of the FCT, the National Assembly has an important role to play in supporting these development efforts. The 10th National Assembly, which I am privileged to lead, is fully committed to collaborating with the executive to ensure that the FCT receives the necessary legislative backing to facilitate infrastructure development. We are ready to consider and pass laws that will enhance the governance structure of the FCT and approve appropriations that will make meaningful infrastructural projects, such as this road construction, a reality.

“Additionally, the National Assembly will continue to exercise its oversight functions to ensure that projects are implemented according to standards and within stipulated time frames”.

Speaker Abbas also commended the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike for his transformative leadership since assuming office.

“The minister has hit the ground running, initiating projects that address the critical needs of this growing city. From road construction to urban renewal programmes, his dedication to enhancing the infrastructure of the FCT is evident. We have witnessed several flag-offs, not just as ceremonial acts, but as milestones in the commitment to make Abuja a world-class city.

“The ongoing rehabilitation of major roads,

clearing of illegal structures and the focus on environmental sustainability are all testaments to the minister’s vision of an Abuja that is not only beautiful but functional and efficient. I am confident that with the completion of this access road and other ongoing projects, residents and visitors alike will experience the positive impact of these developments”, he explained.

By Caleb Ishaya, Abuja 

One week after a truck carrying petrol from Kano to Nguru in Yobe State, exploded in Majia, located in the Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, the state Governor, Umar Namadi, yesterday said that death toll in the tanker explosion has so far risen to 181 while 80 injured persons are in critical conditions in hospitals.

Gov Namadi, who was at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to brief President Bola Tinubu on the situation, also said that a total of 210 families had member affected by the inferno.

Speaking to State House correspondents, the Governor said, “I came here to brief Mr President about what happened to us, the tragic incident that happened in Jigawa State which claimed a lot of lives.

“We felt it is important to come and brief Mr President on what we are doing as a government and also to thank him for sending a delegation immediately this incident happened.

“Of course, the state government has taken the medical bill of all the affected people. We have done a lot of intervention to the families, to ensure that they continue their livelihood, and also Mr President has promised to intervene and assist the victims”.

The governor said, the State government has already “established a high powered committee under the chairmanship of a retired DIG to investigate the remote causes of that incident and then advise the government on what to do.

“You should also remember that Mr President has given a directive immediately to the Corps Marshal that he should investigate this matter, and he should come up with a permanent solution to this problem in this country”.

AljazirahNigeria reports that residents of Majia town were  scooping petrol from an ill-fated tanker when it exploded resulting in about 200 deaths.

Meanwhile, the state has already established a high powered committee under the chairmanship of a retired DIG to investigate the incident and then advise the state government on the next line of action, Namadi said.