A cursory look at the nation’s political development is incomplete without mention of the House of Representatives’ role in shaping discourse in the sphere of legislation, representation and oversight. 

Leadership/Political Dynamics: 

Tajudeen Abbas’ Leadership In 2024, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas focused primarily on building bridges of unity and projecting a house bent on forging a common front in the task of building a nation of hope and pride. To his credit, the Speaker succeeded in uniting a House made up of elected representatives on the platforms of eight political parties. 

Occasionally, dissent which is not uncommon in a parliament as diverse as the 10th House of Representatives sprung up but the same were handled with the utmost sense of fairness and justice. Perhaps, one of Speaker Abbas’s strongest traits is his gift of the garb. His sense of humour ensured that while issues capable of threatening the peace in the chamber, were rendered impotent, for the good of the House. 

That’s not all! The Bende Federal Constituency representative has left no one in doubt of his commitment to security given his role in the formation of the Peace In South East Initiative Project (PISE-P) and the personal donation he made to families of slain security personnel in the South-East region of the country. 

Legislative Reforms and Constitutional Amendments: 

Engagement with chairmen of the 18 registered political parties to gather inputs and ensure consensus is ongoing as the committee has assured Nigerians of an amended constitution in December 2025. 

Revenue Sharing and Derivation Formula: Proposed amendments to Nigeria’s constitution regarding revenue allocation have sparked heated debates. Oil-producing states are demanding a larger share, while northern and southwestern regions express concerns over the financial implications. The outcome will significantly impact Nigeria’s federal structure and national resource distribution. 

Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills: In September 2024, President Bola Tinubu introduced four critical tax reform bills to address Nigeria’s fiscal challenges. 

The Nigeria Tax Bill 2024 seeks to consolidate tax laws into a unified framework for simplicity. It aims to enhance tax processes and reduce bureaucratic hurdles. The Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill is targeted at a centralized tax agency for improved coordination while the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill Harmonizes tax policies across all government levels. 

Prospects and Reactions: While the reforms aim to improve Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio, they have sparked controversy. 

Northern Governors Forum opposes the VAT derivation model, citing financial disadvantages. Supporters like Senator Ned Nwoko and Arewa Groups view the reforms as necessary for fiscal sustainability, while opponents argue they may deepen regional inequalities. 

Public Perception and Engagement: Disillusionment among Nigerians, particularly the youth, stems from unrealized campaign promises and slow legislative progress on unemployment, poverty, and infrastructure. This has heightened demands for transparent and accountable governance. 

Media Criticism: The media has criticized the House for inadequate public engagement. Limited coverage of hearings and committee meetings has created disconnect, despite efforts to improve outreach through press releases and social media. 

Factional Friction in the APC: The ruling All Progressives Congress has been mired in internal disputes over leadership positions and committee appointments, slowing legislative activities and amplifying factional tensions. This is not unexpected as some committees considered juicier than others have seen some lawmakers fixated on them. 

Gender and Disability Rights: The House made commendable progress on gender equality and disability rights. Several motions and bills tailored to addressing gender-based violence were addressed at both plenary and committee levels. On occasions, Speaker Abbas and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu were decorated as ‘A he for she,” given the enabling environment they birthed to consolidate legislation targeted at women’s inclusion in the governance process and addressing Gender-Based Violence. 

It would be recalled that in November 2024, The Speaker led scores of lawmakers on a 16-day activism against GBV and presented a petition to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokeun in this regard. 

The gains notwithstanding, challenges persist in implementing the 2018 Persons with Disabilities Act. Experts have called for continued advocacy and legislative actions, insisting that the task to rid Nigeria of all forms of discrimination on account of sex must be eliminated. 

EU-Nigeria Relations: The European Union has urged Nigeria to strengthen democratic processes and human rights, further pushing the legislature to enhance accountability and governance practices. These are challenges the country has been grappling with since the return to the democratic mode of governance in 1999. With the slow pace of progress recorded thus far; it is least surprising that critics are unanimous in their calls for electoral reforms, increased sanctions for public misconduct and stiffer penalties for those convicted of corruption. 

Conclusively, with 2024 drawing gradually to a close, the Nigerian House of Representatives stands at a critical juncture of decision-making. With a mixture of wins and challenges characterizing its two years in the saddle, a lot needs to be done. 

The House must tackle issues of transparency in its earnings and allowances. It must make representation count and stand up to be listed as a chamber which guides its independence jealously. 

It is not a pat on the back to be serially described as a rubber stamp. Calling the bluff of the executive arms in matters not acceptable to Nigerians will be the starting point for a legislative body bent on observing the principles and practices of separation of powers. 

The increasing demand for transparency and accountability, coupled with internal political wrangling and media scrutiny, will continue to question the House’s ability to deliver on its mandate. 

Balancing these challenges with the urgent need for reforms will determine its place in the history of Nigeria’s political evolution whenever it is written.