The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, says the 10th National Assembly under his leadership has adopted a strategy of dialogue and inclusive governance in its relationship with the executive arm of government, rather than confrontation, to deliver more effective outcomes for Nigerians.

Abbas made the remarks on Monday while delivering a keynote address at the 5th Public Lecture Series of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi. The lecture, titled “Legislating Under Pressure: The Realities of Lawmaking in Nigeria,” highlighted the institutional pressures facing lawmakers and proposed reforms aimed at improving transparency, citizen engagement, and legislative effectiveness.

“Rather than reverting to subservience or open defiance, we emphasise dialogue, consensus, and inclusive leadership,” Abbas said. “This approach has helped preserve legislative autonomy while ensuring smoother budget processes.”

The Speaker outlined key reforms being implemented in the 10th House, including the strengthening of legislative caucuses, increased peer mentoring, and encouraging robust debate before bills are presented in plenary. These measures, he said, are designed to foster shared responsibility and informed decision-making.

One of the significant proposals highlighted in the address is the creation of a Constituency Development Fund (CDF), modelled after frameworks in India and Kenya. The proposed fund would allocate annual resources to each lawmaker based on transparent criteria, subject to independent audits.

“Such a fund would not only reduce ad hoc demands on legislators but also enable them to focus on their core constitutional duties while ensuring constituents benefit from clear and tangible support,” Abbas said.

The Speaker also called for broader public participation in legislative processes. Drawing inspiration from South Africa, he disclosed that the House has introduced regional town halls as part of its outreach efforts, with the next session scheduled to hold this weekend in Zaria, Kaduna State.

To deepen public engagement and improve legislative transparency, Abbas proposed the establishment of a state-funded public education office to conduct civic education, offer multilingual materials, and host legislative hearings across the country. He also hinted at plans to expand live televised plenary coverage beyond the current Thursday broadcast.

In a bid to strengthen oversight, Abbas advocated for formal partnerships with anti-corruption agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), through structured working groups that promote intelligence-led investigations.

To address misinformation and improve public perception of lawmakers’ work, Abbas also recommended the creation of a Legislative Communications Bureau staffed with professional media and digital communication experts.

“The pressures on Nigerian lawmakers are immense—balancing national responsibilities with grassroots demands, all while navigating public scrutiny,” he noted. “But with the right institutional mechanisms, we can turn these pressures into opportunities for better governance.”

Citing global practices from India, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and the United States, Abbas stressed that many democracies are grappling with similar challenges but have succeeded by investing in systems that promote accountability, education, and citizen trust.

He concluded that the 10th House is committed to building a “more stable, responsive, and inclusive democratic institution” through reforms, strategic partnerships, and a renewed focus on public service.