The National Assembly marked 26 years of Nigeria’s democratic journey with a historic joint sitting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. During the session, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR delivered his State of the Nation Address, reflecting on the nation’s progress and challenges.
Reflecting on the country’s journey since 1999, he paid tribute to the heroes of democracy, notably Chief MKO Abiola, and emphasized that Nigeria’s democratic progress has been a collective, pan-Nigerian struggle. He assured Nigerians that there are no plans for a one-party state, underscoring his lifelong commitment to political plurality. Highlighting the administration’s economic reforms, the President cited improvements in GDP growth, inflation control, foreign reserves, consumer credit access, and youth empowerment initiatives, alongside transformative infrastructure projects.
President Tinubu called on the legislature to continue bipartisan cooperation to sustain industrial growth, job creation, and food security. Stressing the importance of civil liberties, he urged tolerance for dissent and free speech as essential pillars of democracy. The President reaffirmed the government’s dedication to national security, lauded the Armed Forces for their sacrifices, and called on all Nigerians to remain united in building a stronger, more prosperous nation.
The President also announced the conferment of 139 National Honours to recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals who have shaped Nigeria’s democracy – including Wole Soyinka, Shehu Yar’Adua, Ken Saro Wiwa and Kudirat Abiola. Significantly, five of these honours were awarded to the leadership of the National Assembly in recognition of their vital role in safeguarding the nation’s democracy and advancing its legislative agenda.
Highlights from The Senate President’s Address
In his address, Senate President Godswill Akpabio GCON honored the President as as “one of the architects of the very democratic foundation we commemorate today”. He honored the resilience of the Nigerian people, recalling the sacrifices made during the struggle following the annulled June 12, 1993 election—a pivotal moment that ignited Nigeria’s march toward justice and democratic renewal.
Commending the President’s bold reforms in areas such as foreign exchange, education, local government autonomy, and subsidy removal, the Senate President acknowledged the administration’s commitment to national transformation. He praised the 10th Senate for its proactive legislative agenda, having introduced 844 bills, passed 96, and secured presidential assent for 52 landmark laws that strengthen governance, promote development, and protect public welfare. “This joint effort between the executive and legislature underscores a renewed commitment to deepening democracy and advancing national progress”, Akpabio remarked.
Highlights from The Speaker’s Address
In his address, The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas GCON celebrated the National Assembly’s role as a guardian of Nigeria’s democracy, highlighting key interventions over the past 26 years, including the rejection of the third-term agenda and support for critical constitutional reforms. He commended President Tinubu’s leadership and partnership with the 10th Assembly, which has seen a historic legislative output—reviewing over 2,200 bills, passing 186, and securing presidential assent for 51 within two years.
The Speaker detailed significant progress in security, economic reforms, infrastructure, education, health, social protection, and regional development, while underscoring the Assembly’s commitment to transparency, citizens’ engagement, and international partnerships. He announced a ₦50 billion UNDP-backed Parliamentary Development Project and applauded the President’s unprecedented support for the legislature, calling him the “darling of the legislature.” Looking ahead, the Speaker outlined priorities including constitutional amendments to advance women’s representation, traditional rulers’ roles, and social inclusion policies, while urging the President to drive transformative reforms in the power, solid minerals, and manufacturing sectors to fully unlock Nigeria’s potential.
NALTF Re-affirms Commitment to Strengthening Democracy
Rt. Hon. Henry Nwawuba, the National Assembly Library Trust Fund Executive Secretary was also present for this momentous occasion. In his remarks to the press, Nwawuba, reaffirmed the Library’s unwavering commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy by preserving the nation’s legislative history and bringing citizens closer to the heart of governance. He emphasized the shared vision between the President, the National Assembly, and the Library to promote national development, transparency, and accountability for the benefit of all Nigerians.
