As lawmakers prepare to reconvene in Abuja next week, the Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, says Nigeria’s voice in global lawmaking is now stronger than ever.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s plenary resumption, Agbese credited this shift to the leadership of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, describing him as a presiding officer whose influence has gone beyond the walls of the National Assembly.
“Our voices now count in the global lawmaking arena, thanks to his strategic diplomacy,” Agbese said.
“Unlike in the past, when Nigeria’s contributions were hardly noticed, the 10th House has become a force shaping conversations on Africa’s pressing challenges—from debt to gender equity and democratic governance.”
Over the past year, lawmakers under Abbas’ guidance have made their presence felt in international institutions such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Commonwealth Parliamentary Union (CPU), Pan-African Parliament (PAP), and the ECOWAS Parliament. According to Agbese, this is a departure from the days when Nigeria’s participation was largely symbolic.
He recalled the hosting of the 11th Annual Conference and General Assembly of the West Africa Association of Public Accounts Committees (WAAPAC) in Abuja as an example of how the Speaker has elevated Nigeria’s legislative relevance. “Instead of just attending meetings abroad, we are now hosting and setting the agenda here at home,” he noted.
Agbese described Abbas not only as a Speaker but also as “a mentor who listens to every member, regardless of status.” He said the Speaker has turned the House into “a home where members feel heard and supported, yet pushed to excel on the world stage.”
The Deputy Spokesperson said the impact of Abbas’ leadership is deeply personal for lawmakers.
“He has made Nigeria’s voice echo in halls where it was once a whisper. That fills me with pride as a legislator,” he said with emotion.
Our voices now count in global lawmaking arena – Agbese speaks ahead of plenary resumption
