Tinubu’s bold reforms have laid foundation for prosperity – Deputy Speaker, Kalu

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu has commended the transformative reforms championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, asserting that the bold initiatives have established a robust foundation for Nigeria’s prosperity and progress.

Speaking at the inaugural National Policy Dialogue on the Legislative Agenda of the House, organised by the House leadership in Abuja on Monday, Kalu expressed his confidence in the direction the country is taking under President Tinubu’s leadership.

The Deputy Speaker also presented an overview of the House’s activities, noting that, under the guidance of Speaker Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, the parliament has deliberated on over 1,059 bills since its inauguration on 13 June 2023.

He stated, “I would like to begin by acknowledging the inspiring leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whose Renewed Hope Agenda has redefined Nigeria’s developmental trajectory. His bold reforms – from fiscal restructuring to security sector overhauls – have established a resilient foundation for prosperity. Under his stewardship, Nigeria is experiencing a significant transformation: a nation progressing from potential to performance, challenges to solutions, and despair to hope.

“Under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, we have already witnessed tangible policy achievements, including unified exchange-rate windows restoring investor confidence, a surge in capital inflows into our energy and technology sectors, and the enactment of four streamlined tax-reform laws this year aimed at eradicating multiple taxation and promoting productivity. These reforms highlight the power of decisive legislation in transforming our nation.”

Kalu further acknowledged the leadership of Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, noting that the House has tackled a wide range of issues, including constitutional amendments and sector-specific reforms in education, health, security, and the economy, since 13 June 2023.

He also emphasised the 10th House’s eight-pillar legislative agenda, encompassing good governance and anti-corruption, national security, social sector development, an inclusive and open parliament, economic growth and diversification, fiscal federalism and resource control, environmental sustainability, and law reform and constitutional review. According to Kalu, the dialogue is expected to enhance visibility and understanding of the House’s legislative agenda.

“Today represents a historic step in our joint effort to reposition the People’s House as a truly proactive, responsive, and people-centred institution.

“By the end of the year, we anticipate that this dialogue will enhance visibility and comprehension of our legislative agenda, integrate stakeholder perspectives into our priority-setting process, strengthen partnerships for evidence-based policymaking, and produce policy briefs and recommendations to inform our interventions. Additionally, we aim to institutionalise this dialogue as an annual focal point of our legislative calendar.

“As we commence today’s sessions, let us take advantage of this exceptional opportunity to examine, refine, and collaboratively develop the legislative tools required to advance Nigeria. Through vigorous debate and cooperative problem-solving, we will ensure that our legislative agenda aligns with the aspirations of all Nigerians,” Kalu stated.