Abuja: Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has tasked State Houses of Assembly with the critical function of effective oversight to ensure that government funds are utilized to enhance citizens’ livelihoods and create jobs. Akpabio made this call during the 2025 National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS)-University of Benin (UNIBEN) convocation ceremony held in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Akpabio emphasized the importance of continuous investment in Nigeria’s development by its citizens. He highlighted that the 10th National Assembly, through its oversight functions, has significantly increased revenue, leading to greater allocations to states. Akpabio stated, “We have no other country to call our own and so we must invest for the overall good of our country.” He assured that the 10th Senate would continue to strengthen legal frameworks and enhance oversight responsibilities to ensure effective public services.
Akpabio urged state legislatures to translate increased revenue allocations into improved livelihoods and job creation for citizens. He also encouraged graduates to utilize their acquired knowledge to improve work quality and contribute positively to the country’s development. Akpabio praised NILDS for its exceptional performance in research, legislative support, and capacity building, noting that the convocation is a testament to the institute’s commitment to human capital and national development.
Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House of Representatives, mentioned that the reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu’s administration are starting to show positive outcomes. Tajudeen pointed out that inflation has declined below 20 percent and the naira’s value is appreciating against major global currencies. He emphasized the need to consolidate these gains and highlighted the 10th House of Representatives’ commitment to reforming the budget process to adhere to budget timelines.
In a related lecture, Prof. Attahiru Jega, a former INEC Chairman, underscored the necessity for constant vigilance to prevent democratic regression in countries like Nigeria with a history of authoritarian rule. Jega emphasized the importance of uplifting electoral integrity by enhancing the capacity and professionalism of INEC and adapting global best practices to the Nigerian context. He called for the accountability of electoral offenders and advocated for increased funding for the Election Management Bodies to ensure robust and effective electoral processes.
Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, Director-General of NILDS, remarked that the convocation celebrated the graduation of various students from NILDS/UNIBEN post-graduate programs. Sulaiman urged the government to prioritize funding for higher education to enhance skills development and called for increased allocations in the 2026 Appropriation Act. He stressed that adequate funding is crucial for producing quality graduates and solving the persistent issues of strikes within the university education system.