31/07/2024
KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY H.E. RT. HON. ABBAS TAJUDEEN, PHD., AT THE TOWNHALL MEETING WITH YOUTH GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS, HELD AT THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, ON 31ST JULY, 2024
I have invited you here today to address pressing issues of urgent public importance. You have raised your voices, calling for an end to hunger, a reduction in the cost of living, an improvement in the minimum wage, and enhanced human capital development. These demands, though varied, converge on a single, powerful call for a better quality of life for all Nigerians. Addressing you today is one of the most important functions I have undertaken as the Speaker of the House of Representatives. As a father, I am driven by a desire to leave a better Nigeria for my children and their children. It is also my dream for all of you.
Our purpose today is not to intimidate, entice, buy off, or stifle your constitutionally enshrined powers of free expression. Rather, it is to create a formal avenue of regular engagement, ensuring that your voices are heard at the highest levels of government. My message to you today is that “your voice matters, and we are listening.”
2. This government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, listens, understands, and is committed to transforming Nigeria into a country that works for young people. The President has demonstrated this commitment through significant interventions. For instance, he approved a substantial intervention fund of N683 billion for public tertiary institutions for the 2024 cycle, aimed at improving the quality of education. The establishment of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) through the Access to Higher Education Act, 2024, provides interest-free loans to students pursuing higher education and vocational training. Additionally, the President announced an ambitious plan to empower micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) with a N125 billion infusion. Just this Monday, the President signed the new minimum wage bill into law, setting a national minimum wage of N70,000. Recall that the National Assembly passed that Bill in record time. You have also heard from some Honourable Ministers and Heads of Government Agencies on some of their programmes and projects geared towards the economic and social inclusion of Nigerian Youths. Your voice matters, and we are listening.
3. The 10th Assembly, conscious of the issues faced by our youth from the onset, has outlined comprehensive legislative measures to address these challenges. Our legislative agenda focuses on economic revitalisation, social justice, governance reforms, and national security through robust legislative activity, inclusive public engagement, and comprehensive capacity-building initiatives. In the last one year, we have also performed several oversight activities, including public hearings, interactive meetings, and attending to public petitions, amongst others. The 10th House also held sectoral retreats, sectoral briefings, the House Open Week, and the Budget Townhall meeting to meet the yearnings of Nigerians. Equally, the 10th House created two standing committees, namely Committees on Youth Development and Youths in Parliament, to effectively coordinate youth affairs and ensure the inclusion of young people in the legislative processes of the House. All these show that our legislative measures reflect a deep understanding of your unique needs and aspirations. Your voice matters, and we are listening.
4. We are committed to advancing the rights and welfare of women and people living with disabilities. We recognise the significant challenges these groups face and have designed legislative measures to promote gender equality and ensure active and equal participation in political and decision-making processes. This includes the re-introduction of the Gender Equal Opportunities Bill and the full implementation of the Disability (Prohibition) Act. We are also dedicated to creating a framework for including people with disabilities in national planning, ensuring all public facilities and services are accessible.
5. The 9th House introduced the Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI) in June 2022 to improve the future of our youths by preparing them for leadership positions in the legislature and governance. It is heart-warming that the initiative has surpassed its objective, with some of those who have passed through the program being placed in leadership positions in the public service. The 10th House is sustaining the initiative, with the third cohort commencing in September this year. I am happy to report that I recently appointed the immediate past Director of the LMI as my Special Assistant on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs and Public Relations. This is in recognition of her skills and demonstrated competence in the affairs of LMI.
6. Let me assure you that the government is acutely aware of the issues raised by our youths and has been actively working on multiple fronts to address them. Several agricultural initiatives have been launched to combat hunger, boost local food production, and reduce import dependency. Recent measures by the President on import waivers for food are all part of a broader strategy to ensure that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry. Additionally, the government has invested in modern farming techniques and infrastructure to ensure farmers have the resources to increase yield and profitability. Your voice matters, and we are listening.
7. Addressing economic hardship is a priority for this administration. We understand the economic challenges and are already implementing specific interventions. The removal of the fuel subsidy, while necessary to eliminate a corrupt and harmful scheme, has come with measures to cushion its effects. Several government intervention schemes are intended to provide urgent economic relief for Nigerians. The government is also implementing policies to stabilise the economy and control inflation. For example, subsidies on essential commodities have been adjusted to make them more accessible to the average Nigerian. The Federal Government has successfully reversed some negative economic indices (such as Ways and Means) and improved some critical positive ones (such as growth in agriculture, industries, etc) that underpin our economic prosperity. Additionally, efforts to diversify the economy, particularly through investments in technology, CNG programme, Distributed Renewable Energy access, and manufacturing, are aimed at creating jobs, reducing dependency on imported goods, and lowering living costs. Our first-year scorecard in the House shows that most of our motions (242) focused on social sector reform and development, including social welfare, healthcare, education, energy, infrastructure, and other essential services critical for societal well-being. We also passed 37 bills on social sector reform and development issues. This prioritisation reflects the House's high level of responsiveness to the immediate needs and concerns of the populace. Your voice matters, and we are listening.
8. On the matter of insecurity, which encompasses the protection of farmers, ending police brutality, and addressing broader security issues, we acknowledge the complexity and urgency of these challenges. The government has intensified efforts to secure rural areas by deploying additional security personnel, purchasing equipment, and establishing the National Livestock Transformation Plan to reduce farmer-herder conflicts. The government is also implementing several police reform initiatives to curb police brutality and restore public confidence. Recent statistics show a decline in violent crime rates in several regions, indicating that these measures are beginning to yield positive results. Data from the House also shows that improving national security emerged as the second-highest priority, with 129 motions (19%) dedicated to security. We also passed 12 security-related bills. Your voice matters, and we are listening.
9. Addressing governance issues such as the cost of governance, electoral reforms, and constitutional and judicial reforms is also a priority. The Tinubu administration has taken significant steps to streamline government operations and reduce wastage, including implementing recommendations from the Oronsaye Report. The House has also created an ad-hoc Committee to oversight its implementation.
10. The recent Supreme Court decision to grant local governments autonomy is a landmark achievement, enhancing local governance and accountability. Furthermore, the ongoing review of the Electoral Act and the processes for appointing judges demonstrate our commitment to ensuring fair and transparent elections and a robust judicial system. The House has established a committee that supports these initiatives through legislative measures, ensuring that our governance framework is efficient and effective. As reflected in our scorecard, 83 motions (12.2%) moved from June 2023 to June 2024 were focused on good governance. These motions aimed to enhance government operations' transparency, accountability, and efficiency. The House also passed 13 bills related to good governance and economic growth and development and 8 bills targeting law reform.
11. Great Nigerian youth, distinguished guests, undoubtedly corruption remains a significant obstacle to our national development. But both the legislature and the Executive are committed to eradicating this scourge. We call for greater accountability at sub-national levels, which the recent autonomy granted to the local government at the grassroots level is expected to drive. Your voice matters, and we are listening.
12. Esteemed youths, your role in nation-building cannot be overstated. It is crucial to be responsible, dutiful, and invested in self-development while shunning vices that have sadly become associated with Nigerians. I am filled with immense pride as I reflect on the ingenuity and successes of Nigerian youths, particularly in ICT and FINTECH. Our young innovators have made remarkable strides, with companies like Flutterwave, founded by Olugbenga Agboola, standing as global leaders in digital payments, achieving the coveted “unicorn” status in 2021. Similarly, Paystack, founded by Shola Akinlade and Ezra Olubi, significantly impacted online payments in Africa and was acquired by Stripe for $200 million, demonstrating the incredible potential of our youth. These achievements not only showcase the extraordinary talent and entrepreneurial spirit of our youth but also place Nigeria on the map as a hub of innovation and technological advancement.
13. I am particularly delighted to have Iyinoluwa Aboyeji present as a panellist at this town hall. This young Nigerian is an entrepreneur, co-founder of Andela, and former managing director of Flutterwave. In 2019, New African Magazine cited Aboyeji among the top 100 most influential Africans. His presence here symbolises the ideals that should represent the best of Nigerian youths – innovation, resilience, and excellence. These ideals should inspire every young Nigerian to reach for greatness and contribute to our nation’s development.
14. Esteemed Nigerian youths, expressing grievances or calling for protest is only the first step in the dialogue chain. This town hall is a platform for frank, respectful, and constructive engagement. It is important to be rebels with a cause rather than anarchists. You are responsible for proving your critics wrong by demonstrating a commitment to constructive engagement.
15. It is crucial to understand that meaningful reform often requires time and consensus, particularly for issues embedded in statutory and constitutional frameworks. Incremental change is vital, and your engagement is essential. We must work together on a sustained, step-by-step basis to address our challenges and achieve the Nigeria we all aspire to see.
16. I urge our youth to actively participate in the democratic process, work through the National Assembly, and push for reforms. The House is the most representative Assembly in Nigeria, representing 360 Federal Constituencies. We represent every Nigerian, young and old. You have elected us to serve you and must trust us to do the job together.
17. On this note, I commit to taking the resolutions of this townhall to President Tinubu along with representatives of the youth organisations. Together, we will ensure that your concerns are addressed and that we build a better Nigeria. Your voice matters, and we are listening.
18. Thank you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
