As of January 2025, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria is Honorable Tajudeen Abbas. He assumed office on June 13, 2023, succeeding Femi Gbajabiamila.
Early Life and Education:
- Date of Birth: October 1, 1965
- Place of Birth: Lemu Kwarbai, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
- Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
- Master’s degree from Ahmadu Bello University
- Doctorate degree in Business Administration from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto
Professional Career:
- Academia: Lecturer at Kaduna State Polytechnic from 1993 to 2001
- Private Sector: Marketing Manager at the Nigerian Tobacco Distribution Company (now British-American Tobacco Company)
Political Career:
- House of Representatives: Elected in 2011 to represent the Zaria Federal Constituency
- Legislative Contributions:
- Sponsored the highest number of bills in the 8th Assembly (2015–2019)
- Sponsored 74 bills in the 9th Assembly (2019–2023), with 21 signed into law
- Committee Roles: Served on committees including Commerce, Finance, Special Duties, Defence, Public Procurement, and National Planning and Economic Development
- Speakership: Elected Speaker of the 10th Assembly with 353 out of 359 votes
Recent Legislative Initiatives:
In August 2024, Speaker Abbas sponsored the proposed Counter Subversion Bill, aiming to impose penalties for actions deemed subversive. The bill suggests a 10-year jail term for refusing to recite the national anthem and other penalties for related offenses. Critics view it as an attempt to suppress dissent following nationwide protests against economic reforms.
Personal Life:
- Traditional Title: Holds the title of Iyan Zazzau, being a prince from the Zazzau Emirate in Zaria
Social Media Presence:
- Facebook: The official page of the House of Representatives provides updates on Speaker Abbas’s activities.
