Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has said that projects will continue to feature in the legislature’s plans, especially at the grassroots.
Abbas made the declaration in Lagos while inauguratiing projects attracted by former Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila.
The speaker noted that in implementing constituency projects, members of the National Assembly identify the needs of their constituents and nominate projects within a threshold in the federal budget which the ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) execute as part of their capital projects.
Abbas said legislative representation and constituency projects are two critical components of a democracy, especially in a representative system.
He said such initiatives are funded through the government budget and are intended to address the needs and improve the conditions of constituents.
Abbas stressed that for many Nigerians, especially at the grassroots, it is through constituency projects that they see the most direct and tangible manifestation of the government and democracy.
“However, there has been a widespread and endemic misunderstanding of the purpose and essence of these legislative interventions,” Abbas said.
“Constituency projects are not mere items in a budget. They are the lifelines that connect the heart of our government to the heartbeat of communities.”
Speaker Abbas explained that constituency projects offer a unique opportunity for legislators to address the specific needs and challenges of their constituents.
“By tailoring projects to local contexts, we ensure that development is not just a concept discussed in the halls of the legislature but a reality experienced in the streets, villages, and towns across Nigeria.
“Furthermore, constituency projects best reflect participatory governance, given that local communities are involved in the decision-making process.
“This approach does not just build infrastructure; it builds trust, confidence, and a sense of ownership among the people,” Abbas said.
The speaker said he was encouraged by the many success stories from constituency projects in the last two decades.
He added: “These success stories are not just achievements; they inspire millions of Nigerians at the grassroots level and show that the government cares about them.
“With greater transparency and accountability, constituency projects can be the most viable tools for developing forgotten sections of Nigeria.
“I intend to re-introduce a reviewed version of the Constituency Development Fund Bill to provide a legal framework for the management, disbursement, utilisation, and accountability of funds designated for constituency projects.
“I urge all legislators and members of the House of Representatives to emulate Gbajabiamila and renew their commitment to constituency projects.”
