Conflicting figures released by top Senate officials have sparked confusion and cast doubt on the accuracy of Nigeria’s legislative records, as the 10th Senate marks its two-year anniversary. Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele presented contradictory data on the number of bills introduced and passed since the chamber’s inauguration in June 2023.
During the 2025 Democracy Day address, Akpabio claimed that 844 bills were introduced and 96 passed over the period. However, Bamidele, in a separate midterm performance statement, reported 983 bills introduced and 108 passed. This discrepancy raises questions about the transparency and consistency of record-keeping in the National Assembly.
While Akpabio offered no detailed breakdown, Bamidele provided specific figures, stating that 506 bills were introduced in the 2024/2025 legislative year alone — a 6.07% rise from 477 in the previous year. He added that 83 bills were passed in 2024/2025, compared to 25 the year before — a 232% increase. The Senate also deliberated on 26 executive bills this year, double the 13 from 2023/2024.
Significant bills passed include the Student Loan Act, National Minimum Wage Amendment Act, and Tax Reform Bills, among others. Bamidele emphasized the impact of the Student Loan Act on reducing tertiary education dropout rates and praised the tax reforms for improving compliance and investor confidence.
Looking ahead, the Senate pledges to pursue electoral and judicial reforms and a review of the Constitution. Bamidele reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to credible elections, transparent justice, and institutional reforms that support Nigeria’s democratic development.
Swifteradio.com
