The Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has highlighted the 10th National Assembly’s commitment to passing laws that foster economic competitiveness, with the goal of positioning Nigeria for a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
Speaking on Tuesday at a meeting with a delegation from the United Kingdom Parliament in Abuja, Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central, stated that various legislative initiatives have already begun to impact the daily lives of Nigerians and contribute to national prosperity.
The meeting was held in the conference room of the New Senate Wing, National Assembly Complex.
The UK delegation was led by MP Kate Osamor of Edmonton & Winchmore Hill and included prominent parliamentarians such as Rt. Hon. David Mundell (Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale & Tweeddale), Dame Karen Buck (Westminster North), Lord Jonathan Oates (House of Lords), Dr. Beccy Cooper (Worthing West), and Rt. Hon. Fred Thomas (Plymouth Moor View), among others.
During the session, Bamidele stressed the National Assembly’s role in shaping a resilient economy and a functional political system that ensures national security.
He pointed to the timely passage of key legislation in fiscal reform and national security as significant achievements of the 10th Senate.
“Since the birth of the 10th Senate about two years ago, I have been discharging my duties with modest records of accomplishment. One such accomplishment is the timely passage of key legislation, particularly in the areas of fiscal reform and national security,” Bamidele stated. “By engaging my colleagues across all political divides, we have successfully passed laws aimed at creating an environment for economic competitiveness and positioning Nigeria for a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
I am proud to say that many of these legislative initiatives are already making a difference in the daily lives of our citizens.”
Bamidele reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and ensuring that the National Assembly continues to play a pivotal role in economic development and governance.
He also stressed the importance of building synergy with parliamentary institutions worldwide to address institutional capacity gaps.
MP Kate Osamor, who led the UK delegation, advocated for the greater inclusion of women in the National Assembly, stressed the need to bridge the gender gap in Nigeria’s electoral offices. “We have to make sure more women are in the parliament. Every society is a reflection of elected representatives,” Osamor remarked.
Responding, Bamidele assured the delegation that the 10th Senate would prioritize gender inclusivity. He recalled that efforts to address gender representation were almost concluded during the 9th Senate but were halted when the session ended in June 2023.
The meeting underscored the growing cooperation between Nigeria and the UK in strengthening democratic institutions, economic policies, and governance structures.
THE GUARDIAN
