As Nigeria marks 26 years of uninterrupted democracy, the 10th National Assembly has reached its midterm milestone, with Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, reflecting on its achievements and reaffirming commitment to deepening democratic governance.

In a detailed midterm statement released to journalists on Monday, Bamidele described the moment as one for sober reflection on Nigeria’s departure from military rule, democratic gains made so far, and the challenges that lie ahead.

“Reaching this midterm milestone is not just symbolic. It is a call to reflection, on our democratic gains, the sacrifices made, and the road still ahead,” he stated.

Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central Senatorial District, acknowledged the difficult context in which the 10th Assembly has operated, attributing the challenges not to internal inefficiencies but to the broader national recovery efforts amid economic and political pressures.

He stressed that despite these difficulties, the National Assembly has diligently embraced its legislative responsibilities, often under intense public scrutiny and criticism.

Addressing concerns that the legislature is a “rubber stamp” of the executive, Bamidele defended the Assembly’s strategic decision to maintain constructive collaboration with President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He noted that past adversarial relationships between the legislature and executive often stymied progress, while the current approach of mutual respect and cooperation has produced meaningful legislative outcomes.

“Between June 2023 and June 2025, the 10th Assembly has passed or amended 108 laws aimed at improving citizens’ lives and securing Nigeria’s future,” he revealed.

Among the notable legislative successes, Bamidele listed the Student Loan (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2024, which aims to expand educational access, and the Tax Reform Bills, 2025, designed to modernise Nigeria’s tax system and boost economic growth.

He affirmed the Assembly’s resolve to continue on the path of reform and democratic consolidation as it enters the second half of its tenure.

According to him, the student loan law, facilitated through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), has already received over one million applications, with more than 500,000 students granted institutional and upkeep loans.

Bamidele said this reflects “real progress in human capital development.”

He said the tax reforms, awaiting presidential assent, are projected to boost investor confidence and economic growth. If implemented effectively, they could raise Nigeria’s GDP from $363.8 billion to $1 trillion by 2030.

Bamidele noted a significant increase in legislative activity within the Senate. A total of 983 bills were introduced in two years, 477 in the first session and 506 in the second, representing a 6% rise.

He said, “More importantly, bill passage jumped by 232%, from 25 bills in 2023/2024 to 83 in 2024/2025. The number of executive bills passed also doubled, from 13 to 26.

“Performance in the legislature goes beyond numbers. The National Assembly’s expanded oversight responsibilities and its responsiveness to citizen concerns.

“Petitions handled rose from 50 to 80 within a year, while 215 executive appointments were confirmed during the first session.”

Looking ahead, Bamidele said the Assembly would focus on stabilising the fiscal and monetary environment, securing lives and infrastructure, and reducing inflation.

He emphasised the need for constitutional reform to correct long-standing structural imbalances in the federation.

To this end, zonal public hearings organised by the Constitution Review Committee will soon commence, promising to be inclusive and participatory.

Electoral reform is also high on the agenda. “We must work together to build a political structure that reflects our aspirations and protects our democracy,” he said.

Bamidele reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to building a legislative legacy centred on democratic deepening, good governance, and sustainable development.

He urged Nigerians from all walks of life to actively participate in this nation-building effort.

“We are ready for the road ahead, and we invite all Nigerians to walk it with us,” he said.