Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has issued a comprehensive midterm statement detailing the accomplishments of the 10th National Assembly over the past two years and outlining the strategic path forward for Nigeria’s democratic future. Released on Democracy Day, June 12, the statement served as a critical moment of reflection on Nigeria’s journey away from military rule and the ongoing imperative to solidify representative governance. Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, acknowledged the formidable challenges encountered by the Assembly, attributing them to the complex national recovery efforts rather than internal shortcomings. Despite operating under intense public scrutiny and criticism, the Assembly has embraced its legislative duties with a profound sense of responsibility.

Addressing persistent criticisms that label the legislature as a “rubber stamp,” Bamidele staunchly defended the 10th Assembly’s deliberate choice to foster collaboration with the executive arm of government. He asserted that a historically adversarial stance often impeded effective governance, whereas the current Assembly has pursued constructive engagement without compromising its constitutional independence. This strategic approach has demonstrably yielded tangible results: between June 2023 and June 2025, the National Assembly successfully enacted or amended a remarkable 108 laws, all meticulously crafted to enhance the quality of life for citizens and safeguard Nigeria’s future stability.

Among the standout legislative achievements highlighted by Bamidele were the Student Loan (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2024, and the Tax Reform Bills, 2025. The Student Loan Act, operationalized through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), has already garnered over one million applications, with more than 500,000 students successfully receiving institutional and upkeep loans, underscoring significant progress in human capital development. The Tax Reform Bills, currently awaiting presidential assent, are poised to bolster investor confidence and spur substantial economic growth. If effectively implemented, these reforms hold the potential to elevate Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from its current $363.8 billion to an ambitious $1 trillion by 2030.

The Senate has experienced a notable surge in legislative activity. A total of 983 bills were introduced within the two-year period, comprising 477 in the first session and 506 in the second, marking a 6% increase. More significantly, the rate of bill passage witnessed an extraordinary 232% jump, escalating from 25 bills in the 2023/2024 session to 83 in 2024/2025. The passage of executive bills also doubled, moving from 13 to 26. Beyond quantitative measures, Bamidele emphasized the National Assembly’s expanded oversight responsibilities and its heightened responsiveness to citizen concerns. Petitions handled by the Assembly increased from 50 to 80 within a year, and 215 executive appointments were confirmed during the first session alone.

Looking forward, Bamidele articulated the Assembly’s primary objectives: stabilizing the fiscal and monetary environment, ensuring the security of lives and critical infrastructure, and actively working to reduce inflation. A cornerstone of the future agenda is comprehensive constitutional reform, aimed at rectifying long-standing structural imbalances within the Nigerian federation. To facilitate this, zonal public hearings organized by the Constitution Review Committee are scheduled to commence shortly, with a strong commitment to making them inclusive and participatory. Electoral reform also features prominently on the legislative agenda. Bamidele underscored the collective responsibility to construct a political framework that accurately reflects national aspirations and robustly safeguards Nigeria's democracy, reiterating the Assembly's unwavering dedication to forging a legislative legacy rooted in democratic deepening, sound governance, and sustainable development. He extended an earnest invitation to all Nigerians to actively engage in this vital nation-building endeavor, declaring the Assembly's readiness for the path ahead and its desire for full public collaboration.