Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has stated that the National Assembly is integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and digital platforms to modernise parliamentary procedures, enhance transparency, and increase operational efficiency. Abbas announced this on Monday in Beirut at the inaugural Asian–African Parliamentary Council meeting. He stated that integrating technology into legislative processes could
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has stated that the National Assembly is integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and digital platforms to modernise parliamentary procedures, enhance transparency, and increase operational efficiency.
Abbas announced this on Monday in Beirut at the inaugural Asian–African Parliamentary Council meeting.
He stated that integrating technology into legislative processes could enhance oversight, accountability, and support Nigeria’s democracy in responding to global developments in governance and innovation.
“As part of embracing the digital age, the 10th House is integrating technology and AI to improve parliamentary processes through digital platforms that promote transparency and efficiency in the National Assembly, as highlighted in our collaborations with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU),” Abbas said.
The Speaker said the council offers African and Asian parliaments a chance to strengthen cooperation amid changing geopolitics and rising protectionism.
“I urge us all to prioritise establishing frameworks for investment, trade, and the exchange of ideas. Africa’s resources should complement Asia’s progress in green energy and digital economies. In a changing world, our parliaments must lead the way in fostering partnerships based on opportunity and innovation,” he stated.
Tapping Africa–Asia Cooperation
The speaker described the Asian–African Parliamentary Council as a “visionary initiative” that could amplify the voice of both continents in global affairs while tackling inequality, climate change, and sustainable development.
He linked Nigeria’s domestic legislative priorities to broader international cooperation, noting that the National Assembly’s Legislative Agenda is aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on governance reforms, social inclusion, poverty alleviation, and climate resilience.
“We aim to foster parliamentary cooperation to address shared challenges and enhance our collective resilience. We are interested in discussions on justice and sustainable development, which align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Abbas said.
The Speaker also recalled Nigeria’s history of engaging in Africa–Asia solidarity dating back to the 1955 Bandung Conference, as well as through the African Union, Non-Aligned Movement, and more recent platforms such as FOCAC and TICAD.
He highlighted Nigeria’s 2023 trade agreements with India under AfCFTA and a 2024 strategic partnership with China on agriculture and infrastructure as examples of ongoing cooperation.
Strengthening Democracy Through Technology
Beyond foreign relations, Abbas argued that deploying AI and digital tools would transform Nigeria’s parliamentary democracy by enabling open legislative records, improving citizen participation, and making oversight more efficient.
The Speaker also underscored inclusion as part of democratic strengthening, pointing to ongoing efforts to pass the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, which seeks to create special legislative seats for women over 16 years to address severe under-representation.
“We have supported the removal of subsidies, freeing funds for infrastructure and education in the 2025 budget. We have enacted laws on human rights, gender-based violence, and disabilities,” Abbas added.
By combining digital governance, economic diplomacy, and social reforms, Abbas said, Nigeria’s National Assembly aims to align domestic progress with global partnerships while reinforcing the foundations of democratic governance.
However, a political analyst, Bukola Oni, says such reforms, if implemented effectively, could help address long-standing concerns about opacity in Nigeria’s governance, restore public trust in institutions, and ensure that citizens can hold lawmakers accountable.
