Senator Opeyemi Bamidele

 The Assembly has reached its midterm point, with Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, outlining key legislative accomplishments and defending the Assembly’s cooperative relationship with the executive.

In a midterm statement released to journalists on Monday, Bamidele described the occasion as a moment for sober reflection on Nigeria’s democratic journey, noting both the gains achieved and the challenges that persist. “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.

Representing the Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Bamidele acknowledged the challenging political and economic environment in which the 10th Assembly has operated. He attributed the difficulties not to legislative shortcomings but to the broader national recovery efforts underway.

Amid persistent criticism that the legislature has become a “rubber stamp” for the presidency, Bamidele defended the Assembly’s decision to pursue a collaborative approach with the Bola Tinubu administration. He argued that adversarial relations between previous assemblies and the executive often obstructed progress, whereas mutual respect and cooperation have allowed for more productive governance.

“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 said. Among the notable pieces of legislation are the Student Loan (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2024, and the Tax Reform Bills, 2025.

He noted that the student loan programme, implemented through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), has already received over one million applications, with more than 500,000 students granted loans for tuition and upkeep. “This is real progress in human capital development,” Bamidele said.

On the economic front, he said the tax reforms — currently awaiting presidential assent — are designed to modernise the tax system, encourage investment, and spur growth. According to projections, these reforms could raise Nigeria’s GDP from $363.8 billion to $1 trillion by 2030 if properly implemented.

Bamidele reported a significant increase in legislative activity within the Senate, with 983 bills introduced over two years — 477 in the first session and 506 in the second — representing a 6 per cent rise. Bill passage also increased by 232 per cent, from 25 in the first year to 83 in the second, while the number of executive bills passed doubled from 13 to 26.

He highlighted expanded oversight responsibilities and greater responsiveness to public concerns. Petitions handled rose from 50 to 80 within a year, and 215 executive appointments were confirmed during the first session.

Looking ahead, Bamidele said the National Assembly would prioritise stabilising the fiscal and monetary environment, reducing inflation, enhancing security, and investing in infrastructure. He also stressed the need for constitutional reform to address structural imbalances in Nigeria’s federal system.

Zonal public hearings by the Constitution Review Committee are expected to begin soon and are intended to be inclusive and participatory. Electoral reform, he said, will also be a top priority. “We must work together to build a political structure that reflects our aspirations and protects our democracy,” he said.

Bamidele concluded by reaffirming the 10th Assembly’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, promoting good governance, and driving sustainable national development. He called on citizens to remain engaged and active in shaping Nigeria’s democratic future.

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