By Fatima Ndagi
As the 10th House of Representatives marks the halfway point of its tenure, Rep. Kayode Akiolu (APC, Lagos) has commended Speaker Abbas Tajudeen for steering the lower chamber with vision and maturity, describing him as a stabilizing force behind its growing legislative impact.
Speaking during a midterm assessment interview, Akiolu—who chairs the House Committee on Anti-Corruption—hailed Abbas as “primus inter pares” (first among equals), crediting the Speaker’s institutional knowledge and consensus-building style for key reforms and improved legislative performance.
“It’s not about showmanship,” Akiolu said. “Speaker Abbas brings a quiet strength that’s enabled real progress in the House.”
Under Akiolu’s leadership, the Anti-Corruption Committee has taken an unconventional route—one that leans heavily on prevention and institutional strengthening rather than name-and-shame tactics.
A major highlight is the introduction of an annual anti-corruption colloquium—the first in National Assembly history—bringing together local and international stakeholders to chart new strategies in the fight against corruption.
“It’s not always about punishment,” he said. “Sometimes, it’s about helping civil servants understand the laws they’re expected to uphold.”
In partnership with agencies like the ICPC, Code of Conduct Bureau, and Code of Conduct Tribunal, the committee has hosted capacity-building sessions for ministries and departments, aiming to close legal knowledge gaps—particularly around procurement procedures.
According to Akiolu, these efforts, combined with increased federal budget allocations under President Bola Tinubu, are beginning to yield results in improved governance.
Back home in Lagos, Akiolu has been quietly expanding his footprint in education, infrastructure, and economic empowerment.
Through partnerships with the SDG office, multiple classroom blocks have already been constructed—with 12 more in the pipeline. Nearly 500 laptops have been distributed to students, alongside ICT training for teachers to improve learning outcomes.
“If we want to build the future, we have to start with those who teach it,” Akiolu noted.
Beyond education, he has facilitated empowerment programs including fish farming training, the distribution of tools to artisans (sewing machines, generators, etc.), and road rehabilitation efforts captured in the federal budget.
He also revealed plans for a community hub in Lafiyagi, a culturally rich area home to Nupe and Afro-Brazilian heritage.
Looking ahead, Akiolu says the next two years will focus on job creation, education, and expanding economic opportunities, especially for young people.
He praised the rollout of the Student Loan Scheme under President Tinubu, noting that many students from his constituency have already accessed the funds.
“Parents who once had no hope of sending their children to university can now breathe easier,” he said.
Akiolu is also pushing to improve awareness about employment opportunities in security agencies like Immigration and Civil Defence, calling them “one of the most viable avenues for mass employment today.”
Addressing some of the administration’s more controversial policies, Akiolu admitted that the fuel subsidy removal was initially a hard sell to constituents—but believes the long-term benefits are becoming clearer, especially with local government autonomy and direct fund disbursements making an impact at the grassroots level.
He also cited slow uptake of CNG-powered vehicles, part of Nigeria’s clean energy transition, as a challenge—but noted encouraging signs in Lagos.
One of Akiolu’s strongest endorsements came in support of Hon. Clement Jimbo’s Technology Transfer Bill, which proposes local lithium processing and domestic battery production to end Nigeria’s costly dependence on imported finished goods.
“We cannot continue exporting raw materials and importing our future,” Akiolu said. “This bill could do for Nigeria what industrial policy did for China and South Korea.”
He urged swift presidential assent once the bill passes, calling it “one of the most transformational ideas to come out of the 10th Assembly.”
At the midway point of the 10th Assembly, Akiolu’s message is clear—real leadership is about quiet, consistent delivery. And for both his constituents and his country, he’s betting on reform over rhetoric.
