US, UK Lawmakers Understudying Nigeria’s House of Reps Model — APC Rep Agbese

Philip Agbese, deputy spokesperson of the Nigerian House of Representatives, says Nigeria’s lower legislative chamber is attracting global attention as a model for parliamentary engagement and transparency.

Speaking in Abuja at the conclusion of the second edition of the House of Representatives Open Week, Agbese revealed that delegations from both the United States Congress and the British House of Commons have begun studying Nigeria’s House of Reps operations as a case study in democratic innovation.

Agbese, who represents the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo federal constituency in Benue State under the All Progressives Congress (APC), described the open week as a “revolutionary blueprint for global legislative engagement” and praised the 2025 theme: *‘Deepening Citizens’ Trust and Participation: Celebrating Our Journey as the People’s House’*.

According to him, the initiative has raised Nigeria’s global legislative profile, with lawmakers from around the world expressing admiration for the country’s evolving parliamentary culture. “The US Congress, the British House of Commons, and other respected parliaments are now sending representatives to Nigeria to study how the House of Representatives is doing it,” Agbese said. “Nigeria’s parliament has become a reference point globally. That is the legacy Speaker Abbas is building.”

Agbese credited Speaker Abbas Tajudeen for championing the initiative, calling the open week “a masterstroke of democratic innovation” and “the gold standard in legislative-citizen engagement”. He added that Abbas has “not only raised the bar but redefined what legislative leadership should look like in the 21st century.”

He praised the speaker’s commitment to openness, accessibility, and transparency, saying the world’s renewed interest in Nigeria’s legislature is a direct result of Abbas’ leadership. “This is not just a programme,” Agbese said. “It is a movement, a national renaissance of trust in democratic institutions.”

He also said the initiative is inspiring a new generation of Nigerians to believe in the democratic process. “This is the first time in the history of any parliament in the world that such a deeply participatory initiative is being institutionalised,” he added. “The 10th House under Speaker Abbas has moved from promises to practice.”

Describing Abbas as “a rare gift to this nation and a torchbearer for a new democratic ethos,” Agbese noted that the speaker has architected a new culture in the National Assembly — one that places people above power and transparency above tradition.

He said lawmakers from across the political divide, along with members of the diplomatic corps, civil society, and citizens nationwide, have praised the initiative. “The verdict is unanimous,” he said. “This is the House of the people, and the people are being heard.”