By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has appealed to the German political foundation, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), for technical support as the National Assembly advances constitutional amendments aimed at establishing state police and increasing women’s representation in Nigeria’s legislatures.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday while receiving KAS’s newly appointed Resident Representative to Nigeria, Moritz Sprenker, Speaker Abbas described the partnership between the House and the foundation as long-standing and instrumental in strengthening democratic institutions and legislative capacity in Nigeria.
The Speaker recalled that KAS hosted members of the House committees on security-related matters in Germany about two years ago and urged the organisation to expand its support to key reform areas currently under consideration by the National Assembly, the statement signed by Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives said.
According to Abbas, the legislature requires sustained interventions and partnerships that will deepen democracy and enhance its effectiveness. He specifically identified the proposed creation of state police as a critical area where KAS could provide valuable expertise and support.
The National Assembly is currently reviewing amendments to the 1999 Constitution, including proposals to decentralise the existing structure of the Nigeria Police Force through the establishment of state police.
Abbas also sought KAS’s support for efforts to improve women’s participation in governance through the creation of reserved legislative seats for women in both the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly.
He expressed concern over Nigeria’s low ranking in female legislative representation, noting that the country remains among the poorest performers globally despite its size and democratic aspirations.
The Speaker argued that greater inclusion of women in politics is essential to Nigeria’s future, stressing that public sensitisation and strategic partnerships would help persuade critics of the need for affirmative measures aimed at boosting women’s representation.
Welcoming Sprenker to the House of Representatives, Abbas praised his predecessor, Marija Peran, describing her tenure as productive and beneficial to the relationship between KAS and the legislature.
Earlier, Sprenker said he assumed office in April and that his visit formed part of consultations with key stakeholders across Nigeria. He noted that the country had been welcoming since his arrival and said he was currently reviewing the organisation’s programmes and partnerships.
The KAS representative explained that the foundation collaborates with political parties, parliaments, civil society organisations and other democratic institutions to provide training, facilitate dialogue and strengthen governance structures.
He emphasised that KAS does not impose solutions on partner countries but rather serves as a facilitator, helping stakeholders develop locally driven responses to governance challenges.
Also present at the meeting were Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson; Chairman of the House Committee on Services, Amos Daniel; and Chairman of the House Committee on North West Development Commission, Suleiman Abubakar Gumi.
