- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulated Speaker Tajudeen Abbas on his 60th birthday celebrated on October 1, 2025.
- Abbas’s birthday coincides with Nigeria’s Independence Day (October 1), making his 60th milestone particularly symbolic.
- Under Abbas’s leadership, the House has passed numerous impactful bills, including reforms in energy, digital economy, and social welfare.
- The President noted that Abbas has helped maintain stability in the House and promoted legislative excellence.
Nigeria’s democracy marked yet another milestone of leadership and resilience as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extended his warm felicitations to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, on the occasion of his 60th birthday.
The President’s congratulatory message, released in Abuja on Independence Day, highlighted Abbas’s achievements as a parliamentarian, his contributions to democratic stability, and his unwavering support for the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The message has resonated across political divides, reinforcing Abbas’s status as one of Nigeria’s most influential lawmakers of the Fourth Republic.
A Birthday Coinciding with Nigeria’s Independence
October 1 has always held immense significance for Nigerians. It is the day the nation gained independence from British colonial rule in 1960. For Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, however, October 1 also carries personal significance as his birthday. This year, he turned 60, an age regarded in African tradition as a mark of wisdom, maturity, and renewed responsibility.
President Tinubu, in his message, underscored the symbolic nature of Abbas’s birthday coinciding with Nigeria’s national rebirth. “Speaker Abbas has displayed uncommon capacity as a leader of equals,” Tinubu said, praising his leadership qualities. “His drive for integrity, excellence, and selfless service has proved helpful in maintaining stability in the House.”
Abbas: The Leader of the 10th House of Representatives
Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, representing Zaria Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, has been a member of the House of Representatives since 2011. Over the years, he has earned a reputation for being a calm, cerebral, and diligent lawmaker. His legislative journey has been characterized by sponsoring bills, engaging in policy debates, and fostering collaboration among diverse political actors.
In June 2023, Abbas was elected as the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, defeating his rivals by a landslide and emerging as a consensus builder. His election was seen as a strategic move that would ensure smoother relations between the Executive and Legislative arms of government.
Under his stewardship, the House has passed several impactful legislations, ranging from economic reforms to social welfare policies. President Tinubu acknowledged this achievement in his message, noting that Abbas’s leadership had been crucial to implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda the central policy framework of his administration.
Tinubu and Abbas: Partners in Governance
The relationship between President Tinubu and Speaker Abbas has often been described as one of mutual respect and strategic cooperation. While Nigeria’s history is replete with Executive-Legislature tensions, Abbas has managed to maintain an equilibrium that fosters collaboration rather than conflict.
The President lauded Abbas as a “worthy partner in government,” emphasizing the importance of unity between the two arms. Analysts believe that this partnership has accelerated the passage of critical reforms, especially in the areas of energy, infrastructure, and financial regulation.
Political commentator Dr. Funmi Adebanjo, speaking to newsmen, remarked:
“Abbas has become a stabilizing force in Nigeria’s democracy. His alliance with President Tinubu demonstrates how constructive engagement between the Legislature and the Executive can yield significant progress for the country.”
A Legacy of Legislative Impact
As the Speaker turns 60, his record of legislative contributions comes into sharper focus. Since his first election to the House in 2011, Abbas has sponsored and co-sponsored bills that address crucial areas such as education, health, economic diversification, and national security.
In the 9th Assembly (2019–2023), Abbas was credited with sponsoring the highest number of bills, showing his commitment to legislative productivity. His colleagues often describe him as a “quiet achiever” whose work ethic surpasses political grandstanding.
During his tenure as Speaker, key bills such as the Energy Sector Reform Bill, Digital Economy and Cybersecurity Bill, and Social Protection and Welfare Act were passed reforms that align directly with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
President Tinubu’s Words of Praise
In his statement, President Tinubu expressed deep admiration for Abbas’s leadership style and his role in promoting integrity within the House.
“Speaker Abbas has displayed uncommon capacity as a leader of equals. His drive for integrity, excellence, and selfless service has proved helpful in maintaining stability in the House,” the President noted.
The President also extended his congratulations to Abbas’s family, friends, and associates, acknowledging their support in his journey. Furthermore, Tinubu congratulated the people of Zaria Federal Constituency, who have continuously entrusted Abbas with their mandate since 2011.
The Man Behind the Politics: Tajudeen Abbas
Born on October 1, 1965, Tajudeen Abbas grew up in Kaduna State. He pursued his education with vigor, earning degrees in Business Administration and Management before venturing into academia and later politics.
Before his election into the House of Representatives, Abbas worked as a lecturer, a role that sharpened his analytical skills and his ability to communicate complex ideas. This academic background has often been cited as one of his strengths in lawmaking.
Colleagues describe him as soft-spoken, meticulous, and principled. Despite the high-pressure environment of Nigerian politics, Abbas has managed to maintain a reputation for humility and accessibility.
A Symbol of Stability in Turbulent Times
Nigeria’s democracy has often faced challenges, from electoral disputes to partisan divides. The House of Representatives, as a microcosm of the nation’s diversity, is no stranger to heated debates and political rivalry.
Yet, under Abbas’s leadership, the House has been characterized by relative stability and cooperation. His ability to act as a mediator among lawmakers with divergent interests has earned him respect across party lines.
This stability, according to analysts, has been pivotal in ensuring the smooth passage of national budgets and other pressing legislations.
Reactions from Across the Political Spectrum
Beyond the President’s message, several political leaders, civil society groups, and ordinary Nigerians have extended their congratulations to the Speaker.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, described Abbas as “a bridge-builder who embodies the ideals of representative democracy.”
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, praised Abbas for bringing honor to Zaria and the entire state, calling him “a model of integrity and service.”
Civil society organizations also weighed in. The Centre for Democratic Studies issued a statement recognizing Abbas’s contribution to legislative transparency and accountability.
On social media, hashtags such as #SpeakerAt60 and #Abbas60 trended nationwide as Pioneers, constituents, and political enthusiasts celebrated the Speaker’s milestone.
The Future of Abbas’s Leadership
As Abbas enters a new decade of his life, expectations continue to rise regarding his role in shaping Nigeria’s democracy. At 60, he stands at the peak of experience, with an established legacy but also with fresh responsibilities.
President Tinubu, in his message, prayed for Abbas’s good health and long life, signaling the importance of continuity in his leadership. Many observers believe that Abbas’s role in the 10th Assembly will remain crucial in guiding Nigeria through its economic reforms, security challenges, and democratic consolidation.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas’s 60th birthday is not just a personal celebration but a national reflection on the role of leadership in Nigeria’s democratic journey. His collaboration with President Tinubu, his legislative record, and his stabilizing influence in the House all highlight a career defined by service, integrity, and vision.
In congratulating Abbas, President Tinubu has reaffirmed the importance of unity between arms of government, a partnership that will remain critical as Nigeria continues to navigate the challenges of governance and development.
As Nigerians celebrate both Independence Day and Abbas’s milestone, the message is clear: true leadership is measured not by age, but by impact, integrity, and the ability to inspire hope.
From an objective angle, celebrating him at 60 is not just about age, but also about acknowledging his role in lawmaking, oversight, and political balance. His leadership has been credited with improving executive–legislative cooperation under Tinubu, which is crucial for passing key reforms in a period of economic challenges.