Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has said the passage of tax reform legislation and the National Assembly’s support for economic stabilisation ranked among the most significant achievements of the 10th Senate.

Mr Bamidele (APC-Ekiti) said this on Tuesday in Abuja while reflecting on the performance of the Senate over the last three years.

He said the upper chamber had played a critical role in strengthening governance through legislation, oversight and representation.

He noted that despite the periods of internal disagreements that attracted public attention, the Senate remained focused on delivering on its constitutional responsibilities.

According to him, one of the most challenging moments for the Senate was when controversies surrounding suspensions and disciplinary matters dominated public discourse, overshadowing the chamber’s legislative accomplishments.

“At a time when a senator publicly described the 10th Senate as the worst in Nigeria’s history, media attention became focused on controversies rather than the work we were doing.

“That was a regrettable period because it distracted attention from our core responsibilities,” he said.

The Senate leader, however, said that the chamber recorded substantial achievements in partnership with the executive arm of government, particularly in efforts geared towards stabilising the economy.

Among the landmark accomplishments, he highlighted the passage of tax reform bills, describing them as transformative measures that would significantly enhance government revenue generation, especially from the non-oil sector.

“In the coming years, these laws will play a major role in strengthening Nigeria’s revenue base and supporting economic growth,” he said.

Mr Bamidele also cited legislative interventions in key sectors including security, banking, finance, education, health and agriculture, noting that the Senate had enacted laws designed to improve governance and promote economic stability.

On his personal contributions, the lawmaker said that seven of his bills led to the establishment and upgrading of federal institutions across the country, particularly in the education sector.

He also recalled that one of his bills in the Senate sought the restoration of Nigeria’s old national anthem, which was subsequently signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.

“The overarching goal of my legislative initiatives has been to bring governance closer to the people and ensure that laws have direct impact on citizens,” he said.

Looking ahead, the Senate leader said a constitutional amendment would remain a major priority in the final year of the current legislative cycle.

He acknowledged the complexity of the amendment process, which required broad support from both chambers of the National Assembly, approval by state legislatures and presidential assent.

Mr Bamidele expressed optimism that the Senate would continue to consolidate on its achievements while advancing key reforms aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and improving governance.

He urged political actors to devote as much energy to governance as they do to electioneering, saying such commitment would place Nigeria on a stronger path to development.

(NAN)