*As calls for free speech, inclusiveness persist
By Citizenship Daily
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., has said that Nigeria’s democracy must be measured by how much the citizens, critical stakeholders as well as the youth in the nation are involved in the processes.
Addressing a group of social media influencers, most of whom were youth, at the National Assembly on Monday, the Speaker highlighted the importance of the teeming youth population and their voice on the Internet to democracy.
Joining the Speaker were several members of the House as well as the Executive Secretary, National Assembly Library Trust Fund, Hon. Henry Nwawuba.
At the event were Kayode Okikiolu of Channels Television; a former Director-General, Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Dr Joe Abah, OON; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Communications, O’tega Ogra; Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Olusegun Dada; and Comedian, Lawrence Oluwaseyitan Aletile (Seyi Law); Abraham Great, among several others.
“Our democracy must be measured not merely by its procedures but by its inclusiveness,” Speaker Abbas noted at the ‘Speaker’s New Media Exchange 2025.’
He stated that the engagement, with the theme, ‘Smart Cities and Ethical Media: Navigating the Role of Policy in National Development,’ was for a critical reflection on the intersection of governance, innovation, and responsible communication.
Speaker Abbas said: “We are not unmindful of the challenges posed by misinformation, digital security threats, and the misuse of online platforms. Nonetheless, our approach shall remain rooted in dialogue, education, and constructive engagement rather than censorship or coercion.”
The Speaker described the interaction as “an unprecedented engagement designed to formalise a dialogue between the Nigerian Parliament and the dynamic community of digital actors.”
He said: “Today’s session marks a seminal moment. It is the first structured interaction at the highest legislative level with social media influencers, recognising their significant contributions to the democratic enterprise and shaping national discourse.
“In a nation whose demographic composition is overwhelmingly youthful, and where digital platforms have become central to information exchange, advocacy, and civic engagement, it is both strategic and necessary to forge this partnership.”
While noting that the significance of the collaboration is underscored by compelling data, the Speaker noted that Nigeria’s digital landscape has expanded rapidly, with approximately 38.7 million active social media users as of 2025, representing 16.3 per cent of the national population and marking a 5.3 per cent increase from the previous year.
Moreover, he added, Nigerians rank fifth globally in average daily time spent on social media, dedicating approximately three hours and twenty-three minutes each day.
Speaker Abbas stated: “These figures attest to the unrivalled capacity of digital platforms to shape public opinion, influence consumer behaviour, and drive civic engagement. It is therefore evident that meaningful partnership with the digital community is not optional but essential to building a more participatory democracy.”
The Speaker pointed out that the Legislative Agenda of the 10th House rests on a foundational commitment to deepen public participation in governance.
“Our aspiration is to build a parliament that is accessible, transparent, responsive, and firmly anchored in the aspirations of all Nigerians.”
To this end, Speaker Abbas noted that the House has expanded channels of engagement through live-streamed plenary sessions, constituency dialogues, the annual Open National Assembly Week dedicated to access and inclusion, and now, purposeful engagement with the digital ecosystem.
He added: “Beyond these initiatives, the House is pursuing reforms that foreground the rights of persons living with disabilities, promote the inclusion of marginalised communities, and advance the political participation of women through constitutional amendment processes. Our democracy must be measured not merely by its procedures but by its inclusiveness.
“You are pivotal agents in the contemporary information environment. Your platforms serve as vital conduits for citizen engagement, policy interpretation, and the cultivation of public consciousness.”
The Speaker further said the House has demonstrated its commitment to innovation and youth empowerment through legislation such as the Nigeria Start-Up Act, which fosters an enabling environment for technology entrepreneurs; and the Nigeria Data Protection Act, which safeguards digital rights.
“We continue to uphold the Freedom of Information Act as an instrument for transparency. We have expanded opportunities for youth inclusion through initiatives like the Legislative Mentorship Initiative, the Bi-Annual Youth Town Hall Meetings, and enhanced budgetary support for youth development programmes in the 2025 budget,” he added.
Speaker Abbas also cited the establishment of the House Committee on Youth and the House Committee on Youth in Parliament, which “underscores our resolve to institutionalise youth participation.”
Leading the influencers to speak, a former Director-General, Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Dr. Joe Abah, OON, noted that the tension between freedom of speech and national interest has subsisted for centuries, with many philosophers applying their minds to trying to find a balance between the two.
Speaking on the topic, ‘Balancing Freedom of Speech Against National Interest,’ Dr Abah said: “The question for us is: Is it possible to guard against fake news and hate speech, particularly on social media, without enacting additional legislation? I believe that we can…”
The technocrat went on to offer some recommendations “for us to debate in this session.”
