Tajudeen Abbas spent years as a university lecturer and businessman before winning a seat in the House of Representatives in 2011. In June 2023 he was elected Speaker of the 10th House with 353 of the 359 votes cast.
Quick facts
| Name | Tajudeen Abbas (often written Abbas Tajudeen) |
|---|---|
| Born | 1 October 1965, Kaduna State (from Zaria) |
| Office | Speaker of the House of Representatives (since 13 June 2023) |
| Constituency | Zaria Federal Constituency, Kaduna State (since 2011) |
| Party | All Progressives Congress (APC) |
| Education | Bachelor’s (1988) and master’s (1993), Ahmadu Bello University; PhD in business management, Usmanu Danfodiyo University (2010) |
| 2027 | Won the APC ticket unopposed to seek a fifth term |
Early life and education
Abbas is from Zaria in Kaduna State. He studied at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1988 and a master’s degree in 1993, and later obtained a doctorate in business management from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, in 2010.
Teaching and business
He taught in higher education in Kaduna State between 1993 and 2001, then moved into the private sector as a marketing manager with a tobacco distribution company. He also ran his own businesses before going into politics.
Member of the House since 2011
Abbas was first elected to represent the Zaria Federal Constituency in 2011 and has been re-elected at every election since — a rare feat in a constituency known for changing its representatives. In previous assemblies he built a reputation as one of the most active lawmakers in sponsoring bills, especially on education, institutions in the North and business regulation.
Speaker of the 10th House
After the 2023 elections, the APC leadership backed Abbas for the speakership. On 13 June 2023 he was elected Speaker with 353 of 359 votes cast. His agenda has focused on legislative support for economic reforms, constitutional review and making the House more open to citizens.
What does the House of Representatives do?
- Makes laws together with the Senate — 360 members, one for each federal constituency;
- Controls the purse: the national budget must start and be approved through the National Assembly;
- Oversees ministries and agencies through committees and public hearings;
- Can begin impeachment proceedings and must approve some key appointments together with the Senate.
How can you contact your representative?
Every Nigerian has one member in the House of Representatives (for their federal constituency) and one senator (for their senatorial district). You can find your representative on the National Assembly website (nass.gov.ng), visit their constituency office, write to them, or tag them on social media. Asking for their bills, motions and projects in your area is the simplest way to check their performance.
2027
In May 2026 Abbas won the APC ticket unopposed to seek a fifth term in the House for the Zaria constituency.
