Stop rating NASS members by number of constituency projects -Akiba

Bassey Akiba (APC-Cross River), on Saturday night decried the current system of rating lawmakers by the number of constituency projects executed, saying it undermined and their primary role of lawmaking.

Akiba, representative of Calabar Municipality/Odukpani Federal Constituency, said this when he interfaced with some selected journalists in Calabar.

He said that Nigerians should focus on demanding good governance instead of project execution.

According to him, lawmaking is the core function of a legislator.

He noted that while there was nothing wrong with Nigerians demanding good governance from their representatives, project execution was a distraction from lawmaking.

“No doubt constituency projects help address community needs, but many lawmakers see it as a distraction from lawmaking.

“Am not saying it is wrong, but most Nigerians do not know that it is not a primary responsibility of a lawmaker.

“We struggle hard to get these projects attracted to our constituencies and it is affecting our primary responsibility which is making laws,” he said.

The lawmaker however said that in spite of the seeming challenge, he had been able to impact positively in the lives of his constituents through developmental projects and social intervention programmes.

He explained that he adopted a verifiable constituency-based initiative spanning education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and economic empowerment to bring the dividends of democracy to his constituets

According to him, I adopted a grassroots-focused approach aimed at reaching a broader cross-section of constituents rather than concentrating benefits on a few individuals.

“On agriculture, my constituency outreach operates across four value chains—cassava, oil palm, poultry, and fisheries, through which farmers receive inputs such as hybrid cassava stems and poultry feeds to boost productivity.

“A cooperative-based empowerment programme was established across each ward in both Calabar Municipality and Odukpani Local Government Area with thousands of residents enrolled, and the initiative is supported annually with funding.

“₦25 million was disbursed through the scheme in the most recent cycle to enable members access micro-support for agriculture and small-scale economic activities through the Bank of Agriculture,” he explained.

Akiba added that on education, he inaugurated a ₦50 million educational support programme in 2024, followed by an expanded ₦100 million scheme in 2025, targeting indigent students.

“Beneficiaries receive assistance covering school fees, books, and other learning materials, including school bags.

“In the area of public safety and infrastructure, my intervention has improved night-time visibility and enhanced security in previously dark areas across several communities of the constituency,” he also said.

Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date