Prominent lawmakers, including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and several other distinguished legislators, have been shortlisted for honours at the 2026 National Legislative Awards scheduled to hold on July 9 in Abuja.
Organisers of the awards, HallowMace Africa and its partners, unveiled the final list of nominees across various categories ahead of the event, which is themed “Celebrating Distinguished Leadership, Parliamentary Excellence, and Public Service.”
According to a statement signed by the Head of Public Communications Desk of HallowMace Africa, Ambassador Oguh Hyginus John, the selection process combined public online voting with consultations involving key parliamentary stakeholders. These included the National Assembly Press Corps, the Nigerian Conference of Speakers, the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), and the National Assembly Legislative Aides Forum (NASLAF).
The organisers stated that the finalists emerged after a rigorous and transparent process designed to recognise lawmakers and legislative officers who have made outstanding contributions to legislative development, democratic governance, and public service across Nigeria.
Among the highlights of the awards, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and Hon. Chike Okafor emerged as winners in the Most Outstanding Lawmakers in the National Assembly category for the South-East in the Senate and House of Representatives respectively. Other regional winners include Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Hon. Marcus Onobun for the South-South, Senator Abdul Ningi and Hon. Ali Isa J.C. for the North-East, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Hon. Leke Abejide for the North-Central, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua and Hon. Sada Soli for the North-West, as well as Senator Wasiu Sanni Eshinlokun and Hon. James Faleke for the South-West.
In the category of Most Valuable Legislators in the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin was recognised for the North-West, while Senator Orji Uzor Kalu emerged for the South-East. Senator Osita Ngwu was named Most Valuable First-Term Senator, and Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere received the award for Most Valuable Member of the House of Representatives.
The awards also recognised committee leadership across both chambers of the National Assembly. Senator Tahir Monguno was named Most Outstanding Senate Committee Chairman, while Senator Seriake Dickson emerged as Most Outstanding Opposition Senator. In the House of Representatives, Hon. Abubakar Kabir was recognised as Most Outstanding House Committee Chairman, while Hon. James Faleke earned the title of Most Outstanding House Committee Chairman (Special Recognition).
Several lawmakers also received honours for constituency development and youth engagement. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was recognised as Most Outstanding Female Senator, while Hon. Aliyu Sani Madaki received the Most Youth-Friendly Member of the House of Representatives award. Hon. Donald Ojogo emerged as Most Outstanding House Spokesperson, while Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka was named Most Outstanding New Generation Lawmaker.
The organisers also acknowledged exceptional service among legislative aides and parliamentary administrators. Mr. Peter Akpatason was honoured as Most Outstanding Chief of Staff, while Mr. Chinedu Uleanya received the award for Most Outstanding Senior Legislative Aide.
Beyond the National Assembly, the awards also recognised excellence in state legislatures. Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, emerged as Most Outstanding Speaker. Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa of Abia State was recognised as Most Outstanding Deputy Speaker, while Rt. Hon. Blessing Onuh of Benue State received the Most Outstanding Female Legislator award.
The National Legislative Awards celebrate individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to quality legislation, effective representation, transparency, accountability, and democratic governance. Organisers expressed confidence that this year’s honourees represent the highest standards of legislative excellence and public service in Nigeria.
The awards ceremony is expected to bring together lawmakers, government officials, parliamentary staff, civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic community, and other stakeholders to celebrate outstanding achievements in Nigeria’s legislative landscape.
