Senate President Godswill Akpabio has reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s economic reform agenda, saying lawmakers will continue to back legislation aimed at transforming the country.
Akpabio made the statement on Friday after leading a delegation of federal lawmakers to President Tinubu’s residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The Senate President said the National Assembly had been reviewing outdated laws and introducing new legislation to bring Nigeria’s legal and economic framework in line with present-day realities.
According to him, some of the laws being reviewed date back to 1901 and 1939, making legislative reforms necessary to address current economic challenges.
Akpabio pointed to the passage of four major tax reform laws as an example of the legislature’s efforts to support the administration’s economic programme.
“You’ve seen the reform in the tax system. Let me use the word economic system, with four major tax laws brought into the country at one time. Very voluminous, all of them,” he said.
He explained that lawmakers were able to consider and pass the legislation within a relatively short period despite the size and complexity of the bills.
“And then, because we’re able to digest them, we’re able to do what we ought to do. And we’re able to pass them in record time with the whole country in agreement,” Akpabio added.
He said the National Assembly would continue to back bills and government initiatives considered capable of improving the economy, while also facilitating the appointment and confirmation of officials needed to implement the administration’s programmes.
“On the part of the National Assembly, we want to continue to remain worthy partners to the administration of President Bola Tinubu. And we believe that what we are doing is in the interest of all Nigerians,” he said.
Akpabio’s comments came shortly after President Tinubu used his Independence Day address to say the country was moving beyond the difficult phase of economic reforms and towards an era focused on prosperity and improved living conditions.
The Senate President said the legislature would continue to support policies and laws designed to achieve those objectives.
He maintained that the reforms were aimed at addressing longstanding weaknesses in Nigeria’s economic and legal systems and said lawmakers would continue to match their commitments with legislative action.
On security, Akpabio said he believed there had been improvements in the situation, although he acknowledged that some areas were still experiencing insecurity and discontent.
“We believe he’s doing well. These reforms are working and, as far as we are concerned, insecurities are abating, and people are able to sleep well,” he said.
He also linked some of the political tensions being witnessed across the country to the approaching 2027 election season.
“We still have pockets of discontent here and there because of the fact that this is almost election time,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President also used the occasion to call for greater national unity, saying Nigeria’s survival as one country for 66 years demonstrated the resilience of its people.
He urged Nigerians to maintain mutual respect and solidarity despite differences in ethnicity, religion and culture.
“That we are still together shows the resilience of this country. That Nigeria is still one. It shows the resilience of this country. It shows the love that God has for Nigeria,” he said.
Akpabio also pointed to the return of Nigeria’s former national anthem as an example of efforts to reinforce the country’s sense of unity and shared identity.
He said the National Assembly would remain focused on legislation that promotes national cohesion, economic development and policies intended to improve the lives of Nigerians.
Akpabio was accompanied during the visit by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu and other members of the National Assembly.
