National Assembly Will Continue to Support Tinubu’s Reforms – Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has pledged the continued support of the National Assembly for President Bola Tinubu’s economic reform agenda.

Akpabio made the commitment on Friday when he led a delegation of federal lawmakers on a visit to President Tinubu in Lagos as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.

The Senate President said the National Assembly had reviewed several outdated laws and enacted major economic legislation to bring the country’s legal and economic frameworks in line with present-day realities.

According to him, some of the laws reviewed dated back to 1901 and 1939, stressing that lawmakers would continue to fast-track legislation capable of transforming the Nigerian economy.

Akpabio cited the passage of four major tax reform laws as evidence of the legislature’s commitment to supporting the administration’s economic policies.

“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,” he said.

He added that the National Assembly would continue to complement the executive through legislative action, including the consideration and confirmation of appointments critical to the implementation of government 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,” Akpabio said.

‘These reforms are working’

Akpabio’s remarks followed President Tinubu’s Independence Day address, in which the president said the administration would shift its focus from implementing economic reforms to reducing the cost of living and improving the welfare of Nigerians.

The Senate President said the National Assembly would back policies and legislation aimed at achieving those objectives.

He maintained that the reforms were necessary to address longstanding structural challenges in the country’s economic and legal systems.

On security, Akpabio said Nigeria had made progress, although he acknowledged that pockets of insecurity and discontent persisted in some parts of the country.

He attributed some of the political tensions to the approaching 2027 elections and expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future.

“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.

Akpabio also appealed for greater national unity, saying Nigeria’s survival as one country for 66 years demonstrated the resilience of its people.

He urged Nigerians to promote mutual respect and solidarity despite ethnic and religious differences.

The Senate President said the restoration of Nigeria’s former national anthem was also a reflection of the country’s commitment to unity and brotherhood.

He reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to enacting laws that promote national cohesion and economic development.

Akpabio was accompanied on the visit by Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, and other federal lawmakers.