The Senate President says lawmakers will sustain their support for the administration’s economic agenda, citing tax reforms and changes to outdated laws.
The National Assembly will continue to support President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said, reaffirming the legislature’s commitment to working with the administration.
Akpabio made the pledge on Friday after leading a delegation of federal lawmakers to meet President Tinubu at his residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.
He said lawmakers had reviewed outdated legislation and passed major economic laws to bring Nigeria’s legal and economic frameworks in line with present-day realities.
According to Akpabio, some of the laws predated independence, with provisions dating back to 1901 and 1939. He said the National Assembly would continue to fast-track bills intended to support economic transformation.
Akpabio points to four tax reform laws
The Senate President cited the passage of four major tax reform laws as evidence of the legislature’s support for Tinubu’s economic agenda.
“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.
Akpabio added that lawmakers had considered and passed the legislation within a short period, arguing that the changes were necessary to modernise the country’s economic system.
He said the National Assembly would continue to match its commitments with legislative action, including considering bills and confirming nominees expected to contribute to 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.
Tinubu’s next focus is cost of living
Akpabio’s comments followed Tinubu’s Independence Day broadcast, in which the President outlined his intention to shift attention from economic reforms towards easing the cost of living and improving Nigerians’ welfare.
The Senate President said the legislature would support policies and laws aimed at achieving those goals.
However, while the administration has defended its reforms as necessary to address longstanding economic challenges, the impact on household finances remains a central concern for many Nigerians.
Akpabio maintained that the reforms were beginning to yield results, including in the area of security.
“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 acknowledged that insecurity and discontent persisted in some parts of the country, but attributed some political tensions to the approaching election season.
“We still have pockets of discontent here and there because of the fact that this is almost election time,” he added.
Akpabio calls for unity
Beyond the economy and security, Akpabio urged Nigerians to look beyond ethnic and religious differences and embrace a stronger sense of national unity.
He said Nigeria’s continued existence as one country, 66 years after independence, reflected the resilience of its people.
“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 restoration of Nigeria’s former national anthem as a symbol of the country’s commitment to unity and brotherhood.
He said the National Assembly would continue to support legislation aimed at promoting national cohesion and economic development.
The delegation included Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu and other federal lawmakers.
