Senate President Godswill Akpabio has affirmed that lawmakers were elected to work in synergy with the Executive, not in opposition. Speaking in a feature documentary marking two years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Akpabio emphasized the need for unity across government arms to drive national progress.
“Your constituents didn’t elect you with boxing gloves,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of bipartisan collaboration.
Akpabio highlighted the current administration’s unique makeup—with the President, Vice President, and First Lady all being former senators—which, he said, has fostered a smooth working relationship between the Executive and the Legislature.
As part of efforts to reduce dependency on foreign goods, Akpabio disclosed that the National Assembly is drafting a bill to compel ministries and government agencies to prioritize locally assembled vehicles over imports. He attributed the decline of vital industries like textile, groundnut, cotton, and palm oil to over-reliance on imports and advocated for a shift back to local production.
He expressed support for the government’s “Nigeria First” policy and revealed that consultations are ongoing to frame laws that will stimulate industrial revival and strengthen the local economy.
Responding to criticism that the National Assembly merely rubber-stamps Executive decisions, Akpabio stated that the Senate has rejected nominees and amended several proposals from the Executive, insisting that all bills undergo thorough scrutiny to ensure they benefit Nigerians.
Akpabio also outlined key legislative achievements of the 10th Assembly, including the Student Loan Act, Tax Reform Bills, and the Minimum Wage Bill, which he said are focused on addressing economic hardship, promoting youth empowerment, and fostering growth.
“We are committed to enacting laws that support economic recovery and improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians,” he concluded.
