Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized that lawmakers were elected to foster policies for national development, not to confront the Executive, in an upcoming documentary marking two years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, as stated by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Akpabio highlighted the cordial relationship between the National Assembly and the Executive over the past two years, driven by a shared vision for Nigeria’s progress. He argued that fighting the Executive would hinder national work, noting the unique composition of the current administration, with Tinubu, the First Lady, and Vice President all being former senators.
Akpabio outlined legislative priorities, including a bill to mandate Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prioritize locally assembled vehicles to curb the billions lost annually on imports. He lamented the collapse of Nigeria’s textile, cotton, groundnut, and palm oil industries, urging a revival of manufacturing through the Tinubu administration’s “Nigeria First” policy, which he praised as a “fantastic” initiative. Discussions with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council aim to promote laws ensuring Nigeria produces most of its consumed goods, leveraging its 200 million-strong market to support local entrepreneurs in ventures like vinegar and bread production.
Refuting claims of being a rubber stamp, Akpabio noted that the National Assembly has rejected some presidential nominees, emphasizing its role in scrutinizing and amending executive actions for the national interest. He cited landmark laws like the Student Loan Act, Tax Reform Bills, and Minimum Wage Bill as evidence of pro-people legislation. Akpabio assured Nigerians that the 10th National Assembly would continue passing swift, people-focused laws to support Tinubu’s reform agenda, reduce hardship, open the economy, and empower youth, aligning bills with public needs to enhance living standards.
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