Senate President Godswill Akpabio says the National Assembly will continue to support President Bola Tinubu’s economic reform agenda.
Akpabio made the statement on Friday while leading a delegation of federal lawmakers to visit Tinubu in Lagos as part of activities commemorating Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.
He said the National Assembly had reviewed outdated laws and enacted major economic legislation to bring Nigeria’s legal and economic frameworks in line with current realities.
According to Akpabio, some of the laws reviewed dated as far back as 1901 and 1939. He added that lawmakers would continue to fast-track bills aimed at transforming the economy.
He pointed to the passage of four major tax reform laws as evidence of the legislature’s support for Tinubu’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. Very voluminous, all of them,” he said.
“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 said lawmakers would continue to back their commitments with legislative action while facilitating the appointment and confirmation of individuals 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 stated.
‘THESE REFORMS ARE WORKING’
Akpabio spoke shortly after Tinubu, in his Independence Day address, outlined plans to shift the administration’s focus from economic reforms towards lowering the cost of living and improving Nigerians’ welfare.
The Senate President said the National Assembly would support policies and legislation designed to advance that objective.
He maintained that the reforms were necessary to tackle longstanding structural challenges within Nigeria’s economic and legal systems.
On security, Akpabio said the country had made progress, although he acknowledged that pockets of insecurity and discontent persisted in some areas.
He linked some of the political tensions to the approaching election season 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.
“We still have pockets of discontent here and there because of the fact that this is almost election time.”
Akpabio also appealed for national unity, saying Nigeria’s continued existence as one country over the past 66 years demonstrated the resilience of its people.
He urged Nigerians to show mutual respect and solidarity despite their ethnic and religious differences.
“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.
He also referenced the restoration of Nigeria’s former national anthem as a reflection of the country’s commitment to unity and brotherhood.
Akpabio said the National Assembly would remain committed to enacting legislation that promotes national cohesion and economic development.
The Senate President was accompanied by Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, and other federal lawmakers.