RismadarVoice Reporters, May 29, 2026
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as “excellent performance” in managing Nigeria’s economy and security architecture, saying the administration has repositioned the country for growth and stability.
Akpabio made the remarks on Thursday after leading a delegation of Senate Principal Officers on a Sallah homage visit to President Tinubu at his Lagos residence during the Eid al-Kabir celebrations.
The Senate President said the visit was aimed at felicitating with the President, praying for his continued good health, and seeking divine guidance for the nation.
“We came here to felicitate the President and also wish him Baraka the Salah on this Eid-el-Kabir and to pray for him for continuous good health and wisdom,” Akpabio said.
He added that prayers were also offered for national peace and the release of persons still in captivity.
Akpabio praised the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of multiple exchange rates, fuel subsidy, and other fiscal practices he said had previously weakened the economy.
According to him, Nigeria inherited an economy burdened by unsustainable expenditure patterns, forex distortions, and crude oil forward sales that limited revenue growth.
“We appreciate Mr President for his reforms, which have repositioned Nigeria on the trajectory of growth compared to what we met in 2023,” he stated.
The Senate President also cited the discontinuation of what he described as “Ways and Means” financing, saying it had helped stabilise public finances and curb excessive money creation.
He further noted that the elimination of fuel queues at filling stations was one of the most visible signs of progress under the current administration.
“In the last three years, he has brought the very long queues people used to experience at filling stations to an end,” he said.
Akpabio also commended ongoing tax reforms, describing the harmonisation of taxes, including legacy levies dating back several decades, as a significant policy achievement.
“The harmonisation of taxes in Nigeria, including taxes dating back to 1939, is commendable,” he added.
On security, the Senate President said the country had recorded notable improvements under Tinubu, stressing that insurgents no longer control territories in any part of Nigeria.
“There is no part of Nigeria today where the flag of insurgents, whether Boko Haram or any other group, is being hoisted,” he said.
He explained that current security challenges largely involve isolated attacks on vulnerable targets such as schools, churches, and mosques.
Akpabio acknowledged, however, that more work still needed to be done to address insecurity, given Nigeria’s population size and territorial spread.
He assured that the National Assembly would continue to support the executive arm through legislative backing for reforms, including the proposed state police framework currently under consideration.
According to him, lawmakers are working toward a regulated state policing system under a national oversight structure to ensure accountability and efficiency.
“We are looking at ways of creating a positive and not a negative state police system, one that can have a national state police commission to regulate conduct, promotion and training,” he said.
Akpabio also disclosed plans to increase funding for policing through adjustments to allocations to the Police Trust Fund, as part of broader efforts to strengthen internal security.
He further emphasised the need to boost crude oil production to meet rising domestic demand, particularly from local refineries, while enhancing export earnings and foreign exchange inflows.
The Senate President pledged continued cooperation between the legislature and the executive to advance economic reforms, attract foreign investment, and strengthen national security.
“We are assuring him of our cooperation in the National Assembly, particularly in supporting policies that promote the future growth of this country,” he said.
Akpabio added that Nigerians also have a role to play in supporting security agencies by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities in their communities.
