Senate President Pledges Support for Economic and Security Reforms
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has expressed the National Assembly’s commitment to bolster President Bola Tinubu’s efforts in implementing critical reforms aimed at enhancing national security and revitalizing Nigeria’s economy.
Akpabio made this announcement on Thursday during a visit with senior Senate leaders, where they paid traditional Salah homage to President Tinubu at his official residence in Lagos.
He emphasized the collaborative nature of governance, stating, “The president cannot do it alone. The National Assembly will support him in improving security measures, which have already seen progress.” Akpabio highlighted that the current security landscape has shifted from periods of widespread insurgency to targeted attacks on vulnerable settings like schools, churches, and mosques.
“Today, there is no area in Nigeria where the flag of any insurgent group, including Boko Haram, is being flown. Organized bombings have largely ceased,” he noted. Despite this progress, Akpabio acknowledged the ongoing need for enhanced safety, particularly in vulnerable communities and border areas.
He further outlined the National Assembly’s intentions to collaborate with the executive branch to develop strategies that empower states to play an active role in securing lives and property, particularly through state policing initiatives. “We aim to create a system for regulated state police under a national framework,” he explained, advocating for a proactive, rather than reactive, policing approach.
In this proposed framework, Akpabio envisions a national police commission that would oversee conduct, promotions, and training, enabling a more effective policing structure. He also called on citizens to remain vigilant and assist security agencies by reporting any suspicious activities in their communities.
Addressing Economic Challenges and Infrastructure Development
On the economic front, Akpabio commended President Tinubu’s reforms, which he argues have steered Nigeria towards a path of growth and stability. “We have come to appreciate the president’s initiatives as instrumental in setting Nigeria on a growth trajectory,” he stated.
The Senate President explained that the current administration is tackling significant economic challenges, including the management of multiple exchange rates, the elimination of fuel subsidies, and unsustainable borrowing practices. “We dealt with multiple exchange rates. He has eliminated them all. The fuel subsidy situation has also been addressed decisively,” Akpabio remarked.
Additionally, he praised the administration’s efforts to streamline tax systems and eliminate the long wait times at fueling stations. Akpabio pointed to major infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Lagos-Badagry-Sokoto Road Corridor, which he believes will transform the economy and enhance agricultural productivity. “There are about 74 dams along the Lagos-Badagry-Sokoto route that will revolutionize our agricultural sector,” he stated.
Reaffirming the National Assembly’s commitment, Akpabio declared their readiness to support policies that promise long-term growth and development for Nigeria. “We will back the president as long as his proposals align with the future growth of our country,” he said.
In his closing remarks, Akpabio shared that the National Assembly is contemplating an increase in the statutory funding for the Nigeria Police Trust Fund from 0.5% to 1% of the federation’s revenue allocation. This move is intended to bolster police infrastructure and capabilities. Moreover, he shared that the Senate delegation also used their visit to offer prayers for peace in the country and for the safe release of Nigerians who remain in captivity.
