Senate President Godswill Akpabio has affirmed that the role of lawmakers is not to confront the Executive arm of government but to support initiatives that drive national progress.
This message was conveyed in a forthcoming documentary commemorating President Bola Tinubu’s two-year administration.
Reflecting on the need for collaboration between the National Assembly and the Presidency, Akpabio noted, “When you are elected into the National Assembly — either the Senate or House of Representatives — your constituents do not hand you boxing gloves. It’s not a combative match. You’re expected to function in a bipartisan manner for Nigeria’s advancement.”
According to the Senate President, the relationship between the legislature and the Executive has been harmonious over the past two years, driven by a mutual commitment to national development.
He questioned the logic behind legislative conflict with the Executive, stating, “If all your strength is spent opposing the Executive, who then does the work for Nigeria?”
Akpabio also highlighted the uniqueness of the current administration, pointing out that the President, First Lady, and Vice President are all former senators — a rare occurrence in Nigeria’s history.
Legislative Agenda and Economic Self-Reliance
Addressing economic policy, Akpabio revealed that the National Assembly is drafting legislation to compel Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prioritize the purchase of locally assembled vehicles before considering foreign imports.
“We have commenced efforts to establish a law that ensures automobiles are first sourced from Nigerian manufacturers before looking outside,” he stated.
He lamented the significant financial losses Nigeria incurs from vehicle imports, stating that billions of dollars are drained annually on items that could be produced domestically.
The Senate President stressed the urgency of revitalizing Nigeria’s industrial sector, noting the decline of once-thriving industries such as textiles, cotton, groundnut, and palm oil.
“More than 50 textile firms have exited Nigeria. The cotton, groundnut, and palm oil sectors have crumbled. Countries like Malaysia have strategically used palm oil to strengthen their economies,” Akpabio observed.
Support for the “Nigeria First” Policy
Applauding the Tinubu administration’s “Nigeria First” policy, Akpabio described it as an excellent initiative that should be firmly backed by legislative action.
He disclosed ongoing consultations with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council to draft legislation ensuring that the majority of Nigeria’s consumables are produced locally.
“We’re working on legal frameworks to ensure nearly everything we consume, that can be made in Nigeria, is indeed manufactured here. Prioritising Nigeria means bringing industries back to serve our population of over 200 million,” he said.
He encouraged the empowerment of small business owners, stressing that products like vinegar and bread can thrive in Nigeria’s large market.
“Even if you produce something like vinegar and package it properly, it will succeed. If you bake bread, you can become a millionaire considering the sheer size of our market,” he explained.
Akpabio emphasized that the National Assembly is committed to enacting laws that support industrial revival and reduce the country’s reliance on imports.
Checks and Balances Still Intact
Responding to claims that the legislature simply rubber-stamps the Executive’s decisions, Akpabio dismissed the notion.
He pointed out instances where the Assembly rejected certain presidential nominees, emphasizing that due diligence and scrutiny are consistently applied.
“People forget that we’ve made enemies by turning down some of the President’s nominations. Not everything the President proposes gets approved without careful examination,” he clarified.
He reiterated the legislature’s function to review, modify, and support Executive policies that align with national interests.
“Our responsibility is to refine and improve policies that aim to benefit the Nigerian people,” he said.
Commitment to Pro-People Legislation
Akpabio assured Nigerians that the 10th National Assembly remains focused on legislation that enhances citizens’ welfare and complements the Executive’s reform-driven agenda.
“This administration is action-oriented. Therefore, in the National Assembly, we’re concentrated on passing people-centered laws,” he stated.
He cited impactful bills such as the Student Loan Act (NELFUND), Tax Reform Bills, and the Minimum Wage Bill as examples of reforms already supported by the legislature.
“We’ve achieved a lot in just two years. I want Nigerians to know that more laws are on the way — laws that will reduce economic pressure, unlock new opportunities, and empower the youth,” he concluded.
Akpabio emphasized that the National Assembly has carefully assessed nearly every policy submitted by the President, ensuring alignment with the real needs of Nigerians and fast-tracking the passage of laws that can uplift their standard of living.
Kindly Share:
Discover more from LMSINT STORE
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
