Senate President Godswill Akpabio has asserted that lawmakers should focus on fostering national development rather than engaging in confrontations with the Executive branch. In a recent feature documentary marking two years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Akpabio emphasized the need for cooperation between the National Assembly and the Executive to work toward the country’s progress.
“We were not elected to wear boxing gloves,” Akpabio remarked, reinforcing the idea that collaboration, rather than conflict, is essential for effective governance. He pointed out that constituents expect their representatives to engage in a bipartisan manner for the benefit of Nigeria, rather than participating in a “boxing tournament.”
Reflecting on the cordial relationship between both arms of government over the past two years, Akpabio attributed this success to a shared vision for advancing the nation. He questioned the productivity of a government engaged in constant fighting, asking, “If you spend all your energy fighting the Executive, who will work for Nigeria?”
The Senate President highlighted legislative priorities, including a proposed bill aimed at mandating ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to prioritize purchasing locally assembled vehicles over imported ones. “We lose billions of dollars annually importing vehicles and other items that can be produced locally,” he stated, underscoring the urgent need to revitalize Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, particularly in textiles and cash crops.
Akpabio commended the Tinubu administration’s “Nigeria First” policy as crucial for legislative support and economic growth. He shared ongoing discussions with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council aimed at fostering laws to boost local production.
“We are going to make laws ensuring that almost every item we consume that can be produced in Nigeria is produced in Nigeria,” he said, highlighting the importance of bringing industries back to Nigeria to serve its burgeoning population of over 200 million.
The Senate President also called for greater support for local entrepreneurs, noting that even small-scale ventures could succeed in Nigeria’s vast consumer market. “If you produce vinegar and bag it well, it will fly. If you produce bread, you will be a millionaire considering the kind of population that we have,” he asserted.
Amid concerns that the legislature is merely a rubber-stamp for executive decisions, Akpabio defended the National Assembly’s role, noting instances where it has rejected presidential nominees. He emphasized the importance of scrutiny, stating that the Assembly’s function is to support executive actions that align with the national interest.
“Our job is to make sure we cross the T’s and dot the I’s to assist the President in having the best for the Nigerian population,” Akpabio declared.
He assured Nigerians that the 10th National Assembly remains committed to enacting pro-people legislation that supports the President’s reform agenda. Citing landmark interventions such as the Student Loan Act (NELFUND) and various tax reform bills, he expressed confidence that more people-focused laws will emerge, aimed at reducing hardship and empowering young Nigerians.
“We don’t waste time on anything that will enhance the living standard of Nigerians,” Akpabio concluded, reaffirming the National Assembly’s dedication to legislative efficiency and impact.
This press release, issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy) on May 20, 2025, underscores the commitment of Nigeria’s legislative and executive branches to work together for the nation’s progress.