…says lawmakers are working to empower Nigerians, not trade punches
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said members of the National Assembly were not elected to engage in battles with the Executive but to collaborate for Nigeria’s development.
In a documentary marking two years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Akpabio stressed that lawmakers should pursue bipartisan policies to uplift the country.
“When elected, your constituents don’t give you boxing gloves. It’s not a boxing match. You’re there to work together in Nigeria’s interest,” he said.
He noted the cordial relationship between the arms of government, crediting it to a shared vision. “If you spend all your energy fighting the Executive, who works for Nigeria?”
Akpabio described the current administration as unique, with a President, First Lady, and Vice President, all former senators, bringing legislative insight into governance.
He revealed that the National Assembly is working on a bill mandating MDAs to prioritise locally made vehicles, citing the billions lost annually to imports.
“We’re working to revive local industries—textiles, cotton, palm oil—which once sustained our economy,” he said, lamenting their collapse.
He praised the Tinubu administration’s “Nigeria First” policy and said laws would soon compel the production of consumables within Nigeria.
“With over 200 million people, even small ventures like bread or vinegar can become million-naira businesses,” he added.
On the issue of rubber-stamp accusations, Akpabio said the legislature had pushed back when necessary, including rejecting some presidential nominees.
“We don’t approve everything blindly. Our job is to dot the I’s and cross the T’s to ensure national interest is served,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to pro-people laws, citing the Student Loan Act, tax reforms, and the Minimum Wage Bill.
“We’re not about theory—we’re about action,” he said. “More laws are coming to reduce hardship, boost the economy, and empower young Nigerians.”
