ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Senate President Godswill Akpabio has given President Bola Ahmed Tinubu high marks for his economic reforms and efforts in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, describing his performance as “excellently well.”
Akpabio made the remarks on Thursday after leading a delegation of Senate Principal Officers on a traditional Sallah homage to President Tinubu at his Lagos residence, where they joined him in celebrating Eid al-Kabir.
According to him, the visit was not only to felicitate with the President but also to pray for continued wisdom, good health, national peace, and the release of those in captivity across the country.
“We came here to felicitate the President and also wish him Baraka the Salah on this Eid-el-Kabir and to also pray for him for continuous good health and wisdom,” Akpabio said.
He added that the delegation also prayed for national stability and lasting peace, stressing the importance of unity during the festive period and beyond.
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The Senate President praised Tinubu’s economic policy direction, particularly the removal of multiple exchange rates, fuel subsidy reforms, and what he described as the elimination of revenue-draining fiscal practices.
“We appreciate Mr. President for his reforms, which have done a lot to reposition Nigeria on the trajectory of growth,” he said.
Akpabio also argued that earlier distortions in the oil sector, including “future sales” arrangements and wasteful spending practices, had been addressed by the administration.
He further stated that the abolition of multiple exchange rates and so-called false subsidies had helped stabilise the economy.
“We met multiple exchange rates. He has stopped all that. We met a situation of false subsidies. He has stopped all that,” he said.
According to him, one of the most visible improvements under Tinubu’s leadership is the elimination of long queues at fuel stations across the country.
He also commended ongoing tax harmonisation efforts, describing them as far-reaching reforms capable of reshaping Nigeria’s fiscal system.
“And the harmonization of taxes in Nigeria for me, I think he has done excellently well,” he said.
Akpabio assured the President that the National Assembly would continue to support his administration, especially on key legislative priorities still in progress.
“But we are saying that a lot still needs to be done. And we are assuring of the cooperation of the lawmakers in Nigeria,” he said.
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On security, he acknowledged that challenges persist but maintained that significant improvements had been recorded, particularly in the absence of territorial control by insurgents.
“There is no part of Nigeria today that you have the flag of any insurgents, whether Boko Haram, being hoisted,” he stated.
He, however, admitted that attacks on soft targets such as schools, churches, and mosques remain a concern, adding that further work is required.
Akpabio also stressed that Nigeria’s size and population make security management complex, noting that incidents are often magnified internationally.
He revealed that the National Assembly is working on a framework for state policing, including the establishment of a regulatory commission to oversee its operations.
According to him, the proposed structure would ensure proper training, promotion, and accountability within a decentralised policing system.
He also disclosed plans to increase funding for policing infrastructure through adjustments to the national revenue framework.
Akpabio further highlighted the importance of boosting crude oil production, especially in light of increased domestic consumption by the Dangote Refinery, while also calling for more investment in agriculture and other productive sectors.
He concluded by reaffirming the legislature’s commitment to working with the executive to drive economic growth, strengthen security, and stabilise the country.