By George Ozalla
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has emphasized that lawmakers were elected to foster policies that promote national development, not to engage in confrontation with the Executive. Speaking in an upcoming feature documentary to mark two years of the Bola Tinubu administration, Akpabio stressed the importance of cooperation between the National Assembly and the Executive.
“When elected into the National Assembly, your constituents will not give you boxing gloves. It’s not a boxing tournament. You are there to work in a bipartisan manner for the interest of Nigeria,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President highlighted legislative priorities, including a bill mandating ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to prioritize procuring locally assembled vehicles over imported alternatives. He also emphasized the need to revive Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, citing the collapse of the textiles industry and cash crops like cotton, groundnut, and palm oil.
Akpabio praised the “Nigeria First” policy championed by the Tinubu administration, describing it as a “fantastic” initiative that deserves legislative backing. He disclosed that discussions were ongoing with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council to promote laws ensuring Nigeria produces most of its consumption.
The Senate President called for more significant support for local entrepreneurs, noting that even small-scale production ventures could thrive in Nigeria’s vast consumer market. He assured Nigerians that the 10th National Assembly will continue prioritizing pro-people legislation supporting the President’s bold reform agenda.
Akpabio cited several landmark legislative interventions, including the Student Loan Act (NELFUND), Tax reform bills, and the Minimum Wage Bill. He assured that more people-focused laws are coming, aimed at reducing hardship, opening the economy, and empowering young people.
