by George Ozalla
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called for sustained constitutional cooperation between the National Assembly and the Executive as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill to a Joint Sitting of the National Assembly in Abuja.
Speaking at the special session, Akpabio said the presentation of the budget went beyond a constitutional ritual and represented a defining national moment to reassess Nigeria’s priorities, leadership responsibilities, and collective resolve to build a stronger and more just future, according to him.
He formally welcomed President Tinubu, describing the National Assembly as the political cradle of the President’s public service journey, while also extending greetings to Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, members of the Federal Executive Council, and other officials in attendance.
Akpabio said the President’s appearance before Parliament reinforced the principles of accountability, engagement, and institutional harmony that underpin democratic governance, adding that nations make progress when the Legislature and Executive work together in the national interest.
Addressing criticisms of what some describe as excessive collaboration between both arms of government, the Senate President said history consistently showed that countries advanced when institutions cooperated and stagnated when rivalry replaced partnership. He cited historical examples from the United States, Britain, and ancient Rome to underscore the consequences of cooperation and conflict between branches of government, noting that great nations were built by leaders willing to make difficult decisions together.
Akpabio described the budget as a mirror of national priorities, stressing that the 2026 Appropriation Bill should serve as a statement of intent and a roadmap for Nigeria’s next phase of renewal rather than a mere collection of figures.
Reflecting on the country’s recent challenges, he acknowledged the pressures of rising living costs, economic adjustments by businesses, concerns among young Nigerians, and persistent security threats. He said, however, that Nigeria had a long tradition of resilience and reform in the face of adversity.
He said the reforms introduced under the 2025 Budget required uncommon courage, noting that despite scepticism and resistance, the decisions taken were necessary to address long-standing structural weaknesses. According to him, the country is now recording measurable gains, including improved government revenues, stronger fiscal discipline, greater transparency in public finance management, and strategic investments across infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and human capital.
Akpabio disclosed that the Tenth Senate had recorded one of the highest levels of legislative output in Nigeria’s history over the past year, with the passage of landmark bills on security, economic and fiscal reform, governance, judicial administration, electoral integrity, infrastructure development, and social protection. He said these laws had strengthened security coordination, improved accountability, modernised the justice system, deepened democratic processes, and laid the legal foundation for sustainable national recovery.
Despite these gains, the Senate President said progress must still translate into improved living conditions for Nigerians, noting that many citizens continued to struggle with the cost of living, unemployment, and insecurity. He said lawmakers viewed security challenges not as statistics but as human tragedies affecting their constituents, and reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to strengthening legal and budgetary support for security agencies while enhancing oversight.
Akpabio also commended President Tinubu for Nigeria’s swift response to the recent democratic crisis in the Benin Republic, saying the action reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to defending democracy beyond its borders.
He assured Nigerians of the National Assembly’s readiness to work closely with the President to ensure that every naira appropriated served the interests of the people, urging citizens to support ongoing reforms for long-term national benefit.
Drawing on a metaphor from agrarian societies, Akpabio likened the reform process to planting a baobab tree whose full benefits may not be immediately enjoyed by its planters but would provide shelter for future generations. He said budgeting was about posterity, shared responsibility, and collective sacrifice.
He concluded by formally inviting President Tinubu, on behalf of the National Assembly, to present the 2026 Appropriation Bill, expressing confidence that Nigeria’s best days still lay ahead if democratic values, unity, and shared purpose were sustained.
