Senate President Godswill Akpabio says the National Assembly will continue to support President Bola Tinubu’s economic reform agenda, describing lawmakers as “worthy partners” of the administration.
Mr Akpabio made the comments on Friday in Lagos when he led a delegation of federal lawmakers to meet President Tinubu as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary. (TheCable)
The Senate president said the legislature had reviewed what he described as obsolete laws and passed major economic legislation to bring Nigeria’s legal and economic framework in line with current realities.
He cited the passage of four major tax reform laws as evidence of the National Assembly’s support for the government’s economic programme.
“You’ve seen the reform in the tax system,” Mr Akpabio said, adding that the legislation had been passed within a short period after lawmakers considered its provisions.
He said the legislature would continue to back bills intended to transform the economy and would match its commitments with legislative action.
“On the part of the National Assembly, we want to continue to remain worthy partners to the administration of President Bola Tinubu,” he said.
Reforms and cost of living
Mr Akpabio’s comments came after President Tinubu used his Independence Day address to signal a shift in focus from implementing economic reforms towards reducing the cost of living and improving the welfare of Nigerians. (TheCable)
The Senate president said lawmakers would support policies and legislation aimed at advancing those objectives.
He also said Nigeria had made progress on security, although he acknowledged that pockets of insecurity and discontent remained in parts of the country.
Mr Akpabio linked some of the political tensions to the approaching election season.
“We believe he’s doing well. These reforms are working,” he said.
He also called for greater national unity, saying Nigeria’s continued existence as one country after 66 years demonstrated the resilience of its people.
Mr Akpabio was accompanied on the visit by House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and other federal lawmakers. (TheCable)
