President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Thursday led principal officers of the Senate on a traditional Eid-el-Kabir visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos, where he reaffirmed the National Assembly’s support for the administration’s economic and security reforms.
The visit, which took place during the Sallah celebrations, provided an opportunity for members of the Senate leadership to meet with the President, pray for peace and stability in the country, and discuss issues affecting the nation.
Speaking after the meeting, Akpabio said the Senate leadership came to felicitate with Tinubu on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir and to encourage the President over ongoing efforts to address Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.
“We came to felicitate with Mr President on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir and to commend the efforts being made to address the economic challenges facing the nation,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President praised some of the major economic policies introduced by the Tinubu administration since it came into office in May 2023.
According to him, measures such as the removal of fuel subsidy, exchange rate harmonisation and tax reforms were difficult decisions but necessary to stabilise the economy and restore fiscal discipline.
Tinubu’s government removed fuel subsidy shortly after assuming office, a move that led to a sharp rise in petrol prices across the country.
The administration also unified the foreign exchange market, ending the multiple exchange rate system that existed under previous governments.
Government officials have repeatedly defended the reforms, saying they are aimed at reducing waste, attracting investment and creating long-term economic growth.
However, many Nigerians have continued to complain about rising living costs, inflation and economic hardship following the reforms.
Despite the criticism, Akpabio said the administration inherited serious economic problems and deserves support for taking bold decisions.
According to him, Nigeria faced major financial challenges before Tinubu took office, including a growing debt burden, multiple foreign exchange windows and pressure on government finances.
“The government inherited significant economic difficulties, but steps are being taken to stabilise the economy and reposition the country for growth,” he stated.
Akpabio noted that economic reforms are often painful at the early stages but may produce long-term benefits if properly managed.
He said the National Assembly would continue to support policies aimed at improving the economy and strengthening public institutions.
On security, the Senate President acknowledged that insecurity remains a serious concern in several parts of the country, despite progress recorded by security agencies.
Nigeria has continued to battle insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, kidnapping in parts of the North-Central and South-East, as well as attacks by criminal gangs in different communities.
Akpabio said there had been improvements in the fight against insurgents and criminal groups, but added that attacks on soft targets still require urgent attention.
“While progress has been made, attacks on soft targets remain a concern that requires sustained effort,” he said.
He disclosed that the National Assembly is currently considering additional measures to strengthen policing and improve security across the country.
One of the proposals under discussion, according to him, is increased support for the Police Trust Fund to improve funding, equipment and welfare for security personnel.
Akpabio also revealed that lawmakers are continuing discussions on the establishment of state police.
The issue of state police has remained a major topic in Nigeria for several years, with supporters arguing that governors and local authorities should have greater control over security within their states.
Those in support believe state police would help tackle crimes more effectively because local officers are more familiar with their communities and security challenges.
However, opponents have raised concerns that some state governments could misuse state police for political purposes.
Akpabio said lawmakers are working towards a “regulated state police system” that would improve security without undermining democracy and human rights.
He assured Nigerians that the National Assembly would continue to work closely with the executive arm of government in addressing the country’s major problems.
According to him, the legislature remains committed to supporting policies and projects that would improve infrastructure, boost food production, strengthen security and create economic opportunities.
He also stressed the need for national unity and cooperation as the country navigates current economic and security challenges.
The Senate President’s visit comes at a time when the Tinubu administration is intensifying efforts to defend its economic reforms amid growing public criticism over hardship and inflation.
Government officials insist that the reforms are necessary to prevent economic collapse and place Nigeria on a path of sustainable growth.
Recently, President Tinubu said the removal of fuel subsidy and reforms in the foreign exchange market had stopped massive financial leakages and improved public finances.
The President also said states and local governments are now receiving more revenue for development projects.
However, labour unions, opposition politicians and civil society groups have continued to demand measures to reduce the hardship facing millions of Nigerians.
Many citizens have complained about high transportation costs, rising food prices and declining purchasing power since the reforms began.
Thursday’s meeting between Tinubu and Senate leaders highlighted the close working relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government as both sides seek solutions to Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.