By Mercy Gadia Adi
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday charged his colleagues to approach the new legislative session with renewed determination to tackle the nation’s economic and social challenges, insisting that Nigerians expect results, not excuses.
Welcoming senators back from recess at the resumption of plenary, Akpabio said the upper chamber must demonstrate “steady hands for a great nation” by enacting bold reforms that promote economic stability, create jobs, and strengthen democratic governance.
He congratulated President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians on the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary, describing nation-building as a “relay of sacrifice” that requires each generation to preserve the ideals of freedom and justice.
While acknowledging the progress recorded in oil production, which he noted had risen to 1.8 million barrels per day, the Senate President warned against wasteful spending, urging fiscal discipline and prudent use of resources to achieve infrastructure renewal and inclusive growth.
Akpabio expressed deep concern over rising food insecurity, revealing that over 33 million Nigerians face acute hunger. He called for urgent legislative interventions in agriculture, rural infrastructure, and mechanization, stressing that “hunger cannot be defeated with words; it requires policy, budget, and will.”
The Senate President also condoled with families affected by recent tragedies, including the Kogi boat mishap, the Katsina mosque attack, and the killing of forest guards in Kwara as well as victims of flooding in Bayelsa, Sokoto, and Zamfara States. He urged stronger coordination between federal and state governments to prevent recurrent disasters.
On the economy, Akpabio emphasized that Nigerians are looking to the National Assembly for decisive action to address inflation, insecurity, and unemployment.
“Our people do not look to us for lamentations; they look to us for action,” he said, pledging that the Senate would work with the Executive Arm “to rewrite the story of our nation.”
He reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to maintaining its independence while engaging the Executive constructively, declaring that the Senate would be “frank and firm neither obsequious nor obstructive.”
Akpabio also underscored the need to revisit the 1999 Constitution to make Nigeria’s federal structure more efficient and inclusive. He said the Senate must exercise strong oversight to ensure that “the people’s money is spent for the people’s good.”
Turning to the political climate ahead of the 2026 elections, the Senate President cautioned against turning governance into “a carnival or a stage for theatrics,” urging Nigerians to elect leaders of integrity, competence, and sincere devotion to service.
“Democracy will only flourish when ballots are cast not for the loudest voice, but for the wisest head,” he said.
Akpabio concluded by charging his colleagues to legislate with a sense of history and purpose, ensuring that the Senate remains “a citadel of democracy and a beacon of hope” for future generations.