Reported by: Ime Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja, October 7, 2025 — The President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, GCON, has called on lawmakers to take decisive action on the nation’s pressing security, economic, and social challenges as plenary resumed on Tuesday. Delivering his welcome address, Akpabio urged senators to legislate with courage, integrity, and a long-term vision for the benefit of current and future generations.
Welcoming colleagues back from recess, the Senate President extended congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians on the 65th Independence Anniversary. He reminded senators that nation-building is a continuous relay from one generation to the next, emphasizing the need to preserve democratic values and public trust.
Addressing recent tragedies, Akpabio offered condolences to families affected by the Niger River boat disaster in Kogi State, the mosque attack in Katsina, and the murder of twelve forest guards in Oke-Ode, Kwara State. He also sympathized with citizens in flood-affected states, including Bayelsa, Sokoto, and Zamfara, calling for urgent coordination between federal and state authorities to mitigate recurring disasters.
On the economy, Akpabio highlighted Nigeria’s oil production, which has risen toward 1.8 million barrels per day thanks to reforms and increased investor confidence. He stressed that these gains must be leveraged to enforce fiscal discipline, improve infrastructure, and create jobs. Turning to food security, he warned that over 33 million Nigerians face acute hunger, urging the Senate to prioritize agriculture, rural road development, irrigation, and mechanization to mitigate the crisis.
“The people do not look to us for lamentations; they look to us for action,” he said, drawing attention to terrorism, banditry, and the high cost of living as issues demanding legislative intervention. He urged collaboration with the Executive to implement reforms in education, healthcare, and governance while strengthening federal oversight to ensure public funds are effectively utilized.
Akpabio also called for a review of the Constitution to make Nigeria’s federalism more efficient, inclusive, and responsive. He emphasized the importance of legislative independence, transparency, and accountability, asserting that the Senate would maintain its dignity and uphold the Constitution as the bedrock of democracy.
Looking ahead to the 2025 election season, he stressed that citizens must make informed choices, prioritizing integrity, competence, and devotion to service over spectacle or popularity. “Leadership is not a carnival, and governance is not a stage for theatrics,” Akpabio said, urging Nigerians to vote wisely and uphold democratic principles.
He commended the achievements of the Tinubu administration while underscoring the Senate’s role in complementing executive efforts. He called for bold legislative initiatives to stimulate economic growth, expand the tax base, improve public services, and empower youths and women across the country.
Concluding his address, Akpabio pledged that the Senate would resume work with renewed vigour and steadfast resolve, striving to legislate not only for the Nigeria of today but for generations yet to come. He described the upper chamber as a “citadel of democracy and a beacon of hope,” affirming the lawmakers’ commitment to national transformation, good governance, and the welfare of Nigerians.
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