“We Don’t Waste Time On Anything That Will Enhance Nigerians’ Living Standard” – Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has reiterated the National Assembly’s commitment to prioritising legislation that directly improves the lives of Nigerians.

In a forthcoming documentary marking two years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Akpabio emphasised that the 10th Assembly is focused on fast-tracking pro-people bills that align with national development.

According to Akpabio, the duty of lawmakers is to work hand-in-hand with the executive in delivering reforms that enhance the welfare of Nigerians, not to engage in conflict, noting that such collaboration is essential for national progress.

Naijaonpoint reports that the Senate President’s remarks were shared by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga in a statement on Tuesday.

“When elected into the National Assembly, whether in the Senate or the House of Representatives, your constituents will not give you boxing gloves,” Akpabio said.

“It’s not a boxing tournament. You are there to work in a bipartisan manner for the interest of Nigeria.”

Akpabio noted that the existing rapport between the National Assembly and the Executive has been instrumental in driving reform, describing the relationship as “cordial” and focused on mutual goals.

“If you spend all your energy fighting the executive, who will work for Nigeria?” he asked.

He further described the current administration as historic, highlighting the shared legislative background of the nation’s top leaders.

According to Akpabio, the government stands out for having a president, a vice president, and a first lady who have all previously served as senators—an alignment he believes aids policy cohesion.

As part of the National Assembly’s legislative agenda, Akpabio revealed efforts to push a bill that would mandate government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to prioritise the purchase of locally assembled vehicles.

“We have started the bill for enacting legislation to enable us to first purchase automobiles from Nigerian companies before thinking of importing them.

“We lose billions of dollars annually importing vehicles and other items that can be produced locally,” he said.

The Senate President also lamented the decline of Nigeria’s industrial base, pointing to the collapse of vital sectors like textiles, palm oil, cotton, and groundnuts, which once sustained the economy.

“Over 50 textile companies have left Nigeria. The cotton industry collapsed. The groundnut industry collapsed. The palm oil industry collapsed. Look at countries like Malaysia that have leveraged palm oil to boost their economies,” he lamented.

Akpabio welcomed the “Nigeria First” campaign initiated by the Tinubu administration, describing it as “fantastic” and worth supporting through legislative action.

He also revealed that the National Assembly was engaging with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council to craft policies that would encourage local production and reduce import dependency.

“We are going to make laws and produce bills that ensure almost every item we consume that can be produced in Nigeria is produced in Nigeria.

“Taking Nigeria first means bringing industries back to the country to serve our population of over 200 million,” he said.

He pointed out that Nigeria’s huge population presents immense opportunities for entrepreneurs in even the smallest sectors.

“Even if you produce vinegar and bag it well, it will fly. If you produce bread, you will be a millionaire, considering the kind of population that we have,” he stated.

Akpabio affirmed the legislature’s commitment to passing laws that strengthen the economy, encourage industrial rebirth, and create jobs.

While critics have occasionally accused the National Assembly of acting as a rubber stamp for the presidency, Akpabio rejected such claims.

“People forget that we have made enemies by rejecting some of the nominees that the president sent to us. It’s not everything the president brings that he takes back the same way,” he said.

He clarified that the legislature serves a critical review function, ensuring that executive proposals align with national interest.

“Our job is to make sure we cross the T’s and dot the I’s to assist the President in having the best for the Nigerian population,” said Akpabio.

Looking ahead, he pledged that the 10th Assembly would continue to champion laws that directly improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

“This government is not a government of theory; it’s a government of action. So, for us in the National Assembly, we are very focused on pro-people legislation,” Akpabio stated.

He cited major policy reforms already achieved in collaboration with the Executive, including the Student Loan Act (NELFUND), tax reform laws, and the Minimum Wage Bill.

“We have done quite a lot in just two years. I assure Nigerians that more people-focused laws are coming: laws that will reduce hardship, open the economy, and empower young people.

“From the perspective of the National Assembly, we have scrutinised almost every bill that the president has brought. We have aligned it with the Nigerian people’s realities and needs and supported it by ensuring they are speedily passed.

“We don’t waste time on anything that will enhance the living standard of Nigerians,” he said.