Akpabio Tinubu security support pledged as Senate President vows stronger National Assembly backing for reforms, security and economic recovery

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Thursday, May 28, 2026, said the National Assembly would intensify its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in strengthening national security and advancing key economic reforms during a Sallah homage visit to the President’s residence in Lagos State.

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Godswill Akpabio led principal officers of the Senate to meet President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, where discussions centred on security challenges, economic reforms and legislative cooperation aimed at stabilising governance and accelerating national development.

Akpabio stated that the legislature remained committed to working closely with the executive to address insecurity, noting that while progress had been made, more decisive interventions were still required to protect vulnerable communities across the country.

He said the Akpabio Tinubu security support partnership would prioritise improved coordination in tackling threats, particularly attacks on soft targets such as schools, churches and mosques.

“There is no part of Nigeria today where the flag of any insurgents, whether Boko Haram, is being hoisted. All those organised bomb blasts everywhere have been brought to an end,” Akpabio said.

However, he acknowledged that lingering security gaps persisted, especially in rural and border communities, stressing the need for continued reforms and stronger institutional responses.

A major highlight of his remarks was the proposal for a structured state policing system, which he described as a “positive” model that would operate under a national regulatory framework to ensure accountability and professionalism.

Akpabio said the Senate was considering the establishment of a national state police commission that would oversee recruitment, training and discipline within a decentralised policing structure.

The Senate President also emphasised the role of citizens in supporting security agencies, urging increased vigilance and timely reporting of suspicious activities in local communities.

On economic matters, Akpabio praised President Tinubu’s reform agenda, saying it had repositioned Nigeria on a more stable growth trajectory despite initial challenges inherited by the administration.

He cited the removal of fuel subsidy payments, harmonisation of tax systems and the elimination of multiple exchange rates as critical steps that had strengthened fiscal management.

Akpabio also commended ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and the Lagos–Badagry–Sokoto corridor, describing them as transformative initiatives with long-term economic potential.

According to him, the Lagos–Badagry–Sokoto corridor includes extensive agricultural development potential, supported by dam infrastructure that could boost food production and rural economies.

The Senate President reaffirmed that the National Assembly would continue to back policies deemed beneficial to Nigeria’s long-term stability and development.

He also disclosed plans to increase statutory funding for the Nigeria Police Trust Fund from 0.5 per cent to one per cent of federation revenue to strengthen police capacity and infrastructure.

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The visit concluded with prayers for national peace, improved security and the safe return of citizens currently in captivity, marking a symbolic moment of unity between both arms of government.