Akpabio urges president to sustain relationships with political allies
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The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has urged Nigerians not to abandon President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms before their expected benefits are fully realised, arguing that reversing course midway could undermine the gains already recorded.
Abbas said the economic adjustment measures introduced by the Tinubu administration had imposed significant costs on households and businesses, but maintained that the country needed continuity to consolidate the changes and translate higher public revenues into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.
He made the remarks at the inauguration of the 2027 Presidential Campaign Council while making a case for the administration’s reform agenda ahead of the 2027 general election, insisting that the central question should be how to convert the gains recorded so far into better living conditions for Nigerians.
According to him, the first term of the administration was largely devoted to confronting economic instability and expanding public revenue, while a second term should focus on ensuring that the benefits reach ordinary citizens.
“The first term confronted instability. The first term expanded public revenue. The second term must turn revenue into public value,” Abbas said.
He added: “Nigeria has paid the price of reform. Nigeria must now receive the dividend of consolidation.”
The Speaker’s remarks come amid continuing public debate over the effects of the administration’s economic policies, including the removal of petrol subsidy and foreign exchange reforms, which have contributed to increased living costs.
While acknowledging the hardship associated with the reforms, Abbas argued that the country should not discard the measures before their long-term outcomes could be assessed.
He said the challenge before the government was to ensure that improved economic indicators translated into relief for households, more jobs, stronger public services and wider economic opportunities.
To support his position, Abbas cited figures he attributed to recent World Bank reports, including economic growth of 4.2 per cent in the first half of 2026 and external reserves exceeding $54bn in September.
He also cited a current account surplus of $12bn, non-oil exports exceeding $6bn in 2025, and increases in federal and state revenues between 2023 and 2025.
According to the figures presented by the Speaker, federal revenue rose by 69 per cent in real terms during the period, while state revenues increased by 93 per cent.
Abbas said the figures indicated changes in the country’s fiscal and external position, but stressed that the administration’s ultimate test would be whether the improvements translated into measurable benefits for Nigerians.
He also challenged the opposition to present credible alternatives to the government’s policies, rather than merely criticising the reforms.
“An ambassador does not invent evidence,” he said, urging supporters of the administration to defend its record with facts and substantive arguments.
“When opponents raise their voices, we must raise the quality of our arguments,” Abbas added.
The Speaker also highlighted the legislative record of the 10th House of Representatives, citing measures on student loans, the new national minimum wage, tax reform and the Electoral Act 2026.
He said the House had received 2,747 bills and passed 363, with more than 70 receiving presidential assent. He also referred to legislative efforts towards the establishment of state police.
Abbas maintained that the legislature’s role in the reform process was to provide the legal framework for economic restructuring while ensuring that the government remained accountable for the outcomes.
He said the 2027 election would provide an opportunity for Nigerians to assess the administration’s record and determine whether its policies had delivered sufficient progress.
The Speaker argued that the next phase should focus less on the initial disruption associated with the reforms and more on converting increased revenues and economic adjustments into visible improvements in living standards.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged President Tinubu to sustain his relationships with political allies as he seeks re-election in 2027, calling for unity among supporters of the administration.
He said political leaders and members of the National Assembly had come together to promote the President’s message of unity and transformation, stressing the need for cooperation ahead of the 2027 general election.
The Senate President also proposed that the minority caucus be considered for inclusion in the initiative, subject to the President’s approval, in what he presented as an opportunity to broaden political engagement.
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