Akpabio gives Tinubu top marks for revitalizing the economy and bolstering national security.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has commended President Bola Tinubu's performance on economic reforms and security, pledging the National Assembly's full cooperation on outstanding matters, including state police, increased crude oil production, and infrastructure development.

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Akpabio made these remarks after leading a delegation of Senate Principal Officers on a traditional Sallah homage to President Tinubu at his Lagos residence, where they celebrated Eid al-Kabir and wished the President good health and wisdom.

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The Senate President expressed his appreciation for President Tinubu's economic reforms, which have eliminated multiple exchange rates, false subsidies, and "future clauses" that drained Nigeria's oil revenues, thereby repositioning the country for growth.

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Akpabio noted that the President has stopped the practice of expending money without earning income, which had hindered the country's economic progress, and has also brought an end to long fuel queues, a notable achievement of his administration.

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The Senate President praised President Tinubu's tax harmonization efforts, describing them as transformative, particularly the harmonization of taxes that dated back to 1939.

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Akpabio assured President Tinubu that the National Assembly would support him in his efforts, stating that he would stand by the President as long as his proposals were in the best interest of the country's future growth.

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On security, Akpabio observed that there is no part of the country where the flag of any insurgent group is being hoisted, and while acknowledging that security has improved, he noted that more needs to be done, particularly in areas with soft targets such as schools, churches, and mosques.

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The Senate President acknowledged that the security services have done well in bringing an end to organized bomb blasts and insurgent activities, but emphasized that the National Assembly would work with the President to improve security, particularly through the establishment of a state police framework.

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Akpabio revealed that the National Assembly is actively working on a regulatory framework for state policing, including the creation of a national state police commission to oversee the conduct, training, and promotion of state police officers.

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The Senate President also highlighted the need for citizens to be vigilant and report suspicious activities, as the President and security services are working to address the security challenges facing the country.

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Regarding police funding, Akpabio disclosed that the National Assembly is considering allocating 0.5 to 1 percent of revenue from the production account to the police trust fund, which would be used for police infrastructure and equipment, with the states also expected to contribute their share.

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Akpabio noted that infrastructure projects are ongoing and emphasized the need to increase crude oil production, now that the Dangote Refinery is absorbing significant volumes, in order to export crude oil and earn foreign exchange for other sectors of the economy.

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The Senate President expressed the hope that the country would attract foreign investment, particularly in the agricultural sector, to further boost the economy.