The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called for continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms and his re-election in 2027, saying policy continuity is critical to consolidating the gains of the administration’s reform programme.
Akpabio made the call at the weekend when he received a high-level delegation of the Northern Ethnic Groups Assembly in Abuja, where he urged the group to support the administration’s economic reforms and ongoing efforts to reposition the Nigerian economy.
The Senate President explained that reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration, including the removal of fuel subsidy and foreign exchange reforms, were difficult but necessary measures aimed at addressing long-standing structural challenges in the economy.
According to him, the reforms have crossed a critical threshold and are beginning to produce tangible benefits for Nigerians.
“I stand before you not merely as a politician, but as a public servant committed to the prosperity of our nation, and particularly this vital region,” Akpabio told the delegation.
“The reforms initiated by President Tinubu are not abstract theories; they are concrete, courageous actions designed to dismantle long-standing structural bottlenecks and unlock Nigeria’s vast potential.”
Akpabio said the removal of fuel subsidy and measures aimed at stabilizing the foreign exchange market were necessary steps towards achieving fiscal sustainability and creating a stronger foundation for economic growth.
While acknowledging the difficulties initially experienced by Nigerians, he said the measures were necessary to redirect government resources towards critical sectors of the economy.
“While these measures initially posed challenges, they were the surgical procedures needed to redirect resources into healthcare, education, and infrastructure,” he said.
The Senate President noted that the reforms were beginning to produce positive indicators, including improved revenue collection, increased investor confidence and renewed interest from international partners.
He stressed the importance of policy continuity, warning that abandoning the current reform programme before its consolidation could undermine the gains already being recorded.
Akpabio Charges Northern Youths on Nation-Building
Akpabio also challenged Northern youths to become active participants in governance and national development, stressing that young Nigerians have an important role to play in shaping the country’s present and future.
“You are architects of today, not just leaders of tomorrow,” he told the delegation.
He disclosed that the 10th National Assembly remains committed to reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and the rule of law.
“Your innovation and engagement are the lifeblood of these reforms,” Akpabio said.
“We urge you to be critical consumers of information and to engage in constructive dialogue.”
The Senate President’s remarks come as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum across the country, with economic reforms and policy continuity increasingly becoming central to discussions about Nigeria’s development trajectory.
Northern Group Commends Akpabio
Speaking on behalf of the Northern Ethnic Groups Assembly, Ibrahim Dan-Musa commended Akpabio for what he described as his efforts to strengthen political understanding and cooperation between the North and South.
“We commend the Senate President for his accessibility and his unwavering dedication to the Nigerian project,” Dan-Musa said.
“His proactive engagement has rebuilt vital bridges of trust. He has proven that true national leadership transcends ethnic and geographical boundaries.”
The Assembly pledged to mobilise at the grassroots to educate Nigerians on what it described as the long-term benefits of the Federal Government’s economic policies.
Dan-Musa stressed that national unity must remain above regional demands and sectional interests.
“National unity is the ultimate anchor of our collective survival. No regional sentiment can take precedence over the sovereignty and peace of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
The Assembly further identified three key areas for its political engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections: continuous consultation with Northern youth structures, grassroots enlightenment on Federal Government fiscal policies, and an uncompromising commitment to national cohesion.
It also called for sustained mutual respect and transparent consultation between the Federal Government and Northern youth organisations.
The group pledged to undertake grassroots awareness campaigns aimed at helping communities better understand the government’s economic policies, address misinformation and encourage greater participation in the nation’s development process.
