Senate President Godswill Akpabio has openly acknowledged the economic hardship many Nigerians are currently enduring, saying the country’s economy is “stretching the patience and resilience” of its citizens. He made this statement on Tuesday during his welcome address at the Senate chamber, marking the lawmakers’ return from recess.
Delivering his speech titled “Rising to Nigeria’s Moment,” Akpabio highlighted the rising cost of living, instability in the energy sector, and persistent insecurity as major issues demanding immediate attention. “Our economy continues to stretch the patience and resilience of our people,” he said. “These are not just news headlines—they are the bleeding wounds of the republic.”
The Senate President’s statement on Nigerians facing economic hardship was a central theme throughout his address. He pointed to troubling insecurity in the South-East and North-West, tensions between farmers and herders in the North-Central, and lingering issues of environmental and resource fairness in the South-South.
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Akpabio stressed that while President Tinubu and the executive arm are taking steps to address these challenges, the legislature must also act. “Legislative action to support the great work the Executive Arm led by President Bola Tinubu is doing to fix the myriad of challenges which besiege our nation,” he said.
He also touched on recent debates around electoral and judicial reforms, noting that these are not “idle conversations” but “the heartbeat of our democratic future.” He urged his fellow lawmakers to rise above partisanship, adding, “Let us govern with grace, not grudge.”
In a direct message to the public, Akpabio said: “To the Nigerian people, I say this: Your Senate is back at work. And we have not forgotten your hopes, your hardships, or your hunger for change.”
The speech was a clear acknowledgment that Nigerians are facing hard times, and a call for the Senate to step up with legislative solutions that reflect integrity, unity, and urgency. He promised the Senate would tackle critical bills on security, economic reforms, education, and youth empowerment.
The rising cost of living in Nigeria remains a key concern as lawmakers return to a packed legislative calendar, with public expectations higher than ever.
