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Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has hailed President Bola Tinubu’s 2025 Appropriation Bill as a critical blueprint for the nation’s transformation, describing it as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Speaking during the President’s budget presentation to a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday, Akpabio praised Tinubu’s leadership as a beacon of hope in challenging times and underscored the importance of unity and collaboration in shaping the nation’s future.
Highlighting Tinubu’s accomplishments, Akpabio commended the administration’s courageous reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, which he described as a bold step toward redirecting resources to education and healthcare.
He noted that such measures reflected the President’s commitment to Nigeria’s economic stability and growth.
Akpabio emphasised the groundbreaking nature of the administration’s tax reforms, describing the four Tax Bills before the National Assembly as a transformative shift in Nigeria’s fiscal landscape.
“These reforms mark the first comprehensive tax overhaul since our independence,” he said, adding that they would rejuvenate small and medium enterprises, foster a more competitive business environment, and bolster Nigeria’s revenue profile for sustainable development.
“Your Excellency, your leadership shines like a beacon of hope, illuminating our path forward in these challenging times,” he added.
The Senate President highlighted Tinubu’s achievements, including a doubling of government revenues to NGN18.32 trillion, reductions in debt servicing from 97 per cent to 68 per cent, increased oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day, and groundbreaking social welfare initiatives like the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) programme.
Akpabio praised the administration’s infrastructure renaissance, emphasising its role in connecting communities and fostering economic growth.
He also lauded the government’s success in strengthening national security, celebrating the liberation of communities previously under terrorist threats and the neutralization of over 11,000 insurgents.
Akpabio called for sustained collaboration between the Executive and Legislative arms of government, urging ministers and agency heads to respect legislative oversight and defend their budgetary allocations.
He warned against constitutional breaches, stressing that such neglect would not be tolerated.
Acknowledging the economic hardships faced by Nigerians, Akpabio likened them to “the pains of childbirth,” urging citizens to remain patient and have faith in the administration’s vision. “Together, we will build a Nigeria that we can all be proud of,” he assured.
Akpabio pledged the National Assembly’s commitment to a thorough and timely evaluation of the 2025 budget.
He emphasised that the process would reflect the voices of Nigerians, ensuring their priorities and aspirations are embedded in the nation’s economic agenda.
The session concluded with President Tinubu formally presenting the 2025 Appropriation Bill, reaffirming the shared commitment of both the Executive and Legislature to chart a course toward a prosperous and united Nigeria.
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