Akpabio Hails Tinubu Administration's Economic and Security Reforms Amid Mixed Data
Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised the Tinubu government for improvements in Nigeria's economy and security, though independent assessments present a more complex picture of the administration's performance.
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Senate President Godswill Akpabio has publicly commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration for what he described as significant progress in addressing Nigeria's economic challenges and security concerns, marking a rare moment of unified praise between the executive and legislative branches.
Speaking on Saturday, Akpabio extended his appreciation to Vice President Kashim Shettima, members of the National Assembly, and the Federal Executive Council for what he characterized as a transformation in key sectors, according to The Nation Newspaper. The Senate President's remarks come as Nigeria continues to grapple with inflation, currency instability, and persistent security threats across multiple regions.
Economic Performance Under Scrutiny
The Tinubu administration, which assumed office in May 2023, has implemented controversial economic reforms including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of multiple exchange rates. These policies have generated significant debate among economists and civil society organizations regarding their immediate impact on ordinary Nigerians.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria's inflation rate reached 34.80% in December 2025, though it showed marginal improvement from previous months. The World Bank projected modest GDP growth of 3.3% for Nigeria in 2025, suggesting gradual economic stabilization following years of sluggish performance. However, the removal of fuel subsidies has triggered sharp increases in transportation and food costs, placing considerable strain on household budgets across the country.
The Central Bank of Nigeria has maintained tight monetary policy, raising interest rates to combat inflation, while the naira has experienced significant volatility against major currencies. Foreign direct investment figures from the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission showed mixed results, with some sectors attracting capital while others remained subdued.
Security Situation Remains Complex
Akpabio's commendation of security improvements comes against a backdrop of ongoing challenges in multiple Nigerian regions. The Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) has documented continued violence in the North-East, North-West, and Middle Belt regions, though some areas have seen reduced incident rates compared to previous years.
The Nigerian military has intensified operations against Boko Haram remnants and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the North-East, while simultaneously addressing banditry and kidnapping networks in the North-West. According to security analysts at the Institute for Security Studies, military operations have achieved tactical successes, but underlying governance and socioeconomic factors continue to fuel instability.
In the South-East, tensions related to the Indigenous People of Biafra movement persist, while the Niger Delta region has experienced relative calm following renewed engagement with stakeholder communities. The Nigeria Police Force has also faced scrutiny over its capacity to address rising urban crime and ensure citizen protection.
Political Dynamics and Legislative Relations
The Senate President's public endorsement reflects the generally cooperative relationship between the Tinubu administration and the National Assembly leadership, both dominated by the ruling All Progressives Congress. This alignment has facilitated the passage of key legislation, including the 2025 budget and various economic reform bills.
However, opposition parties and civil society groups have criticized what they perceive as insufficient oversight by the legislature. The Peoples Democratic Party and Labour Party have repeatedly called for more rigorous scrutiny of executive actions, particularly regarding economic policies affecting vulnerable populations.
The Federal Executive Council has approved multiple initiatives aimed at diversifying Nigeria's economy beyond oil dependence, including agricultural modernization programs and digital economy investments. Implementation challenges and bureaucratic bottlenecks have slowed some initiatives, according to reports from the Budget Office of the Federation.
Regional and International Context
Nigeria's economic and security trajectory carries significant implications for West Africa, given its position as the region's largest economy and most populous nation. The Economic Community of West African States has monitored Nigeria's reform efforts closely, particularly as the region faces broader challenges including democratic backsliding in some member states and coordinated security threats.
International financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, have provided technical support for Nigeria's economic reforms while emphasizing the need for social safety nets to cushion vulnerable populations. Foreign governments have maintained security cooperation with Nigeria, particularly in counterterrorism operations and maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
As Nigeria approaches the midpoint of President Tinubu's first term, sustained improvements in economic indicators and security metrics will be essential to validate the optimistic assessments offered by government officials. Independent monitoring by civil society organizations and international observers will provide crucial benchmarks for measuring progress beyond official narratives.