President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has declared that lawmakers were not elected to engage in conflict with the executive but to collaborate in advancing the country’s development agenda.

Speaking in a forthcoming State House documentary to mark President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office, Akpabio stressed the importance of cooperation between the legislative and executive arms of government.

“When you’re elected into the National Assembly—whether in the Senate or the House of Representatives—your constituents don’t give you boxing gloves. It’s not a boxing match,” he said, insisting that “you’re elected to work together, across party lines, for Nigeria’s progress.”

He noted that the cordial relationship between the National Assembly and the Executive over the past two years has been driven by a shared vision for national transformation.

“If you spend all your time fighting the Executive, who will work for Nigeria?” he asked, highlighting the unique composition of the current administration, which includes a President, Vice President, and First Lady as well as former senators.

Akpabio revealed that the National Assembly is currently considering legislation to mandate ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to give priority to Nigerian-assembled vehicles in their procurement processes.

“We are working on a bill to ensure that government agencies purchase vehicles made in Nigeria before considering imports,” he said. “We lose billions annually importing items that can be manufactured locally.”

The Senate President lamented the decline of Nigeria’s manufacturing base, including the collapse of the once-thriving textile, cotton, groundnut, and palm oil industries.

“Over 50 textile companies have exited Nigeria. The cotton and groundnut sectors have collapsed. Look at Malaysia, which leveraged palm oil to grow its economy. We must reverse this trend,” he said.

Akpabio praised President Tinubu’s “Nigeria First” policy, describing it as a bold initiative that deserves robust legislative support. He disclosed ongoing engagements with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council to enact laws that promote local production.

“Our goal is to ensure that nearly everything we consume that can be produced locally is actually made in Nigeria,” he said.

“Taking Nigeria First seriously means bringing industries back home to serve our population of over 200 million.”

He also called for stronger support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), noting the massive potential of Nigeria’s consumer market.

“Even if you produce something as basic as vinegar or bread and package it well, you’ll find success. The market is here,” he said.

Akpabio assured that the 10th National Assembly is fully committed to driving legislation that will reduce import dependence, stimulate local industries, and create jobs.

Responding to criticisms that the legislature functions as a rubber stamp for the Executive, the Senate President said the National Assembly has exercised its oversight role effectively, including rejecting some presidential nominees.

“People forget that we’ve made tough decisions, including rejecting certain nominees sent by the President. It’s not everything the Executive proposes that we approve,” he said.

“Our job is to scrutinise, amend, and support policies that serve Nigeria’s best interests. We ensure the T’s are crossed and the I’s dotted.”

Akpabio added that the Assembly’s focus remains on enacting pro-people laws aligned with President Tinubu’s reform agenda.

“This government is about action, not theory. And we in the National Assembly are prioritising legislation that impacts the everyday lives of Nigerians,” he said.

Among key legislative achievements, he cited the Student Loan Act, tax reform initiatives, and the Minimum Wage Bill.

“In just two years, we’ve done a lot. But more people-focused laws are on the way—laws that will ease hardship, open up the economy, and empower our youth,” Akpabio said.