President Bola Tinubu has expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support from the National Assembly (NASS) over the past 19 months, reiterating his administration’s determination to guide Nigeria towards greater prosperity. At a New Year homage at his residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, President Tinubu addressed Vice President Kashim Shettima, the leadership of the National Assembly, and former principal officers, highlighting the significance of their collaboration in the country’s transformative journey.
During the meeting, which was led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu affirmed that the efforts of both the executive and legislative arms were crucial in realizing Nigeria’s future potential. He acknowledged the role of the National Assembly in supporting his administration’s policies and vision, emphasizing the unity needed to propel the nation forward. We have come to serve. You have made my day by coming on this visit. Happy New Year. May God bless you and our country and give our nation more prosperity, the President said.
Tinubu underscored that the transformation Nigeria is undergoing is not just for the current generation but for future ones, particularly unborn children. He appealed to the lawmakers’ commitment to value addition and the collective responsibility of nation-building. Your commitment will yield that fruit for the babies yet unborn, he remarked, urging a unified effort to ensure Nigeria’s prosperity.
The President’s message was one of determination and resilience, as he made a solemn pledge to work even harder in the coming years. He emphasized the need for courage in leadership, referencing a Yoruba saying that highlights the importance of bravery in seizing opportunities. It is only a courageous dog that will capture the animal in the bush, he said, drawing a parallel to the bold actions required for the nation’s progress.
Senate President Akpabio, in his remarks, commended President Tinubu for his courage and leadership, vowing that the National Assembly would continue to support the administration’s transformative agenda. He cited Nigeria’s positive economic outlook as a testament to the success of the current leadership, pointing to key achievements such as the oversubscription of Nigeria’s Eurobond and improvements in the ease of doing business. Akpabio also praised the administration’s ability to attract foreign investor confidence, which he said was a clear indicator of Nigeria’s emerging stability.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, joined in the praise, lauding the President for his respect and support for the National Assembly. He acknowledged that many key figures in the administration, including Tinubu and his closest aides, had roots in the legislative body, further strengthening the bond between the executive and the legislature. The National Assembly today is more united than ever,” Abbas declared. We need to thank you for that.
Abbas also highlighted the tangible improvements seen across the country, noting that Nigerians faced significant challenges in the early part of 2023 but witnessed a positive shift towards the end of the year. He expressed confidence that 2025 would mark the culmination of the administration’s efforts, with Nigerians reaping the full benefits of the ongoing reforms.
The ongoing collaboration between the National Assembly and the executive under President Tinubu’s leadership signals a promising future for Nigeria, one where unity and bold decisions will drive the nation towards its long-awaited prosperity. As the year progresses, both the President and lawmakers remain focused on the path ahead, determined to ensure that the vision of a prosperous Nigeria is realized for all.