Akpabio Opens 2026 National Assembly Week, Says Legislature Will Continue Working With Tinubu

Senate President Godswill Akpabio opened the 2026 National Assembly Open Week in Abuja on July 14. He said the legislature would continue to collaborate with President Bola Tinubu to advance Nigeria's national interest and had no constitutional duty to manufacture confrontation with the executive.

Akpabio stated that the parliament exists to serve Nigerians and must stay open, transparent and accessible.

"These walls were never meant to keep Nigerians out. They were built to welcome them in—not merely as spectators of democracy, but as its rightful owners," he said. He added that public trust rests on openness, accountability and engagement, and that informed criticism strengthens institutions.

The Senate president urged citizens to attend hearings and review legislative work. Akpabio reported that the 10th National Assembly passed more than 100 bills in its first three years. The measures addressed national security, returned out-of-school children to classrooms, reformed the tax system, set a new national minimum wage, promoted investment and created regional development commissions.

The assembly also screened and confirmed public office holders under its constitutional role. Nigeria regained a seat on the Executive Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union after nearly 60 years, Akpabio said. He described relations between the Senate and House of Representatives as marked by mutual respect and harmony over the past three years.

Akpabio said constructive partnership with the executive should not be viewed as surrender of independence.