The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday defended the performance of the 10th National Assembly, urging Nigerians to study the laws passed by lawmakers before criticising their work.
He made the appeal in Abuja during the opening of the 2026 National Assembly Open Week, an event created to promote transparency, accountability and closer interaction between lawmakers and citizens.
Akpabio said many of the criticisms directed at the National Assembly come from people who have not taken time to understand how the legislative process works. According to him, citizens have every right to question lawmakers, but such criticism should be based on knowledge of the laws that have been enacted.
He referred to a recent television discussion where a university professor criticised the newly approved tax reform laws but admitted that he had not read any section of the legislation. Akpabio said such situations show why Nigerians should first examine the content of bills before making public comments, especially on social media.
The Senate President explained that lawmakers make laws that are expected to serve the country for many years rather than laws designed for temporary political interests. He added that the responsibility of the National Assembly is to protect Nigeria’s future through legislation that benefits generations to come.
Akpabio also described the current National Assembly as the most peaceful and productive since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999. He credited the level of cooperation between the Senate and the House of Representatives for the number of bills and reforms achieved so far, adding that disagreements between both chambers are usually resolved through dialogue in the national interest.
He praised security agencies for rescuing abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State, saying the operation showed that the government remains committed to addressing insecurity across the country.
Speaking on the economy, Akpabio defended the reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu, saying they have reduced Nigeria’s dependence on crude oil revenue. He stated that many state governments now receive larger monthly allocations, making it easier for them to pay salaries and execute projects without relying heavily on loans.
Also at the event, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas presented the Third-Year Legislative Scorecard of the House. He disclosed that lawmakers had received 2,747 bills over the past three years, passed 363 of them and secured presidential approval for 72, describing the record as the highest legislative output since 1999.
Abbas also announced that the House would withdraw its earlier state police bill to allow lawmakers concentrate on the executive version recently submitted by President Tinubu. According to him, the new proposal contains broader provisions and stronger safeguards against abuse.
He assured Nigerians that the executive bill would go through public hearings and detailed scrutiny before any final decision is taken. Abbas added that no state would be allowed to establish its own police service without meeting constitutional conditions covering funding, accountability, human rights protection and proper oversight.
The Speaker said the House has focused on laws aimed at improving education, reforming tax administration, attracting investment, strengthening regional development and improving the welfare of citizens. He added that legislative backing for the President’s reforms was based on constitutional duty rather than political considerations.
Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, also addressed participants at the event. He urged lawmakers to continue strengthening transparency, accountability and inclusion while encouraging the National Assembly Open Week to become a platform for continuous engagement between lawmakers and Nigerians instead of remaining a ceremonial event.
He also reaffirmed the Presidency’s commitment to maintaining a productive working relationship with the legislature while respecting its independence.
Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, Clement Nwankwo, acknowledged some of the National Assembly’s achievements, including constitutional review efforts, legislative reforms and wider public engagement.
However, he said more work remains, particularly in strengthening oversight of the executive, increasing transparency, promoting wider citizen participation and advancing reforms that improve governance, security and economic opportunities.
He also urged lawmakers to complete the constitutional amendment process, improve the legal framework for elections and support greater political inclusion, especially for women.
Retired Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, advised lawmakers to maintain close contact with the people they represent and regularly consult their constituents on matters affecting them.
The event attracted several notable personalities, including former Speakers Aminu Masari, Patricia Etteh and Yakubu Dogara, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Ali Pate, former Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha and other public officials.