Read our laws before criticising us, Akpabio urges Nigerians

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on Nigerians to familiarize themselves with legislation before offering criticism of the National Assembly's work. Speaking at the opening of the 2026 National Assembly Open Week in Abuja, Akpabio emphasized that the legislature is the most accessible democratic institution and that the Open Week initiative aims to foster transparency, accountability, and direct citizen engagement.

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I want all of us to attend this Open Week. Please try to read the laws we make. You can question us after you have finished reading the laws. You can also challenge us.

Akpabio stated that many criticisms leveled against the National Assembly stem from a lack of understanding of the legislative process. He urged citizens to read the laws enacted by lawmakers and then challenge them if necessary. Recalling an instance where an academic criticized tax reform legislation without reading it, Akpabio advised, "Sometimes before you comment on social media, take time to look at the work we have actually done."

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I saw somebody, a professor, on television condemning the tax bills. We asked him, ‘Which particular section of the Act are you against?’ He said he had not read any of the Acts. Sometimes before you comment on social media, take time to look at the work we have actually done.

He described the current 10th National Assembly as the most harmonious and productive since Nigeria's return to democratic rule in 1999. Akpabio attributed this success to close collaboration between the Senate and the House of Representatives, noting that while disagreements occur, both chambers ultimately work towards consensus in the national interest. He stressed that lawmakers enact legislation with future generations in mind, not for immediate political gains.

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Our job here is to make laws that will last for generations. We are not making laws for ourselves. We are making laws for the protection of Nigeria’s future.

Furthermore, Akpabio commended security agencies for the recent rescue of abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State, viewing it as proof of the government's commitment to tackling insecurity. He also defended the economic reforms initiated by the Tinubu administration, asserting that the country is becoming less reliant on crude oil revenue and that states are receiving significantly improved monthly allocations.

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This is the most peaceful and most productive Assembly that we have seen since 1999.