The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has urged Nigerians to sustain support for President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, warning that abandoning or reversing the policies midway could undermine their anticipated benefits.
Speaking at the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja, Abbas said Nigeria must not abandon its economic recovery efforts after enduring the hardships associated with the reforms.
He explained that the administration’s first term had focused on restoring economic stability, addressing longstanding structural deficiencies and strengthening the country’s fiscal position.
According to him, the next stage of the reform agenda should prioritise translating the progress recorded into tangible improvements in citizens’ living conditions through job creation, infrastructure expansion and more efficient delivery of essential public services.
Abbas acknowledged the economic strain on households and businesses but stressed that sustaining the reforms was essential to ensuring that fiscal gains translated into tangible benefits for Nigerians.
“The first term confronted instability. The first term expanded public revenue. The second term must turn revenue into public value.
“Nigeria has paid the price of reform. Nigeria must now receive the dividend of consolidation,” he declared.
He warned that reversing the reforms could erode existing gains and undermine the benefits of Nigerians’ sacrifices.
Abbas said the administration’s achievements should be assessed not only through increased public revenue and positive economic indicators but also through improvements in household welfare, sustainable employment and economic opportunities.
Citing figures he attributed to recent World Bank reports, the Speaker referenced Nigeria’s 4.2 per cent economic growth in the first half of 2026 and foreign reserves exceeding $54 billion in September.
He also cited a $12 billion current account surplus, non-oil exports exceeding $6 billion in 2025 and increases in government revenue.
According to him, federal revenue rose by 69 per cent in real terms between 2023 and 2025, while allocations available to state governments increased by 93 per cent during the same period.
He urged APC members and supporters of the administration to present credible evidence and measurable results to demonstrate its achievements rather than rely on political rhetoric.
“An ambassador does not invent evidence,” he said, adding, “When opponents raise their voices, we must raise the quality of our arguments.”
Abbas also challenged opposition parties to present credible alternatives to the administration’s economic policies rather than capitalise on public dissatisfaction with the adjustment process.
Highlighting the legislative contributions of the 10th National Assembly, he cited the student loan scheme, revised national minimum wage, tax legislation and Electoral Act 2026 as measures intended to strengthen governance and address national priorities.
He disclosed that 2,747 bills had been introduced since the House’s inauguration, with 363 passed and more than 70 receiving presidential assent.
The Speaker identified the proposed establishment of state police as another legislative priority, saying it would strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and improve responses to emerging threats.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general election, Abbas said Nigerians would have the opportunity to assess the administration’s performance, stressing the need to preserve existing gains and ensure that economic reforms delivered lasting prosperity and improved living standards.
