Senator Akpabio marks two years as Senate President with praise for inclusive and strategic leadership

On Friday, June 13, 2025, Senator Godswill Akpabio marked two years in office as the President of Nigeria’s 10th Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly.

He was elected and sworn in on June 13, 2023.

Since assuming the role, the lawyer and politician from Ukana has demonstrated strong leadership, skillfully managing the complex workings of the Senate. Over the past 730 days, his tenure has been marked by notable achievements, showing his ability to handle diverse interests while focusing on national development.

Akpabio began his leadership with a clear vision for Nigeria’s progress. Despite initial resistance from within his own party and other political groups, he managed to unite various factions with the strong backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

With the full support of his fellow lawmakers, Akpabio quickly got to work, unifying all competing interests that had existed before his emergence as Senate President. One major area he handled with great care was the distribution of committee chairmanships—an issue that has caused internal crises in past Senates. Akpabio ensured a fair and inclusive allocation of committee leadership positions, earning the trust of both ruling and opposition senators.

Thanks to the unity and inclusive atmosphere Akpabio promoted, lawmakers were able to focus on their key responsibilities—lawmaking and oversight—without distractions.

Within his two-year leadership, the Senate has passed several major bills, including the 2025 national budget. Akpabio also steered the Senate through the sensitive issue of fuel subsidy removal, helping to secure legislative support by clearly explaining the economic reasoning behind the policy.

Economic Reforms
Akpabio’s Senate has played a vital role in supporting economic reforms, placing priority on sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and national defense. His focus on transparency and fiscal discipline has contributed to better budget performance and improved accountability.

National Security
During his time in office, the Senate approved major increases in funding for security agencies, including the military, police, and intelligence services—showing Akpabio’s dedication to tackling security challenges and maintaining stability.

Transparency and Public Engagement
Over the past two years, Akpabio has placed a strong emphasis on openness and communication with Nigerians. By actively engaging the media and the public, he has helped build confidence in the Senate and clarified its stance on national issues.

Akpabio’s leadership style is seen as inclusive, strategic, and focused on delivering results. He has shown a rare ability to manage different viewpoints, reach consensus, and drive meaningful change. His approach highlights key values that future legislative leaders can learn from, such as long-term vision, fairness in decision-making, transparency, and strong public communication.

As his time as Senate President continues, Akpabio’s impact as a transformative leader is expected to shape the country’s democratic development. His leadership model provides a strong foundation for others to follow in promoting good governance and progress in Nigeria.

Jackson Udom is the Special Assistant on Media to the President of the Senate.