The President of Nigeria’s Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has welcomed continued defence cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, saying it plays a crucial role in the country’s fight against terrorism.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Senate’s first plenary sitting of 2026 after the festive recess, Mr Akpabio said the partnership demonstrated Nigeria’s alignment with international allies in countering forces that threaten regional and global stability.
He extended sympathies to families who have lost loved ones to insecurity, stressing that national security is ultimately about safeguarding lives, communities and future generations.
Reflecting on developments during the National Assembly’s recess, the Senate President said Nigeria had continued to confront economic headwinds, security concerns and social pressures, while citizens showed remarkable resilience.
He noted that Nigerians had remained active and vocal, expressing hope through entrepreneurship and a persistent demand for governance that delivers tangible results.
According to Mr Akpabio, public expectations of leadership have grown more pressing, with calls for reforms that are effective and a future built on fairness, accountability and honest labour.
He warned that lawmakers must act swiftly and decisively, citing a United Nations projection that as many as 35 million Nigerians may face food insecurity this year.
The Senate President urged legislators to intensify their efforts through lawmaking, oversight and inter-agency cooperation to strengthen food systems and ensure that vulnerable citizens are not left behind.
