Senate President Godswill Akpabio has expressed confidence that Nigeria will overcome its security challenges, while describing the country’s banking sector as stronger and more resilient under the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Akpabio made the remarks while urging Nigerians to support the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope reforms, linking economic recovery to financial-sector stability, improved security and greater cooperation between citizens and government institutions.

Speaking on the banking sector, the Senate President said Nigerians no longer needed to fear a repeat of the period when bank failures could wipe out the savings of depositors.

He attributed the development to reforms introduced under the Tinubu administration, particularly the ongoing consolidation and recapitalisation of banks.

“Today, thanks to the bold vision and strategic foresights of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, our banking sector has transitioned from survival to absolute dominance,” Akpabio said.

He described Nigeria’s banking industry as one of the safest, most resilient and technologically advanced in Africa, arguing that the reforms had helped strengthen investor confidence, protect depositors and create a foundation for long-term economic growth.

Akpabio, however, acknowledged that the country’s economic progress could not be separated from the security situation. He described insecurity as a major threat to development, noting that businesses and investors require a stable environment to operate.

“Insecurity is a direct enemy of development,” he said.

“No foreign investor will build in an atmosphere of chaos, and no local business can thrive without safety.”

According to him, Nigeria’s security agencies are increasingly taking the fight to criminal groups, bandits and insurgents rather than waiting to respond after attacks have occurred.

“The security forces are taking the fight directly to the enclaves of criminals, bandits, and insurgents,” Akpabio said.

He added that the strategy had shifted from a largely reactive approach towards proactive confrontation, expressing confidence that the security challenges would eventually be brought under control.

Advertisement

But while praising the efforts of security personnel, Akpabio said the government could not win the fight against criminality without the active cooperation of citizens.

He urged Nigerians to provide security agencies with credible and timely information about suspicious activities in their communities, stressing that intelligence from residents remains essential to successful operations.

“Security is a collective civic responsibility,” he said.

“Our security personnel are working tirelessly on the frontlines, but they rely on actionable intelligence from the communities they protect.”

The Senate President called on Nigerians to abandon the culture of silence and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the appropriate authorities.

“If you see something, say something to the proper authorities,” he added.

On the economy, Akpabio acknowledged that Nigerians were still facing difficulties arising from the ongoing reforms. He said the government recognised the sacrifices being made by citizens and maintained that the measures were intended to address longstanding structural weaknesses in the economy.

“We acknowledge the sacrifices of the Nigerian people,” he said, adding that President Tinubu and members of his cabinet remained committed to implementing reforms designed to create a more prosperous future.

For Akpabio, the path to economic recovery therefore involves more than government policies alone. He called for stronger cooperation among citizens, security agencies and government institutions, arguing that national development requires a collective effort.

He urged Nigerians in the country and those living abroad to contribute to the development of the nation and support efforts aimed at strengthening its economy and security.

“Let us stand united, support our security agencies, and work hand-in-hand with this administration to build the nation of our dreams,” he said.