Akpabio: Nigeria’s Banks Now Stronger, Insecurity Will Soon Be Defeated

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said Nigeria’s banking sector has become stronger and more resilient, assuring Nigerians that the country’s security challenges will soon be overcome.

Akpabio made the remarks while urging Nigerians to support the economic and security reforms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stressing that financial-sector reforms, improved security operations and citizens’ cooperation were essential to national development.

According to him, the era when banks could collapse suddenly, leaving depositors uncertain about the safety of their funds, is over.

“Today, thanks to the bold vision and strategic foresight 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 system as one of the safest, most resilient and technologically advanced in Africa, adding that the ongoing consolidation and recapitalisation of banks reflected the impact of the administration’s economic policies.

Akpabio said the reforms had helped strengthen investor confidence, safeguard depositors’ funds and create a foundation for long-term economic growth.

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On insecurity, the Senate President acknowledged that the persistent security challenges remained a major threat to Nigeria’s development.

“Insecurity is a direct enemy of development. No foreign investor will build in an atmosphere of chaos, and no local business can thrive without safety,” he said.

Akpabio said security agencies had moved from a largely reactive approach to a more proactive strategy in tackling criminal elements, including bandits and insurgents.

“The security forces are taking the fight directly to the enclaves of criminals, bandits and insurgents. The strategy has shifted from reaction to proactive confrontation, and I assure Nigerians that insecurity will be defeated,” he said.

He, however, called for stronger cooperation between citizens and security agencies, noting that military hardware alone could not completely address criminality.

The Senate President urged Nigerians to provide security agencies with credible and timely information about suspicious activities.

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“Security is a collective civic responsibility. Our security personnel are working tirelessly on the frontlines, but they rely on actionable intelligence from the communities they protect,” he said.

Akpabio also appealed to Nigerians to abandon the culture of silence and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

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

Addressing the economic difficulties being experienced by Nigerians, Akpabio acknowledged the sacrifices citizens were making, saying the challenges were part of efforts to tackle structural weaknesses in the economy.

He maintained that the government’s reforms were beginning to produce results, assuring Nigerians that President Tinubu, members of his cabinet and the National Assembly remained committed to the reform programme.

“We acknowledge the sacrifices of the Nigerian people. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his cabinet members, National Assembly members are not resting on their oars,” he said.

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Akpabio urged Nigerians in the country and abroad to support national development and cooperate with government institutions.

“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.

The Senate President has previously expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its security challenges, while the National Assembly has continued to pledge support for the government’s economic and security reforms.