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| Akpabio presents Senate scorecard on Democracy Day. |
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, told joint lawmakers on Democracy Day, June 12, 2025, that the 10th Senate showed fresh energy in lawmaking and citizen outreach. He noted 844 bills landed on senators’ desks in two years. Of those, 96 became law—an 11 percent pass rate. Meanwhile, 80 petitions reached the chamber and 18 won formal backing .
Akpabio said the output proves the Senate rose to urgent national needs with clear laws. He marked the landmark on the floor of the National Assembly, backed by both chambers. He spoke amid shout-outs and handclaps, as members eyed the record anew .
That tally of petitions covered health, roads, youth aid and farm families. By adopting 18 of them, the Senate showed it hears local issues. That is a 22 percent adoption rate—more than twice the share of bills that sailed .
Some analysts say the raw bill count hides a low conversion. A civic group noted that only one in nine bills passed into law. They urged deeper review of each measure’s effect. One law scholar said the Senate must match speed with quality .
Years before, the 8th Senate hit 96 bills too—but in a lower-key term. That chamber adopted 72 petitions, not 18. Its bills grew law at almost the same pace, but it earned more pet-wins . The 10th Senate’s lower petition share may reflect tighter focus on big national reforms.
Key laws passed include tax reform bills tied to the Renewed Hope plan. Senators backed a new revenue agency, fresh tax rules and a joint revenue board. Those laws aim to boost the nation’s cash flow and fair share for states .
Lawmakers also cleared a pension overhaul. That law raises monthly pay for some retirees. It drew praise from the worker union but some state leaders worry about extra cost. Experts say the long-term gain may exceed the short pay bump .
Still, critics say many bills sit pending in committees. They point to stalled justice reforms and a law to fight kidnap gangs. A rights group filed petitions on those topics that await debate .
On balance, the 10th Senate’s figures show zeal and gaps. Nearly 850 bills in two years means one law introduced every day. Yet just 96 laws passed means one law every week over 96 weeks.
Akpabio’s team says complex checks slow bills in later stages. They stress public hearings and expert inputs shape better law. They say that care leads to sound rules, not just quick laws.
Some senators back that view. They argue quality law lasts longer. One senator said careful study of a bill on tech crime will save fix cost down the line. Another said the Senate held extra town halls on a new irrigation law to get farmer input.
Petitions also drew mixed reviews. While 18 got action, 62 remain open. Petitioners spoke on power outages, school repairs, land disputes and health center upgrades.
A youth group said petition wins show lawmakers mean to act on public cries. A local rights group said more work is needed to clear the backlog. They urged faster tracking and regular feedback to senders.
On Democracy Day, Akpabio pledged to keep the pace. He called for unity in reviewing all pending bills. He asked colleagues to finish hearings, approve good laws and send bills to the president.
“The voice of our people comes in petitions,” he said. “We will both write new law and answer those calls.”
Outside the chamber, political watchers noted two trends. One, the Senate is more open, with live-streamed sessions and online bill trackers. Two, senators use social media to report town halls, law wins and petition moves.
That tech move draws praise from civic groups who want more checks on power. It also draws a few jabs from critics who say broad access needs follow-up on outcomes.
Looking ahead, the Senate calendar shows at least 50 pending bills for third reading. Among them: a new police act, a fuel subsidy end plan, a national youth service revamp and a small business grants law.
On petitions, the clerk’s office lists 24 new requests for June. Many ask for local health posts, road fixes and youth training.
As the 10th Senate enters its third year, its record speaks in numbers. Ninety-six laws passed, 18 petitions adopted. Tallies alone don’t show impact. Law watchers say real measure is how citizens feel safer, richer and heard.
Still, on June 12, 2025, Akpabio claimed the record as proof 10th Senate did its work. He pledged to keep firm on public lawmaking and answer citizen calls.