Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Abbas Tajudeen called on Nigerians to be hopeful as the National Assembly would not shirk in its legislative commitment.
They gave the charge in their separate New Year messages to Nigerians.
In his message, Akpabio expressed optimism that this year will witness steady national progress, driven by strong institutions and responsible leadership.
He added that the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, remains resolute in its constitutional mandate of law-making, representation and oversight to safeguard democratic stability and promote national development.
Akpabio, in the message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, commended Nigerians for their resilience, patience and maturity in the face of economic and social challenges.
“As we enter the year 2026, I extend my warm wishes to Nigerians for a peaceful and fulfilling year. I commend the resilience, patience and civic maturity of our people, even in challenging times,” the Senate President said.
Looking ahead to heightened political activities as the country approaches next year’s general election, Akpabio cautioned against divisive politics and what he described as false messianic narratives.
He urged political actors to conduct themselves with restraint and a strong sense of national duty.
Speaker Abbas enjoined Nigerians to remain resolute, steadfast and hopeful in the journey ahead. He declared 2026 a year of hope and endless possibilities for all.
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“In every new dawn lies a promise,” the Speaker stated, commending Nigerians for their patience, perseverance, and contributions toward building a stronger nation.
Abbas reaffirmed the Legislature’s commitment to enacting people-oriented laws that will further enhance economic stability, promote inclusiveness, and ensure the security and welfare of all Nigerians in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Also yesterday, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele urged Nigerians to embrace the year with hope and strength even in the face of the ‘’anticipated challenges.”
He informed Nigerians that the country is now firmly on the path to full economic recovery following what he described as the most far-reaching Legislative reforms undertaken in recent years.
Bamidele promised that the pains associated with the reforms would soon give way to tangible national gains.
He said: “We are now on the path of economic recovery. Nigeria shall be greater than we met it.
“We salute you all for surviving the year 2025 as well as urge you to embrace the year 2026 with hope and strength despite the anticipated challenges.”
The Senate Leader dismissed criticisms of the new tax laws by opposition figures, arguing that they were not crafted to inflict hardship on ordinary citizens but to correct long-standing fiscal distortions that have stalled development.
First Lady urges unity, renewed investment in children
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu urged Nigerians to embrace peace, empathy and unity as guiding values for the New Year.
She also enjoined them to consciously invest in the well-being of children, women and the most vulnerable.
In her New Year message titled “2026: Hope on the Horizon,” the First Lady admonished Nigerians to make deliberate choices that foster harmony and shared responsibility.
She stressed that national progress depends on collective compassion and inclusiveness.
“As we embrace this New Year, let us choose peace, empathy, unity and continue to invest in the well-being of our children, women and the vulnerable among us,” said the First Lady.
Mbah: 2026, a year of quantum leap
In Enugu, Governor Peter Mbah described 2026 as a year of quantum leap for the people of Enugu State.
“Our optimism is not abstract, but grounded in the concrete work we have done,” Mbah said in his message of hope to the people of the state.
He, however, urged optimism and unity on the part of the people of the state and the nation as a whole.
The governor assured that there would be no room for complacency on the part of his administration.
“2026 is not a victory lap. It is a humble continuation of a journey that is nowhere near finished,’’ he said.
Saraki seeks unity
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki warned Nigerians against actions that could fracture the country.
He emphasised that unity remains the key to harnessing Nigeria’s vast resources.
In a statement signed by Yusuph Olaniyonu, Head of the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Media Office, Saraki acknowledged challenges in the economy, infrastructure, national security, politics, and institutions.
He said: “A united Nigeria just needs peace and proper coordination to rise and fulfill its manifest destiny as a global leader.
“That is why all Nigerians, young and old, should avoid any drift towards issues that will threaten the unity of the country.’’
NLC seeks wage review
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) demanded an immediate wage review to combat soaring inflation.
The Labour Centre said it was essential for workers’ survival amid President Bola Tinubu’s promise of living wages.
NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero, in a message to workers, vowed to pursue the demand “with every legitimate means at our disposal.”
The NLC praised recent security gains but pressed the government to sustain them.
It stated: “Security remains a fundamental right and the primary duty of any state. We acknowledge recent successes.
“We will continue to urge the state to build on the ongoing successes as the people are deserving of peace and security wherever they live.”
Ajaero rallied workers against elite-driven divisions, declaring: “Let us make 2026 a year where the power of the working class and the oppressed becomes the most potent glue that holds us together. Our power continues to be in our numbers and our victory in our solidarity.”
Kwara Govt to residents: avoid non-essential movements
Kwara State Government has advised residents of the state to avoid non-essential movements and large gatherings while ushering in the New Year.
“This advisory is necessary as intelligence reports show that some bad faith actors plan to hit government infrastructures or other soft targets to avenge recent losses they suffered,’’ said the state’s Communications Commissioner, Bolanle Olukoju.
Olukoju, however, assured that security forces would maintain their efforts to protect lives and property.
He encouraged the residents to promptly report any ‘’unusual movements of persons on a convoy of motorcycles.”
Abiru urges dialogue, tolerance
Senator Representing Lagos East, Mukhail Abiru, has challenged Nigerians to ‘’continue to embrace dialogue, tolerance and mutual respect,’’ in the New Year.
Abiru, who is the chairman, Senate Committee on Banking and Finance, said the year offers another opportunity for reflection, renewal and collective resolve as we journey toward progress and prosperity.
He said the year also ‘’presents an opportunity to consolidate on the gains already recorded, deepen grassroots empowerment, and expand pathways for our vibrant, innovative and enterprising youth to thrive.’’
