By Nathaniel Zaccheaus, Abuja
As Muslims across Nigeria celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, the leadership of the Senate has called for urgent security reforms, strengthened national unity and sustained support for vulnerable citizens, amid growing economic and security challenges.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, led the charge by congratulating Muslim faithful on the successful completion of Ramadan, urging them to sustain the virtues of compassion, forgiveness and generosity beyond the fasting period.
In a message issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio described Eid-el-Fitr as a celebration that reinforces the need for empathy and national cohesion.
He emphasised that Nigerians must remain committed to supporting the less privileged, noting that the essence of the season lies in kindness and shared humanity.
“As you conclude this important exercise of fasting and spiritual reflection, be reminded of the importance of empathy, kindness and generosity towards others, particularly the less privileged,” he said.
Akpabio also called on citizens to use the occasion to promote peaceful coexistence and work collectively towards a more just and harmonious society, while wishing Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Muslims nationwide a peaceful and rewarding celebration.
In the same vein, Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, urged sustained prayers for global peace, citing the ripple effects of international conflicts on Nigeria’s economy.
Barau expressed concern over rising price shocks linked to geopolitical tensions involving major global actors, warning that such developments continue to exert pressure on domestic economic stability.
He, however, commended President Tinubu’s administration for ongoing efforts to stabilise the economy and tackle insecurity, noting that recent directives to security chiefs to intensify operations in troubled areas would help restore order.
The Deputy Senate President also expressed optimism that the 2026 budget, currently before the National Assembly, would significantly address infrastructure deficits and other socio-economic challenges upon implementation.
Highlighting the need for compassion during the festive season, Barau called on Nigerians to extend support to people in need and uphold the values of Ramadan in their daily lives.
As part of his Sallah intervention, he disclosed that N157 million had been disbursed to constituents across the 13 local government areas of the Kano North Senatorial District.
The gesture, which commenced on March 18, is aimed at easing the burden on residents, particularly the less privileged, during the celebration.
Additionally, over 60,000 bags of food items have been distributed across the district and other parts of Kano State during Ramadan and the Sallah period.
Meanwhile, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele stressed the urgency of adopting a comprehensive strategy to address insecurity, warning that military action alone would not deliver sustainable peace.
In his Eid message, Bamidele said the country must move beyond conventional approaches and invest in long-term solutions that address the root causes of violent extremism.
While acknowledging the efforts of security agencies, he called for recalibrating strategies to include human capital development, social investments, and inclusive governance.
He said, “This season should make us better people and guide the conduct of leaders and citizens alike. The lessons of Ramadan should shape national priorities.”
He urged religious leaders to promote tolerance and avoid rhetoric that could deepen divisions, while advising socio-cultural leaders to embrace dialogue to resolve conflicts.
Bamidele also tasked subnational governments with playing a more active role in addressing insecurity by prioritising education, healthcare, nutrition and social safety nets.
He revealed that the National Assembly is already pursuing legislative measures to strengthen the country’s security architecture, including the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution.
According to him, the constitutional amendment process is expected to expand the role of state governments in security management. At the same time, the Senate Ad hoc Committee on the National Security Summit continues to explore lasting solutions to the nation’s security challenges.
The coordinated messages from the Senate leadership underscore growing concerns over Nigeria’s security and economic outlook, while highlighting the importance of unity, compassion and policy innovation.
They collectively urged Nigerians to seize the opportunity presented by Eid-el-Fitr to reinforce shared values, support one another and contribute to building a more secure and prosperous nation.
