2026 budget may be passed March 31 –Akpabio

From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, yesterday said the National Assembly may pass the 2026 Appropriation Bill on March 31 when both chambers resume plenary.

Akpabio disclosed this shortly before the Senate adjourned plenary till March 31, explaining that the break would allow committees conclude ongoing budget defence sessions and enable the Appropriations Committees of both chambers harmonise their reports ahead of passage.

Speaking at the close plenary, yesterday, the Senate president said the leadership of the Senate must work closely with the House of Representatives to ensure that the budget reports are aligned before the lawmakers reconvene.

“What you are saying in essence is that plenary will be adjourned from today until Tuesday, the 31st day of March, 2026, while committee work will continue, particularly the ongoing budget defences.

“I hope the Leader will put pressure on the Committee on Appropriations to harmonise the report of the 2026 Appropriation by that date, so that when we resume we can try our best to pass the budget.

“This is to ensure that the two chambers do not require any concurrence or further harmonisation. Leadership must work together to make sure everything is in order.

“The House of Representatives has already adjourned plenary to conclude the budget processes and will also meet on the 31st day of March, 2026. On that day, we hope to pass the national budget, and what they pass must be in tandem with what we also pass.”

Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, had earlier moved a motion for the suspension of plenary until March 31 to allow committees conclude work on the 2026 budget and other legislative responsibilities.

He commended the Senate president and the secretariat for presiding over what he described as a demanding legislative day despite the ongoing fasting period.

“With this, Mr. President, what is left for me to do is to most respectfully move that we adjourn our sitting until Tuesday, the 31st day of March, 2026, at 11 a.m. prompt,” he said.

The motion was seconded by the Minority Leader, Abba Moro, after which the Senate President put it to a voice vote and it was unanimously adopted by the chamber.

Akpabio commended senators for their dedication, noting that committee work, oversight functions and budget engagements with ministries, departments and agencies would continue during the period.

“I thank you all for your cooperation despite the fasting period. Your dedication and commitment to Nigeria can be seen by all,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Senate confirmed the nomination of former Kebbi State Governor, Usman Isa Dakingari, for appointment as a Non-Career Ambassador. The Red chamber also approved the nomination of Ismail Abba Yusuf as Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

Both confirmations followed the consideration and adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs chaired by Abubakar Sani Bello.

In a related development, the Senate confirmed the nomination of retired Rear Admiral Jamila Abubakar-Sadiq as National Electoral Commissioner representing the North-East in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The confirmation followed the consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters chaired by Simon Lalong.

Before the close of plenary, the Deputy Minority Leader, Oyewumi Olalere, formally announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing the “intractable leadership crisis” in the party. He said the decision followed wide consultations with his constituents and political associates, adding that he had resolved to join the Accord Party.

“I wish to bring to the attention of the Senate my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party due to the intractable leadership crisis rocking the party, which may jeopardise its progress.

“Subsequently, after very wide consultations with my constituents and political associates, I have decided to join the Accord Party to ensure the effective representation of my people,” he said.

The Senate thereafter adjourned plenary till March 31, 2026, while committee activities continue.