The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has assured that the ₦48.472 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill will be passed on March 31, following lawmakers’ return from the Sallah recess.
Speaking shortly before the Senate adjourned plenary, Akpabio said standing committees would continue their work during the break, focusing on ongoing budget defence sessions and coordinating with the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
He emphasized that the Appropriations Committee must complete its work on schedule to ensure the upper chamber can conclude the budget process without any delays.
“I hope the Leader will put pressure on the Committee on Appropriations to harmonise the report of the 2026 Appropriation by that date,” Akpabio said.
“This is so that when we resume, we can try our best to pass the budget without requiring further concurrence or harmonisation.”
The Senate President also emphasised the need for collaboration among the leadership of the National Assembly to ensure the smooth passage of the budget.
“Leadership must work together to ensure everything is in order. The House of Representatives Nigeria has already adjourned to conclude its budget processes and will also meet on March 31,” he added.
“On that day, we hope to pass the national budget in tandem with the Senate.”
Earlier, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion for the suspension of plenary until March 31 to allow committees conclude work on the 2026 budget and other legislative responsibilities.
Bamidele 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.