Akpabio spoke shortly before the Senate adjourned plenary till March 31 to allow committees conclude ongoing budget defence sessions with MDAs of government.
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily– President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Thursday expressed confidence that the National Assembly may pass the 2026 Appropriation Bill on March 31 when both chambers resume plenary.
Akpabio spoke shortly before the Senate adjourned plenary till March 31 to allow committees conclude ongoing budget defence sessions with ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of government.
He said the Senate Committee on Appropriations must work to harmonise the report of the 2026 budget before the lawmakers return.
“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,” he said.
According to him, the Senate leadership must also work closely with the House of Representatives to ensure both chambers pass identical versions of the budget.
“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,” he added.
Earlier, Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, moved a motion for the suspension of plenary till March 31, which was seconded by Minority Leader, Abba Moro, and adopted by the chamber.
Meanwhile, the Senate confirmed former Kebbi State governor, Usman Isa Dakingari, as a Non-Career Ambassador, as well as Ismail Abba Yusuf as Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
The Senate also confirmed retired Rear Admiral Jamila Abubakar-Sadiq as National Electoral Commissioner representing the North-East in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The Senate thereafter adjourned plenary till March 31 while committee work continues.