Senate To Pass 2026 Appropriation Bill March 31 — Akpabio

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has assured that the Senate would pass the N48.472 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill on March 31 after lawmakers resume from the Sallah break.

Speaking before the senate adjourned plenary, Akpabio said standing committees would continue working during the recess, particularly on ongoing budget defence sessions and coordination with the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

He stressed the need for the Appropriations Committee to complete its work ahead of the planned passage date to enable the upper chamber conclude the process without 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 has already adjourned to conclude its budget processes and will also meet on March 31. On that day, we hope to pass the national budget in tandem with the Senate,” he said.

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.

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 recess.

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

Before the close of plenary, the Deputy Minority Leader, Lere Oyewumi (Osun West), 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 until March 31, 2026, while committee activities continue.