On Wednesday, July 8, 2026, the President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, has officially welcomed lawmakers back to the Red Chamber following their legislative recess, delivering a powerful charge to place national interest and patriotism above partisan politics.
In his keynote address marking the resumption of plenary, Senate President Akpabio emphasized that Nigerians expect the National Assembly to confront the nation’s pressing security and economic challenges with courage and purposeful legislation. He urged the Senate to focus on laws that strengthen national security, stimulate economic growth, upgrade healthcare and education, empower the youth, and shield vulnerable citizens.
Senate Approves Customs Service 2026 Budget, Backs Bold ₦11.074 Trillion Revenue Target
The Senate has officially approved the 2026 budget proposal for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), endorsing an ambitious revenue collection target of ₦11.074 trillion and a total expenditure package of ₦1.295 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year.
The greenlight followed the comprehensive presentation and consideration of a report by the Senate Committee on Customs, Excise, and Tariffs, led by its Chairman, Senator Isah Jibrin, during Wednesday’s plenary session.
Fake Drug Offenders Face 15Year Jail Term Under Strict New Anti-Counterfeit Bill Advancing in Senate
In a major legislative move to safeguard public health, a bill designed to severely punish manufacturers and distributors of counterfeit medicines, fake drugs, and unwholesome foods has scaled its second reading in the Senate.
Titled the Counterfeit Medical Products, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Prohibition and Control) Bill, 2026, the legislation introduces stiffer penalties, tougher enforcement mechanisms, and rigorous regulatory oversight. Following a successful debate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) with a mandate to report back within four weeks.
Senate Confirms Dr. Zainab Marwa as NDDC Board Member
The Senate has officially confirmed the appointment of Dr. Zainab Marwa as a member of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Dr. Marwa will serve on the board as the representative for the North-East geopolitical zone.
The confirmation followed the presentation, consideration, and adoption of a report by the Senate Committee on NDDC during Wednesday’s plenary session. The report, originally sponsored by the Committee Chairman, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South), was presented on the floor by Senator Patrick Ndubueze (Imo North).
Senate Passes Bill to Digitize Nigeria’s Healthcare System for Second Reading
The Senate has passed a groundbreaking bill aimed at establishing a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework for the development, coordination, and integration of electronic health services across Nigeria. The bill successfully scaled its second reading during Wednesday’s plenary session following overwhelming support from lawmakers.
President Tinubu Seeks Senate Confirmation for Lamido Yuguda as AMCON Board Chairman
His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has formally requested the Senate to confirm the appointment of Mr. Lamido Yuguda Abubakar as the new Chairman of the Board of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).
The President’s official request was contained in an executive letter read on the floor of the Red Chamber by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, during Wednesday’s plenary session.
Presentation of Bills
The senate during its Plenary session,four bills were considered and adopted. These bills include:
The Public Procurement Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026 (SB. 1059) was introduced and taken for First Reading.
The Federal Capital Territory Rent Regulation, Tenancy and Housing Stability Bill, 2026 (SB. 1059) was introduced and taken for First Reading.
A Bill for an Act to provide for a Comprehensive Legal and Regulatory Framework for the Development, Coordination and Integration of Electronic Health Services in Nigeria 2026 (SB. 758) was passed for Second Reading.
Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2026 (SB. 951) was passed for Second Reading.
