The National Assembly is set to reconvene today, Tuesday, January 27, 2026, following its year-end recess. Lawmakers are returning to a packed legislative calendar, with the 2026 Appropriation Bill and a long-awaited Constitution Review taking center stage.
The resumption marks a critical juncture for the 10th Assembly, as it faces mounting pressure to deliver on governance reforms before the political atmosphere becomes saturated by the 2027 election cycle.
Key Priorities for the 2026 Session
The ₦58.47 Trillion “Budget of Consolidation”
A primary focus for both chambers will be the scrutiny and passage of the 2026 National Budget. Presented by President Bola Tinubu in late December 2025, the estimate is built on the following pillars:
Fiscal Realism: A move toward a “single fiscal framework” to eliminate parallel spending windows.
Infrastructure & Security: Significant allocations aimed at ward-based development and upgrading security training facilities.
Economic Stability: Maintaining the January-to-December fiscal cycle to ensure predictable implementation.
Constitutional and Electoral Reforms
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin is expected to lay the report of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution. Key amendments on the table include:
State Policing: Addressing the nation’s security architecture.
Local Government Autonomy: Strengthening the third tier of government.
Electoral Act Amendments: Clause-by-clause consideration of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill to ensure more transparent polls in 2027.
Security Oversight
In light of recent security incidents, including a controversial bombing in Sokoto, lawmakers are expected to intensify their oversight duties. There is a growing call for the legislature to move beyond “rubber-stamping” and demand greater accountability regarding defense spending.
A Somber Start
Despite the heavy agenda, the Senate is expected to adjourn shortly after today’s convergence in honor of the late Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who passed away during the recess. Substantive legislative business will likely commence in full on the next legislative day.
Legislative Agenda at a Glance
Priority Area Key Objective Status
2026 Budget Pass ₦58.47 trillion estimate Committee Scrutiny Phase
Constitution Review State police, LG autonomy Report ready for presentation
Electoral Act Enhance 2027 election integrity House version passed; Senate pending
Tax Reforms Implement new 2025 Tax Laws Effective as of Jan 1, 2026.
According to Auwal Rafsanjani, Executive Director, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) said; “2026 marks a stage of maturity where policies must begin to deliver visible and measurable benefits to Nigerians.”
