National Assembly of Nigeria Postpones Plenary Resumption to March 5, 2026
The National Assembly of Nigeria has officially announced a delay in the resumption of plenary sittings, moving the date from the previously scheduled February 24 to March 5, 2026. This decision affects both the Senate and the House of Representatives, which had adjourned for a two-week period to facilitate critical budget-related activities.
Extension Granted for Budget Defence Sessions
In a statement released on Monday, Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, clarified that the extension was necessary to provide various committees with sufficient time to complete ongoing budget defence sessions. These sessions involve ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs), and government parastatals as part of the comprehensive 2026 appropriation process.
The primary objective of this postponement is to ensure thorough and meticulous reviews of budgetary allocations, allowing lawmakers to scrutinize financial proposals effectively before returning to full legislative duties.
New Schedule and Official Communication
According to the official notice, plenary sessions in both chambers will now resume on Thursday, March 5, 2026, precisely at 11:00 a.m. Lawmakers have been formally urged to take note of this revised date and time to ensure smooth parliamentary operations upon resumption.
The leadership of the National Assembly has expressed regret for any inconvenience this change may cause, emphasizing the importance of the budget defence process in Nigeria's governance framework. This adjustment underscores the assembly's commitment to rigorous fiscal oversight and transparent governance practices.
The postponement reflects the dynamic nature of legislative schedules, particularly during budget cycles, where committee work is paramount to national financial planning and accountability.