The Nigerian Senate is set to focus on key national legislative priorities upon full resumption from its Yuletide recess on Tuesday, January 27. Plenary proceedings, however, are expected to be suspended initially to honour the late Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who passed away during the recess. Substantive legislative business is expected to commence on the following sitting day.
Three major issues will dominate the Senate’s agenda: the Constitution Review Bills, amendments to the Electoral Act, and the 2026 Appropriation Bill. The report of the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, is ready for presentation and consideration. Initially scheduled before the recess, the report’s presentation was postponed due to the 2026 budget presentation. Lawmakers plan to take the Constitution Review Bills clause by clause for passage, subject to the required constitutional majority.
Amendments to the 2022 Electoral Act are also a priority, driven by the need to meet statutory timelines for the 2027 general elections. INEC is legally required to issue its notice of election and timetable at least 360 days before polling day, making swift passage essential. With the House of Representatives already passing its version, the Senate is expected to conclude the legislative process promptly, with presidential assent anticipated by the first week of February, according to Dr. Monday Ubani, Special Adviser on Constitutional Matters to Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In addition, lawmakers will intensify work on the 2026 Appropriation Bill, including committee-level scrutiny, harmonisation of reports, and final passage, to ensure timely implementation of the fiscal plan. The Senate’s early focus on these critical national matters underscores its commitment to legal and budgetary preparedness ahead of the 2027 elections.
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