Again, National Assembly postpones plenary resumption
Naija News • 3h ago
**Legislative Business Stalled Again as National Assembly Postpones Plenary Resumption**
Nigeria's legislative body, the National Assembly, has once more put off the resumption of plenary sessions, leaving many wondering when lawmakers will finally get down to business. The latest postponement, announced in a memo on Tuesday, has been met with growing concern over the impact on the legislative calendar and the country's pressing matters.
According to the memo, plenary sessions, initially scheduled to resume on Thursday, 5th March 2026, have been rescheduled to Tuesday, 10th March 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Although no reason was given for the adjustment, it is clear that lawmakers are still grappling with the 2026 Appropriation Bill and other pressing national issues.
The repeated postponements have left many Nigerians wondering if the current legislative calendar can accommodate the required number of sitting days. Under legislative practice, both chambers are expected to sit for a minimum of 181 days in a legislative year, as stipulated in the Constitution. However, with the repeated adjournments and rescheduling of plenary sessions since January, concerns are mounting over whether this target can be met without compressing business in the months ahead.
The delay has also put a strain on the budget scrutiny process, which is a critical aspect of the legislative process. The move to fast-track committee-level scrutiny before the passage of the budget was aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability, but it appears that this process has been slowed down by the repeated postponements.
As the National Assembly continues to navigate its legislative calendar, it is essential that lawmakers prioritize the country's pressing matters and work towards a more efficient and effective legislative process. Upon resumption, both chambers are expected to hold a valedictory session in honour of Barinada Mpigi, a renowned senator who passed away in February. It remains to be seen how the resumption of plenary sessions will unfold and what impact it will have on the country's legislative business.