**National Assembly Delays Resumption Amid Budget Review** In a sudden twist, the National Assembly, Nigeria's legislative arm, has postponed its planned resumption of plenary sessions from February 24 to March 5, 2026. This move is expected to impact the ongoing budget review process, with various committees needing more time to finalize their work. As you may recall, the Senate and the House of Representatives had earlier adjourned for two weeks to allow committees to engage in crucial budget defence sessions with ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) as part of the 2026 appropriation process. However, the extension is a clear indication that the review process has taken longer than anticipated. According to sources, the decision to delay the resumption was made to give committees sufficient time to complete the ongoing budget reviews. This development may have significant implications for the 2026 budget, as any delays in the review process could impact the timely passage of the budget. With the new date set for March 5, 2026, lawmakers are advised to take note of the change, while the leadership expresses regret for any inconvenience this may have caused. The postponement is not without precedent, as the National Assembly has previously extended its sittings to accommodate pressing legislative business. This move, however, may raise questions about the efficiency of the legislative process and the need for more effective planning and coordination. As the National Assembly prepares to resume plenary sessions on March 5, 2026, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how the delay affects the budget review process and the overall legislative agenda. Will this extension be enough to allow committees to complete their work on time? Only time will tell.