by George Ozalla
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday charged members of the 10th Senate to approach the remaining period of their tenure with urgency and discipline as plenary resumed after the Christmas and New Year recess, saying the chamber has entered the final phase of its legislative work.
Akpabio gave the charge in Abuja during his welcome address at the first plenary sitting of the year, urging senators to translate feedback from their constituencies during the recess into concrete legislation and effective oversight capable of addressing the country’s pressing needs.
He said Nigeria continued to grapple with economic strain, insecurity and social challenges even during the recess, noting that the situation demanded renewed focus and commitment from lawmakers.
The sitting opened on a sober note as the Senate observed a minute of silence in honour of late Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who represented Nasarawa North and died on December 31, 2025. Akpabio described the late lawmaker as diligent and humble, saying his contributions to the Senate and the nation would be remembered, while extending condolences to his family, constituents and the people of Nasarawa State.
On security, the Senate President commended the ongoing collaboration between the Nigerian military and the United States in combating terrorism, describing such cooperation as vital to restoring peace and stability. He also expressed sympathy with families affected by insecurity across the country, stressing that security challenges touch lives, homes and futures.
Akpabio expressed concern over a recent United Nations warning that up to 35 million Nigerians could face hunger this year, describing the figure as alarming and unacceptable, and calling for urgent legislative action, stronger oversight and collaboration to boost food security and protect vulnerable citizens.
He appealed to political actors to conduct their activities with restraint and patriotism as political activities gather momentum nationwide, warning against actions that could threaten national unity and stability. He also urged Nigerians not to forget citizens still held captive by criminal groups, describing their continued detention as a national wound.
Encouraging support for the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Programme, Akpabio said cooperation, perseverance and shared sacrifice remained essential to building a more secure and productive nation.
Turning to the legislative calendar, he said with less than one year and five months left in the life of the 10th Senate, the chamber must now focus squarely on delivery, prioritising bills and motions that drive economic growth, strengthen institutions and protect lives and property. He cautioned against excessive lawmaking, noting that the impact of legislation, not its volume, would define the Senate’s legacy.
Akpabio said the Senate would also give the 2026 budget thorough scrutiny to ensure responsible passage and faithful implementation, adding that constructive engagement with the Executive, anchored on constitutional responsibility, would remain key to national progress.
He urged senators to rise to the moment and complete their work with a sense of purpose, saying the expectation of Nigerians and the judgement of history would rest on how the 10th Senate performs in its final stretch.
