President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio has charged members of the 10th National Assembly to accelerate their legislative agenda as plenary resumed, declaring that the Senate has entered the “final stretch” of its legislative journey.
He gave the charge in Abuja during his welcome address at the first plenary sitting of 2026, following the Christmas and New Year recess. His address is titled “The Final Stretch: Finishing the Work, Honouring the Trust.”
With less than one year and five months left in the current legislative cycle, Akpabio said the Senate is now in a decisive phase that demands urgency, discipline, and focus.
Akpabio urged senators to translate feedback from their constituencies during the recess into impactful legislation and effective oversight that directly responds to the needs of Nigerians.
The President of the Senate stressed that the period must be deliberately reform-driven, with priority given to laws that unlock economic growth, strengthen institutions, secure lives and property, and restore public confidence in governance.
He warned against legislative clutter, insisting that only laws Nigerians truly need should be pursued.
Describing the period as a legacy phase, he said lawmakers must complete unfinished business, clear bottlenecks, and leave behind a principled and functional legislature. He added that history would judge the Senate not by the number of bills passed, but by their impact.
Akpabio also highlighted the urgency of budget consideration, calling for rigorous scrutiny, responsible passage, and faithful implementation, while stressing the need for sustained collaboration with the Executive in line with constitutional responsibility.
He reminded senators that their mandate is to serve Nigerians, urging them to rise to the moment, declaring that when history looks back on the 10th Senate, it should be remembered as one that finished strong and honoured the trust of the Nigerian people
As the political season gathers momentum, President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio has called on political parties and actors to conduct themselves with conscience, civility, and patriotism ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He stressed that Nigeria’s unity and stability must not be sacrificed on the altar of political ambition, noting that democracy thrives when competition is principled, public discourse is responsible, and the national interest remains paramount.
Akpabio urged politicians to play by the rules as the country moves closer to the 2027 polls, emphasising the need for peaceful engagement and respect for democratic values.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Senate has raised alarm over a United Nations warning that 35 million Nigerians could face hunger in 2026.
Akpabio called for urgent legislative action to strengthen food security. He emphasised that this warning demands a doubling of effort through legislation, oversight, and collaboration to protect the vulnerable and ensure no Nigerian is left in despair.
The UN, through its Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, linked the looming crisis to global cuts in humanitarian funding and internal conflicts driving economic hardship.
Akpabio noted that between the Senate’s recess and today, the country has continued its steady march through economic pressures, security challenges, and social demands, sustained by the resilience of the Nigerian people.
On national security, Akpabio commended the ongoing military collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against terrorism, highlighting that such partnerships strengthen national efforts and demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to global peace and stability.
The Senate also extended deepest sympathies to families who have lost loved ones to insecurity, stressing that security is not an abstract concept but about protecting lives, homes, and futures.
Lawmakers further urged Nigerians to continue praying for citizens still in captivity within the country, describing their plight as a national wound and calling for their safe return as both a moral duty and a collective hope.
Akpabio encouraged support for the Renewed Hope Programme, stressing that through perseverance, cooperation, and shared sacrifice, Nigeria can still achieve a more secure, productive, and compassionate future.
The Senate thereafter adjourned its first plenary session of 2026 to honour the late Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who passed away on December 31, 2025.
This was after Akpabio described the late Akwashiki as a committed public servant, noting that he brought diligence, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility to his legislative duties.
He added that Akwashiki’s passing is a profound loss, not only to his family and constituents, but to the Senate and the nation.
Akpabio says his voice, presence, and contributions will be deeply missed in the red Chamber.
Lawmakers then rose to observe a minute silence in his honour.
Akwashiki, who was 52, served as Chairman Senate Committee on Labour in the 9th Senate and Chairman Committee on Airforce in the 10th Senate.
Elected under the Social Democratic Party, SDP in 2019, he had previously served as Majority Leader and later Deputy Speaker of Nasarawa State House of Assembly.
Born on August 3, 1973, in Angba Iggah, Nasarawa Eggon LGA, Akwashiki began his early life and political journey in his hometown, leaving behind a legacy of service and dedication.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
