Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged members of the 10th National Assembly to approach the remaining months of their tenure with urgency, discipline, and a strong sense of legacy, declaring that the legislature has entered the final stretch of its work.
Akpabio made the call in his welcome address at the first plenary sitting of the Senate for the year, following its resumption from the Christmas and New Year recess. He said lawmakers had moved beyond the phase of settling in and must now focus squarely on delivery.
He described the period ahead as decisive, noting that with less than one year and five months left in the current legislative cycle, performance would matter more than participation. According to him, the Senate must concentrate on reforms and actions that directly improve the lives of Nigerians.
The Senate President urged senators to convert feedback gathered from their constituencies during the recess into meaningful legislation and effective oversight. He said Nigerians continued to face economic pressures, security challenges, and rising social demands while lawmakers were away.
Akpabio stressed that the Senate must respond to these challenges with renewed commitment and focus. He said the chamber’s work should prioritise economic growth, institutional strengthening, national security, and the restoration of public confidence in governance.
The resumption of plenary was marked by a solemn moment, as the Senate observed a minute of silence in honour of its late member, Senator Godiya Akwashiki of Nasarawa North. Akwashiki, who represented the constituency on the platform of the Social Democratic Party, died on December 31 and has since been buried.
Akpabio described the late senator as a diligent and humble public servant whose contributions would be deeply missed. He extended condolences to Akwashiki’s family, constituents, and the people of Nasarawa State.
Touching on national security, the Senate President lauded the ongoing military collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against terrorism. He said such partnerships were critical to restoring peace and stability across the country.
He also sympathised with families affected by insecurity, describing security as a matter that goes beyond policy to affect lives, homes, and the nation’s future. Akpabio said the Senate would continue to pay attention to issues that threaten national stability.
The Senate President expressed concern over a recent warning by the United Nations that up to 35 million Nigerians could face hunger this year. He described the projection as alarming and unacceptable.
According to him, the situation calls for urgent legislative action, stronger oversight, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to boost food security and protect vulnerable citizens across the country.
As political activities gradually intensify nationwide, Akpabio appealed to political parties and actors to conduct themselves with civility, conscience, and patriotism. He warned that Nigeria’s unity and stability must not be sacrificed for personal or political ambition.
He also urged Nigerians not to forget citizens still held in captivity by criminal groups, describing their continued detention as a national wound that must be healed.
Encouraging support for the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope programme, Akpabio said perseverance, cooperation, and shared sacrifice remained essential to achieving a more secure and productive Nigeria.
He cautioned against legislative clutter, stating that history would judge the Senate not by the number of laws passed, but by their impact and value to Nigerians. He said the chamber would focus on completing pending legislative work and leaving behind a functional and principled institution.
On the 2024 budget, Akpabio said the Senate would subject it to rigorous scrutiny to ensure responsible passage and faithful implementation. He added that cooperation with the Executive, guided by mutual respect and constitutional responsibility, would remain central to national progress.
He reminded senators that they were in the National Assembly to serve Nigerians. According to him, lawmakers must act as the ears, eyes, and legislative voice of the people.
“This is the final stretch of the marathon,” Akpabio said, urging senators to rise to the moment and finish strong. He added that the nation and history were watching.
In the House of Representatives, which also resumed plenary, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu said the Green Chamber would prioritise work on the Electoral Act and constitutional amendments this year. He expressed confidence that the Senate would accelerate consideration of the Electoral Act, which is expected to guide the conduct of the 2027 general election.
Kalu said the House had already considered and approved alterations to the 2022 Electoral Act before the recess, while the Senate was yet to act on the harmonised version submitted by the joint committee of the National Assembly.
He added that the House would also prioritise key constitutional provisions and the budget, urging lawmakers to give due diligence to the documents before them.
The House of Representatives also adjourned plenary in honour of the late Senator Akwashiki, joining the Senate in paying tribute to the deceased lawmaker.
