The National Assembly has shifted the resumption of plenary from Tuesday, February 24, 2026, to Thursday, March 5, 2026, to allow lawmakers conclude ongoing budget defence sessions tied to the 2026 Appropriation Bill.

The postponement was announced in a statement issued by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, who explained that several committees are still engaged in detailed scrutiny of submissions by ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

“This is to inform Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members of the National Assembly that the resumption of plenary session earlier scheduled for Tuesday, 24th February 2026 has been postponed. This postponement is to enable committees of the Assembly to conclude ongoing budget defence sessions,” the statement read.

Plenary sittings in both chambers — the Nigerian Senate and the House of Representatives — will now reconvene at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

The adjustment underscores the legislature’s focus on finalising the review of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, as committees intensify engagements with government agencies to defend budget proposals and justify allocations.

While expressing regret over any inconvenience caused, the leadership of the Assembly signaled that the delay is aimed at ensuring thorough legislative oversight and due process in the budget consideration cycle.

With the new plenary date set, attention now shifts to how swiftly the committees can conclude their reviews and pave the way for debate and eventual passage of the 2026 budget.