National Assembly focuses on budget and electoral reforms as sessions resume
The National Assembly has resumed plenary sessions, with the scrutiny of President Bola Tinubu’s ₦58.47tn 2026 Appropriation Bill and amendments to Nigeria’s electoral laws as top priorities. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele emphasized the importance of passing the budget and reviewing the 1999 Constitution. Committees in both chambers have already begun detailed assessments of the revenue and expenditure estimates. Lawmakers are also working on reforms to ensure credible elections and improve Nigeria’s fiscal outlook.
What we know
- The National Assembly is prioritising the ₦58.47tn 2026 Appropriation Bill presented by President Bola Tinubu to a joint session on December 18, 2025.
- Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele stated that the review of the 1999 Constitution will be completed and ready for transmission to state legislatures by the first quarter of 2026.
- The proposed Electoral Bill, 2025, includes over 20 innovations such as voting rights for inmates, electronic voter identification, and stricter sanctions for electoral offences.
- Committees have started detailed assessments of the budget estimates, aiming to restore the January-to-December budget cycle.
- Fiscal reforms, including the enactment of the 2025 Tax Reform Act, are expected to improve funding prospects and reduce the tax burden on low-income earners.
