By Muhammad Mamman
The National Assembly is set to return from recess with the 2026 Appropriation Bill and the long-awaited constitution review dominating its legislative agenda.
Lawmakers are expected to immediately turn their attention to preparations for the 2026 budget, with committees gearing up for pre-budget engagements, sectoral briefings and consultations with key government agencies. The process is seen as critical, coming amid persistent economic pressures, revenue challenges and growing demands for improved public service delivery.
Sources within the legislature say the leadership of both chambers is keen to ensure early consideration of the budget to sustain the January–December budget cycle and avoid delays that have historically disrupted implementation.
Alongside budgetary matters, the constitution review process is expected to gain renewed momentum. The review, which has generated nationwide interest, is aimed at addressing long-standing governance concerns, including devolution of powers, state policing, electoral reforms and fiscal federalism. Public hearings and stakeholder engagements are expected to resume as lawmakers work towards building consensus on proposed amendments.
The resumption also comes at a time of heightened public scrutiny of the National Assembly, with civil society groups and citizens calling for greater transparency, accountability and responsiveness to pressing national issues.
With both economic and political reforms on the table, the coming weeks are expected to test the legislature’s capacity to balance competing priorities while delivering on its constitutional responsibilities.
