National Assembly to Resume Plenary on February 17 for Crucial Sessions

The National Assembly has officially announced that both the Senate and the House of Representatives will reconvene from their break on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Clerk to the National Assembly, Mr. Kamoru Ogunlana, confirmed that plenary sessions in both chambers will commence at 11:00 am. Lawmakers have been urged to adjust their schedules to ensure full attendance, as the sittings are expected to address matters of significant importance.

“I am directed to inform all Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members… that the Senate and House of Representatives shall reconvene Plenary session at 11:00am on Tuesday, 17th February 2026 respectively,” the statement read.

While the specific agenda for the resumption was not detailed in the initial announcement, the Clerk emphasized that “very crucial decisions shall be taken by each Chamber during the session.”

The reconvening follows a previous suspension of plenary, which had been intended to allow more time for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to defend their proposals for the 2026 budget.

The urgency of Tuesday’s session is widely linked to the recent release of the 2027 general election timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). According to a statement issued on Friday by House Spokesman Mr. Akin Rotimi, the House is expected to hold an emergency sitting specifically to deliberate on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill in light of the new schedule.

The INEC timetable has sparked debate over dates that are perceived to conflict with the Ramadan period, which is expected to begin around February 7-8, 2027. This concern has been raised by several Nigerians and senators, leading to expectations that the Tuesday session may focus on adjusting the electoral timeline to prevent the fasting period from disrupting voting activities.