President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has charged 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 Senate has entered the “final stretch” of its legislative journey.
Akpabio gave the charge on Tuesday in Abuja while delivering his welcome address at the first plenary sitting of the Senate in 2026, following the Christmas and New Year recess.
He urged senators to convert feedback gathered from their constituencies during the break into meaningful legislation and effective oversight actions that directly address the needs of Nigerians.
The Senate President noted that despite the recess, the nation continued to face economic pressures, security concerns and social challenges, stressing that lawmakers must now respond with renewed commitment and focus.
However, the resumption of plenary was marked by solemnity as the Senate observed a minute of silence in honour of late Senator Godiya Akwashiki (SDP–Nasarawa North), who died on December 31, 2025. Akwashiki has since been laid to rest.
Describing the late lawmaker as a diligent and humble public servant, Akpabio said his contributions to the Senate and the country would be deeply missed.
He extended condolences to the family of the deceased, his constituents and the people of Nasarawa State, while leading senators in paying tribute to his memory.
On national security, Akpabio commended the ongoing military collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against terrorism, noting that such partnerships were critical to restoring peace and stability.
He also sympathised with families affected by insecurity across the country, describing security as a matter of lives, homes and futures.
Akpabio expressed concern over a recent United Nations warning that up to 35 million Nigerians could face hunger this year, describing the figure as alarming and unacceptable.
According to him, “The development calls for urgent legislative action, stronger oversight and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to boost food security and protect vulnerable citizens.
As political activities gradually build up nationwide, Akpabio appealed to political parties and actors to conduct themselves with civility, conscience and patriotism, warning that Nigeria’s unity and stability must not be sacrificed on the altar of 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 continued support for the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Programme, Akpabio said perseverance, cooperation and shared sacrifice remained key to achieving a more secure and productive Nigeria.
Turning to the work of the Senate, Akpabio said with less than one year and five months left in the current legislative cycle, the chamber had moved beyond settling in and must now focus on delivery.
“This is the final stretch of the marathon,” he said. “It is the phase that separates participation from performance.”
He stressed that the period must be reform-driven, with priority given to bills and motions that promote economic growth, strengthen institutions, secure lives and property, and restore confidence in governance.
Akpabio cautioned against legislative clutter, insisting that history would judge the Senate not by the volume of laws passed but by their impact and value to Nigerians.
He said the Senate would also focus on completing pending legislative work and leaving behind a functional, principled and orderly institution.
On the 2026 budget, the Senate President said the chamber would give it rigorous scrutiny to ensure responsible passage and faithful implementation, adding that cooperation with the Executive, guided by mutual respect and constitutional responsibility, would remain central to national progress.
“We are here for Nigerians,” Akpabio declared. “We are their ears to hear their cries, their eyes to see their realities, and their legislative voice to protect their rights.”
He urged senators to rise to the moment, saying the nation and history were watching.
“Let it be said that when the 10th Senate reached the final stretch, it did not slow down or leave the work unfinished,” he said, calling on lawmakers to “finish strong” for the sake of Nigeria.
