The Senate has resumed plenary after its annual recess, with the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, outlining insecurity, flooding and the rising cost of living among issues requiring urgent attention.
Akpabio, who addressed lawmakers upon their return, particularly expressed concern over recent abductions in Marisa and at Dekera Mosque.
He urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue those in captivity and strengthen protection for vulnerable communities, stressing that expressions of sympathy alone would not address the situation.
The Senate President also called on political and economic leaders to ensure that ongoing reforms produce tangible improvements in the living conditions of Nigerians.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Akpabio appealed to political actors to conduct peaceful and issue-based campaigns, warning against actions that could endanger lives.
He stressed that political contests should not come at the cost of Nigerian lives.
Meanwhile, the Senate considered six communications from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the resumed sitting.
The communications, which include requests for confirmation of appointments, approval of the 2026 statutory budget of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and consideration of bills seeking to establish new institutions, were read on the floor of the Senate.
One of the legislative proposals seeks to establish the National Research and Development Fund.
The communications and bills were subsequently referred to relevant Senate committees for further consideration.
The Senate also observed a moment of mourning for the former Governor of Kogi State, Ibrahim Idris, and the late Emir of Gumel, Ahmed Muhammad Sani.
The resumed sitting marks the return of legislative proceedings as senators begin consideration of pending national issues and new requests submitted to the chamber.
