ABUJA: The Senate on Tuesday resumed plenary sittings after the Christmas and New Year recess, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio sounding a strong warning over an impending food crisis in the country.
In his opening remarks, Akpabio cautioned that millions of Nigerians could face severe hunger in 2026 if urgent and proactive measures are not taken to address food insecurity.
He stressed that the situation requires immediate legislative attention, urging lawmakers to place food security at the top of the national agenda.
The Senate President also highlighted the challenge of rising insecurity, noting that it continues to threaten lives, livelihoods and agricultural activities across several parts of the country.
He commended ongoing military cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in tackling security challenges, while offering condolences to families who have lost loved ones to insecurity.
Akpabio further called on political actors to be guided by conscience as the nation gradually approaches the 2027 general elections.
During the plenary, three separate communications from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu were read to the chamber.
One of the letters transmitted the Court of Appeal (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which seeks to strengthen the capacity and efficiency of the appellate court by increasing the number of justices from 70 to 110, clarifying judicial structure and seniority, and establishing an Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre within the court.
In another correspondence, President Tinubu requested the Senate’s confirmation of the appointment of Justice Oyewole Olubunmi Kayode as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
The President also forwarded 24 health sector bills for the Senate’s consideration, aimed at reforming existing health laws and streamlining the membership of governing councils across the health sector.
Lawmakers observed a minute’s silence in honour of former Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who represented Nasarawa North Senatorial District.
The Senate later adjourned plenary to January 28, 2026.
