The Nigerian Senate has postponed its return to plenary by two weeks, moving the resumption date from Tuesday, September 23, to Tuesday, October 7, 2025.
The announcement was contained in an internal memo signed by the Chief of Staff to the Senate President, Chinedu Akubueze, and circulated to lawmakers on Tuesday.
The memo, titled “Notice of Shift in Plenary Resumption Date”, stated, “This is to respectfully inform Distinguished Senators that the resumption of plenary sitting of the Senate, earlier scheduled for Tuesday, 23rd September, 2025, has been shifted to Tuesday, 7th October, 2025.
Any inconvenience this short notice may cause is deeply regretted. Distinguished Senators are kindly invited to note the postponement and adjust their schedules accordingly.”
Although no official explanation was given, sources within the National Assembly told reporters that the decision was linked to preparations for Nigeria’s Independence Day celebration on October 1.
The Senate had initially adjourned plenary on July 24 for its annual recess. At the time, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the move as an act of “chamber reciprocity,” noting that the House of Representatives had also embarked on a break.
The latest adjustment means debates on critical motions—including oversight of government spending and confirmation of executive nominees—will be delayed further.
One senior lawmaker, who did not want his name mentioned, remarked, “It is unusual to keep extending the recess. Nigerians expect us to be back at work, especially with the number of pressing issues before the chamber.”
Another senator, however, defended the extension, saying it would allow members to “properly observe the Independence celebrations before reconvening for serious business.”
With the new date, the 10th Senate will reconvene nearly two and a half months after its last plenary session.
