The House of Representatives Nigeria has extended the implementation period for the capital component of the 2025 Appropriation Act by three months, shifting the deadline from 30 June to 30 September 2026, to allow full execution of ongoing federal projects.
The decision was taken on Monday during an emergency plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, after lawmakers fast-tracked consideration of a bill to amend the Appropriation Act.
The proposed amendment titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Appropriation (Repeal and Enactment) Act, 2025” scaled first, second, and third readings in one sitting following suspension of relevant House Standing Orders.
Why lawmakers extended budget timeline
Leading debate, House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (Mr Julius Ihonvbere), said the extension was necessary due to delays in the execution of several capital projects under the 2025 budget.
“It is very straightforward… if we do not extend the life of this particular law, it will have a very grave impact on the growth and development of the national economy,” he said.
He added that the amendment does not alter budgetary provisions but only extends the implementation window for capital expenditure.
Speaker Abbas defends extension
Speaker Abbas said available records showed that many capital projects were still ongoing and required additional time for completion.
“As you are aware, the 2025 budget was extended to June 30… it has yet to be fully implemented,” Abbas said.
He stressed that extending implementation to 30 September was in the national interest to ensure Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) complete ongoing projects.
Legislative process and approval
Following debate, the House dissolved into the Committee of Supply where lawmakers considered and approved the bill clause by clause.
The House later suspended its rules to allow for same-day passage at third reading, underscoring urgency attached to capital project execution across federal MDAs.
The extension now grants federal agencies additional time to access and utilise funds appropriated under the 2025 fiscal framework.
Budget implementation challenges
The development highlights recurring challenges in Nigeria’s budget system, including delayed procurement processes, revenue constraints, and slow capital project execution.
Capital expenditure is widely regarded as a key driver of infrastructure development, job creation, and economic growth in Nigeria.
Committee leadership changes
During the same plenary, the House announced changes in committee leadership following adjustments in the minority caucus structure.
Lawmakers appointed new committee chairpersons, including Mr Ali Madaki as Chairman of the Committee on Special Duties, and Mr Ali Isa as Chairman of the Committee on Shipping Services.
Others include Mr Pascal Agbodike as Chairman of the Committee on Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, and Mr Kelechi Nwogu as Chairman of the Committee on Hydrological Services.
Speaker Abbas urged the new chairmen to intensify oversight functions and strengthen legislative performance across critical sectors.
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