Abuja, Sept. 30, 2026 – The National Assembly has extended the implementation of the capital component of the 2025 Appropriation Act to December 31, 2026.
This followed the passage of the Appropriations Repeal and Enactment Act 2025 Amendment Bill 2026.
The bill passed through second and third readings in the Senate on the same day and this is the fourth time the implementation of the capital projects would be extended.
Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate Leader who presented the bill, said the extension was necessary to provide the ministries, departments and agencies with sufficient time to complete capital projects for which funds had already been appropriated and released.
He said capital budget implementation involved several stages that needed to be properly coordinated to ensure successful completion of projects.
“Mr. President, the essence of this proposed extension is to provide the necessary legal and administrative window for ministries, departments and agencies of the federal government to fully implement capital projects for which appropriations have been made and funds released,” Bamidele said.
“The bill does not seek to introduce a new appropriation. Rather, it seeks to provide additional time within the existing legislative framework for the implementation of the capital component of the 2025 appropriation, thereby ensuring that appropriated funds are utilised effectively, transparently and for the intended purposes,” he said.
“I wish to emphasise that the extension should not be interpreted as a relaxation of the principles of accountability, fiscal responsibility or legislative oversight,” he said.
Bamidele said the measure was also intended to protect public investments, facilitate the completion of critical infrastructure, prevent waste and maximise value from already appropriated resources..
Barau Jibrin, the Deputy Senate President, said he also supported the extension of the implantation of the budget.
He said the step would prevent proliferation of abandoned projects across the country.
Abba Moro, the Minority Leader, while also supporting the extension, warned against turning the debate into an avenue for political blame.