The Nigerian National Assembly has extended the implementation deadline of the 2025 budget's capital component from September 30 to December 31, 2026. This marks the fourth amendment to the 2025 Appropriation Act. The Senate and House of Representatives made this decision to allow for the completion of critical national projects and capital projects for which funds have already been released.
President Bola Tinubu has transmitted several bills to the National Assembly for consideration. These include the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) budget proposal, the National Postgraduate Medical College Amendment Bill, and the National Research and Development Fund Establishment Bill. The NDDC budget proposal aims to fund interventions in youth empowerment, power, education, healthcare, security, and agricultural productivity across the oil-producing region.
The Senate has received President Tinubu's requests for the confirmation of several nominees to key federal institutions. These include Dr. Abdullahi Saidu as Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), along with Mohammed Asmau, Mohammed Makama, and Dr. Suleiman Gidado as members of the commission's board. The nominations were referred to the Senate Committee on Finance, which has two weeks to report back.
In addition to the FRC nominations, President Tinubu has nominated Sani Ndanusa as a non-career Ambassador and High Commissioner-designate to The Gambia. The nomination was referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for screening and consideration. The President also requested the confirmation of Engineer Wakili Bukar as a member of the Federal Civil Service Commission representing Bauchi, Borno, and Yobe states for a second and final five-year term.
The National Postgraduate Medical College Amendment Bill seeks to rename the institution and expand its powers to award doctoral degrees in clinical medicine, dentistry, and related fields. The National Research and Development Fund Establishment Bill aims to consolidate fragmented research funds across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) into a single competitive funding mechanism under the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology.
The Senate has adjourned plenary sittings until October 13, 2026, after considering the executive communications and other legislative business. A security summit will take place on October 12 and 13. The National Assembly had earlier postponed its resumption from September 15 to September 29 to allow for the completion of rehabilitation work in the legislative chambers.
The extension of the 2025 budget deadline and the receipt of President Tinubu's proposals demonstrate the National Assembly's efforts to address critical national issues. The implementation of the capital component of the 2025 budget will continue until December 31, 2026, ensuring the completion of ongoing projects.
Key points
- The National Assembly has extended the 2025 budget deadline to December 31, 2026.
- President Tinubu has transmitted several bills to the National Assembly, including the NDDC budget proposal and medical, research bills.
- The Senate has received requests for the confirmation of nominees to key federal institutions, including the Fiscal Responsibility Commission and the Federal Civil Service Commission.
