The Nigerian House of Representatives has approved an extension of the 2025 Appropriation Act's capital component implementation deadline to December 31, 2026. This decision was made during a plenary session on Tuesday, following a motion presented by the House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere. The extension marks the fourth adjustment to the implementation period of the 2025 capital budget.
The initial deadline for the 2025 capital budget was December 31, 2025. However, the National Assembly extended it to March 31, 2026, in December 2025. Subsequent extensions were made to June 30 and then to September 30, 2026. The latest extension provides Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government with additional time to implement projects and utilize funds allocated under the 2025 capital budget.
The decision to extend the deadline was necessitated by the incomplete implementation of several capital projects under the 2025 budget. In June, lawmakers justified the extension to September 30, citing the need to prevent project abandonment and fulfill outstanding obligations. The Senate had earlier approved the same extension, ensuring a synchronized approach between both chambers of the National Assembly.
President Bola Tinubu had previously supported the extension of the 2025 budget implementation deadline to March 31, 2026, stating that it would facilitate the full release of capital implementation funds to MDAs. The Presidency also noted that the subsequent extension to June 30 was aimed at ensuring the completion of critical infrastructure and development projects that were at advanced stages of implementation.
The repeated extensions have enabled the implementation of the 2025 capital budget to continue alongside the 2026 budget. This overlap allows for a smoother transition and more efficient utilization of funds across different budget periods. The National Assembly's decision reflects an effort to optimize the implementation of capital projects and ensure that allocated funds are effectively utilized.
The extension to December 31, 2026, provides MDAs with additional three months to implement projects and utilize funds appropriated under the 2025 capital budget. This extra time is expected to help complete ongoing projects and ensure that the objectives of the 2025 budget are achieved. The National Assembly's flexibility in adjusting the implementation deadline aims to enhance the execution of capital projects.
In a separate development, Prof. Maryam Abdu has been appointed as the president of the governing council of the Centre for Population and Reproductive Health (CeProd). The appointment was announced on Wednesday, though details about the appointment process and Abdu's tenure were not provided. Separately, Otedola recently met with President Tinubu in France, according to a photo obtained by Daily Trust.
Key points
- The Nigerian House of Representatives has extended the implementation deadline of the 2025 capital budget to December 31, 2026.
- The extension marks the fourth adjustment to the implementation period of the 2025 capital budget.
- The decision aims to allow for the completion of ongoing capital projects and optimize the utilization of allocated funds.
