The Nigerian Senate has extended the implementation period of the capital component of the 2025 Appropriation Act from September 30 to December 31, 2026, for the fourth time. This decision aims to prevent the abandonment of ongoing projects and ensure effective utilisation of funds already appropriated and released. The extension was made possible by the passage of the Appropriations Repeal and Enactment Act 2025 Amendment Bill 2026.
The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, presented the bill, emphasising that several capital projects across the country remained at various stages of implementation. A significant amount of released capital funds had yet to be utilised, necessitating the extension. Capital budget implementation involves several stages, including procurement, contract execution, mobilisation, certification of completed works, and payment, which need to be properly coordinated.
The extension provides ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) with an additional three months to complete eligible capital projects, process outstanding payments, and utilise funds already provided under the 2025 budget. This is subject to existing financial regulations, procurement laws, and legislative oversight. The legislation does not constitute a fresh appropriation but creates additional time within the existing legal framework for implementation.
According to Senator Bamidele, allowing the existing September 30 deadline to lapse without an extension could create avoidable difficulties for MDAs seeking to complete projects already at advanced stages. The essence of the proposed extension is to provide the necessary legal and administrative window for MDAs to fully implement capital projects for which appropriations have been made and funds released.
Bamidele stressed that the bill does not seek to introduce a new appropriation but rather provides additional time within the existing legislative framework for the implementation of the capital component of the 2025 appropriation. This ensures that appropriated funds are utilised effectively, transparently, and for the intended purposes. He cautioned MDAs against treating the extension as a relaxation of accountability requirements.
The Senate Leader added that the measure is intended to protect public investments, facilitate the completion of critical infrastructure, prevent waste, and maximise value from already appropriated resources. The extension should not be interpreted as a relaxation of the principles of accountability, fiscal responsibility, or legislative oversight. All expenditure during the extended period must comply with applicable laws and regulations.
The Appropriations Repeal and Enactment Act 2025 Amendment Bill 2026 was considered and passed through second and third readings on the same day. The measure effectively gives MDAs additional time to complete projects, process payments, and utilise funds, ensuring that public investments are protected and critical infrastructure is completed.
Key points
- The Nigerian Senate has extended the 2025 capital budget implementation deadline to December 31, 2026, for the fourth time.
- The extension aims to prevent the abandonment of ongoing projects and ensure effective utilisation of funds already appropriated and released.
- The legislation does not constitute a fresh appropriation but creates additional time within the existing legal framework for implementation.
