Reps Extend 2023 Capital Budget Implementation Deadline To March 2024

The House of Representatives has extended the implementation deadline for the capital component of the 2023 budget from December 31, 2023, to March 31, 2024. This follows the passage of the Appropriation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Supplementary Appropriation Act, 2022 (Amendment) Bill, 2023, at Thursday’s plenary session.

Both bills were fast-tracked through the second reading, committee of supply consideration (chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu), and third reading for final passage.

The Appropriation amendment bill extends the deadline for capital project spending in the 2023 budget by three months, stating: “Section 12 of the Principal Act is amended by substituting for the date ’31st December 2023′ in line three, the date ’31st March 2024.'”

Similarly, the Supplementary Appropriation amendment bill extends the deadline for spending outlined in the Supplementary Appropriation Act, 2023, by stating: “Section 1 of the Principal Act is amended by substituting for the words ’31st December 2023′ in line 14, the words ’31st March 2024.'”

In a separate decision, the House has adjourned plenary sessions until Saturday, December 30, when they will pass the 2024 Appropriation Bill (budget). This schedule adheres to the January-to-December budget cycle.

Speaker Abbas Tajudeen announced the December 30th passage date on Tuesday, noting that committees had three weeks to finalise their budget defense sessions with ministries, departments, and agencies. He explained that the intervening period would be used for budget compilation, processing, and harmonization.

“Those of you who may want to go for Christmas, try to take note that Saturday, December 30th, would be the day that we officially pass the budget 2024,” Speaker Tajudeen said.