Senate Approves Extension Of 2025 Budget Implementation

The Senate has approved an amendment to the 2025 Appropriation Act, extending the implementation period for its capital components from March 31, 2026, to June 30, 2026.

This followed the presentation of a bill for an Act to amend the 2025 Appropriation Act to further extend the capital components of the Act to June 30, 2026.

The bill was sponsored by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central), during plenary yesterday.

Leading the debate on the general principles of the bill, Bamidele said the rationale for the amendment was both compelling and pragmatic.

He noted that the execution of capital projects under the 2025 Appropriation Act had not reached optimal levels, despite the release of approximately 30 per cent of allocated funds to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

“This situation, if not urgently addressed, risks exacerbating the already troubling incidents of abandoned or partially executed projects across the country,” he said.

He added that a significant proportion of the projects remains relevant, but only about 70 per cent have been provided for under the 2026 appropriation framework.

He warned that without the extension, several critical national infrastructure and development initiatives of the President may suffer avoidable discontinuity.

Bamidele said the bill was therefore designed to ensure continuity, enhance budget performance, and promote the efficient utilisation of already released funds.

“It is also aimed at strengthening fiscal discipline and safeguarding public resources from waste.

“Furthermore, this extension will contribute meaningfully to economic reflation by sustaining capital expenditure flows, preserving jobs, and supporting ongoing development efforts across key sectors of the economy.”

He stressed that it was imperative to provide MDAs with the necessary legal window to fully implement their projects in the overriding public interest and urged lawmakers to give the bill expeditious and favourable consideration.

The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin (Kano North), who seconded the motion for the approval of the bill, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to deliver enhanced and rapid infrastructural development.

“It is in tandem with the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of Mr. President to bring prosperity to our nation.

“And this cannot be achieved without building the critical infrastructure needed to bring this vision to fruition.

“It is therefore very important that time is given so that ongoing projects can be completed. Otherwise, we risk increasing abandoned projects, which is inimical to our progress.

“It is very necessary. It is known to all that if we do not do this, it will undermine the desire of Mr. President to deliver the infrastructure needed to bring prosperity to our nation,” Barau said.

He urged lawmakers to grant the bill speedy passage.

The Senate subsequently passed the bill after clause-by-clause consideration, officially extending the implementation of the capital component of the 2025 budget to June 30, 2026.