Nigeria Extends 2025 Capital Budget Deadline to December 31

The Nigerian House of Representatives and Senate passed an executive bill extending the implementation deadline for the capital component of the 2025 Appropriation Act from September 30 to December 31, 2026. Requested by Bola Tinubu, this marks the fourth extension of the original December 31, 2025, deadline, following previous shifts to March, June, and September 2026.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele stated the extension provides a necessary legal window for ministries, departments, and agencies to utilize released funds and settle outstanding contractor payments. They emphasized that the measure does not introduce new appropriations but aims to prevent the proliferation of abandoned projects across the country.

During the proceedings, Senate Chief Whip Tahir Mongunno criticized the centralized payment system managed by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation. Mongunno argued that this system creates bottlenecks that necessitate repeated extensions and urged the executive to reform the policy. Separately, President Tinubu requested Senate approval for the 2026 statutory budget proposal of the Niger Delta Development Commission, which focuses on security, healthcare, and youth empowerment.