NASS Pushes 2025 Capital Budget Deadline to Mid-Year to Avert Project Abandonment
By Admin, Pan Afric Represents
Nigeria’s National Assembly has approved a fresh extension of the implementation timeline for the capital component of the 2025 budget, shifting the deadline from March 31 to June 30 in a bid to safeguard ongoing projects and improve budget performance.
The decision followed the passage of an amendment bill to the 2025 Appropriation Act during plenary on Tuesday, sponsored by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele and concurrently endorsed by the House of Representatives.
Bamidele described the extension as “both compelling and pragmatic,” noting that despite the release of about 30 percent of allocated funds to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), execution of capital projects remains below expectations.
“This situation, if not urgently addressed, risks exacerbating the already troubling incidents of abandoned or partially executed projects across the country,” he warned.
He further explained that while many of the projects remain critical and relevant, only about 70 percent have been accommodated in the 2026 appropriation framework, raising concerns about continuity if the extension was not granted.
“The bill is therefore designed to ensure continuity, enhance budget performance and promote efficient utilisation of already released funds,” Bamidele said. “It is also aimed at strengthening fiscal discipline and safeguarding public resources from waste.”
According to him, the move will also stimulate economic activities by sustaining capital expenditure, preserving jobs, and supporting development efforts across key sectors.
Seconding the motion, Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin,said the extension aligns with the infrastructure drive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“It is in tandem with the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of Mr President to bring about prosperity to our nation,” he said. “This cannot be achieved without building the critical infrastructure needed to actualise this vision.”
Jibrin stressed that failure to extend the timeline could derail ongoing projects and undermine efforts to accelerate national development.
Following deliberations, the Senate passed the bill after a clause-by-clause consideration.
In his remarks, Senate President, Godwin Akpabio commended lawmakers for backing the measure, describing their support as an act of patriotism.
“I want to thank all distinguished senators for their patriotism and contributions that enable this to take place,” he said, adding that the extension would give the executive the needed latitude to ensure proper implementation of the capital components of the budget.
