The House of Representatives on Monday approved a three-month extension for the implementation of the capital component of the 2025 Appropriation Act, moving the deadline from June 30 to September 30, 2026, to allow the Federal Government to complete ongoing projects captured in the budget.
The approval followed the passage of a bill titled "A Bill for an Act to Amend the Appropriation (Repeal and Enactment) Act, 2025 to extend the implementation of the capital aspect of the Appropriation Act, 2025 from 30 June 2026 to 30 September 2026 and for Related Matters.”
During an emergency plenary presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, lawmakers suspended relevant provisions of the House Standing Orders to expedite consideration of the legislation, which successfully passed first, second and third readings in a single sitting.
Presenting the bill, House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere explained that the extension was necessary because several capital projects earmarked in the 2025 budget had yet to be completed.
“It is very straightforward. Because some aspects of the capital appropriation will not be fully implemented, if we do not extend the life of this particular law, it will have a very grave impact on the growth and development of the national economy,” Ihonvbere told lawmakers.
He emphasised that the amendment was solely intended to prolong the validity of the capital expenditure component without altering any part of the budget.
“The purpose essentially is to extend the lifespan. We are not touching any part of the law. It is simply extending the lifespan from June 30, 2026, to September 30, 2026. I urge my colleagues to approve this so that we can continue with the work of developing and growing our economy and country,” he said.
Speaker Abbas also backed the extension, noting that available records showed the capital budget had not been fully implemented.
“As you are aware, the 2025 budget was extended to June 30. From the records we received from the Chairman, Appropriations, and other relevant quarters, it has yet to be fully implemented.
“It is therefore in the best interest of this country and the National Assembly for us to extend the budget to September 30 to enable the Federal Government to fulfil its obligations under the 2025 budget,” the Speaker said.
Following its second reading, the House resolved into the Committee of Supply, where the bill was considered clause-by-clause and approved alongside its explanatory memorandum and long title. The committee subsequently reported back to plenary, and its recommendations were adopted before the House suspended its rules to allow the bill to pass third reading the same day.
The extension provides Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) with an additional three months to complete ongoing capital projects and fully utilise funds allocated under the 2025 fiscal framework.
The decision highlights persistent challenges in Nigeria’s budget implementation process, including procurement delays, revenue constraints and slow project execution, which often hinder the timely delivery of capital projects. Such projects remain crucial to infrastructure development, economic expansion and job creation.
Meanwhile, the House announced a reshuffle in the leadership of some standing committees following recent changes within the minority caucus.
Ali Madaki was appointed Chairman of the House Committee on Special Duties, while Ali Isa was named Chairman of the Committee on Shipping Services.
In the same vein, Pascal Agbodike was appointed Chairman of the Committee on the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, while Kelechi Nwogu was named Chairman of the Committee on Hydrological Services.
Speaker Abbas urged the newly appointed committee chairmen to assume their duties immediately and leverage their legislative experience to advance the work of their respective committees and the House.
The appointments, according to the House leadership, form part of broader efforts to strengthen committee operations and improve legislative oversight across critical sectors of the economy.
