The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday approved an extension of the implementation of the capital component of the 2025 Appropriation Act from September 30 to December 31, 2026.
This followed a motion by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, after an executive session and clause-by-clause consideration of the bill by the Committee of Supply.
The Senate Leader said the extension would provide an administrative window for the completion of capital projects for which funds had already been released, particularly critical projects that are at advanced stages of completion.
According to him, the measure would also help sustain economic activities, support local contractors, facilitate the efficient utilisation of released funds, improve budget performance and enhance public service delivery.
He maintained that the amendment was not intended to introduce new projects, insisting that it should not be interpreted as a relaxation of fiscal accountability.
He said the extension was being undertaken in line with the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
It would be recalled that the implementation period for the 2025 budget was initially scheduled to end in December 2025 but was subsequently extended to March 31, 2026, June 30, and September 30.
With the latest extension, the capital component of the 2025 budget will now remain valid until December 31, 2026.
Justifying the extension, the Deputy Senate President said the measure was necessary to ensure that the administration completed ongoing projects, including those inherited from previous administrations led by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
