ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Nigeria’s House of Representatives on Monday convened an emergency sitting and passed a bill extending the implementation period of the capital component of the 2025 Appropriation Act from June 30 to September 30, 2026. Lawmakers said the extension was needed to give federal ministries and agencies more time to complete projects funded under the current budget.
The bill, formally titled A Bill for an Act to Amend the Appropriation (Repeal and Enactment) Act, 2025, was fast‑tracked through first, second and third readings in a single sitting after members suspended House rules. House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere explained that the measure was “very straightforward,” stressing that without the extension, unfinished capital projects could have “a very grave impact on the growth and development of the national economy.”
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen presided over the session and noted that records from the Appropriations Committee and other agencies showed that capital budget implementation was incomplete. “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,” Tajudeen said.
Following debate, the House dissolved into the Committee of Supply, where members considered and approved the bill’s clauses and explanatory memorandum. The committee later reported back to plenary, and lawmakers adopted its recommendations. By suspending standing orders, the House allowed the bill to be read a third time and passed the same day.
The amendment means ministries, departments and agencies now have until September 30, 2026, to implement capital projects and utilize funds appropriated under the 2025 budget. Analysts say the extension reflects broader challenges in Nigeria’s fiscal management, where delays in project delivery often hinder infrastructure development and economic growth. International observers note that Nigeria’s budget execution record is closely watched by investors and development partners, given its role as Africa’s largest economy.
In addition to the budget measure, the House announced changes in committee leadership. Rep. Ali Madaki was named chairman of the Committee on Special Duties, Rep. Ali Isa J.C. will lead the Committee on Shipping Services, Rep. Pascal Agbodike was appointed chairman of the Committee on Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, and Rep. Kelechi Nwogu will head the Committee on Hydrological Services. The Speaker urged the new chairmen to assume their roles immediately and bring their legislative experience to bear in advancing the work of the House, underscoring the importance of effective oversight as Nigeria navigates its economic and political priorities.
