ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-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 completion of ongoing projects included in the budget.
The decision 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 plenary on Monday.
At an emergency sitting presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, the bill passed first, second and third readings in a single session after lawmakers suspended relevant Standing Orders to fast-track its consideration.
READ ALSO: Dangote Refinery Cuts West Africa Fuel Imports
Leading the debate, House Leader, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, said the extension became necessary due to the incomplete execution of several capital projects in the 2025 budget.
“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 added that the amendment does not alter any part of the budget except to extend its lifespan.
“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 noted that available records showed ongoing implementation of the capital budget, necessitating additional time for completion.
“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.
After second reading, the House entered the Committee of Supply, where the bill was considered clause by clause and approved, including its explanatory memorandum and long title.
The committee’s report was later adopted at plenary, after which the House suspended its rules to allow the bill pass third reading the same day.
The extension grants Ministries, Departments and Agencies an additional three months to complete ongoing capital projects and utilise allocated funds under the 2025 fiscal plan.
The development reflects persistent challenges in Nigeria’s budget implementation, including procurement delays, revenue constraints and slow execution of capital projects.
Capital expenditure is widely seen as central to infrastructure development, economic expansion and job creation.
Meanwhile, the House also announced changes in the leadership of several standing committees following adjustments in the minority caucus leadership.
Ali Madaki was appointed Chairman of the Committee on Special Duties, while Ali Isa now heads the Committee on Shipping Services.
Similarly, Pascal Agbodike was named Chairman of the Committee on the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, and Kelechi Nwogu will chair the Committee on Hydrological Services.
Speaker Abbas urged the newly appointed chairmen to assume duties immediately and apply their experience toward strengthening committee work and legislative oversight.
The reshuffle is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the effectiveness of House committees and improve oversight across key sectors of the economy.