By John Moses
Nigeria’s Senate has approved a fresh extension for the implementation of the capital component of the 2024 national budget, moving the deadline from 30 June to 31 December 2025.
The decision was made during plenary on Tuesday, following the swift presentation and passage of a bill amending the Appropriation Act. The legislation was fast-tracked through first, second and third readings in a single session, receiving broad support from lawmakers.
The motion was led by Senator Solomon Adeola, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, who noted that the previous extension granted in December 2024 was due to expire next week.
According to Adeola, the additional time will enable ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to fully utilise funds already released, particularly for critical projects nearing completion.
“Without this extension, we risk leaving many important projects unfinished, adding to the burden of abandoned works,” he warned.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, confirmed the Senate’s resolution after the Committee on Supply adopted the amendment bill.
During deliberations, lawmakers voiced concern over the slow disbursement of funds and uncertainty surrounding federal cash flow.
Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (APC-Kebbi) remarked: “People have executed government contracts and are yet to be paid. The leadership of the National Assembly must raise this directly with the President.”
Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP-Bauchi) questioned whether the delays were due to a shortfall in government revenues, while Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP-Bayelsa) described the extension as unavoidable, but criticised the broader fiscal environment.
“We support the extension to ensure government functions continue. But clearly, the situation is far from ideal,” Dickson said.
Barau assured the chamber that President Bola Tinubu remains committed to fiscal progress.
“He is someone who listens and is passionate about national development. Once issues are raised before him, he acts,” Barau concluded.
