The Nigerian Senate has approved an extension of the capital component of the 2025 federal budget until 30 September 2026, despite repeated assurances by the Tinubu administration that the practice of operating overlapping budgets would cease. Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the extension during plenary after the proposal received majority support via voice vote.
Background of the Extension
This is the third time lawmakers have extended the capital component of the 2025 budget. Initially extended in December 2025 from its original expiration date of 31 March 2026, the budget was later extended to 30 June 2026 for the same reason. The latest extension pushes the deadline to September 2026.
Although there was no formal request from President Bola Tinubu for the extension, it is widely believed that the senators acted with the Presidency's knowledge. Akpabio's action on Thursday indicates a possible reversal of Tinubu's earlier pledge to end the practice of extending budget implementation beyond the fiscal year.
Tinubu's Promise
In December 2025, while presenting the 2026 budget before a joint session of the National Assembly, President Tinubu promised to end overlapping budgets. He stated, “We’re terminating the habit of running three budgets in one flow. By March 31, 2026, all capital liabilities from previous years will be fully funded and closed. From April, Nigeria will operate on a single budget.” Similarly, former Finance Minister Wale Edun had pledged in October 2025 to end the practice.
Debate on the Extension
The bill seeking the extension was sponsored by Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno, who argued that the extension was necessary to ensure adequate funding for government programmes and projects. He noted that a significant proportion of the first release remained unutilised due to procurement timelines and administrative challenges. Monguno added that several strategic capital projects across critical sectors are at advanced stages of completion and require additional time for execution and certification.
Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Adeola Olamilekan supported the extension, stating it was needed to complete ongoing projects. Senate President Akpabio told senators that extensive debate was unnecessary, as they all understood the reasons behind the proposal. The senators agreed and approved the extension by voice vote.
