The Senate has approved a fresh extension of the implementation period for the capital component of the 2024 national budget, shifting the deadline from June 30 to December 31, 2025.
The decision was reached during Tuesday’s plenary following the presentation and swift passage of an amendment to the Appropriation Act. The bill, which was read and approved through first, second, and third readings in a single sitting, received overwhelming support from lawmakers.
Deputy Senate President, Sen. Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, announced the resolution after the Senate Committee on Supply’s report was adopted.
Leading the debate, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Sen. Solomon Adeola, explained that the budget had initially been extended on December 18, 2024, to June 30, 2025. With that deadline approaching, another extension had become necessary.
“This extension is critical to ensure that ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) are able to fully and judiciously utilise the funds released to them,” Adeola said. “Many key projects are at advanced stages, and the extension will help avoid the risk of abandoned projects.”
He emphasized that the amendment would extend the lifespan of the capital components of the 2024 Appropriation Act to December 31, 2025.
In his contribution, Sen. Yahaya Abdullahi (APC–Kebbi) raised concerns about payment delays to contractors who had executed government projects, attributing the issues to possible cash flow problems.
“There are people who have done government work and are yet to be paid. We need to know what is happening,” Abdullahi said. “The leadership of the National Assembly should meet with the President and convey these concerns.”
Sen. Abdul Ningi (PDP–Bauchi) echoed similar sentiments, urging the appropriation committee to be transparent about revenue shortfalls.
“What Nigerians need to hear is whether we’re facing a revenue crisis or whether there are simply no funds available to settle obligations,” Ningi said.
Also speaking, Sen. Seriake Dickson (PDP–Bayelsa) supported the extension but noted widespread dissatisfaction with budget implementation.
“No one opposes the extension because the government must continue to function,” he said. “But clearly, this is not an ideal situation.”
In his closing remarks, Deputy Senate President Barau reaffirmed confidence in the Appropriation Committee and expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu would act in the country’s best interest.
“Mr President is a leader who listens and is passionate about Nigeria’s development. He will go the extra mile when it comes to matters of national importance,” Barau said.
