Budget Extension: Senate Moves 2025 Capital Implementation to June 2026

The Senate has extended the implementation period for the capital component of the 2025 budget from March 31, 2025, to June 30, 2026.

The decision followed the passage of a bill amending the 2025 Appropriation Act, which was considered clause by clause during Tuesday’s plenary session. The bill was sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central).

Leading the debate on the bill, Senator Bamidele explained that the extension was necessary due to the slow pace of capital project execution, despite the release of approximately 30 percent of allocated funds to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

He warned that without the amendment, the country could face an increase in abandoned or partially completed projects. He noted that many of the ongoing initiatives remain relevant, with only about 70 percent of them captured in the 2026 budget.

Senator Bamidele further stated that the extension would prevent disruptions to key infrastructure projects under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He described the bill as a measure to ensure continuity, improve budget performance, and promote the efficient use of public funds, while also strengthening fiscal discipline.

In his contribution, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), said the extension supports the administration’s infrastructure agenda. He noted that it aligns with the President’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” by providing the necessary time to complete ongoing projects, thereby avoiding the problem of abandoned infrastructure.

He called on his colleagues to support the bill, emphasizing the importance of the extension to the nation’s development efforts.