The Senate has approved a further three-month extension for the implementation of the capital component of the 2025 Appropriation Act, moving the deadline from June 30 to September 30.
The extension followed the adoption of a motion moved by the Senate Chief Whip, Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno), during plenary on Thursday.
Mr Monguno argued that the extension was necessary given the substantial funds released to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) that remain unutilised for project implementation under the 2025 budget. According to him, delays caused by procurement processes, project implementation challenges, and administrative procedures have slowed the execution of several critical government projects.
He noted that many strategic projects across key sectors of the economy are already at an advanced stage of completion and require additional time for execution, certification, and payment.
“Failure to extend the implementation period of the 2025 Appropriation Act may result in the abandonment of critical projects, the wastage of already committed public resources, and the disruption of ongoing government interventions,” he said.
He added that some allocations contained in the budget might not be accommodated in subsequent appropriation cycles if the implementation window expires, which would create funding gaps and ultimately undermine development objectives. Extending the budget’s validity, he argued, would improve budget performance, facilitate efficient utilisation of released funds, and support economic growth.
“Granting a further extension of the implementation period is in the national interest and will ensure value for money in public expenditure,” Mr Monguno said.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Solomon Adeola (APC-Ogun), supporting the motion, explained that the extension specifically targets the capital component of the budget. He recalled that when President Bola Tinubu presented the 2025 budget to the National Assembly, there was an understanding that 30 per cent of implementation would be completed by March 31, while the remaining 70 per cent would be rolled into the 2026 budget.
Senator Adeola said the implementation timeline was not fully achieved, prompting the National Assembly to extend the budget’s lifespan to June 30. “While we were passing the 2026 budget, due to the non-implementation of that promise, we were forced to extend the budget to June 30,” he said.
He noted that although payments have commenced, significant obligations remain outstanding. “There is a need to extend this budget beyond June 30 to September 30. By then, we are hopeful that the outstanding 30 per cent will have been paid in full, while implementation of the components transferred to the 2026 budget can commence.”
Senator Victor Umeh (NDC-Anambra), who seconded the motion, cited the need to sustain the execution of projects captured under the 2025 Appropriation Act.
Following deliberations, Senate President Akpabio put the proposal to a voice vote, and it was overwhelmingly adopted. Mr Akpabio said the decision was necessary to prevent interruptions in payments and project execution. “The payment would have stopped halfway if this was not done,” he said.
He directed that the Senate’s resolution be transmitted to the executive for implementation. “Accordingly, the resolution of the Senate is being communicated to the Executive that the 2025 Appropriation Act has been extended to September 30,” he said.
The National Assembly had earlier extended the implementation period of the 2025 budget to June 30, following delays in the release and utilisation of capital funds. The Senate adjourned plenary until July 7.
