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By Tracy Moses
The House of Representatives on Monday approved a three-month extension for the implementation of the capital component of the 2025 Appropriation Act, pushing the deadline from June 30 to September 30, 2026, while also announcing changes in the leadership of several standing committees.
The twin decisions, taken during an emergency plenary session presided over by Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, were aimed at ensuring the completion of ongoing capital projects and strengthening the operations of key committees of the lower chamber.
The budget extension followed the passage of a bill titled, “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Appropriation (Repeal and Enactment) Act, 2025 to extend the implementation of the capital aspect of the Appropriation Act, 2025 from 30 June 2026 to 30 September 2026 and for Related Matters.”
The legislation scaled first, second and third readings in one sitting after lawmakers suspended relevant provisions of the House Standing Orders to fast-track its consideration.
Leading debate on the bill, House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, said the extension had become necessary because several capital projects contained in the 2025 budget were yet to be fully executed.
“It is very straightforward. Because some aspects of the capital appropriation will not be fully implemented, if we do not extend the life of this particular law, it will have a very grave impact on the growth and development of the national economy,” Ihonvbere told lawmakers.
He explained that the amendment was not intended to alter any provision of the budget but merely to extend the validity period for the capital expenditure component.
“The purpose essentially is to extend the lifespan. We are not touching any part of the law. It is simply extending the lifespan from June 30, 2026 to September 30, 2026. I urge my colleagues to approve this so that we can continue with the work of developing and growing our economy and country,” he said.
The 2025 budget had earlier been extended to June 30 following concerns over the pace of implementation. However, reports presented to the House indicated that a number of capital projects were still ongoing, necessitating additional time for completion.
Speaking in support of the legislation, Abbas said extending the implementation period was in the national interest.
“As you are aware, the 2025 budget was extended to June 30. From the records we received from the Chairman, Appropriations, and other relevant quarters, it is yet to be fully implemented.
“It is therefore in the best interest of this country and the National Assembly for us to extend the budget to September 30 to enable the Federal Government fulfil its obligations under the 2025 budget,” the Speaker said.
Following its adoption at second reading, the House dissolved into the Committee of Supply where lawmakers considered and approved the bill clause-by-clause, including its explanatory memorandum and long title. The committee subsequently reported back to plenary, and its recommendations were adopted before the bill passed third reading.
The extension provides Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) with an additional three months to execute ongoing projects and utilise funds appropriated under the 2025 fiscal framework.
The move reflects persistent challenges associated with budget implementation in Nigeria, particularly in the area of capital expenditure. Delays in procurement processes, funding constraints and administrative bottlenecks have often slowed project execution, leading to repeated requests for implementation extensions. Capital spending remains critical to infrastructure development and economic growth, as it finances projects in transportation, healthcare, education, agriculture and other productive sectors.
In a related development, the House announced new leadership appointments for some of its standing committees following recent changes within the minority caucus.
Ali Madaki was appointed Chairman of the House Committee on Special Duties, while Ali Isa was named Chairman of the Committee on Shipping Services.
Similarly, Pascal Agbodike was appointed Chairman of the Committee on the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), while Kelechi Nwogu was named Chairman of the Committee on Hydrological Services.
Abbas urged the newly appointed chairmen to immediately assume their responsibilities and apply their legislative experience toward improving the effectiveness of their respective committees.
The committee reshuffle is part of ongoing efforts by the House leadership to strengthen committee operations and enhance legislative oversight of government institutions and programmes. As the engine room of parliamentary work, standing committees play a crucial role in scrutinising public policies, monitoring agency performance and ensuring accountability in the implementation of government projects and budgets.