The House of Representatives on Monday approved a three-month extension of the capital component of the 2025 Appropriation Act, shifting its implementation deadline from June 30 to September 30, 2026.
The legislation, 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,” passed first, second and third readings during an emergency sitting after lawmakers suspended relevant House rules.
Presenting the bill, House Leader Julius Ihonvbere said the extension was necessary because several capital projects captured in the 2025 budget remain unfinished.
“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 said.
He clarified that the amendment does not alter any budget provisions but only extends the period for implementation.
“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 added.
Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, who presided over the session, noted that reports from the House Committee on Appropriations and other agencies showed that implementation of the capital budget had not been completed.
“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 to fulfil its obligations under the 2025 budget,” the Speaker said.
Following its passage, federal ministries, departments and agencies now have an additional three months to complete capital projects and utilise funds allocated under the 2025 budget.
Meanwhile, the House announced a reshuffle of some committee leadership positions. Ali Madaki was appointed Chairman of the Committee on Special Duties, while Ali Isa was named Chairman of the Committee on Shipping Services.
Also appointed were Pascal Agbodike as Chairman of the Committee on the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), and Kelechi Nwogu as Chairman of the Committee on Hydrological Services.
Abbas urged the newly appointed chairmen to assume their duties immediately and contribute effectively to the legislative work of the House.
