Reps extend 2025 capital budget to Sept at emergency sitting

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives on Monday convened an emergency sitting and fast-tracked the passage of a bill extending the implementation period of the capital component of the 2025 Appropriation Act from June 30 to September 30, 2026.
The 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 June 30, 2026 to September 30, 2026 and for Related Matters,” scaled first, second and third readings in a single sitting after lawmakers suspended the relevant provisions of the House Standing Orders.
Leading the debate on the bill, House Leader Rep. Julius Ihonvbere said the extension became necessary because several capital projects captured in the 2025 budget had yet to be fully implemented
He stressed that the amendment does not alter any provision of the budget but simply grants an additional three months for the completion of ongoing projects.
“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.
“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.”
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, who presided over the session, said records submitted by the House Committee on Appropriations and other relevant agencies showed that implementation of the capital budget was still ongoing.
“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.”
Following its second reading, the House dissolved into the Committee of Supply for clause-by-clause consideration of the bill.
The committee approved the three clauses, explanatory memorandum and long title before reporting back to plenary.
Lawmakers subsequently adopted the committee’s recommendations and again suspended House rules to allow the bill to pass third reading on the same day.
The extension gives federal ministries, departments and agencies an additional three months to execute capital projects and utilise funds appropriated under the 2025 budget.
Meanwhile, the House announced changes in the leadership of some standing committees.
The new appointments are: Rep. Ali Madaki Chairman, House Committee on Special Duties Rep. Ali Isa J.C. Chairman, House Committee on Shipping Services Rep. Pascal Agbodike Chairman, House Committee on Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) Rep. Kelechi Nwogu Chairman, House Committee on Hydrological Services Speaker Abbas urged the newly appointed committee chairmen to assume their responsibilities immediately and deploy their legislative experience to advance the work of the House.