The House of Representatives on Monday extended the implementation period for the capital component of the 2025 Appropriation Act by three months, shifting the deadline from June 30 to September 30, 2026, to enable the Federal Government to complete ongoing projects captured in the budget.

The decision followed the passage of a proposed 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,” on Monday.

At an emergency session presided over by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, the bill 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 implementation of several capital projects contained in the 2025 budget remained incomplete.

“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 stressed that the amendment did not seek to alter any provision of the budget but merely extend the validity period of 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.

Abbas said information available to the House indicated that implementation of the capital budget was still ongoing and required additional time.

“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 has 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 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 later reported back to plenary, and its recommendations were adopted. The House subsequently suspended its rules to allow the bill to pass third reading the same day.

The extension grants Ministries, Departments and Agencies an additional three months to execute ongoing capital projects and utilise funds appropriated under the 2025 fiscal framework.

The move reflects a recurring challenge in Nigeria’s budget cycle, where delays in procurement processes, revenue shortfalls and project execution often affect the timely implementation of capital expenditure.

Capital projects are generally regarded as critical drivers of infrastructure development, economic growth and job creation.

Meanwhile, the House announced changes in the leadership of some of its standing committees.

The development stemmed from the recent changes in the leadership of the House minority caucus.

Ali Madaki was named Chairman of the House Committee on Special Duties, while Ali Isa was appointed Chairman of the Committee on Shipping Services.

Similarly, Pascal Agbodike was named the Chairman of the Committee on the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, and Kelechi Nwogu was appointed Chairman of the Committee on Hydrological Services.

Abbas charged the newly appointed chairmen to immediately assume their responsibilities and deploy their legislative experience toward advancing the work of the committees and the House as a whole.

The appointments are part of ongoing efforts by the House leadership to strengthen committee operations and enhance legislative oversight across key sectors of the economy. (Daily Trust)

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