The Senate has approved a three-month extension for the implementation of the capital component of the 2025 Appropriation Act, shifting the deadline from June 30 to September 30, 2026.

The approval was granted during Thursday’s plenary session as lawmakers considered measures to improve budget execution and ensure the completion of ongoing government projects.

According to the Senate, the extension was necessitated by delays in project implementation, procurement challenges, and administrative bottlenecks that have slowed the utilisation of funds already released to Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

The decision followed the adoption of a motion calling for an urgent extension of the implementation period. To facilitate its swift consideration, senators suspended the relevant Senate rules before approving the measure.

Leading the debate, Senate Leader said the extension was necessary as several capital projects were yet to be completed despite substantial releases of funds to MDAs.

“The 2025 Appropriation Act was enacted to provide funding for the implementation of government programmes, projects and activities aimed at promoting economic growth, infrastructure development, national security and the welfare of Nigerians,” he said.

He explained that a significant portion of the funds allocated for approved projects remains unspent due to procurement processes, implementation setbacks and other administrative hurdles that have delayed project execution across various government agencies.

Following deliberations, lawmakers overwhelmingly endorsed the proposal through a voice vote conducted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, paving the way for the extension of the capital budget implementation period to September 30, 2026.

The Senate subsequently approved an amendment to the 2025 Appropriation Act, extending the implementation period for the capital component of the budget by an additional 90 days.

During the debate, several senators argued that the extension would enhance budget performance, promote more effective utilisation of public funds and provide sufficient time for the completion of critical infrastructure and development projects that might otherwise be abandoned.

Lawmakers also clarified that the extension applies solely to the capital component of the 2025 budget, stressing that the measure is aimed at improving project execution, ensuring value for money and strengthening fiscal discipline across government agencies.