The House of Representatives has approved an extension of the implementation period for the capital component of the 2025 budget, shifting the deadline from June 30, 2026, to September 30, 2026.
The decision followed the consideration of a bill seeking to prolong the lifespan of the capital expenditure framework of the 2025 Appropriation Act during an emergency sitting of the House.
Leading the debate on the bill’s general principles, the House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, said the extension became necessary to ensure the effective utilisation of funds already released for capital projects.
According to him, significant amounts allocated to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) remain unspent due to a combination of administrative bottlenecks, procurement delays and other implementation challenges that have slowed project execution.
Ihonvbere explained that extending the implementation period would help prevent the abandonment of critical infrastructure projects across the country, provide additional time for ongoing works to be completed and enable the government to settle outstanding contractual obligations.
The emergency session that considered the legislation was convened following a notice issued by the Acting Clerk of the House of Representatives, Ibrahim Sidi.
In a memo circulated to lawmakers on Sunday, Sidi informed members that the sitting would commence at 11 a.m. in line with Order Five, Rule 2(2) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives.
The extension is expected to give federal agencies additional time to execute capital projects and improve budget implementation before the new September deadline.
