President Bola Tinubu has requested the National Assembly to extend the implementation of the 2025 Appropriation Act to March 31, 2026, as part of broader fiscal reforms aimed at improving public spending. In a letter to the lawmakers, Tinubu explained that the proposed adjustment is designed to address the long-standing issue of overlapping budget cycles, which has hindered effective planning and execution of government projects.
The request, conveyed in a letter dated December 18, 2025, was read during a special plenary of the House of Representatives. Tinubu noted that the extension would enable the release of at least 30 percent of capital allocations to ministries, departments, and agencies, which has been delayed due to funding constraints. The proposal also includes the repeal and reenactment of the 2024 and 2025 Appropriation Acts, with the 2024 budget revised upward to N43.56 trillion and the 2025 budget adjusted to N48.32 trillion.
The amendments are intended to capture items not previously recognized and align budget implementation with current fiscal realities and execution capacity. Tinubu urged lawmakers to consider and pass the bills quickly, citing the need for swift action to support national development. The move is seen as a significant step towards addressing the challenges posed by overlapping budgets, which have plagued the Federal Government since Tinubu’s assumption of office in May 2023.
The issue of overlapping budgets has been exacerbated by delays in budget passage, revenue shortfalls, and slow release of capital funds. The proposed extension is expected to provide a more stable fiscal framework, enabling the government to better plan and execute its projects. Meanwhile, the President is scheduled to present the 2026 budget to the National Assembly, marking a crucial step in the country’s budgetary process.
The extension of the 2025 Appropriation Act is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s economic development, as it would enable the government to effectively utilize its resources and implement its projects in a timely manner. With the National Assembly’s approval, the government can move forward with its fiscal reforms, aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public spending. The outcome of the lawmakers’ consideration of the proposal is eagerly awaited, as it would determine the trajectory of the country’s budgetary process in the coming year.
