By Paschal Madu
The House of Representatives has approved an extension of the implementation period for the capital component of the 2025 Appropriation Act, shifting the deadline from June 30, 2026, to September 30, 2026.
The decision was taken during an emergency sitting of the House held on Monday to consider the bill seeking an extension of the budget’s capital expenditure framework.
Leading the debate on the bill, House Leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, said the extension became necessary due to the slow pace of project implementation by several Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
According to him, significant portions of funds already released for capital projects remain unutilised because of administrative bottlenecks, procurement delays and other implementation challenges.
Ihonvbere explained that extending the lifespan of the capital budget would prevent the abandonment of critical infrastructure projects nationwide, provide additional time for ongoing projects to be completed, and enable the settlement of outstanding contractual obligations.
The emergency sitting was convened following a notice issued on Sunday by the Acting Clerk of the House of Representatives, Mr. Ibrahim Sidi, to all members of the Green Chamber.
Sidi stated that the sitting was held pursuant to Order Five, Rule 2(2) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives.
Abuja Times reports that the extension is expected to give government agencies more time to fully utilise allocated funds and ensure the completion of key development projects captured in the 2025 budget.