The Federal Government has confirmed plans to execute thirty per cent of the 2025 capital budget before the end of November 2026, as part of efforts to accelerate project delivery and settle pending obligations across Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

The directive was issued during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja, where the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, emphasised strict adherence to the Public Procurement Act in processing and paying for capital projects under the extended 2025 budget framework.

According to a statement released by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, all MDAs have been instructed to ensure that capital disbursements follow due process and approved procurement procedures. The minister stressed that no capital project should be executed without confirmed cash backing.

She further assured stakeholders that the government has adequate liquidity to settle outstanding obligations and urged agencies to update documentation to facilitate faster payment processing.

Treasury Implementation and GIFMIS Restoration

The Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, disclosed that the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System has been fully restored, allowing smoother fiscal operations.

He confirmed that warrants have already been issued to MDAs and announced that implementation of the thirty per cent portion of the 2025 capital budget will commence immediately. The remaining seventy per cent has been rolled into the 2026 capital budget to ensure continuity of ongoing projects, in line with directives from Bola Tinubu.

Shift in Budget Execution Strategy

The move formalises an earlier decision to restructure capital spending across fiscal years. Rather than adopting the traditional rollover model, the administration opted to defer a substantial share of the 2025 capital allocation into the 2026 framework to manage fiscal pressures and prioritise completion of existing projects.

Earlier budget documents showed that while over ₦18 trillion was appropriated for capital expenditure in 2025, actual releases to MDAs within the first seven months were significantly below pro rata benchmarks. The funding gap contributed to concerns among ministers overseeing key infrastructure and service-delivery agencies.

Under the revised execution plan, the thirty per cent component of the 2025 allocation will now be implemented within the current fiscal window, while the bulk of the allocation forms part of the 2026 capital structure.

Compliance Warning to MDAs

In his remarks, the Director of Funds at the Ministry of Finance, Steve Ehikhamenor, cautioned agencies against exceeding approved allocations. He advised strict compliance with warrant limits, prompt return of unutilised funds to the Treasury, and close coordination with GIFMIS officials for technical support.

The new directive underscores the administration’s focus on fiscal discipline, procurement compliance, and improved capital project implementation amid revenue constraints and rising expenditure pressures.

With warrants issued and financial systems restored, the coming months will test the government’s ability to translate budgetary allocations into measurable infrastructure and service-delivery outcomes before the November 2026 deadline.

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A heated exchange disrupted proceedings in the Senate on Wednesday as lawmakers clashed during the 2026 budget defence of the Ministry of Works.

The session, chaired by Senator Hanga, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, began smoothly with a presentation by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi. However, tensions escalated during the question-and-answer segment, leading to a shouting match and a brief walkout by some legislators.

The drama in Senate budget defence unfolded when Deputy Senate Whip, Senator Peter Nwaebonyi (APC, Ebonyi), made remarks praising the performance of the Minister of Works and President Bola Tinubu, particularly in the road sector.

Some members of the committee reportedly viewed his comments as overly patronising. Senator Hanga, who presided over the session in the absence of the substantive chairman, asked Nwaebonyi to conclude his submission.

Verbal Clash Over Speaking Time

Nwaebonyi objected to the interruption, arguing that other senators had been allowed extended time to speak without interruption. He insisted on continuing his remarks, stating that he had barely spoken for five minutes.

The exchange quickly escalated, with both lawmakers raising their voices. Nwaebonyi challenged Hanga’s authority to curtail his contribution, while Hanga struck the gavel to reassert control over the proceedings.

At one point, Nwaebonyi declared that as a ranking senator from the ruling party, he could not be overruled by a minority senator. Hanga countered by defending his authority as the presiding officer and referencing electoral mandates.

Attempts by Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) to calm the situation initially failed, as Nwaebonyi angrily stormed out of the venue. Normalcy was later restored following interventions by Ndume and Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), allowing the session to continue.

Umahi Defends 2026 Budget Allocation

Before the disruption, Minister Umahi had responded to concerns about the quality of work on the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Road. He challenged lawmakers to conduct an on-the-spot assessment, pledging to resign if the project failed to meet required standards.

Umahi disclosed that the Ministry of Works had a capital allocation of N3.245 trillion in the 2026 budget. Of this amount, N760 billion is designated for new projects across the six geopolitical zones.

He clarified that the new projects are separate from four major “legacy” projects initiated by the Presidency, as well as the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Maiduguri road project.

The minister further explained that the N7 trillion required to complete certain road projects previously funded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited would be sourced from domestic bond markets.

Focus on Major Highways

According to Umahi, the ministry’s 2026 capital budget will prioritise the completion of strategic highways and the ongoing legacy projects. He assured lawmakers that project execution would be closely monitored to ensure quality and value for money.

Despite the temporary disruption, the Senate Committee on Works continued its scrutiny of the ministry’s proposals, underscoring the legislature’s oversight role in the national budget process.

The incident highlights growing political tensions within parliamentary proceedings, even as lawmakers deliberate on critical infrastructure spending in the 2026 fiscal year.

Alt Text (Featured Image):
Lawmakers clash during 2026 budget defence session in the Nigerian Senate

Image Caption:
Senators exchange heated words during the 2026 budget defence of the Ministry of Works

Image Description:
A Senate session showing lawmakers during a tense exchange over the 2026 budget allocation for the Ministry of Works.

Tags:
Drama in Senate, 2026 budget defence, Ministry of Works, David Umahi, Nigerian Senate, infrastructure budget, Senate clash

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