EXPLAINER: What You Need To Know About 4th Extension Of 2025 Budget

The 2025 Nigerian capital budget has once again been extended, granting the federal government a four-month additional period to implement projects outlined in the 2025 Appropriation Act until September 30, 2026. This extension has sparked legal, fiscal, and accountability concerns among Nigerian lawyers and civil society organizations.

The extension's primary focus lies within the capital component of the 2025 Appropriation Act; however, its implementation has become complicated due to the concurrent operation of the 2026 Appropriation Act and the anticipation of the 2027 budget. This overlap has raised questions regarding the constitutionality of multiple budget cycles and the proper tracking and accounting of expenditures.

Experts argue that the repeated extensions are indicative of deeper budgeting issues, such as delays in budget preparation, approval, and presidential assent. These delays can push implementation into subsequent fiscal years, creating overlapping budget cycles and creating uncertainty over the clear identification and auditability of expenditures.

Lawyer Udochukwu Onoh pointed out that while some extensions may be due to uncontrollable circumstances, the funds should still be held accountable and retired before the next fiscal year. He emphasized the importance of transparency and emphasized that citizens must hold power accountable in cases of improper fund management. Additionally, Victoria Adaji highlighted the constitutional implications of the repeated extensions, as the 2025 budget operates alongside the 2026 Appropriation Act, which could complicate legal scrutiny and oversight over public finances.