The Senate on Tuesday reconvened from its annual recess and approved a fourth extension for the implementation of the capital component of the 2025 Budget, setting a new deadline of December 31, 2026. Following an executive session chaired by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, lawmakers briefly sat in plenary before adjourning until October 13, 2026.
The extension is designed to ensure the uninterrupted execution and completion of critical ongoing infrastructure projects captured in the ₦54.99 trillion 2025 budget which includes ₦23.96 trillion allocated for capital expenditure alongside ₦13.64 trillion for recurrent spending, ₦14.32 trillion for debt servicing, and ₦3.65 trillion for statutory transfers. This marks the fourth extension of the 2025 capital framework, following previous roll overs to March 31, June 30, and September 30. The implementation runs concurrently with the active ₦68.32 trillion 2026 National Budget.
Addressing lawmakers as plenary resumed, Senate President Akpabio highlighted pressing national challenges, including insecurity, abductions, severe flooding, and the rising cost of living, while reiterating the Senate’s commitment to delivering tangible relief to citizens.
“While this Senate was away from plenary, the life of Nigeria did not cease,” Akpabio said. “Our performance as lawmakers must ultimately be measured by its impact on the lives of citizens, safer communities, improved livelihoods, and a stronger country.”
Expressing deep empathy for families affected by abductions across various regions, Akpabio urged security agencies to intensify rescue operations. He emphasized that as long as any Nigerian remains in captivity, the burden rests on the entire nation.
Senate President Akpabio called for early warning systems to translate into swift relief and flood mitigation, noting that agricultural losses caused by rising waters pose a direct threat to national food security.
Furthermore, Emphasizing the daily financial strain on Nigerian households and job seeking youth, the Senate President underscored the need for legislative, budgetary, and oversight measures that directly cushion economic hardship.
Concluding his address, Senate President Akpabio urged lawmakers to put patriotic duty above political campaigning, assuring the public that through legislative action and collective resolve, the country will overcome its current socioeconomic and security challenges.
