The Senate has officially commenced its public hearing on the ₦58.47 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill, marking a critical step toward inclusive governance and fiscal transparency.
The public hearing, organized by the Senate Committee on Appropriations, serves as a vital platform to gather strategic input from a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), industry captains, and international development partners. The session builds on the legislative review process initiated after President Bola Tinubu presented the budget proposal to the National Assembly on December 19, 2025.
Centered around the theme, “From Budget to Impact: Strengthening Microeconomic Stability, Accelerating Infrastructure Delivery, and Improving Security through Fiscal Discipline and Effective Implementation of 2026 Budget,” the hearing underscores the government’s commitment to transforming fiscal policy into tangible national development.
Key Highlights and Fiscal Framework
Dubbed the “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity,” the 2026 fiscal proposal outlines the following macroeconomic targets:
Total Projected Revenue: ₦34.33 trillion
Total Estimated Expenditure: ₦58.18 trillion
Fiscal Deficit: ₦23.85 trillion
During the session, the Senate received a comprehensive macroeconomic analysis of the budget proposal from Professor Wasiu Adeoye of the University of Lagos. Additionally, the federal government’s Economic Management Team, led by the Ministry of Finance, presented detailed briefs defending the economic assumptions and strategic directions of the fiscal plan.
The Senate is maintaining a rigorous schedule to ensure thorough oversight and timely passage of the bill. Senator Solomon Adeola, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, confirmed the following key legislative timelines:
February 13, 2026: Conclusion of ongoing budget defenses by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) at the committee level.
February 16 – 23, 2026: Submission of budget defense reports by various standing committees to the Appropriations Committee.
March 17, 2026: Target date for the final passage of the 2026 Appropriation Bill by the National Assembly.
The Senate reiterates its commitment to meticulous scrutiny of all allocations, ensuring that the final budget strictly adheres to principles of fiscal discipline and directly addresses the infrastructure, security, and economic needs of all Nigerians.
