The Senate has decided to extend the implementation period of key budgetary allocations after thorough consideration and majority support. On Thursday, the upper legislative chamber extended the implementation deadline for the capital component of the 2023 budget until December 31st. Additionally, they prolonged the implementation period for the 2023 supplementary budget of N2.17 trillion to the same date. This decision follows a request from President Bola Tinubu, aiming to ensure that critical projects outlined in these budgets reach completion.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio officially announced the extension during a plenary session after the bills underwent the necessary readings and garnered significant backing from senators. Notably, these appropriation bills were meticulously reviewed at the Senate Committee on Supply prior to this extension.
This marks the second time during President Bola Tinubu’s administration that such extensions have been granted for the 2023 budget and its components. Previously, in March, the Senate had extended the implementation deadlines for the capital component of the 2023 budget and the N2.17 trillion supplementary budget until June.
With this decision, the 2023 budget will span two years alongside the 2024 budget, reflecting the government’s commitment to ensuring ongoing projects are completed without interruption.
The debate preceding the extension was led by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who emphasized the necessity of prolonging the budgets to facilitate the completion of vital national projects. “This Bill, therefore, intends to further extend the implementation period of the Acts to 31st December, 2024, given the strategic importance of some key projects nearing completion and to allow for continued implementation for the maximum benefit of the country,” Bamidele stated during the session. He urged his fellow senators to endorse the bills to optimize capital releases and bolster economic recovery.
Minority Leader Abba Moro supported Bamidele’s stance, underscoring the importance of extending the appropriation bills. Meanwhile, Senate Chief Whip Ali Ndume highlighted that the primary rationale behind the extension was to ensure that ongoing capital projects are not left incomplete.
Senator Orji Kalu echoed these sentiments, urging his colleagues to dismiss criticisms and focus on the necessity of completing projects across various regions of the country. On the other hand, Senator Abdul Ningi cautioned against perpetual extensions, advocating instead for strict oversight to ensure proper project execution as outlined in the approved budgets.
In response to the deliberations, Senate President Godswill Akpabio affirmed that the Senate would rigorously oversee the implementation of the capital component through its oversight functions. He emphasized, “Implementation is left to the executive, and oversight is left for the legislative.”
Ultimately, the Senate voted on the extension of the budgets, with a majority of lawmakers endorsing the decision. This extension reflects a concerted effort by the Senate to support the federal government in completing critical infrastructure projects essential for national development.
