BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed into law the 2026 Appropriation Bill, setting Nigeria’s total federal expenditure at ₦68.32 trillion. Alongside this, he approved an extension of the 2025 budget implementation period from March 31, 2026, to June 30, 2026, to allow for the completion of ongoing projects.
The 2026 budget outlines key spending priorities, including ₦4.799 trillion for statutory transfers and ₦15.8 trillion dedicated to debt servicing. Recurrent expenditure is allocated ₦15.4 trillion, while the largest share—₦32.2 trillion—is assigned to the Development Fund for capital projects.
With capital expenditure accounting for roughly 50% of total spending, the budget signals the administration’s continued focus on infrastructure expansion, economic stability, national security, and inclusive growth. The structure reflects an attempt to balance mandatory obligations, debt repayments, operational costs, and long-term investments aimed at improving productivity and living standards.
The approved extension of the 2025 capital budget implementation is intended to ensure full utilisation of funds, particularly for major infrastructure and development projects already underway. It is also expected to help Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) complete ongoing works, improve project delivery rates, and maximise public value from approved spending.
The 2026 Appropriation Act takes effect from April 1, with the Federal Government expected to begin full implementation in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. President Tinubu has directed MDAs to prioritise discipline, transparency, and efficiency in the use of public funds, with emphasis on value for money and timely execution of projects.
He also commended the National Assembly for its swift passage of the budget, describing the collaboration between the executive and legislature as crucial to achieving national development goals.
Reaffirming his administration’s fiscal direction, the President pledged continued reforms to boost revenue, strengthen economic growth, create jobs, and expand social protection programmes for Nigerians.
