Nigeria May Roll 2025 Budget into 2026 as Project Delays Persist — Accountant-General

The Federal Government is considering extending the 2025 capital budget into 2026 as many projects remain stalled due to slow procurement and the shutdown of the government’s cash-planning portal.

The Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, told officials at a budget review meeting in Abuja that no ministry or agency is allowed to award new contracts without an approved spending warrant.

He said the warrant-first approach was designed to stop government from making financial promises without cash to back them.

The cash-planning portal, where ministries submit monthly funding requests, has been closed since May, preventing the release of money for 2025 projects.

Ogunjimi confirmed that contracts already processed before the shutdown will be funded, but any new ones must follow stricter rules when the portal reopens.

Finance Minister Wale Edun supported the policy, saying it would make payments more transparent and ensure contractors are paid directly.

He stressed that “we spend only what we have,” warning against the old habit of committing funds without approval.

Some officials at the meeting warned that the delays could cause seasonal projects, like fertiliser distribution, to miss their target timelines. Others raised concerns that contractors are rejecting award letters without proof of funding.

No date has been set for reopening the cash-planning portal. If delays continue, the government may roll over the 2025 capital budget, just as it has extended the 2024 budget until the end of 2025.