Senate Targets March 31 for Approval of ₦58.47 Trillion 2026 Budget – Akpabio

Story: written by springnewsng March 13,2026
Nigeria’s Senate has set March 31 as the new target date for the passage of the ₦58.47 trillion 2026 national budget, according to Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Akpabio gave the assurance shortly before the upper chamber adjourned plenary to observe the Sallah holiday, stating that lawmakers remain committed to completing the legislative process once the Senate reconvenes.
He explained that although plenary has been temporarily suspended, various Senate committees will continue their work during the break, particularly those involved in the ongoing scrutiny of the budget proposals submitted by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The Senate President urged the Senate Committee on Appropriations to accelerate the harmonisation of its report on the 2026 Appropriation Bill so lawmakers can finalise the process quickly when sessions resume.
According to Akpabio, close coordination among the leadership of the National Assembly will help ensure the budget is passed without further delays or additional reconciliation procedures.
He also noted that the House of Representatives Nigeria has similarly adjourned to allow committees complete budget-related assignments and is expected to return on the same date.
Lawmakers from both chambers are therefore expected to consider and approve the national spending plan simultaneously.
Earlier timeline for budget approval
Prior to the adjournment, the Appropriations Committee had earlier suggested March 17 as a tentative date for the final review and passage of the spending bill.
To keep the process on schedule, the committee had organised budget defence sessions where heads of MDAs presented and defended their financial proposals before lawmakers.
These sessions were held between February 2 and February 13, allowing legislators to evaluate the spending requests submitted by government agencies.
As part of efforts to encourage transparency and public participation, a public hearing on the budget proposal was also organised on February 9, enabling stakeholders and civil society groups to make contributions to the review process.
Tinubu’s budget priorities
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu first presented the ₦58.47 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly of Nigeria in December.
The proposed budget focuses on strengthening economic stability, expanding infrastructure development, improving national security and boosting social investment programmes.
Following the presentation, the Senate quickly approved the bill for first and second readings, allowing detailed examination by relevant legislative committees.
With committee reviews nearing completion, lawmakers say the final passage of the budget remains a top legislative priority when the National Assembly reconvenes later this month.