Funding Delays Spark Concern in House as Lawmakers Seek Explanation on Budget Implementation

Funding Delays Spark Concern in House as Lawmakers Seek Explanation on Budget Implementation

Speaker Abbas Rules Out Move to Invite President Tinubu

Concerns over the implementation of the 2024, 2025, and 2026 federal budgets dominated proceedings in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, as lawmakers expressed frustration over delays in the release of funds for approved projects and ministries.

During plenary, several members called for greater accountability from the executive arm, with some proposing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and members of his economic team provide explanations on the slow pace of budget implementation.

The debate followed a motion sponsored by Hon. Alex Ikwechegh, representing Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency of Abia State, on the poor funding of appropriated budgets and delays in capital releases to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Earlier, Hon. Benedict Etanabene, representing Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency of Delta State, raised a point of order, informing the House of a circular reportedly issued by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation announcing the suspension of funding for zonal intervention projects pending fresh verification requirements.

The issue generated extensive debate, with lawmakers across party lines expressing concern over the impact of delayed releases on ongoing projects and service delivery.

Presenting his motion, Ikwechegh argued that the effectiveness of the appropriation process depends not only on the passage of budgets but also on the timely release and utilisation of approved funds.

He noted that during the 2026 budget defence sessions, ministers and heads of MDAs reported low levels of funding for the 2025 budget, with some agencies receiving little or no capital releases.

The lawmaker also referred to protests by contractors over unpaid certificates for completed government projects, recalling that President Tinubu had, at a Federal Executive Council meeting on December 10, 2025, directed the settlement of verified contractor liabilities estimated at about ₦1.5 trillion and approved the establishment of an inter-ministerial committee to reconcile records and facilitate payments.

According to him, despite the presidential directive, legislative approvals, and financing arrangements, many MDAs have continued to experience delays in receiving funds, affecting project execution.

Ikwechegh also raised concerns over a Treasury circular dated June 29, 2026, which reportedly requires a Certificate of Verification and Compliance from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs before payments can be made for constituency projects. He said the additional verification process could further slow project implementation.

He urged the House to seek further clarification from the executive on the implementation of the budget and the funding process.

Similarly, Etanabene cited Sections 4, 88, and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) in advocating stronger legislative oversight and suggested inviting the President and members of the economic management team to brief the House on the status of budget implementation.

He expressed concern that the concurrent implementation of the 2024, 2025, and 2026 budgets was creating uncertainty and making it difficult for lawmakers to account for projects in their constituencies.

However, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas ruled that the proposal to invite the President could not be adopted, stating that such a move was not in line with parliamentary practice.

The House nevertheless continued deliberations on the broader issues of budget implementation and funding releases, with lawmakers emphasizing the need for improved execution of appropriated funds to ensure the timely delivery of government projects and programmes.