- In protest, the House stepped down over 40 bills and suspended the planned presentation of multiple committee reports
- Legislators expressed anger that despite repeated assurances from the executive, key capital interventions remain unfunded
- The House is expected to reconvene today, pending updates on the unresolved payment issues
The House of Representatives has raised fresh concerns over the Federal Government’s handling of the national budget after summoning the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, to explain the stalled implementation of capital projects.
Eko Hot Blog reports that lawmakers also invited the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, and FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji for clarifications during a closed-door session on Tuesday.
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The meeting, which lasted over two hours, centred on mounting complaints that contractors who executed federally approved projects in the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years were yet to be paid.
Legislators expressed anger that despite repeated assurances from the executive, key capital interventions remain unfunded.
A lawmaker familiar with the deliberations said members resolved not to entertain discussions on the 2026 Appropriation Bill until the Federal Government clears outstanding obligations from previous cycles.
In protest, the House stepped down over 40 bills and suspended the planned presentation of multiple committee reports. The constitution review report was also deferred for the third time.
According to another member, lawmakers were unimpressed with explanations from the finance team, noting that overdue payments have left many contractors exposed to crippling bank loans. The Accountant-General, however, appealed for 48 hours to address the backlog.
Several lawmakers, including Billy Osawaru, insisted that honoring these financial commitments is crucial to the government’s credibility. Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda also faulted the slow pace of capital implementation, saying Nigerians deserve visible development.
Economic expert Marcel Okeke condemned the government’s simultaneous operation of multiple budgets, warning that the current distortions undermine accountability and create room for financial abuse.
The House is expected to reconvene today, pending updates on the unresolved payment issues.
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