The Nigerian Senate has issued a stern warning to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies that fail to appear before legislative committees to defend their 2026 budget proposals, cautioning that their allocations could be withdrawn and redirected to priority projects capable of delivering measurable results.
The warning was given on Monday by Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Solomon Adeola, during the public hearing on the 2026 Appropriation Bill at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
“Let me emphasise that all MDAs must appear before their respective Committees to defend their budget proposals. Where MDAs fail to justify their estimates, the Committee on Appropriations will recommend reallocation of such funds to other priority projects and programmes that can deliver measurable impact,” Adeola said.
The Ogun West lawmaker stressed that budget defence is a mandatory requirement and will no longer be treated as a routine formality. He added that the Senate is committed to ensuring that public funds are efficiently deployed and aligned with national priorities.
Adeola recalled that the capital component of the 2025 Appropriation Act suffered implementation setbacks, with releases falling short of projections due to transition pressures and competing demands. He noted that these challenges provided important lessons for the 2026 fiscal year.
The Nigerian Senate has issued a stern warning to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies that fail to appear before legislative committees to defend their 2026 budget proposals, cautioning that their allocations could be withdrawn and redirected to priority projects capable of delivering measurable results.
The warning was given on Monday by Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Solomon Adeola, during the public hearing on the 2026 Appropriation Bill at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
“Let me emphasise that all MDAs must appear before their respective Committees to defend their budget proposals. Where MDAs fail to justify their estimates, the Committee on Appropriations will recommend reallocation of such funds to other priority projects and programmes that can deliver measurable impact,” Adeola said.
The Ogun West lawmaker stressed that budget defence is a mandatory requirement and will no longer be treated as a routine formality. He added that the Senate is committed to ensuring that public funds are efficiently deployed and aligned with national priorities.
Adeola recalled that the capital component of the 2025 Appropriation Act suffered implementation setbacks, with releases falling short of projections due to transition pressures and competing demands. He noted that these challenges provided important lessons for the 2026 fiscal year.
“To this end, the Committee on Appropriations, in collaboration with relevant sub-committees, will undertake a meticulous review of the 2026 budget proposals. This scrutiny will prioritise transparency, accountability, and the achievement of measurable value for every expenditure, ensuring that the budget reflects the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Bola Tinubu,” he said.
The Senator emphasised that the upper chamber is determined to prevent a repeat of past shortcomings, highlighting the importance of stronger coordination, improved cash management, and strict adherence to appropriation timelines.
He commended the Senate leadership for providing direction during the budget cycle and stressed that the National Assembly is tightening oversight mechanisms to enhance fiscal discipline, discourage multiple budgets in a fiscal year, and work closely with the Executive to improve budget implementation.
The Senate’s stance comes amid heightened public scrutiny of budget performance and delays in capital releases, signaling lawmakers’ resolve to ensure that the 2026 budget produces tangible outcomes across key sectors of the economy.