National Assembly Extends 2025 Budget Implementation to 2026, DLA Criticizes Decision

The Democratic and Leadership Alliance (DLA) is worried about the National Assembly’s choice to extend the capital part of the 2025 budget until December 31, 2026. This decision was approved by both the Senate and the House of Representatives on Tuesday, allowing government agencies more time to complete projects funded by the budget.

This marks the fourth time the deadline for implementing this budget has been pushed back. Dr. Tosin Odeyemi, the DLA’s Head of Media and Publicity, expressed that these repeated extensions highlight a worsening financial situation in the country.

Odeyemi pointed out that the 2024 budget is still not fully funded, and there are also issues with the 2026 budget. He stated, “This latest extension shows that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has failed to meet basic governance standards.”

He warned that the ongoing extensions could complicate future budget implementations and lead to unspent funds being carried over into the next year. He mentioned that over 35 trillion Naira, which is part of the 2026 budget, might end up being moved to 2027, resulting in the government managing multiple budgets at once.

The DLA is calling on citizens to demand more accountability from the government regarding its handling of public funds. Odeyemi urged Nigerians to question how the government has managed the significant funds it received in 2025 if it could not fully fund that year’s budget.

He also criticized President Tinubu for urging citizens to hold state governors accountable for increased funds following the removal of fuel subsidies, while not explaining how the federal government is using its resources. Odeyemi suggested that the president lacks a proper understanding of financial management and is unfit to lead the country.

Looking ahead, Odeyemi encouraged voters to reject Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 presidential election, asserting that his continued leadership could further harm the nation. The DLA claims to have a better alternative for the country’s governance and economic recovery.